10 Best Extension Cords in the Philippines 2025 | Deli, Mitsushi, and More

An extension cord does not only make power sources accessible, but it also provides additional sockets so you can plug in more devices. In relation to that, you should choose a model with just enough outlets depending on the number of devices you use simultaneously, plus an extra one for emergencies.

Unused outlets take up space and use up a tiny bit of energy that adds up over time. Thus, you can also look for ones with switches to control energy flow. You can easily switch the appliance back on when you need it. They also make the extension cords safer, as the unused sockets can sometimes cause short-circuiting or even fire when left unused.

As a rule of thumb, a longer cord is better because of increased accessibility and safety. Some models have a 1-meter cord, while others can exceed 10 meters. Before buying, it is recommended to measure the distance of the nearest wall socket to the location of your appliances, devices, or table surfaces to determine the minimum length needed. 

In addition, longer cords have greater voltage drop or the reduction of voltage caused by greater resistance. Although this can lead to devices functioning on lower power capacity, it lessens the risks of damage. 

Since wires transport power from the socket to the devices connected to the extension cord, its thickness, a measure for its carrying capacity, must be considered. The thickness or diameter of the copper wire is measured using the American Wire Gauge, which indicates the amount of power and current that can flow. An AWG rating of 12 has the most power while 16 AWG is the least.

To make it simple, thicker cords have lower AWG numbers. However, this piece of information is usually not openly stated in the product description, so if possible, look for the diameter of the cord and see the equivalent AWG rating on online comparison charts to get a rough estimate. 

Your extension cord might have lots of sockets for plugging in all your gadgets, but if you overload it, then you might be in danger of an electrical surge or even fire. This is why you should check the maximum wattage of your extension cord to guarantee that it can handle all the gadgets you plan to plug on it.

If you only plan to use the extension cord for chargers and other light appliances, then a low to medium maximum wattage from 1000 to around 2000 W should be fine. However, you should invest in a heavy-duty extension cord that allows at least 3000 W for computers and large appliances, as they take up more electricity and are more prone to overloading.

The basic function of extension cords is to extend the power source. But with the advancement of technology according to our needs, they can now be more than just extra sockets. There are plenty of features that manufacturers have added to extension cords to make them even more convenient and safer for your households.