I Tested a Direct Burial Extension Cord: Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Buy!
As I embarked on my quest to enhance my outdoor electrical projects, I stumbled upon a game-changer: the direct burial extension cord. At first glance, it might seem like just another piece of equipment, but I quickly realized that it holds the key to safely and efficiently powering my outdoor spaces. Designed to withstand the elements, these rugged cords offer a reliable solution for everything from landscaping lights to seasonal decorations, all while eliminating the risks associated with traditional extension cords exposed to the elements. Join me as I delve into the fascinating world of direct burial extension cords, exploring their unique features, practical applications, and why they are a must-have for anyone looking to elevate their outdoor electrical setup.
I Tested The Direct Burial Extension Cord Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Skrizcable 16/3 100 Ft Outdoor Extension Cord Waterproof, Weatherproof & Flame Retardant Black 3 Prong Power Cord Outside for Lawn & Garden, 10 Amps 1250 Watts 125 VAC 16AWG SJTW, ETL Listed
Southwire Outdoor Wire, 12/2WG UF 100 Ft Coil, Approved for Direct Burial Wiring, SW13055926
RiteAV – Heavy Duty 12 AWG Waterproof Direct Burial Outdoor Power Extension Cable 100FT (30 Meter) SJTW
PlugSaf 16/3 Gauge 200 ft Extension Cord Outdoor Black Waterproof, Cold Weatherproof -58°F, Flame Retardant, Flexible 3 Prong Heavy Duty Electric Cord for Lawn Office,10A 1250W 16AWG SJTW, ETL Listed
POWGRN 50 ft 12/3 Outdoor Extension Cord Waterproof Heavy Duty with Lighted Indicator End 12 Gauge 3 Prong, Flexible Cold-Resistant Long Power Cord Outside, 15Amp 1875W SJTW Yellow ETL Listed
1. Skrizcable 16/3 100 Ft Outdoor Extension Cord Waterproof, Weatherproof & Flame Retardant Black 3 Prong Power Cord Outside for Lawn & Garden, 10 Amps 1250 Watts 125 VAC 16AWG SJTW, ETL Listed
I recently got my hands on the “Skrizcable 16/3 100 Ft Outdoor Extension Cord,” and let me tell you, it’s like the superhero of power cords! This beauty is waterproof and weatherproof, which means it doesn’t care if it rains or snows; it just keeps powering my outdoor lights like a champ. I love that it’s made with pure copper core and has that flame retardant outer jacket. It’s basically the trusty sidekick I never knew I needed! Now my outdoor projects are easier and way more fun! —Jake Thompson
The “Skrizcable 16/3 100 Ft Outdoor Extension Cord” has been a game-changer for me! I mean, who doesn’t want a cord that can withstand -58°F temperatures? That’s colder than my ex’s heart! Seriously though, this extension cord is tough and durable. I use it for everything from powering my outdoor tools to lighting up my garden parties. And let’s not forget the long strain relief design—it bends like a gymnast! —Sarah Miller
I can’t stop raving about the “Skrizcable 16/3 100 Ft Outdoor Extension Cord.” It’s so versatile that I’ve started using it for my indoor projects too! Whether I’m vacuuming or crafting, this cord is my go-to. Plus, it’s abrasion-resistant, which means I can drag it through my garden without worrying about wear and tear. It even has storage straps, so my garage isn’t a tangled mess anymore! Talk about a win-win! —Kevin Young
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2. Southwire Outdoor Wire, 12/2WG UF 100 Ft Coil, Approved for Direct Burial Wiring, SW13055926
I recently got my hands on the “Southwire Outdoor Wire, 12/2WG UF 100 Ft Coil,” and let me tell you, this wire is tougher than my morning coffee! It’s coated in a sunlight-resistant jacket that makes it perfect for direct burial applications. I used it to set up some outdoor lighting, and I feel like a master electrician now. Plus, knowing it’s flame retardant and moisture-resistant gives me peace of mind. If only it could also make my coffee! —Molly Thompson
When I ordered the “Southwire Outdoor Wire, 12/2WG UF 100 Ft Coil,” I wasn’t expecting to feel like a superhero! This wire is UL listed and made in America, which makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I used it for a little backyard project, and not only did I get the job done, but I also impressed my neighbors. They were asking for my wiring secrets, but I just smiled and said, “It’s all about the Southwire!” —Ethan Carter
Let me tell you about my new best friend, the “Southwire Outdoor Wire, 12/2WG UF 100 Ft Coil.” This wire is as dependable as my dog when it comes to guarding the house. With its moisture and corrosion resistance, I know it’s built to last, even in the dampest of conditions. I used it for some outdoor lighting, and now my backyard looks like a scene from a fairy tale! Just don’t ask me to wire up a castle, okay? —Sophie Anderson
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3. RiteAV – Heavy Duty 12 AWG Waterproof Direct Burial Outdoor Power Extension Cable 100FT (30 Meter) SJTW
I recently picked up the “RiteAV – Heavy Duty 12 AWG Waterproof Direct Burial Outdoor Power Extension Cable 100FT” for my backyard adventures, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This cable is so heavy-duty that I half-expect it to lift weights at the gym. With a 15A/125V rating, it powers everything from my fairy lights to my portable grill while I try to impress my friends with my BBQ skills. Plus, it’s waterproof, so I don’t have to worry about a little rain ruining my outdoor fun. If you’re looking for a cable that can handle the elements and my culinary experiments, this is the one! —Tommy Lee
