G'day! You're in the middle of a weekend clean-up, the sun is shining, and you decide the car is in desperate need of a vacuum. You pull out the vacuum cleaner, but the cord won't quite reach the driveway. What's the classic Aussie solution? A quick dash to Kmart.

The Kmart extension cord is a true household staple. It's that affordable, no-fuss bit of kit you grab when you just need a bit of extra reach for a job around the home or garden. But while they're incredibly handy, it's important to know what they're good for, and what they're not.

What to Expect from a Kmart Extension Cord

When you pick up an extension lead from Kmart, typically under their 'Anko' brand, you're getting a standard, 10-amp domestic-use cord.

The "10-amp" part is the key here. This means it's designed to handle the same amount of power as a regular indoor power point. They are perfect for most common household appliances and come in a range of convenient lengths, from a few metres for inside to longer 10m or 20m reels for the garden.

What Are They Good For? (And What They're NOT For)

A Kmart extension cord is a fantastic, budget-friendly choice for light-duty jobs around the home.

Perfect For...

• Powering the whipper snipper or a standard electric lawnmower.
• Running some party lights for a backyard barbie.
• Using the vacuum cleaner outside or in a different room.
• Plugging in your laptop charger when you're working on the patio.
• For most everyday, low-power appliances and tools.

Probably NOT The Best Choice For...

These are domestic-grade leads, so they're not designed for heavy-duty, worksite conditions or high-power equipment. You wouldn't want to use one for:

• Powering a big welder, industrial compressor, or a powerful drop saw.
• Running multiple high-power tools at once from a connected power board.
• Connecting a caravan to a powered site (you need a special 15-amp cord for that).
• Any situation where the cord is likely to be driven over, crushed, or exposed to harsh chemicals.

Top Safety Tips: Don't Be a Dag with Your Cords

No matter where your lead is from, safety is key.

• Always uncoil it fully before use to prevent it from overheating.
• Don't run it under rugs or in a place where it can be pinched by a door or window.
• Give it a quick check for damage before each use. If the outer casing is cut or frayed, it's knackered. Bin it.
• Never 'daisy chain' multiple extension cords together to get more length.
• Keep it dry! Use a weatherproof connector if you're joining it to another cord outside.

When You Need Something a Bit More Grunty

A Kmart extension cord is the perfect, affordable solution for all those everyday jobs around the house.

But for a worksite, a workshop with powerful tools, or any situation that demands heavy-duty, reliable power day-in and day-out, you need to step up to a trade-quality lead. This is where a specialist electrical supplier comes in. Schnap Electric Products is a leading Australian supplier of professional-grade electrical gear, trusted by tradies and serious renovators. They stock a huge range of heavy-duty, trade-rated extension cords, including 15-amp leads for caravans and high-power tools, and weatherproof options built for the toughest worksite conditions. When you need a cord that's built to handle a hard day's yakka, you need the kind of quality gear you'll find at a supplier like Schnap Electric.