A well-organized home office requires reliable power access, and a 5-foot extension cord is often the perfect solution. It provides just enough extra reach to neatly connect your computer, monitor, printer, and desk lamp without creating a tangled mess of cables. Choosing the right one can help you manage your space efficiently and power your essential devices safely.
With numerous options available, from basic cords to advanced power strips with USB ports, selecting the best cord for your specific setup can be a challenge. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten excellent 5-foot extension cords, detailing their key features and benefits to help you find the ideal match for your home office needs.
Our Top Picks for 5-Foot Home Office Extension Cords
- 16/3 Black Extension Cord 6 FT Indoor
- Power Extension Cord 5FT/60Inch, 3 Prong Grounded
- Power Extension Cord 5FT (2 Pack), 3-Prong
- Monoprice 6ft 16AWG Power Extension Cord Cable
- UBOORY Outdoor Extension Cord Waterproof 5 FT
- Cruise Essentials – Flat Plug Power Strip
- Surge Protector Power Strip – CHCORE 5Ft Braided
- 5 FT Power Cable 2 Prong, AC Outlet
- Flat Plug Extension Cord, 5 ft Ultra Thin
- Amazon Basics 16/3 Vinyl Outdoor Extension Cord
16/3 Black Extension Cord 6 FT Indoor
This 6-foot black extension cord is a simple and effective solution for powering everyday home office appliances like laptops and coffee makers. Its 16-gauge construction with pure copper conductors provides stable power delivery up to 1625W, ensuring your devices operate smoothly. The cord is ETL listed for verified safety.
Built with daily use in mind, it features a flexible and durable design that easily adapts to various home and office environments. For added safety and longevity, it includes a strain relief design and has been tested to withstand over 2000 bends, reducing the risk of connection failure. The plug’s rounded corners also help disperse impact if dropped.
Power Extension Cord 5FT/60Inch, 3 Prong Grounded
This heavy-duty 5-foot extension cord offers exceptional versatility for both indoor and outdoor home office applications. It carries both UL and ETL listings, meeting the highest safety certifications in the United States. Constructed with 100% oxygen-free copper and a thickened, waterproof PVC jacket, it is built to last.
Its rugged SJTW rating makes it suitable for a wide range of uses, from powering devices in a bedroom or kitchen office to connecting outdoor lights or timers. The cord is resistant to water, high and low temperatures, and folding, providing a reliable power connection in various conditions. It is also noted as a perfect match for use with an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).
Power Extension Cord 5FT (2 Pack)
This two-pack of 5-foot extension cords offers excellent value for setting up multiple workstations or having a spare on hand. Like the single cord, these are dual-certified by UL and ETL for safety and are built with heavy-duty, 100% oxygen-free copper conductors. The waterproof and temperature-resistant SJTW jacket ensures durability.
Ideal for use in bedrooms, kitchens, gaming rooms, or server closets, these cords provide flexible and reliable power. The inclusion of 15 zip ties with the package is a thoughtful addition, helping you manage cables neatly and maintain an organized and safe home office environment.
Monoprice 6ft 16AWG Power Extension Cord Cable
The Monoprice 6-foot extension cord is a straightforward and reliable choice from a trusted brand in cables. It features a standard NEMA 5-15P to NEMA 5-15R configuration and is designed to carry up to 13 amps, making it suitable for a variety of home office electronics.
What sets this cord apart is the manufacturer’s confidence in its quality, backed by a Lifetime Warranty. This assurance allows you to buy with confidence, knowing the product is supported for the long term. Its simple, no-frills design focuses on providing consistent power without compromise.
UBOORY Outdoor Extension Cord Waterproof 5 FT
For home offices that extend to a garage, shed, or patio, this orange 5-foot outdoor extension cord is an ideal choice. It is a UL-listed, heavy-duty cord with a thicker 14-gauge wire, allowing it to handle higher power demands up to 1875W. Its vibrant color also makes it easy to see and avoid.
