Reelcraft cord reel amp/load question

[jjscott]

I’ve got a Reelcraft cord reel model number L4545-1239 that’s never been used and I was getting ready to connect it in my garage. I was going to plug it into an existing 15 amp outlet to source power, but then thought it would be a good idea to run a dedicated 20 amp circuit specifically for it. I’m in the process of pulling wire for a garage heater and thought now would be the time to pull a separate 12/2 wire just in the event I want to convert the entire garage to 20 amp.

Anyhow, I looked at the specs for the Reelcraft and it says it rated only for 15 amps. The connecting power cord and extension cord are both 12AWG, which should be fine for 20 amp…at least that’s my basic understanding of wire gauge. I then looked on Reelcraft’s site for a reel rated for 20 amp model number L4545-1237B and they are also made with 12 AWG wire. The only difference I can see is it used a bigger connecting plug for the connecting power cord and on the end of the extension.

If I wanted to use my existing reel on a 20 amp circuit, can I just upgrade the plugs?

I do plan on calling Reelcraft on Monday, but want to get opinions over the weekend.

Reelcraft 15 amp multi outlet reel
https://www.reelcraft.com/catalog/product_search.aspx?search=L 4545 123 9&category=cord-power

Reelcraft 20 amp multi outlet reel
https://www.reelcraft.com/catalog/product_search.aspx?search=L 4545 123 7B&category=cord-power

 

[engnerdan]

The limiting factor will not be the 12awg cord. But it could be the rotary contact or slip ring inside the cord reel. When I bought my Reelcraft reels I made sure they both had the 20 amp slip ring. One reel was bare and the other had a 16awg cord and a rating of 15 amps but looking at the parts diagram showed it still had the 20 amp slip ring.

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[jjscott]

Thanks. I'll be calling Reelcraft pm Monday to see if the unit can be upgraded to handle 20 amps. Would you happen to know if can?

 

[engnerdan]

Thanks. I'll be calling Reelcraft pm Monday to see if the unit can be upgraded to handle 20 amps. Would you happen to know if can?

Look to see what the L4500 is rated, that would be the base model of what you have or look at the parts diagram for the reel you have.

Dan

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[engnerdan]

L4545-123-9 uses "Collector Ring #602296 which is the same collector ring as L4500. L4500 has a 20 amp rating. This is the same reel I have setup for my 240V 20A reel I use for my welders and plasma cutter.

Service Manual
https://www.reelcraft.com/pdfs/manuals/542-290.pdf

-Dan