THE GEAR GUIDE

Outdoor Cords & Power Strips

A campsite cord carries the same current as a household circuit in a much less forgiving environment. Length, wire gauge, and outdoor markings all matter.

READ THE LABEL

What to look for

Look for an outdoor-rated jacket with W in its code, such as SJTW or SJOOW.
Use the cord’s stated current rating. Longer runs can require thicker wire, indicated by a lower AWG number.
Keep connections dry and off wet ground; use GFCI protection for outdoor receptacles.
Uncoil cords under load. Do not daisy-chain extension cords or power strips.

The shortlist

PUBLISHED SPECS · DIRECT LINKS

3 picks · Specifications first. Prices on Amazon.

Links go directly to Amazon. No affiliate tag is currently applied. Disclosure

Budget

Yellow Jacket

2886 · 25 ft Outdoor Cord

Manufacturer ratings · Not tested by us

Length: 25 ft
Wire gauge: 14 AWG
Rated current: 15 A
Jacket rating: SJTW

A shorter outdoor-rated run. Choose the required gauge from the load and distance.

Specifications & limits

Mid

Southwire

2588 · 50 ft Outdoor Cord

Manufacturer ratings · Not tested by us

Length: 50 ft
Wire gauge: 12 AWG
Rated current: 15 A
Jacket rating: SJTW

A 12 AWG run for a powered pitch. Keep plug connections dry and the cord fully uncoiled.

Specifications & limits

Premium

Yellow Jacket

2885 · 100 ft Outdoor Cord

Manufacturer ratings · Not tested by us

Length: 100 ft
Wire gauge: 12 AWG
Rated current: 15 A
Jacket rating: SJTW

Longer reach with 12 AWG conductors. Check voltage drop for the actual load.

Specifications & limits

Outdoor Cords & Power Strips

What to look for

The shortlist

2886 · 25 ft Outdoor Cord

2588 · 50 ft Outdoor Cord

2885 · 100 ft Outdoor Cord

Part of these setups