Finding the right 50-foot extension cord can be the difference between a job done with ease and a frustrating battle with inadequate power. Whether you’re tackling a major landscaping project, setting up outdoor lighting for an event, or simply need to power tools and appliances far from an outlet, a reliable, heavy-duty cord is essential. The key is to match the cord’s capabilities—like its gauge, weatherproofing, and amperage—to your specific needs.
This roundup focuses on cords with multiple outlets, a feature that significantly enhances convenience by allowing you to power several devices simultaneously. We have compiled a list of ten highly-rated options, from basic workhorses to feature-packed models, to help you find the perfect solution for your home, workshop, or job site. Our selections prioritize safety certifications, durability, and practical features that make your tasks simpler and safer.
The Best 50-Foot Extension Cords for Your Power Needs
- POWGRN 50 ft 12/3 Outdoor Extension Cord Waterproof
- HUANCHAIN Indoor Outdoor Black Extension Cord 50 ft
- Skrizcable 16/3 50 FT Outdoor Extension Cord Waterproof
- Amazon Basics 50-foot 3-Prong Vinyl Indoor/Outdoor Extension Cord
- Southwire Outdoor Power Extension Cord – Bright Orange Jacket
- Southwire Outdoor Extension Cord, 50 Ft, 12 gauge 3 prong
- PlugSaf 50 FT 16/3 Gauge Outdoor Extension Cord with Multiple Outlets
- HUANCHAIN 50 FT 12/3 Gauge Heavy Duty Outdoor Extension Cord
- Woods Light Duty Extension Cord, 50Ft, 16 Gauge, Orange
- GE 50-Foot Outdoor Extension Cord with 3 Outlets
POWGRN 50 ft 12/3 Outdoor Extension Cord Waterproof
For those who need robust power for demanding tools and appliances, the POWGRN 12-gauge cord is a top contender. Its thicker 12/3 wire construction allows it to handle up to 1875 watts, making it suitable for major appliances and heavy-duty workshop equipment. The bright yellow jacket ensures high visibility to prevent trips and falls, a crucial safety feature for busy work areas.
This cord is built to endure challenging conditions. It boasts an IP65 waterproof rating and remains flexible in temperatures as low as -58°F, so you can use it year-round without the jacket becoming stiff and unmanageable. The lighted end plug provides a clear visual indicator that the cord is live, adding an extra layer of safety awareness during use.
HUANCHAIN Indoor Outdoor Black Extension Cord 50 ft
The HUANCHAIN 16-gauge extension cord offers a reliable and flexible solution for general-purpose indoor and outdoor use. It is rated for 13 amps and 1625 watts, providing ample power for lawn equipment, power tools, and various electronic devices. The cord features oversized plugs and sockets for enhanced safety and is ETL listed for your peace of mind.
Durability is a key focus, with a vinyl jacket that is flame-resistant, waterproof, and cold-resistant. A standout feature is its high flexibility, which is engineered to resist breaking from repeated bending and pulling. This makes it exceptionally easy to uncoil and pack away, saving you time and frustration on every job.
Skrizcable 16/3 50 FT Outdoor Extension Cord Waterproof
Designed for resilience, the Skrizcable extension cord is a trustworthy option for outdoor applications. Its ETL-listed certification and factory high-voltage testing confirm its adherence to strict safety standards. The cord delivers 13 amps of power, suitable for a wide range of lawn and garden tools as well as general household use.
This cord is constructed with a tough IP65 vinyl outer jacket that provides excellent protection against the elements. It is flame-retardant, waterproof, and resistant to abrasion, UV rays, and extreme temperatures. The pure copper core and corrosion-resistant plug pins ensure consistent performance and a long service life, even with regular outdoor use.
Amazon Basics 50-foot 3-Prong Vinyl Indoor/Outdoor Extension Cord
For a straightforward and dependable option from a trusted brand, the Amazon Basics extension cord is an excellent choice. This ETL-certified cord provides reliable power with a 13-amp, 1625-watt capacity. Its 16-gauge construction with a green vinyl jacket is well-suited for a variety of tasks around the home and yard.
