Counterfeit extension cords are easy to spot once you know what to look for.

Yes, there are dead giveaways, and none of them require a multimeter.

Start with the UL mark itself. Real UL marks are precise, with a registered trademark symbol and a specific font. Counterfeits often have a generic-looking “UL” that’s slightly off—wrong spacing, wrong color, or missing the “Listed” word. If it says “ETL” or “CSA” that’s fine too, but if it says “UL” and looks like someone typed it in Comic Sans, run.

Next, check the plug. Legitimate plugs have smooth, uniform prongs with no burrs. Counterfeit ones often have rough edges, loose-fitting blades, or the ground prong (the round one) is slightly thinner than it should be. Stick a plug into a wall outlet and wiggle it—if it feels sloppy, that’s a fire risk.

Also look at the cord itself. Real extension cords have the wire gauge (like 14 AWG or 16 AWG) printed along the jacket, often every foot. Counterfeits skip that or print it faintly. The jacket should be thick, flexible, and rubbery, not stiff and plasticky. If the cord is thinner than a standard lamp cord and claims to handle 13 amps, it’s lying.

A quick smell test helps too. New cords should not smell like burning chemicals. If it stinks when you uncoil it, that’s a bad sign.

Don’t bargain-bin your safety. A counterfeit cord costs a few bucks less and might cost you your garage.