backyard lighting · cord covers · cordsafe · electrical safety · extension cord safety · fli products · made in usa · outdoor lighting · outdoor string lights · patio lights · weatherproof extension cord ·May 12, 2026

CordSafe for Outdoor String Lights: The Safe Way to Run Extension Cords Outside

⚡ The String Light Safety Problem Nobody Talks About

String lights have become the defining feature of the modern outdoor living space. From backyard patios to wedding venues, from front porches to festival grounds, the warm glow of outdoor string lights transforms any space into somewhere people want to stay.

But there's a problem that most people don't think about until something goes wrong.

Every string light setup runs on extension cords. And extension cord connections — the point where the cord plugs into the outlet, or where two cords connect — are exposed to rain, dew, sprinklers, and humidity. An unprotected outdoor electrical connection is a shock hazard, a fire risk, and a code violation waiting to happen.

CordSafe PLUS is the solution. Made in USA, designed specifically for outdoor use, and built to protect extension cord connections from moisture, rain, and accidental disconnection.

Why Outdoor String Light Connections Are a Safety Risk

Most people assume that if a string light is rated for outdoor use, the whole setup is safe. That's not quite right.

The string light itself may be weatherproof. The extension cord may be rated for outdoor use. But the connection point — where the cord plugs in — is almost never protected. That's where water gets in. That's where the risk lives.

Water and electricity don't mix. A wet connection can cause:

Electric shock to anyone who touches it
Short circuits that trip breakers or damage equipment
Electrical fires, particularly in dry conditions where a spark meets combustible material
Corrosion that degrades the connection over time, creating intermittent failures

The National Electrical Code requires that outdoor electrical connections be protected from the elements. CordSafe PLUS is designed to meet that requirement in a practical, easy-to-use format that works for homeowners, event planners, and contractors alike.

What CordSafe PLUS Does

CordSafe PLUS is a weatherproof cover that fits over extension cord connections — the plug-to-outlet connection or the cord-to-cord connection — and seals them against moisture. It's designed for 12-18 AWG cords, which covers the vast majority of outdoor extension cords used for string lights, landscape lighting, and outdoor power tools.

Key features:

Fits 12-18 AWG extension cords (standard outdoor cord sizes)
Weatherproof seal protects against rain, dew, and moisture
Secure closure prevents accidental disconnection
UV-resistant materials for long-term outdoor use
Made in USA
Reusable season after season

Setting Up String Lights the Right Way

Here's the complete guide to a safe, professional-looking outdoor string light installation — with CordSafe PLUS at every connection point.

Step 1: Plan your layout. Measure the space and determine how many strings you need. Most outdoor string lights come in 25-foot or 50-foot lengths. Plan your extension cord runs to minimize the number of connections — every connection is a potential failure point.

Step 2: Choose the right extension cord. Use a heavy-duty outdoor extension cord rated for the total wattage of your string lights. For LED string lights, a 16-gauge cord is usually sufficient. For incandescent strings or longer runs, use 14-gauge or 12-gauge. Never daisy-chain indoor extension cords for outdoor use.

Step 3: Install your anchor points. String lights need something to hang from — hooks, eye bolts, or a dedicated string light pole system. Space anchor points every 8-10 feet for a clean, professional look. AnchorStake ground anchors are ideal for freestanding poles in grass or soil — no digging required.

Step 4: Run your cords. Route extension cords along the ground or along structures, away from foot traffic. Use cord clips or staples to keep cords tidy and prevent tripping hazards.

Step 5: Protect every connection with CordSafe PLUS. At every point where a cord connects to an outlet or to another cord, install a CordSafe PLUS cover. This is the step most people skip — and the step that makes the difference between a safe installation and a hazardous one.

Step 6: Test before the event. Turn everything on and check for flickering, tripped breakers, or warm connections. A warm connection point is a warning sign — disconnect and inspect before continuing.

CordSafe for Seasonal Lighting: Year-Round Applications

String lights aren't just for summer. CordSafe PLUS protects outdoor connections in every season:

Spring and summer: Patio entertaining, backyard BBQs, graduation parties, wedding receptions. String lights set the mood; CordSafe keeps the connections safe through rain and humidity.

Fall: Halloween displays, harvest parties, football tailgates. Outdoor lighting runs longer as days get shorter; CordSafe protects connections through morning dew and autumn rain.

Winter/Holiday: This is where CordSafe PLUS earns its reputation. Holiday lighting setups run for weeks or months, through rain, snow, and freezing temperatures. Every connection point is exposed to the worst conditions of the year. CordSafe PLUS is the safety upgrade that every holiday lighting setup needs.

CordSafe vs. The Alternatives

Some people try to improvise outdoor connection protection with plastic bags, electrical tape, or nothing at all. Here's why those approaches fall short:

Plastic bags trap moisture rather than repelling it, and they don't provide a secure seal. They also blow off in wind and degrade quickly in UV exposure.

Electrical tape is not weatherproof. It peels in heat, cracks in cold, and doesn't provide a reliable seal against water intrusion. It's also a pain to remove when you need to disconnect.

Nothing at all is the most common approach — and the most dangerous. An unprotected outdoor connection is a code violation and a genuine safety hazard.

CordSafe PLUS is purpose-built for this application. It's the right tool for the job, and it's the only one that provides reliable, reusable, weatherproof protection for outdoor extension cord connections.

The Made in USA Advantage

CordSafe PLUS is manufactured in the USA from weather-resistant materials that are tested for outdoor performance. That means consistent quality, reliable fit, and a product that holds up season after season. When you're protecting an electrical connection, quality matters.