Extension cords are needed for powering tools, outdoor lighting, summertime fun, barbecues, parties, holiday lighting, and any other event or activity that requires electricity. But, thick extension cord wiring doesn’t often “go” with your outside decor. It makes perfect sense to conceal your cables, however, actually doing so requires some work.

If you want to learn how to hide your outdoor extension cords, keep reading.

How Do You Hide Outdoor Extension Cords?

There are quite a few different ways to hide extension cords outside of your home, but they'll likely cost you some money in products and tools. The good news is, with these methods, once the cords are hidden, they stay that way. So, these methods will benefit you in the long term by hiding your extension cords from harmful weather and animal bites. Plus, hiding cords will make your outdoor area look safe and clean.

1. Hide your Extension Cord with a Conduit

By using a conduit and c-clamp, you could take your extension cord and run it around the perimeter of the house. You could run it through the outside walls, siding, garden borders, fences, and any decorations that you have in the garden or yard – all without it being visible to anyone.

This method is pretty easy. There are two ways to feed the extension cord into the conduit. The first way utilizes a metal fish tape puller and the second way includes the use of a vacuum cleaner, conduit piston, and pulling wire.

Metal Fish Tape Wire Puller

With the wire puller you’re only going to need to feed the wire into the conduit. It’s that easy. Simply wrap the cord to the hook part of the wire puller, and finally, pull.

Conduit Piston

With the conduit piston you need to tie the wire off, take the other end and insert it into one side of the conduit. Using tape, fasten the vacuum nozzle to the other side of the conduit and then turn the vacuum on. Suck the piston to the open end of the conduit and take the piston away.

2, Hide Your Extension Cord with Plants and Grass

Using existing plants and grass is a great way to hide an extension cord. Plus, it’s easier to do than using a conduit. With this plan, you can put the cords directly onto your walking path or wall. The cord can be hidden in different plants and other decorations. Get creative with it. Hide the cord in stones of different sizes or colors, and areas of grass or flowers. This method is great because you can make your outdoors look nice and organized, while at the same time, hiding your extension cords. If you anticipate that tripping hazards may be a problem, use an outdoor cable ramp. Simply cut the ramp to the length and size you need, and fix it to the ground with your cord inside.

3. Hide Your Extension Cord by Installing it Underground

Wanna know the best way to hide your extension cord? Believe it or not, it’s to install it underground. This method is the best because it's a long term, permanent solution without much maintenance or upkeep. There are no tripping hazards and you don’t have to get creative with it. The cords go underground and that’s it. The issue with this method is the cost, as it requires the most expensive tools and products.

To do it, take a PVC ribbed tube and conceal the extension cords within it. This prolongs their lifespan in addition to making the yard look better. Once the cord is hidden you’ll need an outlet cover or a plug cover. This is what will make the underground cord weatherproof. The covered cord will then need to be put into the ground. You’ll need a trenching tool to do this. You can either outsource this task to a handyman, or do the job yourself. If you’d like to do it on your own, here’s your guide:

Step #1 – Cover your outlet in a weatherproof box. If you’re going to be using more than one outlet, you’ll need to assemble them too. Once you know how many outlets you’ll be using, make sure to bridge the connection. If you’re only using a single outlet, you don’t need to do any of that. You will still need a cover for your electrical plug in order to ensure your electrical connection outside.

Step #2 – Dig a Channel. Next you’re going to dig a channel for your cords. First you’ll take the outlet you built and put it in a location where it will work best. Make sure the cord is long enough – you need the cord to reach your installation location and the outdoor outlet. After that take your trench tool and dig. You’ll want the channel to be at least 8 to 10 inches deep. Once the space is big enough, insert your cord into the conduit. And that’s it, you’ve created your channel.

Step #3 – Test Your Work. Is your setup working? To find out, simply plug the extension cord into the outdoor receptacle you planted and see if it works. Turn on your gardening lights, decorations, or anything else.

Tips for Managing Your Cords Better

• Organize multiple cords. If you’re using more than one electrical connection, organization is key. Tangle-free cords keep your electrical equipment in good condition, plus it’s easier to clean up and set up.
• Tape cords down.The easiest way to conceal cords is to tape them down. The trouble is, it doesn’t last forever. If you need a temporary solution, taping is great. It insulates the cords from weather damage and hides them for a better overall aesthetic.

Why Do You Need to Hide Patio Extension Cords?

Hiding electrical connections has a few benefits. First, it provides a safe and tangle-free environment. Having too many wires and electrical connections out can be unsafe. It can be a tripping hazard and/or a fire hazard. People have been electrocuted by accidentally stepping on cords and they could even cause an electrical fire. Also, exposed extension cords can get damaged by animal bite or harsh weather. The elements are an issue for exposed cord. This can result in increased costs (buying new cords every season isn’t fiscally smart) or danger, like in the fire hazard example. Don’t put cords in an airtight container. That could actually cause a fire hazard because it traps the heat inside.

In Conclusion

Hiding outdoor extension cords improves the appearance of your surroundings and the safety of your space. There are different ways to hide wires. Some are temporary, and some last a longer time. Most wire concealment projects can be done on your own, but you may want to consult a company for help.

And now introducing one additional way to hide unsightly cables in a chic and stylish way…

What is the Sleek Socket?

The Sleek Socket is a product that allows you to hide unsightly and unsafe power outlets via a unique ultra-thin design that blends into the wall. The sleek socket drastically reduces (and can even eliminate) obstructions between furniture and traditional plugs attached to an outlet. Say goodbye to the ugly, chunky wires, plugs and cords that mess with your vibe and say hello to style and functionality with the sleek socket. The elegant design of the sleek socket adds to the ambiance of your home décor – not detracts from it, like with traditional plugs and wires. In fact, there’s no better way to eliminate ugly plugs and cords. So get your sleek socket today!