Water and electricity do not mix, and the results, if you’re working with any type of domestic pressure washer, can be shocking, which is why waterproof outdoor extension leads are essential. This water and electricity issue becomes a problem when you’re cleaning your car, traditional extension leads will leave you frazzled and despite manufacturers’ claims, leads are always just too short for what you need.
This leaves you two options for powering your pressure washer, wet and dry vacuum cleaner or lawnmower; go for a cordless model and watch your battery charge meticulously, or buy a waterproof extension cable that’ll allow you to work away without the risk of electrocution.
We’ve had a look around to find a variety of waterproof extension cables to suit most needs.
The best waterproof outdoor extension leads at a glance:
Best waterproof extension lead (Editor’s choice): Masterplug Outdoor Single Inline Socket Extension – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best waterproof extension lead with two plugs: Masterplug 20 Metre Waterproof Case Reel – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best ultimate weather protection: 2G 2 Gang IP66 Weatherproof Extension Lead – Buy now from Amazon UK
The best waterproof outdoor extension leads:
Best waterproof extension lead (Editor's choice)
Pros
- Good IP rating
- Comes with cable tidy
Cons
- Only one socket
Best waterproof extension lead with two plugs
Pros
- Easy-to-use reel
- Safety cut out
Cons
- The cover can be a tight fit on thicker cables
Best ultimate weather protection
Pros
- Secure
- Can be wall-mounted
Cons
- Best suited to permanent installations
Best waterproof extension lead for multiple sockets
Pros
- Four sockets
- Temporary or wall-mounted
Cons
- Only 8m long
Best long extension for convenience
Pros
- Suitable for wall mounting
- Easy and convenient to use
Cons
- The handle is close to the edge of the reel
What is IP?
IP stands for ingress protection and is a way of measuring how protected an electrical item is from solids (the first number) and liquids (the second number), so it’s important to understand what to look for when you’re after a waterproof extension lead.
Solid protection:
0 – No protection
1 – Protection against solid objects over 50mm (like your hand)
2 – Protection against solid objects over 12mm (like a finger)
3 – Protection against solid objects over 2.5mm (tools)
4 – Protection against solid objects over 1mm (small tools and wires)
5 – Protection against solid objects and dust protected
6 – Protection against solid objects and totally dust-tight
Liquid protection
0 – No protection
1 – Protection against vertically dripping water
2 – Protection against direct sprays of water up to 15 degrees off vertical
3 – Protection against direct sprays of water up to 60 degrees off vertical
4 – Protection against direct sprays in all directions
5 – Protected against low-pressure blasts of water in all directions
6 – Protected against powerful pressure blasts of water in all directions
As a rule of thumb, we say look for an IP54 rating for a domestic waterproof extension cord which means it’s protected against dust that could damage other electronics and is watertight against any water splashes. This means as long as you don’t shoot it with the nozzle (or any other pressure washer attachment) you’ll be fine. Anything rated higher is better still but will often cost a bit more.
Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for Parkers and CAR, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. With an MA in Automotive Journalism, when he’s not testing buckets he can be found looking at old Porsches.
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