Coiled power cord

[rick carpenter]

I've been reading up on the dangers/unwisdom of using coiled power cords. How do power cord hose reels function well enough if this is a danger? I have a 5-gal bucket with 100' of 12ga extenion cord wrapped around a coffee can in it. I've never had any problems with the cord overheating when I only pull out enough to reach (rarely ever the full length) and I never even noticed it getting warm enough in the bucket to soften up like after it's exposed to the sun's heat. It's only ever really used in intermittent power tool use, not in a continuous draw.

Anyhow, I'll be purchasing some 25' and 50' lengths of 10ga extension cords in about two weeks.

 

[big.jim]

coiled up downgrades the load carrying capacity of the cable by about 35%,so a 10a cable coiled is actually a 6.5a cable ,but is for continuous rating before it will overheat

 

[pacmktg]

I sell reels for Coxreels. They make heavy duty industrial grade cord and cable reels along with hose reels. It states in the instructions to fully extend the electrical cord before using except on the 16-3 models. On the welding Cable reels, it states that they must be fully extended before using.

The danger is heat build up and fire.

 

[nehog]

I sell reels for Coxreels. They make heavy duty industrial grade cord and cable reels along with hose reels. It states in the instructions to fully extend the electrical cord before using except on the 16-3 models. On the welding Cable reels, it states that they must be fully extended before using.

The danger is heat build up and fire.

This is the right answer. When using cord reels just pull all the cord out when using at higher loads.

 

[sberry]

I am always curious, why 25 ft of number 10? What tools are you guys running with only a bit of 100 ft of cord uncoiled out of a bucket?

 

[the gypsy]

I read this a few times. I wonder if it is because of the thin insulation on the newer cords that are made overseas, or if applies to all cords regardless if the insulation is thick or thin?

 

[Syberia]

I am always curious, why 25 ft of number 10? What tools are you guys running with only a bit of 100 ft of cord uncoiled out of a bucket?

Portable air compressor, or 120v welder being used on the breezeway outside my garage.

 

[rick carpenter]

I am always curious, why 25 ft of number 10? What tools are you guys running with only a bit of 100 ft of cord uncoiled out of a bucket?

The 100' of 12ga is the only good heavy-duty extension cord I have for home use, but I use it for disaster clean-up/rehab/rebuild too. I may go with two 25' 10ga cords, to be bought primarily for disaster work in mind where you don't know what or how many things you'll need to power (better to be overprepared than underprepared), but I'll use them as well as at home. They'll be easier to transport and only a little less flexible handling than the 12ga.