Best 20 Amp Extension Cords of 2025

Harry Stack Avatar
Harry Stack
Last Updated: Jan 6, 2025

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20 Amp extension cords are designed to provide a reliable and safe power source for heavy-duty electrical equipment. These cords are ideal for use with power tools, RVs, and other high-powered appliances that require a strong and steady flow of electricity. Made with high-quality materials, such as durable PVC and copper wiring, these extension cords can withstand the wear and tear of regular use. They also come in varying lengths to suit different needs and are equipped with features such as grounded plugs for added safety. Overall, 20 Amp extension cords are an essential tool for anyone who needs a reliable and sturdy power source for their heavy-duty equipment.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Conntek 20520-050 50ft Outdoor Extension Cord Cover #TOP 1
Conntek 20520-050 50ft Outdoor Extension Cord
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Cable Matters 12 AWG Heavy Duty 20 Amp Extension Cord with LED Light Cover #TOP 2
Cable Matters 12 AWG Heavy Duty 20 Amp Extension Cord with LED Light
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Parkworld NEMA 5-20 Extension Cord Cover #TOP 3
Parkworld NEMA 5-20 Extension Cord
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 20 Amp Extension Cords

#TOP 1

Conntek 20520-050 50ft Outdoor Extension Cord

20520-050
Black
50 Feet
Conntek 20520-050 50ft Outdoor Extension Cord Cover
Conntek 20520-050 NEMA 5-20 Outdoor Extension Cord 20 Amps 125 Volts, 50 Feet

The Conntek Outdoor Extension Cord is designed for durability and reliability. With a robust 12-gauge construction, it can handle up to 20 amps and 125 volts, making it perfect for heavy-duty power needs. You can trust this cord to remain safe and efficient, even during prolonged use, thanks to its pure copper wiring that prevents overheating. Additionally, it is built to withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring safety during emergencies or extreme elements. With a generous 50-foot length, it provides ample reach for your outdoor power requirements.

What We Like
Durable industrial-grade construction
Weather-resistant for outdoor use
Prevents overheating
Heavy-duty power supply
#TOP 2

Cable Matters 12 AWG Heavy Duty 20 Amp Extension Cord with LED Light

400090-25
Black
Cable Matters 12 AWG Heavy Duty 20 Amp Extension Cord with LED Light Cover
Cable Matters Outdoor Rated 12 AWG Heavy Duty 20 Amp Extension Cord 25 ft Power Cable with LED Light (NEMA 5-20P to NEMA 5-20R)

Meet the Cable Matters Outdoor Rated 12 AWG Heavy Duty 20 Amp Extension Cord with LED Light, the solution to your outdoor power needs. The UL listed extension cord is rated for 20 amps, making it perfect for power-hungry tools and appliances. The red LED light makes troubleshooting problems with connected lights a breeze. The flexible cord is easy to maneuver around obstacles in your yard and is universally compatible with most household appliances and electronics.

What We Like
UL listed 12 AWG rated for 20 amps
LED light for easy troubleshooting
Flexible and easy to maneuver
#TOP 3

Parkworld NEMA 5-20 Extension Cord

NEMA 5-20 extension cord
10FT
Parkworld NEMA 5-20 Extension Cord Cover
Parkworld NEMA 5-20 Extension Cord 5-20P to 5-20R (T Blade Female Also for 5-15R Adapter) 125V, 20A, 2500W (10FT)

The Parkworld NEMA 5-20 Extension Cord is a heavy-duty power adapter cord designed for those who need to connect their 5-20 or 5-15 extension cord or equipment to a 5-20 power inlet. This UL listed extension cord generator features a NEMA 5-20 plug male to 5-20 receptacle (5-15 receptacle) female and uses 12AWG copper inner wire for 20 Amp, 125 Volts, and 2500 Watts. The STW 12AWG wire UL approved support max 20AMP loading and the 100% copper wire conductor inside ensures reliable performance. With length options ranging from 2' to 100', this extension cord is a versatile solution for a variety of power needs.

