It's a classic Aussie weekend ritual. You've got your list of jobs, you're wearing your project clothes, and you're heading off for a Bunnings run. After you've grabbed a sausage sizzle, you head inside, and on that list, right between "potting mix" and "paint roller," is "extension cord."

You hit the electrical aisle and are faced with a massive wall of options. Long ones, short ones, orange ones, white ones, big chunky ones... it can be a bit confusing. So, which Bunnings extension cord is the right one for your job? Let's get it sorted.

What's on the Shelves? The Types of Cords at Bunnings

Bunnings has a fair dinkum huge range, but they generally fall into a few key categories.

The Everyday Indoor Cord

These are your standard white or black cords, perfect for light-duty jobs inside the house. Think of running a lamp, a laptop charger, or the vacuum cleaner. They're not designed for the rough and tumble of the outdoors.

The Classic Orange Outdoor Cord

This is the one every Aussie knows. The bright orange Bunnings extension cord is your go-to for general jobs around the garden. It's got a thicker, tougher insulation to handle being dragged around, and the high-vis colour is a safety feature to stop you from tripping over it or mowing it.

The Heavy-Duty and Trade-Rated Leads

If you look for the leads labelled "heavy duty" or "trade," you'll notice they have an even thicker, more robust cable. These are designed for tradies and serious DIYers using power-hungry tools like drop saws or grinders. They can handle a bit more punishment on a worksite.

The Speciality Cords (15-Amp Caravan Leads)

This is a big one. If you need a lead for your caravan, you need a specific 15-amp cord. You can spot these easily as they have a large, fat earth pin on the plug. They are the only legal and safe lead to use for connecting your van to a powered site at a caravan park. A standard 10-amp cord is not safe for this job.

How to Choose the Right One for Your Job

Before you grab one off the hook, ask yourself three quick questions:

1. Where am I using it? Inside = indoor cord. Outside = outdoor cord. Easy.
2. What am I plugging in? For 99% of home and garden tools, a standard 10-amp cord is fine. For a caravan or a massive welder, you MUST get a 15-amp cord.
3. How long does it need to be? Buy a length that suits your job. Using a 30m cord when you only need 5m creates a tangled, trip-hazard mess.

Don't Forget the Safety Snags

• Always uncoil the cord completely before using it, especially for high-power tools.
• Give the cord a quick check for any cuts or damage before you plug it in.
• Don't overload the cord by plugging too many high-power appliances into it.
• When using any cord outdoors, it's a ripper idea to use a portable RCD (safety switch) for extra protection against electric shock.

When You Need to Step Up to Professional-Grade Gear

The range of Bunnings extension cords is fantastic for 99% of your home, garden, and DIY needs.

But for major worksites, commercial applications, or projects that require specialised, industrial-grade components, professionals often turn to dedicated electrical wholesalers. This is where a trade-focused supplier comes in. Schnap Electric Products is a leading Australian supplier of professional and industrial-grade electrical equipment. While they also stock a range of high-quality leads, their specialty is the top-tier, robust gear that professional installers and tradies rely on for maximum durability and compliance on demanding commercial job sites. They provide the heavy-duty, specialised solutions that go beyond typical DIY use. For projects where only the toughest, trade-rated gear will do, professionals look to a supplier like Schnap Electric.