Contractor-grade extension cords vs standard home-use cords: Contractor cords are worth the extra cost for durability and honest gauge ratings.

Contractor cords have thicker insulation, better strain relief, and honest 12 AWG copper instead of 14 or 16 AWG. Standard cords work for lamps but won’t survive being walked on or left in the sun. A true contractor cord is heavier—if it’s suspiciously light, it’s just a regular cord with a yellow jacket.