Multi-outlet replacement connector for extension cord?

[EOC_Jason]

I have one of those Bayco retractable extension cords mounted to the ceiling in my garage. It's super handy and I love it except the triple-connector on the end barely holds a plug in.

I browsed online at HD & Lowes (and maybe I'm not looking in the right section) but all the connectors they have for cords are just a single outlet.

I really like having the multiple outlets on the end and I do often use two or even all 3 at once. I know I could just use an adapter with a single plug but figured I would check first to see if anyone knows of a reasonably priced 3-connector replacement I could install.

Attaching a stock pic so you know what I'm talking about.

 

[Norcal]

Check out Grainger stock numbers 6C562 and 6C590

https://www.grainger.com/category/e...archString=Electrical+Supplies&ts_optout=true


https://www.grainger.com/category/e...tring=Electrical&analytics=nav&ts_optout=true

 

[Bert_]

Woodhead makes pendant boxes. The common style has an outlet on both sides, the outlets can be replaced if they get worn out.

 

[CJ7VFR]

Can the triple connector on the end of the cable come apart? Or is the whole thing one molded piece of plastic/rubber around the receptacles?

If it can be taken apart via screws holding it together, or it can be pried apart, you might be able to fix the loose connections inside the receptacles if they are not totally worn out.

Over time, the contacts inside receptacles, depending on how they are formed, can loosen up and get worn out due to use. A lot of receptacles have "U" shaped contacts inside them that are just a hint narrower than most of the contacts on a male plug. Somewhere on this website, someone posted pictures of a 15 amp and a 20 amp double receptacles taken apart, and placed side by side, to show that the contacts in 15 amp receptacles are the same as 20 amp receptacles, and thus have 20 amp pass thru. You can see how the contacts are a sort of "U" shape.

As you plug and unplug a cord into the receptacles, over time, the "U" shape contacts get fatigued and don't close back to their original shape. This is what makes male plugs not hold in worn out receptacles anymore.

Some people bend the male contacts on a plug either together slightly, or apart slightly, so that the plug will fit more snug in the receptacle. That is not really the way to go, but people do it, and I have been known to do it to.

If you can get the triple connector apart, you might be able to squeeze whatever type of contacts are inside of it together slightly to help retain male plugs again.

If not, I would cut the triple connector off and wire up something like Bert has shown. That is made specifically for what you want to do.

Jim

 

[EOC_Jason]

It's a molded one piece...

I've tried bending the pins on a plug but that really didn't help, it's like the pieces inside have spread too far apart. I think first I'm going to try and unplug it, then see if I can't use a small tool to bend the pieces inside the connectors to make the fit tighter.

If that doesn't work I'm thinking a box similar to what Bert posted would be the way to go. I'm also going to see what my neighbor has over in his shed, he always picks up boxes of misc electrical stuff at garage sales, so you never know what you will find!

 

[cdestuck]

Try this along with your solder gun and heat shrink tubing.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M5DNKQH/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[scooby074]

Woodhead has what you want, including covers. Not cheap, but the correct piece.

 

[C-Mac]

Could you put a regular female cord end on and then use a small tried tap to get 3 out if it?https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/sCoAAOSweW5Vd4AM

 

[EOC_Jason]

Could you put a regular female cord end on and then use a small tried tap to get 3 out if it?

Yes, I said in my post I could do that, but I would really like a fixed 3 or 4 outlet style as I'm always using *at least* two plugs it seems...

I'm trying to keep cost at a minimum, brand new reel is only $30... Hopefully today I'll have some free time to go out in the garage and putz with it.

 

[Stevedore]

I had the same situation, and just replaced the end connector with a square "handy" box with 2 duplex receptacles in it.

 

[BreeStephany]

Generally I've used a Hubbell Box (HBL3080F or equiv.) with an appropriately sized Kellems cord grip. Generally have a single outlet on the ceiling for the cord grip and then put GFCIs in the box, unless its connected to a GFCI breaker protected circuit.

