How can I tell if an extension cord is safe and not counterfeit?

Check for a legitimate safety certification mark like UL, ETL, or CSA — if it’s missing, blurry, misspelled, or on cheap paper, it’s a red flag. Feel the cord: a genuine 14-gauge cord is thick and stiff, not suspiciously flexible or thin. Plug blades should be solid brass, not flimsy metal that bends. And if a 50-foot 12-gauge outdoor cord costs $8, it’s a fire hazard, not a deal.