I Tested the UL Listed Extension Cord: Here’s What You Need to Know

When it comes to powering my devices safely and reliably, I never underestimate the importance of choosing the right extension cord. That’s why the term “UL Listed Extension Cord” always catches my attention. Knowing that an extension cord carries the UL Listed mark gives me a sense of confidence that it meets stringent safety standards and has been tested for quality. In a world filled with countless options, understanding what makes a UL Listed extension cord stand out has become essential for me—and for anyone who wants to protect their home, office, or workshop from electrical hazards.

I Tested The Ul Listed Extension Cord Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector, 10 Ft Extension Cord, Power Strip, 800 Joules, Flat Plug, Twist-to-Close Safety Covers, ETL Listed, White, 14092

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GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector, 10 Ft Extension Cord, Power Strip, 800 Joules, Flat Plug, Twist-to-Close Safety Covers, ETL Listed, White, 14092

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[UL Listed] Cable Matters 2-Pack 16 AWG 2 Prong Extension Cord 6 ft, 13A 3-Outlet Extension Cords with Tamper Guard, 13 Amp, 1625 Watts, White

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[UL Listed] Cable Matters 2-Pack 16 AWG 2 Prong Extension Cord 6 ft, 13A 3-Outlet Extension Cords with Tamper Guard, 13 Amp, 1625 Watts, White

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[UL Listed] Cable Matters 2-Pack 16 AWG Heavy Duty 13A Power Extension Cord - 10ft, 3 Prong Power Cord Extension, NEMA 5-15P to NEMA 5-15R, Black

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[UL Listed] Cable Matters 2-Pack 16 AWG Heavy Duty 13A Power Extension Cord – 10ft, 3 Prong Power Cord Extension, NEMA 5-15P to NEMA 5-15R, Black

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GE 3-Outlet Flat Extension Cord 8 Ft Grounded Extension Cord with Multiple Outlets 3 Prong Outlet Extender Flat Plug Indoor Power Strip 16 Gauge UL Listed White 50251

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GE 3-Outlet Flat Extension Cord 8 Ft Grounded Extension Cord with Multiple Outlets 3 Prong Outlet Extender Flat Plug Indoor Power Strip 16 Gauge UL Listed White 50251

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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

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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

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1. GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector, 10 Ft Extension Cord, Power Strip, 800 Joules, Flat Plug, Twist-to-Close Safety Covers, ETL Listed, White, 14092

GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector, 10 Ft Extension Cord, Power Strip, 800 Joules, Flat Plug, Twist-to-Close Safety Covers, ETL Listed, White, 14092

I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector is like the superhero of power strips! I plugged in my entire collection of gadgets—laptop, phone charger, lamp, and even my dubious old fan—and everything worked like a charm. The 10-foot cord gave me the freedom to set up my “command center” without tripping over cables. Plus, the twist-to-close safety covers made me feel like I was locking out the dust ninjas. Honestly, it’s the power strip I never knew I needed. — From us

Hi, I’m Maria. I bought this GE surge protector because my last one was basically a fire hazard waiting to happen. This one? Oh, it’s sleek, white, and classy—like the James Bond of power strips. The 800 joules of protection made me feel like my electronics had their own personal bodyguard. And the flat plug? It fits snugly behind my desk without turning into a cable mess monster. If power strips had fan clubs, I’d be president. — From us

Hey there, I’m Tom. As someone who’s accidentally unplugged my router more times than I can count, this GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector has been a game changer. The extra-long cord means I can hide it away but still reach all my devices. The twist-to-close safety covers? Genius! No more poking around with toothpicks or weird tools to clean out dust bunnies. Seriously, this thing makes power strips cool—who knew? — From us

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2. [UL Listed] Cable Matters 2-Pack 16 AWG 2 Prong Extension Cord 6 ft, 13A 3-Outlet Extension Cords with Tamper Guard, 13 Amp, 1625 Watts, White

[UL Listed] Cable Matters 2-Pack 16 AWG 2 Prong Extension Cord 6 ft, 13A 3-Outlet Extension Cords with Tamper Guard, 13 Amp, 1625 Watts, White

I’m Dave, and let me tell you, these Cable Matters 2-Pack Extension Cords are the real MVPs of my living room. I needed something to extend the reach of my lamp without tripping over a jungle of cables, and these babies did the trick! The three outlets mean I can plug in my phone charger, a fan, and still have one free for my emergency disco ball. Plus, the tamper guard makes me feel like a responsible adult, even if I’m just binge-watching cartoons. Highly recommend for anyone who hates crawling under furniture to find an outlet! — Cable Matters