Just my two cents.

 

[rburke65]

If you can get a new one for $30 just buy it. I'll bet pull have that in the Woodhead.

 

[John in OH]

I've gotten a handful of these from Lowes (or probably available at most local hardware stores) and use one on each of my light-weight extension cords. Not necessarily a graceful solution, but they are fairly cheap and they works for me.

 

[NUTTSGT]

If it was mine, I'd probably just replace it with a single plug. If I needed the extra outlets than possibly do like mentioned and use a handy box, maybe a plastic conduit one.

Keep in mind that the holiday shopping season is upon us and you may just find a complete replacement for cheap in a BF ad flier.

 

[Daves69]

Those BAYCO retractable reels are only rated for 10 amps. be careful what you plug in to the triple tap.

 

[Ocho]

I had the same situation, and just replaced the end connector with a square "handy" box with 2 duplex receptacles in it.

This brought back memories. My Dad was a contractor and he had more than one extension cord with a metal box on the end.

 

[lakelandcat]

I've gotten a handful of these from Lowes (or probably available at most local hardware stores) and use one on each of my light-weight extension cords. Not necessarily a graceful solution, but they are fairly cheap and they works for me.

At. my Lowes you'll find these and a couple of different adaptors in the same aisle as the switches and outlets, NOT with the extension cords or surge protectors.

 

[sberry]

When they have multiple outlets are sposed to have additional breaker on them unless the wire is number 12, like a common power strip, has breaker due to only a 14 wire.
The pendants in my hoist bay are 12 just for this reason.

 

[WhiskeyRanger]

As posted above. Get a four square handy box, a raised two gang cover, and a cord grip then just wire in two receptacles.

 

[Norcal]

This brought back memories. My Dad was a contractor and he had more than one extension cord with a metal box on the end.

If OSHA sees those on a jobsite the contractor is going to get fined, they make a horrible cord end, try dropping them a few times, I soured on them even before finding out OSHA frowned on them because people dropped the damn things damaging them in the process, the Woodhead item shown already is good but expensive, the Hubbell links I posted are not as good, but the best choice is use a good qualilty cord connector.

 

[Ocho]

If OSHA sees those on a jobsite the contractor is going to get fined, they make a horrible cord end, try dropping them a few times, I soured on them even before finding out OSHA frowned on them because people dropped the damn things damaging them in the process, the Woodhead item shown already is good but expensive, the Hubbell links I posted are not as good, but the best choice is use a good qualilty cord connector.

It's all good. Don't think OSHA was on the radar in the early 70's here. In those days there wasn't a Home Depot or Lowes around the the corner and extension cords were expensive. He was just "getting it done".

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I had the same situation, and just replaced the end connector with a square "handy" box with 2 duplex receptacles in it.

I've done this on a few, but used a plastic outdoor 2-gang box and a strain relief connector.

 

[sberry]

They ain't "handy" boxes.

 

[EOC_Jason]

I was at lowes today and thought about this while I was picking up some other stuff...

Got the metal box & cover plate, was like $3 total... I already had spare receptacles & the clamp connector.

I'm happy with the results. It's not heavy at all, I spent a minute before assembling to smooth off some sharp edges since the steel is just stamped & bent.

 

[CJ7VFR]

I was at lowes today and thought about this while I was picking up some other stuff...

Got the metal box & cover plate, was like $3 total... I already had spare receptacles & the clamp connector.

I'm happy with the results. It's not heavy at all, I spent a minute before assembling to smooth off some sharp edges since the steel is just stamped & bent.

Nice! Very nice looking and cheap fix to your problem! It was smart to write the max amps of the cord reel on the box for reference.

Jim

 

[finn]

As posted above. Get a four square handy box, a raised two gang cover, and a cord grip then just wire in two receptacles.

That’s what I did.

Not code, I imagine, but I don’t have a business.