5 Things to Know About Flat vs. Round Extension Cords

Flat cords are for light, temporary indoor use They work fine for lamps and phone chargers but cannot handle high-wattage appliances.

Flat cords are more prone to damage The side-by-side conductors have minimal insulation, making them easy to pinch, cut, or overheat.

Never run a flat cord under a rug It traps heat and hides damage, creating a fire risk.

Round cords are built for heavy or outdoor duty Twisted conductors inside a thick jacket provide better crush resistance, moisture sealing, and higher amperage capacity.

Round cords are safer for anything drawing real power Use a round cord for saws, space heaters, or any device pulling over 10 amps.