Extension Cord Reel

[Mike2874]

Guys I'm hoping you can provide some insight into what size of extension cord I should be using. I want to try a extension cord reel but don't know if I need a 12/3, 14/3, or 16/3. I don't need anything longer than 30' (just for my garage) and I also don't want to spend anymore than $80 at the most.

I will using it primarily for my portable air compressor which is rated at 8 Amps and my Pro-Logic PL2210 battery charger which can charge at 2, 10, or 20 Amps. I usually charge at 2 amps but sometimes at 10 amps. The air compressor I only use for airing up a tire so it never runs for very long. Right or wrong I have been using a 30' 16/3 extension cord for these devices.

So what gauge extension cord do you recommend for my specific needs?

I have read that the cheaper 12/3 cord reels don't reel in very well because the cases are too small for the size of the cable. On the other handle the smaller diameter 16/3 cord reels tend to reel in better. Of course then there's 14/3 cord reels.

Here's a couple I'm looking at but I'm open to any other suggestions:
16/3 http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200203724_200203724

12/3 http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200237924_200237924

 

[ffast65]

Im in the market to, and would think the 12/3 fit my plans.

I would shy away from running a compressor from one long term due to the potential voltage drop

 

[stage20]

Compressor life will lessen through a cord. On jobsites all contractors run off the pole outside and run 2 or 300ft of air hose to keep the motor happy. Get the biggest you can afford

 

[GRX]

Compressor life will lessen through a cord. On jobsites all contractors run off the pole outside and run 2 or 300ft of air hose to keep the motor happy. Get the biggest you can afford

x2
Small cord = more resistance = more work for your motors.

 

[Mike2874]

Well like I said I only use the compressor for airing up a tire so maybe runs for 5 minutes.

I understand everyone would normally say always get the heavier cord but for my specific needs I was wondering if I could continue to use 16/3 without any issues. From what I've read the cheaper 12/3 reels don't retract as well plus it's a less flexible cord.

 

[454ragtop]

That 16-3 one isn't up to the task of starting an 8 amp motor, it's rated for 10 amps, motors tend to have a large starting current. You might get away with a plain 16-3 cord, though I don't recommend it, but with a 16-3 reel you'll more than likely burn the rotating contacts out of it. Used to manage a parts store, that was the failure point with Cordmatic reels, and they wouldn't warranty them.
HTH, Jim

 

[stage20]

I had a small oiled 8a running compressor. My 15 amp generator wouldn't start it with any pressure in the tank and this is no etension cord. Had to drain tank everytime I needed to fill it up. Yes you can make it work but hard on cord and compressor motor. Might run forever. Just never know. Not ideal but it can work

 

[fanatic]

Wonder Winder with 12/3.

 

[Ilikeike]

Home Depot has some cheaper garage duty ones. I have one Hanging in my coverd RV parking for battery chargers and small tools. I think they're around $50.
Should be plenty for your job.
The 20 amp rated 50' one I installed recently at work was almost $300.

 

[ZRH`]

Vdrop = IR

8 amp load
12 ga over 40ft = 0.85%
16 ga over 40ft = 2.14%

 

[Mike2874]

Thanks for all the replies and explaining why it wouldn't be a good idea for me to use a 16/3 reel.

I will go with a 12/3 reel do you see much differences in these where one would be recommended over the other... length is not an issue:

ReelWorks Retractable Cord Reel — 40ft., 12/3 SJT Cord
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200237924_200237924

Smart Electrician 12-3 40' Tri-Tap Cord Reel
https://www.menards.com/main/electr...2-3-40-tri-tap-cord-reel/p-1784858-c-6410.htm

Craftsman Professional 30 ft. Cord Reel
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-30-ft-cord-reel/p-03483929000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

Rockler 12-Gauge Retractable Extension Cord Reel
http://www.rockler.com/12-gauge-retractable-extension-cord-reel

 

[ffast65]

The craftsman will compliment my other craftsman light reel.

 

[stage20]

do you need 40ft or will 30 work?

yellow and red drive me crazy, so northen is out.
craftsman is 14ga so its out for me too.
i like the menards "flexible in cold weather" the others may be the same, but big plus for me.
i personally like the black one. i like plain and simple. if you wont ever need to reach 40ft, thats a plus with it only being 30ft and you running a compressor through it, IMO.

way id shop if i were buying

 

[Mike2874]

30ft is plenty and colors don't matter guess I didn't notice the Craftsman was 14 gauge.

I agree being flexible in cold weather like the menards one would be a big plus for me too.

 

[falconero]

https://www.menards.com/main/mobile...able-extension-cord-reel/p-1969024-c-6410.htm

Was also looking into reels, found the zilla reel at 14-3 50fter
May now look into the smart electrician

 

[1950mercury]

x2
Small cord = more resistance = more work for your motors.

I think thats *** backwards.

 

[GRX]

I think thats *** backwards.

That would not be the first time!

 

[Mike2874]

Thought I'd post back in order to help anyone else looking for a cord reel. I ended up buying Menards Smart Electric brand on sale for $70 (regular price $80). Alert Stamping who supplies cord reels (among other things) to retailers to put their own name on it is the manufacturer.

After contacting them I was told their own brand Alert Stamping 12 gauge 8040T-PS sold by Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007ZE36D2/?tag=atomicindus08-20 was exactly the same as Smart Electric 12 gauge 8040T-PS-PS https://www.menards.com/main/electr...2-3-40-tri-tap-cord-reel/p-1784858-c-6410.htm

A few differences between the two:

1. The price - AS $105 vs $70 for the SE

2. AS cord is blue vs SE yellow (Menards incorrectly shows their's as blue)

3. Warranty - AS website said Limited Lifetime Warranty but it said you had to return it to place of purchase. The 3rd part seller on Amazon lists it as having a one year warranty on it's own eBay website so who knows. Menards SE shows 5 year warranty on box and I assume it would have to go back to AS. AS guy did say they stand behind their products so who knows they might take care of an out of warranty SE should a problem arise.

4. Branding on the reel

A very nice reel thanks for everyone's suggestions & info!

 

[sberry]

Your comp will run ok with limited use and short 16 cords. If it says 8 run A its not a big deal. I use a heavy cord about once a decade. If a guy wanted to keep it close a 25 ft 14 will run anything he can dream up at home. It will deliver power for a heavy shop saw and small comps. I am not a fan of a reel anyway with that kind of thing. A light reel works ok for convenience that its intended for anyway, sawzall or 4 1/2 grinder and battery chargers. I got somewhere to plug a table saw direct.
This oldie is still made, its great. I don't use it for everything all the time but move it outside on apron in the summer.
Its a pinch less of an issue than it was as so much more work has gone cordless.