Do you know why it is apparently impossible to buy outdoor heavy electrical cords in a dark green color? I have an electric outdoor grill and don't want a garish color such as yellow or orange so that the cord won't be so obvious. I'm looking for a 12- or 14-gauge about 50 feet long, but the heaviest largest dark green seems to be 16-gauge, which is too small. —Thanks.

I usually make my own extension cords, so I've never given any thought to cord color until you raised the question. Since you are looking for a 12- or 14-gauge wire, you must know the amps/watts your electric outdoor grill draws. To answer your question, green is usually sold during the Christmas season. They are only 16-gauge (50 feet/13 amps or 100 feet/10 amps) because most outdoor lights used during that time can be safely used on that size gauge and amp-rated wire. Basically, there is no demand for the green 12- or 14-gauge wire you seek.

What's interesting is that each colored extension cord on the market has a specific purpose. For example, orange is an economically priced cord, black is a traditional color and usually has an oil-resistant jacket, yellow is known for safety so is frequently found on job sites, and blue cords are designed to stay flexible for use in colder temperatures.

Out of this rainbow of cord colors, I did find a beige colored cord that might work for your application. It's by Woods (www.woods.com) and is sold under the trade name YardMaster Easy Cords. They offer a 14/3-gauge 80-foot cord with a 13-amp rating and a 16/3-gauge 40-foot with a 15-amp rating.

They also make the Lock-Jaw locking plug with a bright green and black jacket sold in a 14/2-gauge 80-foot with a 13-amp rating. These extension cords can be found at your local home centers, but if you are unable to locate them, contact Woods at 800-428-6168 and ask for customer service.

As I mentioned earlier, I make my own extension cords (usually in black). Why don't you contact an electrical supply house in your area (or online) to see if they carry a green colored jacket (or other suitable color) in 12-gauge wire so you can make your own. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, so good luck!

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C.R.S., Inc. · Spokane, Washington · USA