Built for tough conditions, it is waterproof, weather-resistant, and capable of operating in temperatures as low as -50°C. The cord is flexible and easy to handle despite its robust construction. Whether you’re powering tools in a garage workshop or lights in a backyard office, this cord provides ample, safe power.
Cruise Essentials – Flat Plug Power Strip
This unique flat plug power strip is perfect for home offices where space is at a premium, especially when furniture is placed close to the wall. Its ultra-thin, right-angle plug is only 0.35 inches thick, allowing it to fit seamlessly behind desks, cabinets, or refrigerators without sticking out.
It features six AC outlets across three sides, enabling you to plug in multiple devices like a computer, monitor, and desk lamp without blocking adjacent outlets. As it has no surge protection, it is also approved for use on cruise ships, making it a versatile option for both stationary and mobile work setups.
Surge Protector Power Strip – CHCORE 5Ft Braided
For the tech-heavy home office, the CHCORE power strip is a complete charging station. It combines eight widely-spaced AC outlets with four USB charging ports (including two USB-C) on a 5-foot braided cord, allowing you to power up to twelve devices at once. It also provides essential surge protection for your valuable electronics.
The USB ports feature smart charging technology to deliver optimal speed for phones, tablets, and other gadgets. Its flat plug and two mounting holes on the back offer installation flexibility, while the fire-resistant PC shell ensures safety and durability during continuous use.
5 FT Power Cable 2 Prong, AC Outlet Polarized
This 5-foot, two-prong extension cord is a basic and economical solution for powering double-insulated appliances that do not require a ground pin, such as many desk lamps and string lights. It is ETL listed for safety and features polarized plugs to ensure proper alignment.
With an 18 AWG gauge, it is rated for 10A and is perfectly suited for low-power home office accessories. Its simple, white design is unobtrusive, making it a practical choice for extending power to a simple desk lamp or decorative lighting without the need for a third prong.
Flat Plug Extension Cord, 5 ft Ultra Thin
This flat plug extension cord offers both space-saving design and expanded connectivity. Its 0.35-inch ultra-thin plug sits flush against the wall, and the 5-foot flat cable can be easily hidden under a rug or behind furniture. The cord uses pure copper for better current carrying capacity.
It functions as a 9-in-1 desktop power strip, offering six AC outlets and three USB ports (including two USB-C). The three-side design prevents larger plugs from blocking other outlets. The USB-C ports provide fast charging up to 3.0A, making it a convenient all-in-one solution for powering and charging all your office devices.
Amazon Basics 16/3 Vinyl Outdoor Extension Cord
The Amazon Basics 5-foot outdoor extension cord brings the reliability of a trusted brand to your power needs. This black, 16-gauge cord is built with a durable vinyl jacket that stands up to outdoor conditions, making it a great option for home offices located in garages or for use with outdoor equipment.
It provides a practical and no-fuss way to extend power safely outside your main workspace. As part of the Amazon Basics line, you can expect a product that focuses on delivering fundamental quality and value for general-purpose indoor and outdoor use.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best 5Ft Extension Cords for Home Offices
Setting up a home office means you’re suddenly in charge of your own IT department, facilities manager, and ergonomics expert. One of the most common and overlooked needs is power. You might have your laptop, monitor, desk lamp, and printer all vying for a single outlet. That’s where a good 5-foot extension cord comes in. It’s the perfect length to give you a little slack without creating a tangled mess under your desk. But not all extension cords are created equal, and using the wrong one for your office gear is a safety risk. Here’s what I look for when picking one out.
First and foremost, check the wire gauge. This refers to the thickness of the wire inside the cord. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the wire and the more electrical current it can safely handle. For a home office, you’re likely plugging in electronics like computers, monitors, and printers. These are not high-power devices like space heaters or air conditioners. A 16-gauge or 14-gauge cord is typically more than sufficient. A 16-gauge cord can handle up to 13 amps, which is plenty for a standard computer setup. If you have a more powerful workstation with multiple large monitors, stepping up to a 14-gauge cord gives you a wider safety margin.
