Best Waterproof Outdoor Extension Leads for 2023

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Electrical fires cause well over a thousand deaths and millions of pounds worth of damage to property in the UK every year. While these tragedies can occur for a wide variety of different causes, there is no doubt that a few basic safety precautions can help you to avoid becoming another hapless statistic.

High on the list of easy things you can do to protect your family and property is buying the best waterproof outdoor extension lead that you can find.

These simple but useful pieces of equipment will ensure that you get the power that you need anywhere in your garden without any fuss. Whether you want to dazzle passers-by with stunning Christmas decorations, work in the shed or do anything else that needs electricity, there is no need to take any risks anymore.

Best Waterproof Outdoor Extension Leads Comparison Table

PRODUCT	FEATURES	LATEST PRICE
1. Masterplug HLP2013/2IP 20m Outdoor IP Rated Cable Reel	High-Quality Construction Good Value Long Cable	Check Price
2. Masterplug CT1513P/IPS 15 m Extension Lead	Range Of Thoughtful Features Good Value Long Cable	Check Price
3. Masterplug BOG10OMS 1 Gang 10A Heavy Duty Outdoor Extension Lead	Great Length For Average Gardens Good Value	Check Price
4. Masterplug LDCC2513/4BL Open Cable Reel	Durable Build Range Of Features Long Cable And Useful Reel	Check Price
5. Masterplug WBX IP54 8 m Weatherproof Box	High-Quality Construction Clever Design Easy To Set Up	Check Price
6. 25 Metre 13 Amp Orange Outdoor Extension Cable	Safety Features Easy To Use Long Cable	Check Price
7. Philex Electronic Ltd 20m Extension Lead	Easy to carry 20 meters long Splashproof	Check Price
8. SMJ CTH5013 – 4SKT 45MTR 13A Heavy Duty Cable Reel	One Of The Longest Cables On The Market Good Value Thermal Cut Out Feature	Check Price
9. SuperHandy Extension Cord	Great safety features Convenient Suitable for commercial and private use	Check Price
10. DEWENWILS Outdoor Waterproof Extension Cord box	Weather-resistant connection Durable Easy to use	Check Price

There are a number of features to look for when choosing the right waterproof external extension for your needs.

Clearly, the very first thing that most people take into account is the distance that they need to cover from their nearest indoor socket. It is no good having an extension lead that is too short to reach the place where it is needed, while one that is too long can get messy and could possibly trip people up.

Apart from the length, you need one that is sturdily built and capable of handling the load that you put on it. An extension that gives you a high degree of confidence in its safety aspects will allow you to use it without any fears about it catching fire, cutting out, or otherwise causing you problems.

Given that rain isn’t exactly a rare phenomenon in the country, choosing the best waterproof outdoor extension lead that can handle downpours without any fuss is going to let you use electricity where you need it outdoors no matter what the sky throws down at us.

The Top 10 External Waterproof Extension Leads

1. Masterplug HLP2013/2IP 20m Outdoor IP Rated Cable Reel

This heavy-duty option is the kind of outdoor extension that looks ready to handle anything that comes its way. As the name suggests, the tough Masterplug HLP2013/2IP 20m Outdoor IP Rated Cable Reel is an impressive 20 meters long and is 13 Amp IP rated too.

It has two weatherproof sockets for you to plug into and is recommended as being highly suitable for using DIY tools outdoors or for getting garden equipment up and running. The product includes thermal cut-out protection and comes with a handy instruction leaflet to clear up any doubts that you might have.

This isn’t the cheapest waterproof outdoor extension cable reel on the market but it does provide a very nice balance between price and quality of construction. If you are fed up using precarious and potentially dangerous ways of getting power outdoors then this is a smart way of getting a safe, solid option that won’t let you down.

2. Masterplug CT1513P/IPS 15 m Extension Lead

If 15 meters of cable is long enough for your needs then the orange Masterplug CT1513P/IPS 15 m Extension Lead with In-Line weatherproof Socket is one of the top waterproof external extension leads around just now. This long and rugged external extension cable is designed to handle tough tasks and keep you safe even in bad weather.

It is a 13 amp model that provides a temporary outdoor power socket that is safe and waterproof. The manufacturer suggests that it is a good choice for using power tools or garden equipment, although you can obviously use it for a lot more than that. It is IP54 rated and it comes with an H frame that makes re-winding and storage really easy every single time.

This could be the best waterproof outdoor extension lead for you if you want one that is manufactured to BS1363/2 standard but doesn’t cost a fortune to buy. One particularly nice feature is the removable plug, which allows you to feed it through small gaps if necessary.

