Retractable extension cord reel

[trainman1385]

I have an existing outlet near my garage door opener in the ceiling, but I would like to hang a retractable reel about 10' away nearer to my workbench and toolcart. I hav been trying to find something like this, but what I am finding is that they typically come with a 4' long cord between the male end and the unit itself, Has anyone installed a different cord for a longer length or is there a unit available commercially that meets these requirements that I haven't found yet.

 

[Gary S]

Where have you looked? Harbor Freight has a 30' and a 40' one.
http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=retractable+cord'

And, while you are reading, take a look at this malware problem Harbor Freight had.
http://storefrontbacktalk.com/secur...ht-breach-may-be-biggest-of-2013-issuers-say/

 

[nehog]

Sometimes it pays to read the post you are replying to!

The HF's short wire is a PITA, and was a problem for me too. I extended it with AWG-12 cable and that worked well. I also remove the GFCI device on that cable because tripping a GFCI located on the ceiling would be, shall we say, a PITA! Since my ceiling outlets are already GFCI'ed it didn't cause me to lose protection.

I have two of the HF 40 ft ones, one hung at about 15 ft, and the other at about 40 ft down. Between the two I can get a cord and power anywhere in the building.

 

[bdamico]

Where have you looked? Harbor Freight has a 30' and a 40' one.
http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=retractable+cord'

And, while you are reading, take a look at this malware problem Harbor Freight had.
http://storefrontbacktalk.com/secur...ht-breach-may-be-biggest-of-2013-issuers-say/

 

[rsanter]

Those are one of the best things you will add to your garage along with a drop light.

Go get a power strip with a 6' cord.
Install strip to ceiling and plug in
Install power reel and drop light, plug in.

Now use them

Bob

 

[2ManyProjects]

I have an existing outlet near my garage door opener in the ceiling, but I would like to hang a retractable reel about 10' away nearer to my workbench and toolcart. I hav been trying to find something like this, but what I am finding is that they typically come with a 4' long cord between the male end and the unit itself, Has anyone installed a different cord for a longer length or is there a unit available commercially that meets these requirements that I haven't found yet.

There's a good selection here, albeit at wildly varying prices:

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/ecatalog/N-1z0djsh

Were it me, I'd probaby just use a short extension cord (of adequate capacity, of course). Alternately, I'd put in an outlet near where I wanted to mount the cord reel. If neither of those solutions are palatable to you, then you might shop for the drop light with an eye toward your ability to take it apart and get to the connection terminals. If you can do that, then also get a heavy-duty extension cord (again, of adequate capacity), cut it to the required length, and use it to replace the supplied power-inlet cord.

 

[QwikKotaTx]

I've always been curious how these work, do they have a slip ring inside to transfer electricity? I have a 25' Craftsman model which is never long enough on the user side and the drum is too small to allow for non-guided roll up. The power strip extension or a 10' extension cord on the supply side sounds like a good option, just match or exceed the roll's wire gauge.