Extension cords are designed to meet power requirements and connectivity for a variety of electrical items, which may include lamps, vacuum cleaners, clothes dryers, hand tools, and the like.
You may want to use an extension cord under your backyard if you simply want to run a type of device that requires power.
In short, it may not be safe to do so, and it may actually be illegal based on the state you live in.
Many people do not understand how dangerously risky it actually is to bury an extension cord in the backyard and do so without any precautions.
Running a cord under the ground or backyard area could lead to a hazardous fire risk, especially with exposure to water, UV light, chemicals, equipment, and power tools.
Safety Tips When Using an Extension Cord Under Your Backyard
In America, many people live in homes with limited space, and, more often than not, they do not have a septic system.
So, they will bury extension cords in their lawn or backyard.
Unfortunately, many people do not take the precautions to avoid accidents or hazardous situations when doing so.
In the United States Approximately 9% of electrocutions occur in the backyard. An extension cord that is not installed following electrically safe procedures can lead to catastrophic injury or death.
There are a few rules to follow when installing extension cords in the backyard.
These procedures all work toward making a house as safe and secure as possible, including avoiding electrical shock or fire hazards from extension cords for children and animals.
Use The Appropriate Extension Cords
Extension cords are divided into two general types, indoor cords, and outdoor cords.
You will want to be sure you use only cords made specifically for outdoor use. You can tell whether a cord is out-of-doors friendly, as it will always say “for outdoor use.”
Also, keep in mind that extension cords are not one-size-fits-all when it comes to their usage.
So, you will also want to select one that is appropriate for the task you intend to use it for.
For example: cords with bigger wires have more current and tend to be safer for more extended heavier usage.
Also, check to see if a cord is rated to be buried underground.
Using an extension cord to bury under ground is something to be cautious about when you are doing a renovation or landscaping.
Non-weather rated cords are not safe when buried, as the earth is an excellent thermal insulator, and unless you are using a cord that is rated as suitable for underground use, you may hurt or kill yourself using one even if it did not appear damaged to the naked eye.
In the United States, the only cable that is appropriate for underground use is an underground feeder (UF).
Underground feeder cable can withstand moisture, lighting, heat, and chemicals under the soil that could potentially cause shock or fire.
Also, non-suitable cords just need to be heavy-duty for pressure from physical elements, such as garden and lawn equipment use (like changing oil on a lawn mower) or a heavy item placing pressure on them, etc…
In other words, the insulation needs to be weather-resistant from the sunlight, moisture, or snow, or temperature changes are some environmental elements.
It should also be weather resistant if it will come in contact with chemicals, fertilizers, or pesticides from various products that you may use to help your lawn or garden.
Examine The Cords Before Setting Them Up
Before you install the extension cord outside, you’re going to want to be sure it’s in excellent condition.
You should have a good inspection to determine if the wires and insulation are in good shape.
A broken wire, or poor insulation, could lead to disaster.
That’s why it’s super essential to ensure the cords are in great shape before burying it in your backyard.
Unplug And Store the Cords Inside When Not In Use
As with many electrical devices, it is best to unplug them when you are finished with run time.
This prevents any chance of an accident happening, including shocks or fire as well as other potential issues.
Plus, if you leave the extension cord outdoors long enough, it could cause the insulation in the cord to wear down making it more prone to a shock or fire hazard.
So, as soon as you are done with it unplug the cord and put it away in a nice safe location that is not exposed to the elements.
Prevent Overheating at All Costs
Overheating can lead to melting the cord and catching on fire.
Therefore, when you put it into your backyard, do your best to limit the chances of it overheating:
- The cord should not be covered with anything like cloth/paper.
- Make sure the cord is fully extended when in use.
The cord can overheat easier when there is twisting in the wires. Keep in mind that extension cords are temporary wiring.
So continue replacing them when necessary because staying with hot extension cords can also cause problems with overheating.
If you can, upgrade your home electrical system for your ease with this conduit.
Burry The Cord to The Recommended Depth
The last thing you want is someone tripping on the extension cord or worse, someone getting at it with a sharp object.
This is if it is too close to the surface.
So you want to ensure the cord is buried deep enough into the ground that people won’t interfere with it while going about their everyday activities.
Raidally speaking, the recommended depth is at least 14 inches into the ground.
In terms of electrical codes in the United States, the recommendation is to bury cords made for 120 to 300 volts 24 inches deep.
Basically- the deeper the cord is buried, the safer it will be. With that said it shouldn’t be too deep that it renders it ineffective at serving its desired purpose.
How To Tell That an Extension Cord Is Fit for Outdoor Use
The Cord is Marked UN or OUTDOORS
Outdoor cords are made specifically for outdoor use and certain safety standards call for the cord to be marked as such.
This type of cord may handle higher temperatures, such as being out in the backyard on a hot day.
Typically rated for 240 volts with enough amperage to do the job and won’t get too hot while in use.
