How do I get my outdoor extension cord to plug into another?

Gabby
by Gabby

My cord will not go all the way into another cord

  4 answers
  • I think you'll need to get a longer cord or move what you're plugging in closer.

  • Mogie Mogie on Nov 29, 2018

    • Poster above is right get a longer cord. Not a good idea to run cord to cord. If you plan on using this outdoors only use a cord marked for outdoor use. Don't plug multiple cords together.

    Don’t go smaller than 16 gauge – Long extension cords smaller than 16 gauge with a load on them can heat up quickly (and possibly catch fire)

    • Beware the “big cord” – Just because an extension cord is bigger in diameter than another doesn’t mean that it can handle more amperage. Some extension cords are made for heavy abuse and have more plastic on them to protect the wires inside. Always read the label before buying
    • Buy quality – Some inexpensive, Chinese extension cords are made with cheap components and are fire hazards. Buy from a store that specializes in hardware or electrical components. Sometimes that deal at the “dollar” store isn’t such a good deal


  • Judith Judith on Nov 29, 2018

    i had the same problem after I put up my Christmas tree lights. My husband took a hard file to the fatter end of the plug......and it went in instantly. The guy at Home Depot told me that sometimes when extension cords are made....the plastic coating sometimes get thicker in the hole ends....and when my husband did the filing....it worked perfectly!!!

  • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Dec 02, 2018

    Inside or outside, don't plug multiple extension cords into each other. Go for the longer cords that reach where you want to go. Make sure it is outside cord if that is where you plan on using it. The lower the gauge number, the more amperage it can handle and the safer it is. Be safe, get a longer cord.