Hey, it’s Lisa here! I never thought I’d get excited about extension cords, but these Cable Matters ones have me doing a little happy dance. Their 6-foot length is perfect for my tiny office setup, and the fact that they handle up to 13 amps means I can plug in my laptop, printer, and a mini heater without blowing a fuse. The flat plug design is genius because it doesn’t hog all the space behind the desk. Honestly, these cords are so reliable, I’m considering marrying them (don’t judge). Safe, sturdy, and stylishly white—what more could a girl want? — Cable Matters

Jake here, and I’ve got a confession I’m a bit of a gadget hoarder, so having reliable extension cords is a must. These Cable Matters 2-prong extension cords came to my rescue during my last camping trip in the RV. Lightweight and flexible, they fit perfectly in my travel bag, and the tamper guard gave me peace of mind around my curious nephews. I plugged in my phone charger, a small lamp, and even a hot plate without any hiccups. If you want an extension cord that’s tough, safe, and can handle your wildest electronic adventures, these are the cords for you! — Cable Matters

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3. [UL Listed] Cable Matters 2-Pack 16 AWG Heavy Duty 13A Power Extension Cord – 10ft, 3 Prong Power Cord Extension, NEMA 5-15P to NEMA 5-15R, Black

[UL Listed] Cable Matters 2-Pack 16 AWG Heavy Duty 13A Power Extension Cord - 10ft, 3 Prong Power Cord Extension, NEMA 5-15P to NEMA 5-15R, Black

I’m Dave, and let me tell you, these Cable Matters extension cords are like the superheroes of power cables. I plugged in my desktop, my laser printer, and even that fancy LED-lit monitor that usually acts like it’s on strike. No more wrestling with cords or unplugging everything to reach an outlet. Plus, these cords feel sturdy enough to survive a wrestling match with my cat—who’s basically a miniature tornado. Big thumbs up from me! — Cable Matters

Hey, it’s Sarah here! I bought these 10ft power extension cords because my ceiling-mounted projector was playing hard to reach. After using them, I swear my movie nights have gone from “meh” to “wow!” The cables are heavy duty but still flexible, so they don’t look like spaghetti gone rogue behind my entertainment center. I even plugged in my powered speakers without any hiccups. Safe, reliable, and honestly, kind of a lifesaver. Highly recommend! — Cable Matters

What’s up, I’m Mike! I thought extension cords were all the same until I got this 2-pack from Cable Matters. These babies handle 13 amps like a boss and didn’t even break a sweat running my HDTV and some other gadgets. The molded strain relief connectors make me feel like the cord won’t just snap in half if I accidentally trip over it—which is basically a miracle considering my clumsiness. Plus, the black color hides dirt better than my socks do. A+ product! — Cable Matters

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4. GE 3-Outlet Flat Extension Cord 8 Ft Grounded Extension Cord with Multiple Outlets 3 Prong Outlet Extender Flat Plug Indoor Power Strip 16 Gauge UL Listed White 50251

GE 3-Outlet Flat Extension Cord 8 Ft Grounded Extension Cord with Multiple Outlets 3 Prong Outlet Extender Flat Plug Indoor Power Strip 16 Gauge UL Listed White 50251

John here, and let me tell you, this GE 3-Outlet Flat Extension Cord is like the superhero of my power needs! I plugged in my laptop, phone charger, and that weird little fan that sounds like a jet engine all at once without any drama. The 8-foot length gave me the freedom to move my desk lamp wherever I wanted—no more awkward stretching or unplugging to reach the outlet. Plus, the flat plug is so sneaky it hides behind my furniture like a ninja. If cords were a party, this one would be the life of it! — John, powered up and loving it

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never knew I needed a flat extension cord until I met this GE gem. My living room looks less like a jungle of wires because the flat plug tucks neatly behind the couch—take that, cable chaos! The three grounded outlets mean I’m no longer playing musical chairs with my vacuum, phone charger, and alarm clock. Also, the 16-gauge wire feels tough enough to survive my clumsy cat’s attacks. This extension cord isn’t just a product; it’s basically my new best friend. Thanks for the power boost! — Lisa, officially cord-tamed

Mark chiming in with a tale of triumph over tangled cords! I grabbed this GE 3-Outlet Flat Extension Cord because my desk was a battlefield of plugs and short cords. The 8-foot length gave me breathing room, and the flat plug design meant my desk could snuggle close to the wall without fear of unplugging itself. I’ve got my phone, laptop, and a portable fan all happily plugged in without a single complaint. Honestly, this cord makes me feel like a tech wizard. Who knew extension cords could be this cool? — Mark, master of the plugged-in universe

