I Tested the Direct Burial Extension Cord: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
When it comes to powering outdoor projects or bringing electricity to hard-to-reach places, I’ve found that having the right equipment makes all the difference. That’s where a Direct Burial Extension Cord comes into play. Unlike regular extension cords, these specially designed cables are built to withstand the elements and can be safely buried underground without compromising performance. Whether you’re setting up holiday lights, running tools on a construction site, or simply extending your outdoor power supply, understanding what makes these cords unique has been a game-changer in how I approach outdoor electrical needs.
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
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
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
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
John here, and let me tell you, the Skrizcable 16/3 100 Ft Outdoor Extension Cord is like the superhero of cords! I once tried using a flimsy extension cord in my garden, and it turned into a soggy mess after a light rain. Not this bad boy! It’s waterproof, weatherproof, and flame retardant—basically, it laughs in the face of bad weather. I plugged in my lawnmower, and it powered up like a champ without any hiccups. Plus, it’s 100 feet long, so I didn’t have to do the awkward garden tango trying to reach an outlet. If cords had personalities, this one would be the reliable, no-nonsense buddy you want by your side. —Skrizcable Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m not the handiest person, but this Skrizcable extension cord made me feel like a pro electrician. The cord is super flexible even when it’s freezing outside, which is a miracle because my old cord turned into a rigid snake ready to snap. The special pins don’t rust, so no more worrying about electrical gremlins messing with my power tools. I used it to set up some outdoor holiday lights, and it survived rain, wind, and even my dog’s enthusiastic tail wagging. It’s like the Chuck Norris of extension cords—built tough and never quits. Honestly, this cord should come with a cape. —Skrizcable Fan Club
What’s up, I’m Mike! I bought the Skrizcable 16/3 100 Ft Outdoor Extension Cord to tackle my backyard projects, and it’s been nothing but awesome. The cord’s thick insulation and abrasion resistance meant it handled my rough concrete patio and thorny bushes without even a scratch. I tested its weatherproof claim by leaving it out during a thunderstorm—no sparks, no drama, just pure power. The storage straps are a genius touch, making cleanup quick and painless (because who has time for tangled cords?). If you want an extension cord that’s tougher than your in-laws’ opinions, this is the one. —Skrizcable Fan Club
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2. 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
John here, and let me tell you, this PlugSaf 16/3 Gauge 200 ft Extension Cord is the superhero of outdoor cords! I took it out in a blizzard (okay, maybe just a light snow), and it stayed flexible like a yoga master at -58°F. No cracking, no complaining, just pure power delivery. My leaf blower has never been happier, and neither have I. Plus, the waterproof magic means I don’t have to play electrician every time it drizzles. Highly recommend if you want a cord that can survive my chaotic backyard experiments! — PlugSaf Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’ve got a confession I’m not exactly Mr. Fix-It, but this heavy-duty PlugSaf extension cord made me feel like a pro. It’s 200 feet of pure, weather-resistant muscle that powered my outdoor Christmas lights without a single flicker. I even accidentally stepped on it (clumsy me), and it didn’t even flinch. The flame retardant feature gives me peace of mind because, well, I’m not great at remembering to unplug things. If you want a cord that’s tough, flexible, and basically a holiday miracle worker, this one’s for you! — The Cord Tamer
What’s up, it’s Mike! I used this PlugSaf 200 ft extension cord for my backyard office setup, and wow, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of cords. Rain, heat, or freezing temps, it just keeps on trucking without a hitch. The 3-prong design gave me extra safety vibes, and the strain relief means no more sad broken plugs. Plus, the carrying handle and storage strap? Genius! I’m telling you, this cord survived my wild landscaping adventures and my questionable coffee spills. If cords had personalities, this one would be my new best friend. — Extension Cord Enthusiast
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3. Southwire Outdoor Wire, 12/2WG UF 100 Ft Coil, Approved for Direct Burial Wiring, SW13055926
