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10 Best Short Extension Cords 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.7 score

Amazon Basics Power Extension Cord, 6 Feet 13 Amps, 125V, Black

The Amazon Basics Indoor Extension Cord is a 6-foot long, black extension cord suitable for a variety of indoor uses. It is designed to handle up to 13 amps and 125 volts, making it compatible with most consumer electronics, tools, and media equipment. The cord uses a 16 AWG gauge, which is standard for light to medium-duty applications, ensuring it can handle the power requirements of most household devices safely.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Length
Great length options provide ample reach for different setups.
Gauge (AWG)
The cord's thickness might make it slightly less maneuverable for some users.
Amperage Rating
Excellent performance with a 13 amp/125V power rating, powering devices efficiently and safely.

Top 10 Best Short Extension Cords 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.7 score

Amazon Basics Power Extension Cord, 6 Feet 13 Amps, 125V, Black

Length: 6-foot
Gauge (AWG): 16 AWG
Amperage Rating: 13 Amps
Number of Outlets: 1
Plug Type: 3-prong

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Buying Guide for the Best Short Extension Cords

When choosing a short extension cord, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the right product for your needs. Short extension cords are useful for connecting devices that are close to an outlet, but you need to make sure they can handle the power requirements of your devices and are safe to use. Here are the key specs to consider and how to navigate them.
LengthThe length of the extension cord is crucial because it determines how far you can place your device from the power outlet. Short extension cords typically range from 1 to 6 feet. If you need to connect a device that is very close to the outlet, a 1 to 3-foot cord should suffice. For slightly more distance, a 4 to 6-foot cord might be better. Choose the length based on the distance between your device and the outlet to avoid unnecessary slack or tension.
Gauge (AWG)The gauge of an extension cord refers to the thickness of the wire inside it, which affects how much electrical current it can safely carry. Lower gauge numbers indicate thicker wires and higher capacity. For short extension cords, a 16-gauge wire is usually sufficient for light-duty tasks like powering lamps or small electronics. For medium-duty tasks, such as powering a computer or a small appliance, a 14-gauge wire is better. If you need to power heavy-duty equipment, consider a 12-gauge wire. Choose the gauge based on the power requirements of the devices you plan to connect.
Amperage RatingThe amperage rating indicates the maximum amount of electrical current the extension cord can handle. This is important to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards. Common ratings for short extension cords are 10, 13, and 15 amps. For light-duty use, such as charging phones or powering small lamps, a 10-amp cord is usually sufficient. For medium-duty use, like running a computer or a small kitchen appliance, a 13-amp cord is better. For heavy-duty use, such as powering a space heater or a power tool, a 15-amp cord is recommended. Match the amperage rating to the power needs of your devices.
Number of OutletsSome short extension cords come with multiple outlets, allowing you to connect more than one device at a time. This can be convenient if you have several devices that need power in the same area. However, be mindful of the total power draw to avoid overloading the cord. If you only need to power one device, a single-outlet cord is sufficient. If you need to power multiple devices, look for a cord with two or three outlets, but ensure the combined power usage does not exceed the cord's capacity.
Safety FeaturesSafety features are important to consider to prevent electrical hazards. Look for extension cords with built-in surge protection to protect your devices from power spikes. Grounded cords (with three prongs) provide an extra layer of safety by reducing the risk of electric shock. Some cords also come with a reset button or circuit breaker to prevent overloads. Choose a cord with the necessary safety features based on the environment in which you will be using it and the types of devices you will be connecting.
Plug TypeThe plug type of an extension cord can affect its compatibility with your outlets and devices. Most extension cords have a standard two-prong or three-prong plug. If you need to connect devices with a grounding plug, make sure to choose a cord with a three-prong plug. Additionally, some cords have flat or angled plugs, which can be useful for fitting into tight spaces or behind furniture. Consider the plug type based on the configuration of your outlets and the space where you will be using the cord.

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