Next, consider the number of outlets. A simple two-outlet block might be enough, but I find that a triple-tap or even a block with six outlets offers much more flexibility. It allows you to power your core devices and still have a spot free for a phone charger or a desk fan. Some models come with built-in USB ports, which is a fantastic space-saving feature. You can charge your phone, tablet, or wireless earbuds directly without using a wall adapter and taking up a precious outlet. This small feature can really clean up cable clutter on your desk.
Safety certifications are non-negotiable. Always look for a cord that is certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. In the United States, this means looking for the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or ETL (Intertek) mark on the packaging or the cord itself. This certification means the product has been tested to meet specific safety standards. Another key safety feature is a built-in circuit breaker. This is a small button on the outlet block that will pop and cut power if the cord is overloaded, preventing it from overheating and potentially causing a fire. It’s a simple reset button that provides a huge peace of mind.
Finally, think about the physical design. A flat plug design can be a game-changer if your desk is pushed against a wall, as it allows the furniture to sit flush. A right-angle plug can also help in tight spaces. For the cord itself, a jacket that is both flexible and durable is ideal. You want it to lie flat and not create a tripping hazard. A bright color, like white or yellow, can also be helpful so it’s easily visible and you don’t roll your office chair over it. By paying attention to these details—gauge, outlets, safety certs, and design—you can find one of the best 5ft extension cords for home offices that will keep your gear powered safely and efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plug a power strip into a 5ft extension cord?
This is a common question, and the official safety answer is generally no. You should avoid “daisy-chaining” power strips and extension cords together. The reason is that it’s very easy to overload the first extension cord without realizing it. If you plug a power strip with six devices into your extension cord, you could be drawing more power than the cord is rated for, which can lead to overheating. It’s much safer to use a single, longer extension cord with enough outlets for all your devices, or better yet, have an electrician install more outlets in your home office.
What is the difference between indoor and outdoor extension cords?
The main differences are in the cord’s jacket and construction. Outdoor extension cords have a much thicker, more durable jacket that is resistant to moisture, sunlight (UV rays), and temperature changes. They are also often bright orange or yellow for high visibility. An indoor cord, like the ones we use for home offices, has a thinner, more flexible jacket that isn’t designed to handle the elements. Using an indoor cord outside is a serious safety hazard. Always make sure the cord you buy is clearly labeled for indoor use.
Why does the wire gauge number get lower as the wire gets thicker?
I know, it seems backwards, right? This is based on the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system. The gauge number originally referred to the number of times the wire was drawn through a die to make it thinner. A lower number means a thicker wire because it was drawn fewer times. So, a 14-gauge wire is thicker and can carry more current than a 16-gauge wire. For our purposes with the best 5ft extension cords for home offices, just remember: a lower number is better for handling more power.
Is it safe to run an extension cord under my area rug?
No, you should never run any extension cord under a rug, carpet, or furniture. Cords generate heat when in use, and covering them traps that heat. This can cause the cord to overheat, degrade the insulation, and create a serious fire risk. It also creates a tripping hazard and can damage the cord if it’s constantly walked on. Always run cords along the wall where they are visible and won’t be pinched or crushed.
How many devices can I safely plug into one extension cord?
There isn’t a specific number of devices; it’s all about the total power draw, measured in amps. You need to check the amperage rating of your cord (e.g., 13 Amps) and then add up the amperage of the devices you’re plugging in. Most electronics like laptops and monitors draw surprisingly little power, often 1-3 amps each. The problem devices are those with heating elements, like space heaters or coffee warmers, which can draw 10-12 amps all by themselves. For a standard home office setup with computer gear, you’ll be fine, but always check the labels on your devices to be sure you’re not exceeding the cord’s capacity.