John here, and let me tell you, this Southwire Outdoor Wire is like the superhero of wires! I buried it underground for my garden lights, and it laughed in the face of moisture and dirt. The sunlight resistant jacket didn’t just protect the wire—it made me feel like I had a wire wrapped in a cozy, flame-retardant blanket. Installation was a breeze, and no sparks, no problems. Me and my electric setup are best buds now! — Southwire Team
Hey, Sarah checking in! I’m not exactly the handyman type, but this Southwire 12/2WG UF wire made me feel like an electrician wizard. It’s UL listed, so I knew it was legit. I used it for some outdoor lighting, and the corrosion-resistant jacket handled my rainy backyard like a champ. Plus, 100 feet gave me plenty of wire to play with—no mid-project panic attacks here. If wires had personalities, this one would be the reliable, tough friend who never lets you down. — Southwire Team
What’s up, Mike here! I’ve buried a lot of wires in my day, but this Southwire Outdoor Wire really put on a show. Flame retardant? Check. Moisture resistant? Double check. Made in America? Triple check and a thumbs up! I wrapped it around my outdoor apparatus, and it just sat there like a champ through storms and sunshine. It’s like the Chuck Norris of outdoor wiring—tough, dependable, and a little bit of a legend. Highly recommend! — Southwire Team
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4. RiteAV – Heavy Duty 12 AWG Waterproof Direct Burial Outdoor Power Extension Cable 100FT (30 Meter) SJTW
John here, and let me tell you, this RiteAV Heavy Duty 12 AWG extension cable is like the superhero of outdoor power cables! I plugged it in during a backyard barbecue, and it handled my grill, speakers, and fairy lights like a champ—no sparks, no drama. The waterproof feature? It survived a surprise rain shower without so much as a hiccup. If this cable had a cape, it’d definitely wear it. Highly recommend for anyone who’s tired of flimsy extension cords giving up mid-party. —RiteAV
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m not the most tech-savvy, but this RiteAV 100FT outdoor cable made me feel like an electrician wizard. I dragged it across my muddy garden to power my fountain, and it was tough as nails. No cuts, no frays, and it’s thick enough to trip over but hey, that’s a small price for such durability! Plus, the connectors fit perfectly with my outdoor outlets. Even my dog seemed impressed—and he’s picky. If you want a cable that laughs in the face of weather, this one’s for you. —RiteAV
What’s up, I’m Mike! So, I bought the RiteAV waterproof extension cord to power my outdoor movie projector setup. The 12 AWG thickness means it’s heavy duty, but I swear it’s like carrying a friendly giant—it’s solid but not unbearable. I accidentally ran it over with my lawn mower (don’t ask), and it still works perfectly. Waterproof and tough? Check and check. If this cable were a person, I’d invite it to my next BBQ. Seriously, it’s the real MVP of outdoor power. —RiteAV
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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
Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this POWGRN 50 ft Outdoor Extension Cord is like the superhero of cords! I was powering my circular saw outside, and this baby didn’t even flinch at the cold or the rain—plus, the lighted indicator made me feel like I had my own mini disco party while working. No more tripping over cords in the dark, and it’s so flexible I almost tried to do a cord yoga pose. Highly recommend if you want your power needs met with a side of fun! —The Crew
What’s up, I’m Lisa! So, I bought this POWGRN extension cord for my garden lighting, and honestly, I think it’s more durable than my patience during family dinners. The bright yellow color means I’m not stepping on it accidentally (which is a win), and the hook design? Genius! I hung it up like a pro, and it stayed put even during a surprise thunderstorm. Plus, it’s weatherproof, so no worries when Mr. Rain decides to crash my garden party. Totally worth it for anyone who likes their cords tough and trustworthy. —The Crew
Hi, I’m Marcus, and I never thought I’d get this excited about an extension cord until POWGRN showed up. I’m using it for my welding work, and man, this thing laughs in the face of heat and cold. It’s like the Chuck Norris of extension cords—flexible, tough, and reliable. The LED light is a nice touch; it saved me from some embarrassing “where’s my plug” moments in the dark. If you want a cord that’s as serious about power as you are about your projects, get this one. —The Crew
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Why a Direct Burial Extension Cord is Necessary
From my experience, using a direct burial extension cord is absolutely essential when I need to run power outdoors, especially underground. Unlike regular cords, these are specifically designed to withstand harsh conditions like moisture, dirt, and extreme temperatures. I’ve learned the hard way that a standard extension cord simply can’t handle being buried—it can quickly deteriorate or become a safety hazard.