The cord is built with all-copper wire and features a durable vinyl covering that protects against moisture, abrasion, and direct sunlight. The molded 3-prong plug and grounded design offer added safety for powering your essential tools and appliances without complication.
Southwire Outdoor Power Extension Cord – Bright Orange Jacket
Southwire is a recognized name in electrical products, and this outdoor extension cord lives up to that reputation. Optimized for outdoor power tasks, it is a weatherproof cord built to handle landscaping tools and outdoor appliances in tough conditions. The bright orange jacket provides high visibility for safety.
As a 16-gauge, SJTW-rated cord, it offers the flexibility and durability needed for regular use in a workshop or on a job site. The durable molded plug is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor environments, providing a reliable connection for all your power needs.
Southwire Outdoor Extension Cord, 50 Ft, 12 gauge 3 prong
This Southwire model steps up the power with a 12-gauge construction, capable of handling 15 amps for more energy-intensive equipment. The heavy-duty yellow SJTW cord is visibly robust, signaling its suitability for demanding applications like construction sites or powering large workshop tools.
The thicker wire gauge minimizes voltage drop over the full 50-foot length, ensuring your tools receive consistent power. Its rugged design is intended for long-term use, offering the reliability that professionals and serious DIYers require for their most challenging projects.
PlugSaf 50 FT 16/3 Gauge Outdoor Extension Cord with Multiple Outlets
The PlugSaf cord directly addresses the need for multiple outlets with its integrated 3-outlet design. This feature allows you to power several devices at once, from string lights and a speaker to multiple power tools, making it incredibly versatile for projects and events. It is rated for 13 amps and 1625 watts.
Beyond its convenience, this cord doesn’t compromise on durability. It features an SJTW jacket that is IP65 waterproof and remains flexible in a wide temperature range from -40°F to 140°F. A lighted end indicates when power is flowing, and the black sheath with lighting is easy to notice in dark environments for added safety.
HUANCHAIN 50 FT 12/3 Gauge Heavy Duty Outdoor Extension Cord
This HUANCHAIN model combines high capacity with user-friendly features. The 12-gauge wire supports a 15-amp, 1875-watt load, ideal for heavy-duty appliances and tools. Its shiny yellow jacket is not just for show; it provides excellent visibility to help prevent accidents in cluttered or dimly lit areas.
The cord is engineered for all-weather use, with a jacket that is flame-resistant, waterproof, and cold-resistant down to -50°C. Like its sibling, this cord emphasizes high flexibility, making it easy to handle, uncoil, and store without kinking or becoming difficult to manage.
Woods Light Duty Extension Cord, 50Ft, 16 Gauge, Orange
The Woods extension cord is a classic, general-purpose option perfect for everyday tasks. It’s designed as an outdoor cord, ideal for powering landscaping equipment like weed whackers, leaf blowers, and electric lawn mowers. The highly visible orange jacket adds a layer of safety by making the cord easy to see.
As a 16-gauge, 3-pronged cord with an SJTW rating, it provides a reliable and safe power connection for a wide array of home and garden appliances. It’s a practical and affordable solution for users who need a dependable cord without specialized high-amperage requirements.
GE 50-Foot Outdoor Extension Cord with 3 Outlets
For ultimate convenience, the GE 50-foot Outdoor Extension Cord features three integrated outlets at the end of the cord. This design eliminates the need for a separate power strip, allowing you to connect multiple devices directly. It’s perfect for holiday decorating, patio parties, or any situation where you need to power several items in one location.
As a product from the reputable GE brand, you can expect a focus on safety and durability suitable for outdoor use. The multiple-outlet design makes it a highly functional choice for homeowners looking to simplify their setup and reduce cord clutter during use.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a 50Ft Extension Cord with Multiple Outlets
I need a long extension cord with multiple outlets all the time, whether I’m setting up power tools in the backyard, running lights for a party, or just plugging in all my electronics in the home office. A 50-foot cord gives you serious reach, but you can’t just grab the first one you see. Picking the wrong one is annoying at best and a fire hazard at worst. After going through my share of cords, here’s what I look for.