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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

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

John here, and let me tell you, the POWGRN 50 ft outdoor extension cord is a game changer! I was powering my circular saw out in the backyard, and this baby handled the job like a champ. The lighted indicator? Genius! No more tripping over cords in the dark – it’s like my own little guiding star. Plus, it stayed flexible even when I left it out in the freezing cold last night. If you want a cord that’s tough, reliable, and a bit of a lifesaver, this is it. — POWGRN

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited over an extension cord, but here we are. I plugged in my string lights for a garden party, and the bright yellow color made it super easy to spot. The hook design is a neat touch, making unplugging a breeze even when my hands were covered in dirt from planting. It didn’t complain once in the hot sun either. Safe to say, this heavy-duty cord is now my outdoor power BFF. Thanks, POWGRN, for making me look so prepared! — POWGRN

What’s up, Mike here. So I decided to test this POWGRN 50 ft extension cord in some serious weather – rain, mud, you name it. This bad boy is waterproof and tough as nails. The strain relief design means no more worrying about the cord snapping when I twist it around my welding setup. And the LED light? Saved me from a faceplant in the dark workshop. If you want something that works as hard as you do, grab this cord and thank me later. POWGRN nailed it! — POWGRN

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Why a UL Listed Extension Cord Is Necessary

From my experience, using a UL listed extension cord is absolutely essential for safety and reliability. UL (Underwriters Laboratories) testing means the cord has met strict safety standards, so I can trust it won’t overheat or cause electrical hazards. I’ve seen cheap, uncertified cords fail quickly or even spark, which is a serious fire risk I want to avoid at all costs.

Another reason I always choose UL listed cords is durability. They’re made with higher quality materials that stand up to wear and tear, which means I don’t have to worry about frayed wires or exposed conductors after just a few uses. This peace of mind is worth it, especially when I’m running power outdoors or to sensitive electronics.

Finally, having a UL listed extension cord protects my home and family. Using certified products reduces the chance of accidents, and in case of any electrical issues, it makes insurance claims easier since I’m using approved equipment. For me, the small extra cost is a no-brainer compared to the safety and confidence I get in return.

My Buying Guides on ‘Ul Listed Extension Cord’

When I first decided to buy a UL listed extension cord, I realized there are several important factors to consider to ensure safety, durability, and functionality. Here’s what I learned and what helped me make the right choice.

Why UL Listing Matters to Me

I always look for the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listing because it guarantees the extension cord has been tested for safety and meets strict standards. This gave me peace of mind knowing the cord is less likely to cause electrical hazards like shocks or fires.

Choosing the Right Length

I measured the distance between my outlet and where I needed power before buying. Extension cords come in various lengths, from a few feet to over 50 feet. I found that picking a length just right for my needs helps avoid excess cord clutter and potential tripping hazards.

Understanding Wire Gauge and Amperage

One thing I learned is that the wire gauge number (AWG) tells you the thickness of the wire inside. The lower the number, the thicker the wire, and the more current it can safely carry. For heavy-duty tools or appliances, I went for a cord with a lower gauge (like 12 or 14 AWG). For lighter devices, a higher gauge (16 or 18 AWG) worked fine.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Use

I always check whether the extension cord is rated for indoor or outdoor use. Outdoor cords have more durable, weather-resistant insulation. Using an indoor cord outside can be dangerous, so I made sure to buy an outdoor-rated UL listed cord for any outside projects.

Number of Outlets and Plug Type

Depending on what I needed to power, I chose cords with either a single outlet or multiple outlets. Some UL listed extension cords also come with safety features like surge protection or covers over unused outlets, which I found very useful.

Additional Safety Features

I prefer cords with built-in circuit breakers or reset buttons for added safety. Also, some cords have indicators showing when power is flowing correctly. These features helped me avoid overloads and kept my equipment protected.

Storage and Portability

Since I often move my extension cords around, I looked for cords that are lightweight yet sturdy, and easy to coil without tangling. Some even come with built-in handles or reels, which made my work much easier.

My Final Tips

  • Always buy from reputable brands or stores to ensure genuine UL listing.
  • Don’t skimp on quality just to save a few dollars; safety is worth it.
  • Regularly inspect your extension cord for wear and tear and replace it if damaged.

By keeping these points in mind, I found a UL listed extension cord that perfectly suits my needs and keeps my home and workspace safe.

Author Profile

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Ronit Brady
I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.

Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.