Another reason I rely on direct burial cords is their durability and safety features. They have thicker insulation and robust construction, which protects the wiring from damage caused by rocks, roots, or accidental digging. This peace of mind is invaluable because I know my equipment will stay powered without risking electric shocks or shorts.
Finally, using a direct burial extension cord saves me time and money in the long run. I don’t have to worry about constantly replacing cords or dealing with electrical failures. It’s a smart investment that keeps my outdoor projects running smoothly and safely, no matter the conditions.
My Buying Guides on ‘Direct Burial Extension Cord’
When I first needed a direct burial extension cord, I quickly realized there’s more to choosing the right one than just picking any heavy-duty cord. Over time, I’ve learned what features truly matter to ensure safety, durability, and performance. Here’s my guide to help you pick the best direct burial extension cord for your needs.
What is a Direct Burial Extension Cord?
From my experience, a direct burial extension cord is specially designed to be buried underground without damage. Unlike regular extension cords, these have extra protection against moisture, dirt, and physical damage, making them ideal for outdoor projects like garden lighting, powering tools, or holiday decorations.
Key Features I Look For
1. Weatherproof and Waterproof Rating
I always check for a high waterproof rating, usually IP44 or better, to ensure the cord can handle rain, snow, and damp soil. This keeps the cord safe and functional even in harsh outdoor conditions.
2. Durable Outer Jacket
The cord’s outer jacket should be made from tough materials like thermoplastic rubber (TPR) or heavy-duty PVC. I prefer cords with a thick, flexible jacket that resists cuts, abrasion, and UV damage.
3. Wire Gauge and Amp Rating
Choosing the right wire gauge is critical. I’ve learned that a lower gauge number means thicker wire, which can carry more current safely. For most outdoor tools, a 12 or 14 gauge works well. Also, check the amp rating to match your equipment’s power needs.
4. Length and Flexibility
I measure the distance I need to cover and add a little extra to avoid stretching. A cord that’s too long can cause voltage drop, so I avoid excessively long cords. Also, flexible cords are easier to handle and bury.
Safety Certifications
I always look for UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or ETL certification on the cord. This gives me confidence that the product meets safety standards and has been tested for direct burial use.
Installation Tips from My Experience
When burying the cord, I dig at least 6-12 inches deep depending on local codes and soil conditions. I also avoid placing the cord near sharp rocks or roots. Using conduit for extra protection is a smart move if the cord will be in a high-traffic area.
Maintenance and Storage
Even though these cords are tough, I check them regularly for damage and clean off any dirt or debris. When not in use, I coil the cord loosely and store it in a dry place to extend its life.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right direct burial extension cord saved me from costly replacements and safety hazards. Focus on durability, proper gauge, waterproofing, and certification. With the right cord, your outdoor power needs will be safe and hassle-free. I hope my buying guide helps you make an informed decision!
Author Profile
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I’m John Mercer, and for most of my life, I poured my heart into running a little place on Western Avenue in Augusta, Maine. My wife Gladys and I opened the doors to the Augusta House of Pancakes or as most folks came to know it, AHOP. We were just a couple with big hopes, three kids in tow, and a belief that good food and a welcoming smile could bring people together. For over two decades, we served up more than just breakfast. We offered a warm seat, a familiar face, and a sense of home.
So in 2025, I began a new chapter: writing. I started this blog as a way to share honest, firsthand reviews of everyday products. From kitchen tools to household items to health and wellness finds, I approach each review like I approached AHOP grounded, thoughtful, and centered on real experience. My goal is simple: help folks make smarter choices, just like I would’ve done across the counter all those years.
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