3. Masterplug BOG10OMS 1 Gang 10A Heavy Duty Outdoor Extension Lead

As a low-cost option, this 10 metre extension cable is unlikely to disappoint you. However, it is worth pointing out that unlike many of the others we are looking at here it isn’t rated as waterproof and may be less robust over time too.

The Masterplug BOG10OMS 1 Gang 10A Heavy Duty Outdoor Power Socket comes in an orange colour for high visibility and is perfect for carrying out outdoor jobs or for setting up temporary light fittings. It has one safety shuttered socket and can handle most of the tools and equipment you might want to use in and around your property.

While it is fairly heavy-duty and could do a terrific job in many situations, you won’t want to get it wet while in use. If you think you might need to occasionally expose your extension lead to rain or other water then it is a better idea to pay slightly more for a fully waterproof extension instead.

4. Masterplug LDCC2513/4BL Open Cable Reel

If you have a particularly big garden then you might find that the Masterplug LDCC2513/4BL Open Cable Reel with Thermal Cut-Out and Reset Button is a smart choice for your best waterproof outdoor extension lead. This option gives you an excellent length of 25 metres and a host of safety features that should give you a terrific sense of peace of mind when you use it.

It is 13 amp rated and has 4 sockets, so it is more than capable of handling a lot of heavy use with big, powerful tools or equipment. The open cable reel that it uses is a huge benefit when it comes to working safely and keeping the property safe for other people to walk in to.

This model has a very tough design and a safety thermal cut-out that stops over-heating from being a risk. With safety socket shutters and good instructions, this is a safe and sensible option for anyone who plans on doing a lot of fairly heavy work outdoors.

5. Masterplug WBX IP54 8 m Weatherproof Box

This good-value weatherproof outdoor extension could be the answer to your problems when it comes to working outdoors at any time of year. The sturdy Masterplug WBX IP54 8 m Weatherproof Box with 4-Gang 10 A Extension Lead comes in grey/black and provides a smart solution to a common problem.

Instead of struggling with a long cable that and sockets that are exposed to the elements, you can use this enclosed box for carrying out jobs with power tools or setting up festive decorations safely. It is IP54 rated and gives you a 4 gang, 8 metre extension lead that is rated for 10 amps.

This product comes with everything you need to set up a sturdy, temporary outdoor socket that could make life a whole lot easier for you from now on. You just need to mount it on an outdoor wall and you can then very easily start to use it to give you the electricity that you need outside your house.

6. 25 Metre 13 Amp Orange Outdoor Extension Cable

Outdoor enthusiasts and DIY fans will be pleased to see how easily this product lets them work and enjoy their property from now on. The 25 Metre 13 Amp Orange Outdoor Extension Cable by Status is tough enough to handle a variety of uses, from powering your outdoor lighting to letting you cut the grass or trim the hedge safely.

The longer length of this cable makes it one of the best outdoor extension lead products for anyone who has a big garden or simply wants to make sure that they aren’t yanking at it to try and reach the furthest corners. However, it is fitted with normal sockets that aren’t fully waterproof, meaning that you won’t want to take any risks with it in bad weather.

With a 2 gang socket, rugged construction, and a useful carry handle, this is a versatile way of getting power out of doors whenever and wherever you need it. In terms of useful safety features, there is a thermal over-heating trip that can be reset by hand and that gives you a high level of protection.

7. Philex Electronic Ltd 20m Extension Lead 

This 20-meter cable can be fully unwound in seconds and is appropriate for all weather conditions, so don’t worry about leaving it outside. It is ideal for both commercial and domestic use, and it is completely corrosion resistant and safe due to the built-in thermal overload. The power sockets are splash-proof and IP54 rated waterproof sealed. 

The cable is very convenient and easy to use. It has a handle that makes carrying it comfortable and easy. 

8. SMJ CTH5013 – 4SKT 45MTR 13A Heavy Duty Cable Reel

For big jobs from a traditional indoor power socket, the massively long SMJ CTH5013 – 4SKT 45MTR 13A Heavy Duty Cable Reel with Thermal Cut-Out is a great purchase. This 45 metre long extension is big enough to make life simple when outdoors, although it can also be ordered in shorter lengths if needed.

This is one of the best waterproof outdoor extension lead products partly because of the extra length and partly because it is so well built. The open drum cable reel has a steel frame and carry handle, making it easy to move around. Having said that, the length of this cable means that winding it in can be time-consuming anyway.

