Short Answer
The right brennenstuhl® extension cord depends on the location of use, the required length, and the connected devices. For indoor use, the garden, the workshop, or camping, brennenstuhl® offers various extension cords with different cable qualities, conductor cross-sections, and protection ratings.
When Is an Extension Cord Suitable?
An extension cord is the right choice if you want to extend the reach of an existing outlet and do not need an additional cable reel.
Typical areas of use:
- Household
- Office
- Garden
- Garage
- Camping
What Cable Length Do I Need?
| Area of Use | Recommended Length |
|---|---|
| Desk and Living Room | 2–5 m |
| Basement and Garage | 5–10 m |
| Garden | 10–25 m |
| Camping | 10–25 m |
Choose the cable length as close as possible to your actual needs.
Which Cable Designation Is the Right One?
H05VV-F
For dry indoor areas.
H05RR-F
For light outdoor use and flexible applications.
H07RN-F
For demanding outdoor use, workshops, or construction sites.
Learn more about cable qualities and types here:
What are the differences between the cable types of brennenstuhl® cable reels or extension cables?
Which Cable Quality Should I Choose?
Cable quality determines resistance against:
- Moisture
- UV radiation
- Temperature fluctuations
- Mechanical stress
For outdoor use, a robust rubber cable is recommended.
What Does the Conductor Cross-Section Mean?
The conductor cross-section affects the load capacity of the extension cord. Basically: the larger the conductor cross-section, the higher the possible current load and the lower the voltage drop over longer cables.
The following power ratings serve as guidelines for typical applications and are deliberately conservative recommendations. The actual permissible load depends, among other things, on cable length, installation method, and ambient temperature.
| Conductor Cross-Section | Recommended Power | Typical Application |
| 0.75 mm² | up to approx. 1,000 W | Small devices like lamps, chargers, or consumer electronics |
| 1.0 mm² | up to approx. 1,500 W | Small to medium devices in the household |
| 1.5 mm² | up to approx. 2,500 W | Household, garden, office, and general applications |
| 2.5 mm² | up to approx. 3,500 W | Powerful devices, long cables, and demanding applications |
| 4.0 mm² | up to approx. 5,000 W* | Commercial applications and higher loads |
| 6.0 mm² | up to approx. 7,000 W* | Professional applications and special power supplies |
| 10.0 mm² | up to approx. 11,000 W* | Industrial applications and high-power CEE connections |
| 16.0 mm² | up to approx. 18,000 W* | Industry, construction power distributors, and particularly high current loads |
* These conductor cross-sections are mainly used for special extension cords, CEE extensions, or professional applications.
Pay particular attention to a sufficiently large conductor cross-section for powerful devices and longer extension cords.
What Protection Rating Do I Need?
IP20
For dry indoor areas.
IP44
For garden, terrace, and other outdoor areas.
When Should I Choose an Extension Cord with a Residual Current Device (RCD)?
An RCD provides additional personal protection when working outdoors or in damp environments.
Recommended for:
- Garden work
- Construction sites
- Electric tools
What Plug Variants Are Available?
Depending on the application, different versions are available:
- Grounded extension cords
- CEE extensions for camping and commercial use
- Extension cords with grounded couplings
- Extension cords with flip covers for outdoor use
Which Extension Cord Is Suitable for Which Applications?
Household and Office
Extension cords with protection rating IP20 and plastic cable.
Garden
Extension cords with protection rating IP44 and weather-resistant cable.
Workshop
Robust extension cords with rubber cable and increased protection.
Camping
CEE extensions or weather-resistant extension cords.
Conclusion
The right brennenstuhl® extension cord depends on the location of use, the required length, the protection rating, and the cable quality. For indoor use, a standard extension cord is usually sufficient, while for the garden, workshop, or camping, robust and weather-resistant models are recommended. Also, pay attention to the appropriate conductor cross-section so that the cable is suitable for the connected devices and the recommended power consumption is not exceeded.