Looking for an extension cord?. The best outdoor extension cord is the one that can power the equipment you’re using and never settle for the cheapest cord you can find. Buying the wrong extension cord can be expensive or risky as many fire hazards are originated from using the wrong extension cord. For instance if your equipment is drawing more amps than those allowed by the extension cord, it can cause the cord to overheat and even catch fire. It’s not worth the few dollars you are saving. 

Make sure you read your owner’s manual to find out what the manufacturer recommends – and never go below their recommendations. I think it’s best to go one step above their recommendations, especially if you’ll be heavily using your chainsaw, or other power tool. Follow the guidelines and always choose safety first.

• Only buy an outdoor extension cord with the UL symbol (or the recognized symbol from the country you live in). This indicates that the cord has been tested by Underwriters Laboratories and has received their official stamp of approval.
• Never use a damaged cord. Whether it’s frayed, cut, or flattened. Toss it out and buy a new one.
• Keep the cord away from any moving parts of your power tool, including, chains, blades and anything else that spins, rotates or cuts.
• Always unplug an extension cord when not in use. The cord continues to conduct electricity while plugged in, which makes it a safety hazard if kids or pets chew on the cord or stick sharp metal objects into the exposed end. Serious injury could occur and it’s easily avoidable. Just unplug and store indoors
• DO NOT TIE KNOTS! knots eventually cause cord exposure and risk of electric shock exists.

Use the chart in this article as a guide to identify the most commonly used equipment or tools and match to the proper cable type you require.