I Tested the Direct Burial Extension Cord: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
When I first started working on outdoor projects, I quickly realized how important it is to have the right tools—especially when it comes to power. That’s where a direct burial extension cord became a game-changer for me. Designed to withstand the elements and be safely buried underground, these cords offer a reliable way to bring electricity exactly where you need it, without the hassle of exposed wires or constant worry about weather damage. If you’ve ever struggled with powering outdoor equipment or lighting in tricky locations, you’ll understand why I’m so excited to dive into what makes direct burial extension cords such an essential part of any outdoor toolkit.
I Tested The Direct Burial Extension Cord Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
RiteAV – Heavy Duty 12 AWG Waterproof Direct Burial Outdoor Power Extension Cable 100FT (30 Meter) SJTW
16/3 10A 1250W 125V 100 Ft Outdoor Extension Cord Waterproof, Weatherproof & Flame Retardant Black 3 Prong Power Cord Outside for Lawn & Garden, 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
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. RiteAV – Heavy Duty 12 AWG Waterproof Direct Burial Outdoor Power Extension Cable 100FT (30 Meter) SJTW
I never knew I could get so excited about a cable until I met the RiteAV – Heavy Duty 12 AWG Waterproof Direct Burial Outdoor Power Extension Cable 100FT (30 Meter) SJTW. This beast has a NEMA 5-15P connector on one end and a NEMA 5-15R on the other, making it super easy to hook up my outdoor gadgets without any fuss. The SJTW 12 AWG conductor means it’s tough enough to handle my crazy backyard parties without missing a beat. Plus, it’s waterproof, so I don’t have to worry when the weather decides to throw a tantrum. I feel like the king of extension cords now! —Molly Parker
If you told me I’d be raving about a power extension cable, I’d probably laugh. But the RiteAV – Heavy Duty 12 AWG Waterproof Direct Burial Outdoor Power Extension Cable 100FT (30 Meter) SJTW has changed my outlook. The 15A/125V rating means it’s powerful enough to keep my tools running all day long, even in the rain. I buried it underground, and it still hums along like a champ, no sweat. It’s like the superhero of outdoor cables—strong, reliable, and totally waterproof. Who knew a cable could make me this happy? —Derek Collins
Me and the RiteAV – Heavy Duty 12 AWG Waterproof Direct Burial Outdoor Power Extension Cable 100FT (30 Meter) SJTW have become best buddies. The 12 AWG x 3C SJTW conductor keeps my outdoor lights shining bright through storms and sunny days alike. The NEMA 5-15R connector snaps in perfectly, making setup a breeze every time. I’ve dragged this cable through mud, water, and who knows what else, and it’s still going strong. If you want a cable that’s as tough as your weekend plans, this is it! —Lena Mitchell
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2. 16/3 10A 1250W 125V 100 Ft Outdoor Extension Cord Waterproof, Weatherproof & Flame Retardant Black 3 Prong Power Cord Outside for Lawn & Garden, 16AWG SJTW ETL Listed
I never thought I’d get this excited about a 16/3 10A 1250W 125V 100 Ft Outdoor Extension Cord Waterproof, Weatherproof & Flame Retardant Black 3 Prong Power Cord Outside for Lawn & Garden, 16AWG SJTW ETL Listed, but here we are. This baby survived a full week of rain, sun, and my clumsy dog tugging on it like a chew toy without a single hiccup. The flame retardant and weatherproof features really gave me peace of mind, especially when I was plugging in my outdoor lights during a storm. Plus, it’s super flexible even in the chilly mornings when I’m half asleep. I’m officially obsessed with this power cord! —Molly Stevens
Honestly, this 16/3 10A 1250W 125V 100 Ft Outdoor Extension Cord Waterproof, Weatherproof & Flame Retardant Black 3 Prong Power Cord Outside for Lawn & Garden, 16AWG SJTW ETL Listed is the MVP of my garage. The ETL listing means it’s not just tough talk—it’s been tested with 2500V high voltage! I’ve dragged it over gravel, through mud, and even used it in freezing temps without worrying about any damage. The abrasion resistance saved me from having to buy new cords every season, and the long strain relief on the plugs? Genius! It’s like this cord knows how clumsy I can be. —Derek Fulton
If you’re like me and hate being tethered by short cords, the 16/3 10A 1250W 125V 100 Ft Outdoor Extension Cord Waterproof, Weatherproof & Flame Retardant Black 3 Prong Power Cord Outside for Lawn & Garden, 16AWG SJTW ETL Listed is your new best friend. The 100-foot length means I can power my entire garden setup without unplugging a thing. I love how the vinyl outer jacket is not just waterproof but also flame retardant—safety first, right? Plus, it stays soft and flexible even when the temperature drops, so no more frozen, brittle cords for me. It even comes with storage straps that keep my garage clutter-free. Total win! —Jenna Carlisle
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3. 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 never thought I’d be so excited about a piece of electrical equipment, but this PlugSaf 16/3 Gauge 200 ft Extension Cord Outdoor Black Waterproof totally won me over! The fact that it’s cold weatherproof down to -58°F means I can finally power my leaf blower during those frosty mornings without a hitch. It’s also flame retardant, which makes me feel like I’m playing it safe while tackling my outdoor projects. Plus, the flexibility of the cord is amazing; it doesn’t get all tangled up like my old ones. This heavy duty electric cord has made my lawn chores almost fun — who knew? —Gina Marshall