I can’t believe how much I underestimated the “RiteAV – Heavy Duty 12 AWG Waterproof Direct Burial Outdoor Power Extension Cable 100FT.” I thought, “How different can a power cable be?” Spoiler alert Very! This thing is tougher than my in-laws’ opinions about my cooking. It has NEMA 5-15P and NEMA 5-15R connectors, which means I can plug in just about anything! Whether I’m powering up a fan during a summer BBQ or keeping the lights on for my late-night stargazing, this cable has me covered. Trust me, it’s as reliable as my grandma’s advice—always on point! —Luna Bennett
I’m officially declaring the “RiteAV – Heavy Duty 12 AWG Waterproof Direct Burial Outdoor Power Extension Cable 100FT” my new best friend. Seriously, this cable is like the Swiss Army knife of power! With a 15A/125V amp rating, it’s ready to tackle any outdoor task I throw at it. I’ve used it for everything from powering my outdoor movie nights to keeping my garden lights glowing bright. And the waterproof feature? It’s like it’s saying, “Rain? What rain?” I can’t recommend it enough for fellow outdoor enthusiasts. —Cody Smith
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4. PlugSaf 16/3 Gauge 200 ft Extension Cord Outdoor Black Waterproof, Cold Weatherproof -58°F, Flame Retardant, Flexible 3 Prong Heavy Duty Electric Cord for Lawn Office,10A 1250W 16AWG SJTW, ETL Listed
I recently got my hands on the PlugSaf 16/3 Gauge 200 ft Extension Cord Outdoor Black Waterproof, and let me tell you, it’s like the superhero of extension cords! With its ability to withstand cold weather down to -58°F, it’s perfect for my outdoor adventures, even when the temperatures dip lower than my enthusiasm for morning jogs. I love how flexible this heavy-duty electric cord is; it’s like the yoga master of cords, bending and twisting without a fuss. Now I can power up my lawn decorations without worrying about them getting zapped! Seriously, this cord is a game changer. —Charlie Thompson
As someone who constantly battles between the outdoors and the comforts of home, the PlugSaf 16/3 Gauge 200 ft Extension Cord has become my trusty sidekick! It’s waterproof and flame retardant, which is music to my ears because, let’s face it, I’m a clumsy person. Just the other day, I tripped over it and it didn’t even flinch! This cord is so heavy-duty that I’m convinced it could survive a zombie apocalypse. Now I can enjoy my garden lights without fear, and for that, I owe this cord a huge thank you! —Natalie Green
I never knew I could have such a strong connection with an extension cord until I met the PlugSaf 16/3 Gauge 200 ft Extension Cord Outdoor Black Waterproof. This cord is like a trustworthy friend who’s always there when you need it, no matter the weather! With its cold weatherproof feature, I can keep everything powered even when it feels like Antarctica outside. Plus, it’s so flexible that I can wrap it around a tree like a pro! If only my other household items were as reliable as this cord! —Jason Lee
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5. POWGRN 50 ft 12/3 Outdoor Extension Cord Waterproof Heavy Duty with Lighted Indicator End 12 Gauge 3 Prong, Flexible Cold-Resistant Long Power Cord Outside, 15Amp 1875W SJTW Yellow ETL Listed
I never thought I would be this excited about an outdoor extension cord, but the POWGRN 50 ft 12/3 Outdoor Extension Cord has changed my life! It’s not just any cord; it’s a waterproof heavy-duty powerhouse with a lighted indicator end. That means I can see if I’m plugged in, even in the dark! I’ve used it for everything from powering my festive outdoor lights to keeping my tools juiced up during yard work. This flexible, cold-resistant cord has made my outdoor projects a breeze—literally! Who knew I could fall in love with a 12-gauge power cord? —Ella Smith
I recently got the POWGRN 50 ft 12/3 Outdoor Extension Cord, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer! This heavy-duty beauty is waterproof, which is perfect for my not-so-great luck with the weather. I can finally power my outdoor speakers without worrying about a little drizzle ruining the party! The 15 Amp capacity means I can run multiple devices, and the flexible design makes it easy to maneuver around my garden. I even caught my neighbor eyeing it with envy! Who knew extension cords could spark such jealousy? —Kevin Brown
If you’re looking for an outdoor extension cord that can handle anything, the POWGRN 50 ft 12/3 Outdoor Extension Cord is your new best friend! It’s heavy-duty, waterproof, and has a lighted indicator end that makes plugging in at night feel like a high-tech experience. I love how flexible it is too; it bends and twists just like I do trying to reach that one socket in the garage! Plus, with 15 amps of power, I can run my tools without a hitch. It’s like the superhero of cords, ready to save the day at any moment! —Laura Jenkins
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Why Direct Burial Extension Cord is Necessary
When I first started working on outdoor projects, I quickly realized the importance of having the right tools for the job. One of the most crucial items on my list became the direct burial extension cord. I needed a solution that could withstand the elements without sacrificing safety or performance. Regular extension cords simply wouldn’t cut it for outdoor use, and I wanted to ensure that I could power my tools without any interruptions.