Heavy-duty outdoor cords also have thicker insulation making them more durable than standard indoor rated cords.
The Cable Contains a Woven or Braided Sheath
If the extension cord has a braided sheathing it is extremely unlikely to become damaged from being treated carelessly.
It is also highly manageable in that it is flexible enough for you to move it simply. One can determine whether the cord has a suitable way of handling a sharp bend (e.g., elbow or knee) in a cord by twisting the outer sheath of the cord.
If the sheath twists freely, then the cable is fine for outdoor applications.
If the sheath does not twist easily, this means there is an issue with the insulation in your cord, and therefore this extension cord should not be used outside.
The Outer Jacket Is of a Nonconductive Material
Materials that do not conduct electricity, such as PVC, are great insulators because they don’t conduct electricity.
Hence, the outer covering protects the wires from outside forces.
The Cord Is Resistant to Chemicals and Moisture.
Cords that are constructed for outdoor use should be non-reactive to moisture and chemicals.
By extension, if your cord is resistant to moisture and chemicals, you can be assured it is safe to use on your patio.
The Wires Are Tightly Twisted, Color Coded, and Insulated with A Rubber Slipper
When choosing extension cords that will be used outdoors, be sure to choose one with tightly twisted wires, as well as a rubberized coating.
There should also be color-coded insulation to protect you from electrocuting.
The above will ensure your extension cords will work outdoors, and that they are safe for all.
The Rating on The Cord’s Plugs Should Be Higher Than the Rating of The Appliance
This is to prevent overload.
If the prongs on the cord have a lower rating than the appliance, you will need to purchase an adapter.
The wire gauge should be at least 12 American Wire Gauge (AWG).
Best Extension Cords for The Backyard
Applying our advice we provide a list of some of the best outdoor extension codes to use in your backyard.
Still, it may be beneficial to do some research and find one that fits your needs the best.
Woods 50-Foot SJTOW Agricultural Outdoor Extension Cord
Key Features
- It is oil resistant
- It weighs 4 pounds
- It has a voltage of 125 volts
- It has a Type B plug format
- It is black
- It has an input current of 15 amps
This extension cord possesses a heavy-duty vinyl jacket, which makes it ideal for outdoor use.
The jacket protects the cord from outside moisture, dust, chemicals, and abrasions.
It is also versatile enough to use with various farm tools, (e.g., saws, compressors).
It is rated for 125 volts, 1875 watts, and 15 Amps.
The all-weather cord is tangle-free and will not stiffen, especially in cold weather.
Pros
- It is versatile
- It is durable
- It is powerful
- It can withstand moisture and chemicals
Cons
- Its conductors are undersized
Because of the good-quality products used in the construction, the durability of this equipment is guaranteed. Additionally, its extension is 3-pronged, and the blades are dutifully reinforced.
UltraPro 25 Ft Extension Cord
Key Features
- It is black
- It has a voltage of 125 volts
- Its plug format is type B
- Its input current is 13 Amps
- Its weight is 1.83 pounds
- It has a wattage of 1625 watts
This is certainly the safe extension cord you need for your backyard!
The UltraPro 25 Ft cord is double insulated, so it can take what mother nature throws at it.
It also has a one-piece molded plug design that makes it extra sturdy because this is an extension cord that you can keep for for years to come.
The cord has PVC insulation and jacket that make it safe for outdoor use.
Pros
- It is sturdy
- It is durable
- It has value for money
- It has a warranty
Cons
- It is not suitable for cold weather
With 13 amps and 1625 watts of power, this extension cord is capable of running a variety of yard products.
There are three total power outlets and the cord has been UL listed for safety.
Amazon Basics 100-Foot-3-Prong Vinyl Extension Cord
Key Features
- It is orange
- It has a voltage of 125 volts
- It has an input current of 10 amps
- It has a wattage of 1250 watts
- It weighs 6.3 pounds
- It has a type B plug format
This heavy-duty extension cord is an ideal option for your backyard for several different reasons.
First, it has a heavy-duty construction, which means it is built to stand up and be durable.
As a result, the cord will not breakdown or be damaged easily due to moisture, heat, or chemicals.
The cord is wrapped in tough 16-gauge vinyl that protects it from abrasion, moisture and lighting.
Also, the extension cord has insulated conductors for safety and has a 3-pong plug.
Pros
- Durable
- Well-insulated
- It is versatile
Cons
- It is costly
The Amazon Basics Extension cord has 125 volts, an input current of 10 amps, and a wattage of 1250 watts.
Final Words
Burying an extension cord in your backyard can be dangerous and is only safe under proper safety precautions.
This article has covered safety precautions you should take when going to the backyard and setting up your extension cord.
First and foremost, you should know outdoor rated extension cords.
You should have no problem picking these out because they are usually clearly marked ‘outdoor.’
There are other characteristics mentioned in the article as well. So, just remember to do your due diligence before relying on your extension cord and be safe.