First and foremost, I always check the wire gauge. This is probably the most important factor. Gauge refers to the thickness of the wire inside the cord. The lower the number, the thicker the wire and the more electrical current it can safely handle. For a 50-foot cord, a 14-gauge wire is my absolute minimum for light-duty tasks like lamps or phone chargers. If I’m running power tools, a space heater, or any other high-draw appliance, I step up to a 12-gauge cord. It’s thicker, heavier, and more expensive, but it prevents the cord from overheating and keeps my devices running safely and efficiently over that long distance.
Next, I look at the outlets themselves. How many are there, and how are they arranged? A simple 3-outlet block is common, but I prefer models with a wider, flat design that offers four or more outlets. This layout prevents larger power adapters (you know, those big “wall warts”) from blocking adjacent outlets. I also check for any built-in features like a circuit breaker. A reset button on the plug head is a fantastic safety feature that can save the cord from damage if it gets overloaded. For outdoor use, I make sure the entire cord and the outlet housing are rated for wet conditions—look for a “W” on the rating and covered outlet doors.
The build quality of the cord and plug is another big one. I feel the plug to see if it’s sturdy; a flimsy plug can break easily. The jacket should be thick and durable, resistant to weather, abrasion, and sunlight, especially if it’s going to be used outside or in a workshop. I also think about storage. A 50-foot cord is a lot to coil up, so I appreciate a cord that remains flexible in cold weather and doesn’t have a memory, meaning it doesn’t stay in a tangled mess after being wound up. Finally, I consider the brand reputation and look for certifications from independent testing laboratories like UL or ETL. This gives me peace of mind that the product has been built to specific safety standards. Taking a few minutes to consider these points ensures I get a reliable and safe 50Ft extension cord with multiple outlets that won’t let me down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a 50-foot extension cord with my space heater or air conditioner?
You need to be very careful here. High-wattage appliances like space heaters and air conditioners draw a lot of power. For a 50-foot run, a standard 16-gauge cord is a major fire risk. I always use a heavy-duty 12-gauge cord for these items. Even then, you should check the amp rating of your appliance and the cord to ensure it can handle the load. It’s often safer to plug these appliances directly into a wall outlet if possible.
What’s the difference between an indoor and outdoor-rated extension cord?
The main difference is the jacket material. Outdoor-rated cords have a thicker, more durable jacket that is resistant to moisture, temperature changes, and UV rays from the sun. The outlet ends on outdoor cords also typically have flip-down covers to protect the unused outlets from rain and debris. I never use an indoor-rated cord outside, as the jacket can degrade quickly and become a safety hazard.
Why does my extension cord get warm when I’m using it?
A little warmth can be normal, but if the cord is hot to the touch, that’s a clear warning sign. Heat usually means the wire gauge is too thin for the amount of power you’re pulling through it. This is called voltage drop, and it’s inefficient and dangerous. If your cord gets hot, unplug it immediately. You likely need a shorter cord or one with a thicker wire gauge (a lower number, like 12 instead of 16).
How many devices can I safely plug into a multi-outlet extension cord?
It’s not about the number of devices, but the total power they consume. Every cord has an amp rating (usually 13A or 15A for a good 50-foot cord). You need to add up the amperage of all the devices you’re plugging in. For example, if you have a tool that uses 8 amps and another that uses 5 amps, that’s 13 amps total, which is fine for a 13A cord. But if you plug in a space heater (12A) and a powerful vacuum (8A) at the same time, you’re overloading a 15A cord. I always check the labels on my devices to do the math.
What is the best way to store a long 50-foot extension cord?
Just wrapping it around your arm and elbow can kink and damage the wires over time. The best method I’ve found is the “over-under” coiling technique, which prevents twists. You can also use a cord reel, which makes storage and deployment super easy. Whatever you do, avoid leaving the cord coiled up while it’s in use, as this can trap heat and become a fire hazard. Always fully uncoil a long 50Ft extension cord with multiple outlets when it’s under load.