DeWalt Lighted Locking CGM Extension Cord (50 ft)

Why I reached for this cord

On a recent exterior remodel, I needed a 50-foot reach from a temporary power pole to my saw station. Rain, mud, and a steady parade of foot traffic meant two things were non-negotiable: the connection couldn’t come apart, and I needed confidence the circuit’s ground was intact. That’s exactly the situation where the DeWalt locking extension cord earns its keep. After several weeks of jobsite use with 15-amp saws, compressors, and a window AC in a site trailer, it’s now the first cord I grab for long runs.

Build and design

This is a 50-foot, 10/3 SJTW cord—three conductors with a heavy gauge that’s overbuilt for a 15-amp, 125-volt rating. The upside of that overbuild is tangible: better voltage performance over distance and a jacket that shrugs off abrasion and cold. The cord sheath is SJTW thermoplastic, cold-weather rated to -58°F. In practice, that translates to a jacket that stays reasonably flexible early on a frosty morning rather than becoming a stiff, coiled spring.

Both ends are molded with oversized strain reliefs that actually matter. I tend to loop cords by their ends when I’m in a hurry, and these boots take the stress without feeling like they’re stretching at the crimp. The female end is bulkier than a standard connector because of the locking collar and LEDs, but that bulk brings functional benefits I appreciated day one.

The locking connector: simple and secure

I’ve used twist-lock plugs and various clip-on “cord savers.” This design is easier and faster than either. Push a standard three-prong plug all the way in and the collar automatically locks around the plug body with a positive click. To release, pull back on the sleeve—no contortions, no separate accessory to lose. It held firm through repeated tugs, dragging across gravel, and accidental snags on scaffolding. The spec claims it withstands an 80-pound pull; I didn’t hang weights from it, but I did a lot of real-world yanking and never separated a connection unintentionally.

Because the lock relies on the plug’s standard shape, it’s most effective with straight-blade 5-15 plugs that have a typical body. It still works with smaller wall-wart style cords or unusual housings, but the lock can’t grab as aggressively if there’s very little shoulder for the collar to engage. For almost all power tool cords—saws, routers, vacuums—it was rock-solid.

LEDs that actually help

There are two indicators on the female end: amber shows that power is present through the cord; green confirms ground continuity. The power light is familiar and convenient, but the ground LED is the standout. I ran into a GFCI that had been replaced backward (line/load reversed). The breaker would reset and the amber LED came on, but the green stayed dark. That cue sent me to my tester before I plugged in a tool. On large, multi-cord runs, it’s reassuring to know your ground path is intact without hauling out a dedicated analyzer.

One note: the LEDs are bright enough to see in daylight, but not obnoxiously so at night. They draw negligible power and never got warm in use.

Performance over distance

With 10-gauge conductors, the cord minimizes voltage drop across 50 feet better than the typical 12/3 jobsite cord. On paper, both are fine for 15 amps, but in practice you’ll hear and feel the difference with motor loads. My 15-amp miter saw spun up cleanly with less of the “sag” you sometimes get at the far end of a run, and a compact compressor cycled without dimming the shop lights. More importantly, the cord stayed cool to the touch—even parked under a roof in 90°F heat. The heavy copper conductors (each conductor built from 65 strands of 30 AWG copper) and nickel-coated blades help keep resistance and heat in check.

Remember the limiting factor here is the plug standard: this is a 15-amp cord, rated to 1875 watts. It’s not intended for 20-amp circuits or receptacles. If you routinely draw more than 15 amps, you’ll need a different cord and connector profile. For standard 120-volt jobsite tools and appliances, this one is more than up to the task.

Cold-weather handling

I left the cord in the truck overnight in a hard freeze and used it at dawn. It uncoiled without fighting me and didn’t retain tight loops. It’s still a thick 10/3 jacket, so it won’t drape like a slim indoor cord, but compared to many SJTW cords I own, flexibility is excellent in the cold. It also resists the “memory” you get from wrapping around an elbow; over-under coiling keeps it tangle-free.

Durability and contacts

DeWalt specs nickel-coated blades and pins on the plug. In damp weather and humid conditions, that matters. On cheaper cords, plain brass blades tarnish and start to feel gritty sliding into a receptacle; after rain and dust exposure, these still insert smoothly and show no corrosion. The molded ends haven’t loosened, and the strain reliefs do their job absorbing bending stress. I also like that the jacket cleans up quickly—mud wipes off rather than embedding in the sheath.

Ergonomics and usability

The extra mass of 10/3 copper is the tradeoff for better performance. This cord is heavier than a typical 12/3, and the female end is longer due to the locking mechanism. If you’re plugging into a recessed in-use cover or a cramped generator panel, that bulk can make maneuvering awkward. Also, the locking collar’s moving parts collect sawdust; a quick blast of air or a wipe keeps it sliding freely. Over several weeks, the mechanism never jammed or misfired.

The bright housing and lighted ends help with not stepping on it in dim spaces, and the pull strength gives confidence when someone inevitably drags a hose across your cord. For storage, a simple over-under coil and a Velcro strap keep it tidy. I’d avoid wrapping it tightly around your forearm; big loops reduce stress and keep the jacket happy.

Compatibility and safety notes

• Best with standard 3-prong straight plugs; right-angle or very skinny bodies may not fully engage the lock.
• It’s SJTW outdoor-rated and weather-resistant, but not waterproof. Keep connections out of standing water.
• The ground indicator is a great quick check, but it doesn’t replace a real outlet tester for diagnosing wiring faults.
• On generators with 20A circuits, use the appropriate adapter and respect the cord’s 15A rating.

Value and warranty

This cord occupies a sweet spot: jobsite-tough build, confidence-inspiring safety features, and performance that actually improves tool behavior at the end of a long run. It’s UL listed and cUL approved, and it carries a limited lifetime warranty. I can’t speak to the warranty process, but the construction inspires confidence that you won’t need it soon.

What I’d change

• A slimmer, low-profile variant of the locking collar would help with tight electrical boxes and in-use covers.
• Including a small dust cap for the female end would keep debris out during transport.
• An optional 20-amp version with the correct plug/receptacle would suit users who live on 20A circuits.

None of these are deal-breakers; they’re quality-of-life tweaks to an already well-executed design.

Bottom line

The DeWalt locking extension cord solves two frequent jobsite headaches: connections coming apart and uncertainty about circuit safety. The automatic locking collar is quick, positive, and reliable, and the dual LEDs give immediate feedback that power is present and your ground path is solid. Combine that with a cold-weather SJTW jacket, nickel-coated contacts, and a heavy 10/3 build that keeps voltage drop at bay, and you have a cord that improves both safety and performance across a 50-foot reach.

Recommendation: I recommend this cord for anyone running 15-amp tools over longer distances or working in environments where accidental unplugging is common. It’s heavier and bulkier than lighter-gauge options, and the locking head won’t fit every oddball plug, but the security, electrical assurance, and low-loss performance outweigh those tradeoffs. If you value uninterrupted work and a safer connection, this belongs in your kit.