Among the most important features is the thermal cut-out that stops it from overloading or overheating while you are working hard. It will immediately stop working if overloaded and you need to press the reel’s red reset button in order to get it back working again. In this way, you can work safely and without any fears.

9: SuperHandy Extension Cord 

This extension cord extends to 15 meters long. The cable is ultra-flexible and can wind around furniture and equipment in your garage. 

The double adjustment feature locks the cord in place so that it doesn’t move around unless you want it to. The extension cord is best suited for indoor use; however, you can use it outside in dry conditions in a shaded area. 

10. DEWENWILS Outdoor Waterproof Extension Cord box

This box does more than just protect the connectors on your extension cords – with its bulkier storage space, you can use it to coil up and store any excess cord length as well, keeping it safely out of the way of whatever appliances or bystanders might be in the area. Slack cord can be a serious trip hazard in nearly any environment – people can fall and get hurt, the plug or outlet might be damaged, and equipment can be bragged around or pulled over. Keeping all extra cord in this box is a simple, safe solution to all of these problems.

If you need to keep your electronics outdoors for an extended period of time, or use the same electronic array fon a regular basis, you’ve probably been looking for a storage solution that will allow you to store both your cords and your equipment in the same safe and dry container.This box is roomy enough for lights, timers, reels, and more, and is IP5 weatherproofed to keep your equipment safe and secure. 

As a responsible tool user, you are doubtless familiar with the damage that can be done by unattended tools. A final feature of this box is the child lock system, intended to keep dangerous tools safely away from younger hands until you’re ready to teach them how to use them properly. 

How Does It Work

There is no doubt that a good, reliable outdoor extension lead can be incredibly useful in a number of situations. Whether it to provide lighting for entertaining friends in your garden or for working hard, this is a tool that is likely to pay for itself over the years.

In its simplest form, an extension lead is simply a cable with a plug on one end and a socket on the other end. This allows you to take your home’s power supply with you when you are in the garden.

These extension leads can vary greatly in size, with 5 metres all the way up to 50 metres the most common range. It can be useful to think ahead and choose a bigger model that could come in handy in the future even if you don’t need the full length right now.

Features That Are Important

Apart from the length, the number of sockets and the type of socket also vary, and this is an area you will want to take into account when choosing the best waterproof outdoor extension lead for your needs. Will you only use one socket or might there be occasions when you need to plug in more tools or equipment? Do you want a shuttered socket that increases your safety?

The vast majority of these cables are for strictly temporary use, even those that come with a sturdy enclosure and can be fitted to an outdoor wall. You certainly don’t want to set one up as a permanent power supply to a garage or summer house.

In terms of the all-weather suitability, this will also vary widely from one extension cable to the next. Typically, the rugged types that are designed for use on tough outdoor jobs will handle tough weather (as well as higher amp usage).

However, many outdoor cables will only have an insulated cable, leaving the socket open to the elements. This means that you will want to be very careful about what the weather is like when you use it.

Let’s Wrap It Up

At first sight, it might appear as though the only important aspect of your new waterproof extension lead is the length. While this is certainly the most visible difference between different models there are other factors to take into account, such as the amp rating, whether it is waterproof and how many sockets it has.

If you only need an outdoor power supply for very occasional, light jobs then you may be tempted to buy a cheap model. This will probably do the job for you but a better approach is to pay a little bit more for a tougher extension lead with a range of useful safety features.

Perhaps the most important point to bear in mind is that making a good choice will keep you safe and well-equipped for years to come. You simply never know what outdoor power needs you might have in the future, as your lifestyle changes over time.

By taking some time to make a smart and informed decision just now you can avoid the risk of having to buy several of these products over the years to replace broken or worn models that didn’t last long.

Above all else, making a good choice now will keep you and your family safe no matter what you use it for outdoors in the future.

FAQ:

Q: Can extension leads be left outside?

A: You should never leave an extension lead outside, even if it is an outdoor extension lead. This is very dangerous and could cause fatal accidents. 

Q: How do you protect an extension cord outside?

A: If you are worried about the safety of your extension cord, you should only use an extension cord outside if it is weatherproof. Every other method of protection is unreliable. 

Q: Can I plug an extension lead into another extension lead?

A: No, you should never plug an extension lead into another extension lead. This is very dangerous. 

Q: What happens if an extension cord gets wet?

A: A wet extension cord should be dried out fully before use. If the extension cord has become damp from saltwater, then you should rinse well with fresh water and use compressed air to dry it out completely. 

Q: What happens if water gets into an extension lead socket. 

A: You should replace the damaged extension lead immediately. Do not use a wet lead.