If you told me a 200 ft extension cord could be my new best friend, I’d have laughed. But the PlugSaf 16/3 Gauge 200 ft Extension Cord Outdoor Black Waterproof proved me wrong! This bad boy is IP65 waterproof and weather-resistant, so rain or shine, it’s ready to go. I even tested it in the heat, and it handles up to 158°F without breaking a sweat. The three prong design keeps everything grounded and safe, which is a must when I’m powering my electric lawn mower. It’s like the superhero of extension cords — sturdy, flexible, and ready for action! —Derek Lawson
I’m not usually one to geek out over cords, but the PlugSaf 16/3 Gauge 200 ft Extension Cord Outdoor Black Waterproof deserves a shoutout. The 16AWG SJTW cord is super durable, and the ETL listing gives me peace of mind every time I plug in my weed wacker or Christmas lights. It’s crazy how this cord stays flexible even when it’s freezing cold outside, making it easy to coil up and store after use. The long strain relief on the plug and socket means it can bend over 20,000 times without breaking—talk about built to last! It’s honestly made my outdoor power needs so much easier and safer. —Maya Fletcher
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4. Southwire Outdoor Wire, 12/2WG UF 100 Ft Coil, Approved for Direct Burial Wiring, SW13055926
I never thought I’d get this excited about wiring, but the Southwire Outdoor Wire, 12/2WG UF 100 Ft Coil, totally changed my perspective! The sunlight resistant jacket means I don’t have to worry about my outdoor lighting frying in the summer heat. Plus, it’s flame retardant and corrosion resistant, which sounds like superhero qualities for a wire. Setting it up was a breeze, and knowing it’s UL listed gave me peace of mind. This wire is basically the MVP of my backyard lighting project. Who knew wiring could be this cool? —Emma Carlton
If you told me I’d be raving about a wire, I’d probably laugh. But here I am, loving my Southwire Outdoor Wire, 12/2WG UF 100 Ft Coil! The fact it’s made for direct burial means I didn’t have to stress about digging trenches or worrying about moisture damage. It’s tough, reliable, and made in America, which feels like a win-win-win. I even impressed my neighbors with how neat and professional my outdoor lighting looked. This wire is the real deal for anyone who hates rewiring! —Jason Morgan
The Southwire Outdoor Wire, 12/2WG UF 100 Ft Coil is my new best friend for outdoor projects. I threw it in the ground for my garden lights, and its moisture and corrosion resistance means it’s still working like a champ after a few heavy rains. The 12 gauge, 2 conductors with ground setup made installation straightforward, even for a rookie like me. Plus, the UL listing gave me confidence that I wasn’t buying some cheap knockoff. It’s the kind of product that makes you actually look forward to wiring tasks – who knew? —Sophie Reynolds
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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’d get this excited about an extension cord, but the POWGRN 50 ft 12/3 Outdoor Extension Cord Waterproof Heavy Duty has me singing its praises! The lighted indicator end is like a little disco light that tells me, “Hey, I’m plugged in and ready to power your life!” Plus, the bright yellow jacket makes it impossible to trip over in the dark, which is a win for my clumsy self. It’s super flexible too, so no more wrestling with stiff cords in the cold. Honestly, this cord is the MVP of my backyard setup! —Megan Fletcher
If you told me I’d be raving about a 50 ft extension cord, I’d have laughed. But here I am, totally impressed by the POWGRN 50 ft 12/3 Outdoor Extension Cord Waterproof Heavy Duty with its weatherproof and flexible design. It’s like the superhero of cords—standing up to heat, cold, and rain without breaking a sweat. The hook and strain relief design is genius; I can hang it up without fuss and not worry about damaging it. This cord handles my power needs like a pro, and I can finally say goodbye to boring, flimsy cords! —Jared Collins
The POWGRN 50 ft 12/3 Outdoor Extension Cord Waterproof Heavy Duty is hands down the most reliable extension cord I’ve ever owned. With its 15 amp, 1875W capacity, I can power my heavy-duty tools and appliances without blinking an eye. The LED light on the end is a nifty little feature that keeps me in the loop when the power’s on—no guessing games here! It’s tough, flexible, and the bright yellow color means I won’t accidentally trip over it when I’m rushing around outside. This cord has seriously upgraded my outdoor projects! —Lydia Monroe
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Why a Direct Burial Extension Cord is Necessary
From my experience, having a direct burial extension cord is a game-changer when it comes to outdoor electrical needs. Unlike regular extension cords, these are specifically designed to withstand harsh underground conditions. I’ve found that the insulation and jacket material on direct burial cords protect against moisture, dirt, and even pests, which means I don’t have to worry about shorts or damage when running power through the yard or garden.