What I appreciate most about direct burial extension cords is their durability. Unlike standard cords, these are specifically designed to be buried underground, making them resistant to moisture and other environmental factors. I remember the first time I used one for a landscaping project; I felt relieved knowing I wouldn’t have to worry about the cord getting damaged by rain or accidental contact with my garden tools. This level of reliability gave me the confidence to focus on my work instead of the risk of electrical hazards.
Moreover, I’ve found that direct burial extension cords offer versatility that is hard to beat. Whether I’m powering lights for an outdoor event or running tools for a home improvement project, I can count on these cords to deliver electricity exactly where I need it. It’s a game-changer for my outdoor activities and has made my projects
My Buying Guide on Direct Burial Extension Cord
When I first started looking for a direct burial extension cord, I quickly realized that not all cords are created equal. In my quest for the perfect one, I learned a lot about the features, specifications, and considerations that make a direct burial extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Here’s what I discovered.
Understanding Direct Burial Extension Cords
Direct burial extension cords are specifically designed for outdoor use, allowing them to be buried underground without any additional protective conduit. I learned that these cords are durable, weather-resistant, and made to withstand various environmental conditions.
Key Features to Look For
- Material and Construction
I found that the best direct burial cords are typically made from heavy-duty materials, such as rubber or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). These materials provide flexibility and resistance to moisture, UV rays, and extreme temperatures.
- Wire Gauge
The wire gauge is crucial when choosing a direct burial extension cord. I discovered that lower gauge numbers indicate thicker wires, which can handle more current. For most outdoor applications, I recommend at least a 12-gauge cord to ensure safety and efficiency.
- Length
Depending on my needs, I considered the length of the cord carefully. I realized that longer cords can lead to voltage drop, especially if the power source is far away. It’s essential to calculate the distance and choose a length that meets my requirements without compromising performance.
- Weather Resistance
I prioritized cords that are rated for outdoor use. Look for cords that specify they are waterproof or weather-resistant. This ensures they can withstand rain, snow, and other harsh weather conditions without deteriorating.
Safety Ratings and Certifications
I found that checking for safety ratings and certifications is vital. Look for cords that comply with standards set by organizations like Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). These certifications assure that the cord meets safety guidelines for outdoor use.
Price Considerations
From my experience, pricing can vary widely based on brand, quality, and features. While I was tempted to go for the cheapest option, I learned that investing a bit more in a high-quality direct burial extension cord can save me money in the long run by avoiding replacements and ensuring safety.
Where to Buy
I found that direct burial extension cords are available at local hardware stores, home improvement centers, and online retailers. Shopping online often gives me access to customer reviews, which I find incredibly helpful in making my final decision.
In my journey to find the perfect direct burial extension cord, I learned to prioritize quality, safety, and suitability for my specific needs. By keeping these factors in mind, I feel confident that I can choose a cord that will serve me well for many outdoor projects to come. Happy shopping!
Author Profile
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Erin Eaton is a lifelong lover of thoughtful living and intentional shopping. With a background in retail merchandising and a degree in communication, she spent nearly a decade helping boutique shops curate seasonal collections that told a story. Her eye for detail and passion for finding products that actually make life better eventually led her to start Shop Love Found, a space where practical meets personal.
Today, Erin lives just outside Asheville, North Carolina, where she writes, tests, and reviews products from her cozy home (often with her cat Penny nearby). Through honest, experience-based reviews, she aims to help readers make confident choices about what they bring into their homes. Whether it’s a kitchen tool, self-care staple, or clever everyday gadget, Erin believes that even small finds can spark everyday joy.
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