What We Like
Heavy-duty power adapter cord
UL listed for reliable performance
Multiple length options available
#TOP 4

FIRMERST 20 Amp Outdoor Extension Cord

MDHES12F12GB1B1Y-USA
Yellow
12 Feet
FIRMERST 20 Amp Outdoor Extension Cord Cover
FIRMERST 20 Amp 12 Gauge 12 Feet 125 Volt Outdoor Extension Cord NEMA 5-20P to 5-15/20R(T-Blade Outlet)

The FIRMERST Extension Cord offers a reliable power solution for both indoor and outdoor use. With its 12-foot length, you can easily reach distant outlets without hassle. The heavy-duty 12AWG wire remains cool during extended use, ensuring safety while powering your devices. Its flexible design makes it easy to maneuver and store, providing convenience in various situations. Additionally, this extension cord is built to withstand harsh weather conditions, making it a dependable choice for outdoor applications. Enjoy peace of mind knowing you have a powerful and versatile extension cord at your disposal.

What We Like
Long 12-foot reach
Heavy-duty and safe
Flexible and easy to use
Weather-resistant design
#TOP 5

Yellow Jacket 2991 20-Amp Generator Cord with T-Blade 5-20 Lighted Ends, 50-Feet

2991
Yellow
50 ft
Yellow Jacket 2991 20-Amp Generator Cord with T-Blade 5-20 Lighted Ends, 50-Feet Cover
Yellow Jacket Extra Heavy Duty Extension Cord, 50Ft, 10 Gauge, 3 Conductor, Lighted End, Weather Resistant, SJTW, Yellow, 2991

The Yellow Jacket 2991 extension cord is perfect for heavy-duty applications in workshops or on job sites. This 50-foot-long cord is rated for 20 amps at 125 volts, making it suitable for intense applications such as generators, compressors, or rotary hammers. The lighted receptacle end shows when power is on, and the bright yellow color makes it easy to find in grass or bushes. The right angle plug makes it easy to install behind furniture, and the water-resistant feature adds to its safety. With a gauge of 10/3 and wattage of 2500 watts, this cord is UL Listed and meets OSHA specifications.

What We Like
Water-resistant for added safety
Lighted receptacle end shows when power is on and cord is ready to use
Bright yellow color is easy to find in grass or bushes
#TOP 6

Plugrand 6-Feet 20 Amp Extension Cord

Black
Plugrand 6-Feet 20 Amp Extension Cord Cover
6-Feet (1.8Meter) 20 Amp-250 Volt Nema 6-20P Extension Cord, 12AWG Nema 6-20 Heavy Duty Extension Cable, Nema 6-15/20R T-Blade Cord with Red Indicator Light, Black Color for Air Conditioner Etc.

The Plugrand Extension Cord is designed to meet your power needs with a 20 Amp, 250 Volt capacity. It features a unique Nema 6-20P to 6-15R/6-20R configuration, allowing you to convert a 20 Amp outlet for use with 15 Amp devices. The transparent female Nema 6-20R connector includes a handy red indicator light, making it easy to see when the cord is powered. At 6 feet long, this UL and CUL certified cable is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, providing flexibility and convenience for powering air conditioners and more.

What We Like
Red indicator light
Converts 20 Amp to 15 Amp
6 feet long
UL certified
#TOP 7

Yodotek 10FT Heavy Duty Extension Cord

10FT
Yodotek 10FT Heavy Duty Extension Cord Cover
YODOTEK 10FT 12 Gauge Heavy Duty Durable NEMA 5-20P/NEMA 5-15/20R Indoor/Outdoor Extension Cords, 20 Amps 125Volts…

The Yodotek Heavy Duty Cord is a reliable 10-foot extension cord designed for both indoor and outdoor use. With a powerful 20 Amp rating at 125 Volts, it ensures you can run your devices without worrying about overheating, thanks to its durable 12 AWG pure copper construction. This cord is UL and CUL certified, providing peace of mind that it meets safety standards. Plus, Yodotek offers a one-year quality guarantee and a three-year customer service commitment, so you can reach out for assistance anytime you encounter an issue.

