MMA-Today is reader-supported. When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Best Flat Plug Extension Cord in Australia (2023 Buyers Guide)

Finding the best flat plug extension cord in Australia is essential if your power outlet is nowhere near your worksite. When you need to use a device, tool, or piece of equipment away from a socket, an extension lead is an ideal solution. But how do you pick the right one? Here, we give you our buyer’s guide for this year.

Best Overall

Belkin 8-Outlet Surge Protection Strip

If you’re looking for a good value, all round performer, this Belkin extension cord will fit the bill. With its eight protected AC power outlets, it allows you to plug in and operate several devices or tools at once.

How Do You Find The Best Extension Cord With Flat Plug?

What should you look out for when choosing an extension cord with a flat plug? Here are a few key points and features to consider.

Extension Cord Length

Extension cords are available in a range of lengths. A key factor you need to determine is how long you require yours to be. Will a relatively short cable meet your needs, or do you need a much longer cord? Measure the length you require to ensure you get an appropriate model. 

It’s also important to remember that a longer cord will cause the voltage to drop. This means that less power may be carried through the lead.

Belkin's white flat plug extension lead with some adopters on it

Extension Cord Gauge

Two key factors determine the load capacity of a cord and its electrical current-carrying ability. 

First is the length, which we’ve already looked at. The second is the wire gauge. Its thickness will affect the amount of current that the wire is able to carry. For example, a 12 AWG (1) cord is designed to be used with a regular 120V outlet.

Are there thin extension cords to fit under doors? Check this guide to find the answer.

A smaller number means a thicker wire. However, with the length of the cord taken into account, a longer cord may have a lower amperes rating. For example, a cord that is 18 AWG may only have a 5 or 7 ampere load if its length is 25 feet. If the cord is double that length, a 16 AWG wire would be needed to get a load rating at the same level.

Where Will The Cord Be Used?

Think about where you’ll be using the extension lead. Will it be outdoors or indoors? You need to check that the cord is properly rated for the environment in which it will be used.

Image Name Features
Best Overall Best Overall Belkin 8-Outlet Surge Protection Strip
  • 900 joules protection
  • Length of cord – 2 metres
  • 8 standard outlets and 2 USB ports
see on amazon
best on a budget best on a budget USB Power Strip Surge Protector Long Extension Cord 5 feet
  • Length of cord – 5 feet
  • 600 joules protection rating
  • 3 standard outlets and 3 USB ports
see on amazon
YUNDOO Power Strip, Surge Protector
  • Length of cord – 6 feet
  • 2100 joules protection
  • 12 standard AC outlets, 1 USB C port and 4 USB A ports
see on amazon

Our Flat Plug Extension Lead Reviews

Here, we bring you our top three flat plug extension lead picks for this year.

1. Belkin 8-Outlet Surge Protection Strip – Best Overall

Specifications

  • 900 joules protection

  • Length of cord – 2 metres
  • 8 standard outlets and 2 USB ports

If you’re looking for a good value, all-round performer, this Belkin extension cord will fit the bill.

With its eight protected AC power outlets, it allows you to plug in and operate several devices or tools at once. It also offers excellent protection against surges, voltage fluctuations, and energy spikes as high as 900 joules. 

Not only does this extension cord have 8 power outlets, but it also has two integrated USB A ports too. This means portable devices can be rapidly charged while also being protected from data loss and damage. 

Designed with robust housing, this cord is well-protected from rust, impact, and fire. It has an LED not-grounded indicator if the outlet isn’t grounded for extra safety. It also features a recessed power switch so you can’t accidentally power your devices off. Meanwhile, sliding safety covers keep children protected. 

The extension cord itself stretches for two metres and is heavy-duty enough to ensure excellent power flow.

If you need to find an affordable extension cord that can safely power multiple devices at once, this Belkin model could be the perfect option.

2. USB Power Strip Surge Protector Long Extension Cord 5 feet – Best on a Budget

Specifications

  • Length of cord – 5 feet 

  • 600 joules protection rating
  • 3 standard outlets and 3 USB ports

Affordable without compromising on quality, this ONSINCO extension lead is a great choice for anyone on a tight budget. With its three standard outlets and its two USB charging ports (one type C) it’s perfect for all kinds of purposes. Up to 6 devices can be powered simultaneously. 

This device offers great protection for the user thanks to its 600 joules protection rating and integrated circuit breaker. It has strong housing too which is resistant to flames, high temperatures, and impacts. Added reliability and safety comes in the form of overload, overcurrent, over-voltage, overheat, and short-circuit protection. 

Designed for portability, this convenient five-foot extension card allows access to places that are hard to reach. With holes on the reverse side, it can even be hung up on a wall securely.

Meanwhile, the 45 degrees angled low-profile plug design makes this an ideal choice for any hard-to-reach wall outlet. It can be used behind sofas or beds with ease. It also has plenty of space between each of the AC outlets so larger plugs can be accommodated without blocking other plugs.

If you’re looking for an affordable flat plug extension cord that gives you plenty of flexibility, this is the one for you.

3. YUNDOO Power Strip, Surge Protector

Specifications

  • Length of cord – 6 feet

  • 2100 joules protection
  • 12 standard AC outlets, 1 USB C port and 4 USB A ports

When you need some serious power from your extension cord, this YUNDOO model won’t disappoint.

With no less than 12 standard AC power outlets together with 4 USB A outlets and 1 USB C outlet, this 6-foot long extension cord is an excellent solution for all your equipment and devices. 

Capable of charging as many as 17 devices simultaneously up to a maximum power of 2500 watts, this ETL listed cord is safe and durable. 

With an ABS+PC fireproof housing, this power strip is capable of withstanding very high temperatures up to 750 degrees Celsius. It won’t overheat during use as the overcurrent protection switch will limit its current to a specific setting.

Flexible and convenient, this cord comes with reusable cable ties to tie any unused length of cord up for better organization. There is also a rear mounting hole to allow this strip to be installed securely on the wall, on a bench, or under a counter. Thanks to its minimum of 2100 joules (2) energy absorbing capacity, this cord gives you optimal protection and plenty of versatility. If you’re looking for an extension cord that’s suitable for all your devices, this is the one.

The Verdict – Which Is The Best Flat Extension Cord In Australia?

We’ve recommended three great flat extension cords here, but overall, we think the Belkin represents the best overall solution. 

Safe, strong, and durable, it has plenty of outlets to power several devices at once. It also comes in at an affordable price, making it a great choice even if you’re on a budget.

Feature Image Source: wikimedia.org

Flat Plug Extension Cords FAQs

Flat plug extension cords can be unsafe if used incorrectly. Here are some top tips to make sure you stay safe during their use:

Don’t use an indoor extension cord outdoors

Avoid plugging more than one extension cord together

Avoid running an extension cord under furniture or rugs 

Don’t tape an extension cord to the floor or attach it to a surface with nails or staples

Don’t coil or bend the cord during use

Cover any unused cord receptacle with a childproof cover

Don’t use an extension cord if it’s hot to the touch

If used correctly, a flat plug extension cord isn’t dangerous. However, it can cause a hazard if used inappropriately. Here are some ways in which extension cords may be hazardous:

  1. Eland Cables – What Is The Conversion Between AWG and The Metric System – Retrieved from https://www.elandcables.com/the-cable-lab/faqs/faq-what-is-the-conversion-between-awg-and-the-metric-system
  2. WhatIs.com – Joule – retrieved from https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/joule

Leave a Comment