Ridgid and Southwire Extension Cords

[rusty_ratchet]

I am looking for a good 50' 12/3 extension cord. I've seen a lot of good reviews for Ridgid and Southwire cords. Does anyone have options or experiences that one is better than the other? Is there another good brand of extension cord?

Also, Home Depot has the Ridgid cord for $63.97 and Amazon has what appears to be the same cord for $35. Are counterfeit cords an issue, or is this just a good deal?

 

[timdgsr]

I’ve purchased several of the two packs at Costco. It’s two 50’, 12/3, made in USA cords for $50. I think they used to be cheaper, or maybe I bought them on sale.

I haven’t had any problems with them over the past 5 years. I’m not real picky about extension cords though.

https://www.costco.com/outdoor-50-ft.-extension-cord%2C-2-pack.product.100336733.html

 

[rusty_ratchet]

I’ve purchased several of the two packs at Costco. It’s two 50’, 12/3, made in USA cords for $50. I think they used to be cheaper, or maybe I bought them on sale.

I haven’t had any problems with them over the past 5 years. I’m not real picky about extension cords though.

https://www.costco.com/outdoor-50-ft.-extension-cord%2C-2-pack.product.100336733.html

Thank you for the suggestion. I looked into those, but they are no longer made in the USA.

 

[larry4406]

I have the Rigid 12/2 cord with lighted end 100'. Works fine.

 

[redwrench60]

I have a couple of both. I’ve had the Ridgids for years (50’ and 100’) but bought two 50’ Southwires on clearance. The Ridgid is a much better cord. It stays flexible in the cold and takes twists, kinks and abuse better than the hard vinyl Southwire cords.

On an unrelated note a very good friend of mine is in charge of a large facility and orders the Ridgids for his housekeeping staff and says they last the longest of any he’s tried. Also if there’s an issue with one that’s not simple wear and tear he takes them back to HD for a replacement under Ridgids lifetime warranty.

 

[dimichele]

The rigid is nice and flexible.

US wire and cable is also good.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001LUT9SM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Firefighter1406]

I normally use Yellow Jacket or buy the rubber coated one so they are super flexible.

These look nice too. Especially the locking ones.

https://www.badassextensioncords.com/

 

[theoldwizard1]

I haven’t had any problems with them over the past 5 years. I’m not real picky about extension cords though.

https://www.costco.com/outdoor-50-ft.-extension-cord%2C-2-pack.product.100336733.html

The reason these are so inexpensive is the type of insulation that was used. SJTW. It is thermoplastic. Better cords are SJOOW, use a synthetic rubber insulation that make them more flexible, especially in colder weather. Both of these cords are "weather resistant" but the more expensive one insulation is "oil resistant" on the inner and outer layers.

 

[American Locomotive]

If you live in an area that gets cold, I'd really avoid PVC or SJTW jacketed cords. They get super stiff once the temperature drops.

Look for SJOOW, SOOW, or SJEOW cord as mentioned. They will remain flexible even in extreme cold. I find that these cords also tend to hold up better than SJTW cords.

 

[timdgsr]

The reason these are so inexpensive is the type of insulation that was used. SJTW. It is thermoplastic. Better cords are SJOOW, use a synthetic rubber insulation that make them more flexible, especially in colder weather. Both of these cords are "weather resistant" but the more expensive one insulation is "oil resistant" on the inner and outer layers.

Gotcha! Thanks for the info.

 

[Handyandy23]

If you live in an area that gets cold, I'd really avoid PVC or SJTW jacketed cords. They get super stiff once the temperature drops.

Look for SJOOW, SOOW, or SJEOW cord as mentioned. They will remain flexible even in extreme cold. I find that these cords also tend to hold up better than SJTW cords.

Where does SJTOW fall? Is it more similar to SJTW or will it stay flexible in the cold?

 

[tarbellb]

If you live in an area that gets cold, I'd really avoid PVC or SJTW jacketed cords. They get super stiff once the temperature drops.

Look for SJOOW, SOOW, or SJEOW cord as mentioned. They will remain flexible even in extreme cold. I find that these cords also tend to hold up better than SJTW cords.

This^^^


If flexibility is important to you and/or cord memory ie. becomes permanently twisted

then avoid any cord composite that has "T" in the makeup. T = thermoplastic, which means it becomes stiff in cold weather and also is prone to warping over time.

 

[Rinspeed]

Good info about the insulation, something I didn't know.

 

[M6erfan]

Good info about the insulation, something I didn't know.

It's important to know the differences when assessing one's needs, and when price shopping to make sure you're comparing apples to apples. Another factor to consider is the cord ends/plugs.

A lot of extension cord reels use the 'T' type cords, even high end expensive models

The US Wire & Cable cords linked above are very nice.

 

[nh_yota]

I prefer Ridgid for my "good" cords because they are more flexible and are overall a better cord. If it were up to me all of my cords would be the "better" ones but sometimes all you need is something that's good enough for the task at hand.

 

[Codaram]

I'm looking at a southwire 50' myself. The reviews seem promissing

 

[larry4406]

I prefer Ridgid for my "good" cords because they are more flexible and are overall a better cord. If it were up to me all of my cords would be the "better" ones but sometimes all you need is something that's good enough for the task at hand.

Agreed the Rigid cords are flexible which is nice.

 

[Rinspeed]

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200819235_200819235?cm_mmc=Google-pla&utm_source=Google_PLA&utm_medium=Electrical%20%3E%20Extension%20Cords&utm_campaign=Ridgid&utm_content=99375&gclid=Cj0KCQjwoPL2BRDxARIsAEMm9y8WN-OKqDZ7hBlwDodxG99zSNn9lo69C4ySpRaDh0PhzouD2qdhPwMaAv3GEALw_wcB




Same cord is $108 at Home Depot.

 

[vavet]

I have a 12/3 25’ Ridgid that is awesome for using inside my garage. I’ve had it over 10 years with no issues.

 

[mike93lx]

I have three us wire and cable 12/3 cords. They are very high quality and have been holding up very well for a while

 

[matt_i]

My favorite cords are ones made with Carol SJO cord.

Of course these are not molded plugs, but source some Hubbell 5269C and 5266C ends and you are in business.

Then you can make up any length and/or choose a different gauge of wire as needed.

 

[rusty_ratchet]

Thank you all so much for your replies. It has been very informative and helpful. I am going to go with the Ridgid cords for now. If I need something better in the future I will pursue making my own cable with one of the heavy duty cable types mentioned.