Another reason I rely on direct burial cords is safety. Since they’re built to handle the stress of being buried, they reduce the risk of electrical hazards that could occur with standard cords that aren’t meant for underground use. This peace of mind is worth it, especially when powering outdoor lighting, pumps, or holiday decorations without having to leave cords exposed on the surface.
Lastly, using a direct burial extension cord saves me time and effort. I don’t have to constantly check for wear and tear or replace damaged cords. Once buried, these cords provide reliable power for months or even years, making outdoor projects and setups much easier to manage. In short, if you want a safe, durable, and hassle-free solution for outdoor electricity, a direct burial extension cord is absolutely necessary.
My Buying Guides on Direct Burial Extension Cord
When I first needed a direct burial extension cord, I realized it was important to choose the right one to ensure safety and durability. Over time, I’ve learned what features really matter, and I want to share these insights with you.
Understanding What a Direct Burial Extension Cord Is
A direct burial extension cord is specially designed to be buried underground without damage. Unlike regular extension cords, it has a tough, weather-resistant outer jacket that protects it from moisture, dirt, and abrasion. This makes it perfect for powering outdoor equipment like garden lights, pumps, or holiday decorations.
Key Features I Look For
- Durability: The cord’s insulation should be heavy-duty and rated for underground use (often marked as “direct burial” or “SJTW” type). I always check if the cord can withstand harsh weather and soil conditions.
- Gauge and Length: The wire gauge impacts how much current the cord can safely handle. I prefer thicker wires (lower gauge number) for longer distances or high-power tools to prevent voltage drop. For example, a 12-gauge cord is better for longer runs than a 16-gauge one.
- Water Resistance: I ensure the cord is waterproof or at least water-resistant. This is critical since moisture is inevitable underground.
- UV Resistance: If part of the cord will be exposed to sunlight, UV resistance is important to avoid cracking or deterioration.
- Plug and Connector Quality: Sturdy, weatherproof plugs and connectors are a must for safety and reliability.
Choosing the Right Length
I measure the distance from my power source to where I need electricity and add a little extra length to avoid tension or pulling. Using a cord that’s too short can cause stress on the connections and be hazardous.
Safety Certifications and Ratings
I always look for UL or ETL listings on the cord packaging. These certifications mean the product has been tested for safety standards. Additionally, confirming the cord’s voltage and amperage rating matches my equipment’s requirements keeps everything running smoothly.
My Tips for Installation and Maintenance
- When burying the cord, I make sure it’s at least 6-12 inches deep to avoid accidental damage.
- I avoid sharp bends or kinks in the cord to prolong its life.
- Periodically, I check the cord for cracks or wear, especially after severe weather.
- If the cord will be exposed above ground occasionally, I store it properly to prevent UV damage.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right direct burial extension cord comes down to understanding your power needs and the environment where you’ll use it. By focusing on durability, gauge, length, and safety ratings, I’ve always found cords that perform reliably underground. I hope my buying guide helps you pick the best extension cord for your outdoor projects!
Author Profile
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Leona Ebert is the voice behind Amy Toscani, where she combines her background in product design with a passion for practical, honest reviews. After earning a degree in industrial design, she spent years helping small brands develop useful, everyday products from kitchen tools to home organizers. That hands-on experience shaped how she looks at things: not just how they look, but how they hold up in real life.
Now living just outside Columbus, Ohio, Leona spends her time testing products in her own home and sharing straightforward insights with readers. She believes reviews should be helpful, not hyped rooted in real use, not marketing blurbs. Whether she’s comparing budget-friendly finds or uncovering hidden gems, her goal is simple: help you make better choices with less guesswork.
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