Retractable Power Cords
- Thread starter Ferrino
- Start date
Gary S
Well-known member
it should work great for you, but with only a 15amp circuit, you don't need anything more than #14 wire. Stranded wire like used in flexible cords can handle more current than the solid wire used in your 15amp circuit, so even a #14 would work great, and save you a few bucks. If you don't care about cost, get the #12 as it will have less voltage drop and sets you up to be able to use it on an upgraded 20amp circuit someday.
ElectroLight
Well-known member
That looks like the HF cord reel. The only issue I've had with my HF reel is that the housing is too small for the wire to reel back in. If I take my time to cleanly retract the cord, it will all fit but if you try to reel it up quickly, you will have issues getting the last 6 feet of cord in. This may not be an issue if you hang the unit high and require a lengthly lead from the housing...
nehog
Well-known member
Yes, that link is identical the to HF unit. I have two of them, and as other mention the housing is a bit small for the cord. But I can always get my units to fully rewind (I have about 4 ft as the ceiling is 13-14 ft where they are mounted) but it may take a try or two. For the price, can't be beat. They are 12 AWG, which I recommend if possible as they are imported.
Gary S
Well-known member
I have one of the Bayco reels. So far it is working out well. I bought it on Amazon for under $100.
http://www.baycoproducts.com/industrial/retractableCordReels.html
http://www.baycoproducts.com/industrial/retractableCordReels.html
pattenp
Well-known member
I have the Bayco SL 801 and I cuss it all the time because it's a pain to get the cord to fully retract because the case is just large enough to hold the cord if perfectly wound when retracting. I can't recommend that one.
FluxCore
Well-known member
I've got two cord reels mounted. I use them often, but only for lighting or low current tools.
One thing to keep in mind is how they are constructed compared to a regular extension cord. Cord reels contain three contact wiper rings. Cord reels vary greatly in construction and quality. What's especially important is the quality of the electrical wiper rings.
One thing to keep in mind is how they are constructed compared to a regular extension cord. Cord reels contain three contact wiper rings. Cord reels vary greatly in construction and quality. What's especially important is the quality of the electrical wiper rings.
rsanter
Well-known member
I got mine at home depot or lowes for $30 each a few years ago
Bob
Bob
Steevo
Well-known member
I still kick myself for moving out and forgetting a really nice one in the garage, almost 25 years ago.
FluxCore
Well-known member
http://www.khindustries.com/webmodules/catcatalog/dtl_category.aspx?CatID=8
One of the best cord reels made...... 30 amp wiper rings and outdoor rated...commercial shop grade and expensive...I offer them as a benchmark only.
They make them up to 50 amp and suitable for welder use...but us guys here don't need all that.
I'm sporting a HF in the carport that I use for drop lighting and low power tools....I have a 20 amp new era Delco in the shop that I sometimes use for same....beware older Delco cause they had recall due to fire issue caused by wiper rings.
My advice to all here is to limit use of any drop cord reel to light duty service unless you buy that or equal to one linked above...the average cord reel will NOT equal same gauge extension cord in reliability, capacity or longevity...just sayin
One of the best cord reels made...... 30 amp wiper rings and outdoor rated...commercial shop grade and expensive...I offer them as a benchmark only.
They make them up to 50 amp and suitable for welder use...but us guys here don't need all that.
I'm sporting a HF in the carport that I use for drop lighting and low power tools....I have a 20 amp new era Delco in the shop that I sometimes use for same....beware older Delco cause they had recall due to fire issue caused by wiper rings.
My advice to all here is to limit use of any drop cord reel to light duty service unless you buy that or equal to one linked above...the average cord reel will NOT equal same gauge extension cord in reliability, capacity or longevity...just sayin
Good thread! I was just about to start my own, when I saw this.
My fiendish plan (sorry for the almost-threadjack) is to bolt one of these reels to the side of my shop vac, I'm tired of wrapping the cord around the posts. I was going to ask here if the cord could be reversed on the capstan/wheel inside, so I could retract the male end plug, but thanks to this thread, I've learned about the wiper rings.
Looks like I'll be cutting and splicing at both ends. Shop vac is 5.5g "Shop Vac", 11.5 amp motor, anything too stupid about my fiendish plan?
My fiendish plan (sorry for the almost-threadjack) is to bolt one of these reels to the side of my shop vac, I'm tired of wrapping the cord around the posts. I was going to ask here if the cord could be reversed on the capstan/wheel inside, so I could retract the male end plug, but thanks to this thread, I've learned about the wiper rings.
Looks like I'll be cutting and splicing at both ends. Shop vac is 5.5g "Shop Vac", 11.5 amp motor, anything too stupid about my fiendish plan?
EOC_Jason
Well-known member
I've known several people that use the Bayco SL-800, I don't know exactly where they get them from (never asked) but they must be either HD or Northern Tool... In all instances they mount them to their ceilings (one has four mounted in their warehouse that has 16' eve's)... Nobody has really complained about them, I guess they do their job.
Though one thing to note is the wire size for the models:
SL-800 = 16/3
SL-801 = 14/3
Though one thing to note is the wire size for the models:
SL-800 = 16/3
SL-801 = 14/3
I have one each of the Northern Tool model noted in the original thread and a 50' Bayco 12/3 reel, both purchased from Northern Tool. Sometimes the last couple of feet of cord need to be feathered back into the housing but that is not an annoyance. They both work fine.
gatchel
Well-known member
I have 2 of the SL-800 Bayco units. More than enough for what I need. Any thing heavy gets a good 12AWG cord. It's not that often that I use much more than a soldering iron.
I also converted one of the SL-800 units to a drop light.
I also converted one of the SL-800 units to a drop light.
pattenp
Well-known member
EOC_Jason
Well-known member
I meant the people I know. You have the 801 with the thicker wire, they all have the 800 with the thinner. I've used them a few times and they always wound up all the way... I think maybe they should have made the spool bigger for the larger wire size like yours.
PassnThru
Well-known member
If you aren't going to run a big load on it don't forget that a lot of reel lights have a plug in on the light. A good way to kill two birds with one stone.
mpraddict
Well-known member
I have this in my garage...high quality and a metal case!
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10673&site=ROCKLER
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10673&site=ROCKLER
Displaced Hokie
Well-known member
I love my "licensed product" Snap-On cord reel from Costco. Outstanding value at $39 as it came with a work light. 14 ga, 13 amp breaker. Discontinued now though, or I haven't seen them in months. Too bad.
Today at Costco I found this Tasco reel for $33, so I snapped it up. 14 ga, 13 amp breaker. Another good value I think. I don't care for the bling finish, but the mount is sturdy, the wire heavy, and the receptical end seems OK. Has a little "hot" light in the plug so you know it's got power. I looked around and anything similar is $70, so I'm happy. It even has a bracket so you can mount it vertical on a workbench.
Today at Costco I found this Tasco reel for $33, so I snapped it up. 14 ga, 13 amp breaker. Another good value I think. I don't care for the bling finish, but the mount is sturdy, the wire heavy, and the receptical end seems OK. Has a little "hot" light in the plug so you know it's got power. I looked around and anything similar is $70, so I'm happy. It even has a bracket so you can mount it vertical on a workbench.
I have an equivalent to the Bayco SL-800. Works and retracts very well and is very convenient. Problem I have is that it doesn't hold the plugs very securely and find myself having to lug a power tool back in after it gets pulled out at least five times every job. I have even bent the prongs in a bit and they still come out. Other than that, works great.
MeentSS02
Well-known member
Take each plug end and tie them in a knot before plugging them in to each other - that way, when you put tension on the cord, it'll tighten the knot instead of pulling the plug out.