What We Like
Heavy-duty construction
UL certified for safety
High power capacity
1-year quality guarantee
#TOP 8

Amazon Basics 20-Foot Extension Cord

Amazon Basics
L6LAC036-DT-R
Black
20-Foot
Amazon Basics 20-Foot Extension Cord Cover
Amazon Basics Power Extension Cord, 20 Feet 13 Amps, 125V, Black

The Amazon Basics 20-Foot Extension Cord is a reliable power source for indoor use with consumer electronics, tools, media equipment, and more. It features a durable design with a flexible vinyl cord sheath and a durable plug connector housing, as well as 13 amp/125V power delivery and 16 AWG. Customers have praised its quality and reliability, noting that it is great for use in the home or on stage, and that it is well-made and should last for years.

What We Like
Reliable power source for indoor use
Durable design with flexible vinyl cord sheath
13 amp/125V power delivery and 16 AWG
High quality and reliable
Great for use in the home or on stage
#TOP 9

Southwire 5122 20 Amp Metal Power Strip with 6 Outlets and 15ft Cord

5122
Black
15 ft
Southwire 5122 20 Amp Metal Power Strip with 6 Outlets and 15ft Cord Cover
Southwire 5122 20 Amp Rated, 6 Outlet all Metal Power Strip with NEMA 5-20 P&R, 15-foot 12/3 Cord

The Southwire 5122 power strip features an all-metal heavy-duty housing that provides excellent durability and protection. With six NEMA 5-20 receptacles, the power strip can accommodate multiple devices at once. The integrated overload protection ensures that your devices are safe from damage due to power surges. Additionally, the illuminated on/off switch makes it easy to see if the power strip is turned on, and the NEMA 5-20 plug enables easy and secure connection to your power source. Overall, this power strip is a reliable and convenient option for powering your devices.

What We Like
Durable all-metal housing
Integrated overload protection for device safety
Illuminated on/off switch for easy visibility
6 outlets for powering multiple devices
15ft cord for versatile placement options
#TOP 10

ADCAUDX 25-Ft 12AWG Extension Cord

Black/Yellow
ADCAUDX 25-Ft 12AWG Extension Cord Cover
25-Ft 12AWG Nema 5-20P Extension Cord Nema 5-20 Heavy Duty Extension Cable, 20 Amp 125V Plug Nema 5-20P to 5-20R/15R,5-20P to 6-15R/20R T Blade 20Amp-Extension Cable, 125V 20A AC Power Extension Cord

The ADCAUDX Extension Cord is a versatile 25-foot cord that meets various power needs. It features a heavy-duty 12-gauge design, making it suitable for high-demand applications up to 20 amps. You can easily connect to multiple types of outlets, including 15-amp and 20-amp configurations, enhancing your flexibility for different devices. With its 4-in-1 receptacle, it allows you to plug in various appliances without worrying about compatibility. This extension cord is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, ensuring you have the power where you need it most.

What We Like
Versatile outlet compatibility
Heavy-duty construction
25-foot length
High power capacity
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What gauge is a 20 amp cord?

A 20 amp breaker requires a wire size of 12 AWG. This is the smallest wire size you should use for a 20 amp circuit breaker since an AWG gauge of 12 represents 20 amps.

2. How many amps can a 12 gauge extension cord hold?

For 100 feet, the 14 gauge cord works for 11-13 Amps, while the 12 gauge cord is best suited for 14-15 amps. If your cord is 150 feet long, the 14 gauge is best suited for 1-7 Amps, whereas the 12 gauge will support 8-10 Amps. This shows that the extension cord's length also plays a part in the power it helps safely.

3. How do I make a 20 amp extension cord?

Cut three equal lengths of wire. Strip 1/2 inch of insulation from each wire end. Attach one end of the first wire to the "hot" plug connector on the male plug, and solder the connection. Attach the other end of the first wire to the "hot" plug connector on the female plug, then solder that connection.

Editor's Notes

During our 20 amp extension cord research, we found 24 20 amp extension cord products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 237,576 customer reviews through our big data system to write the 20 amp extension cords list. We found that most customers choose 20 amp extension cords with an average price of $31.66.

The 20 amp extension cords are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of 20 amp extension cords, including Conntek, Cable Matters, Parkworld, FIRMERST, Yellow Jacket. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Harry Stack Avatar

Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.