Seamlessly Store Your Cords With the Best Extension Cord Reel

Anybody who is familiar with power tools will be familiar with an extension cord reel. These nifty devices are perfect for anybody who works in their garden or yard, or just anybody who needs to extend their power source to a hard-to-reach area. But what should you be looking for when you buy one?

We have created a guide that will tell you everything you need to know about cord reels and their uses.

What Is an Extension Cord Reel?

Invented in the early 20th century, extension cords are an extended length of power cable with a plug on one end and multiple sockets on the other. They are often used around your home so you can plug a number of electrical outlets into one mains socket. 

An extension cord reel is a modified version of the rudimentary extension cords. Basically, it is an extension lead that can roll up around the sockets (of which there are usually 2 or 4). You can buy them for your home or outside use. Many construction job sites will use industrial contractor cords, which are much stronger l than the usual reel.

Check the video below to learn the best ways to wrap an extension cord.

Why Do You Need an Extension Cord Reel?

An extension cord reel will come in handy in a variety of situations. It doesn’t matter whether you are a homeowner or a professional, you will probably need to use one of these at some point in your life.

You work on a construction site

The most obvious job which requires an extension cord is a construction worker. You can purchase robust cord reels designed for construction work. These are called contractor cords. They can handle more than your average cord reel, which is why they are preferred on a lot of building sites.

You are in the entertainment industry

Anybody who has worked behind the scenes at gigs or productions knows just how many extension cord reels are needed for a show. When you are dealing with multiple lights, amplifiers, and PA systems, you are going to need a lot of sockets. Extension cord reels give you these sockets and also allow you to place your equipment where you want to without worrying about being close to the mains power source.

Things To Consider Before Buying a Cord Reel

Extension cord reels come in all shapes and sizes, which means you need to know what to look out for before making a purchase.

Length

The general rule of thumb when buying an extension cord reel is to find one which stretches longer than you need. The beauty of these cords is that they can be lengthened and shortened to suit the job at hand. Basically, the longer the cord reel, the more versatile it is going to be.

Thickness

If you are a professional who needs a cord reel for power tools, look for one which is thicker. Thicker cords are capable of carrying more power, which means they’ll be able to run all your equipment safely, unlike the cheaper versions you can find in most stores. If you need a heavy-duty cord reel, we recommend cords measuring 10,12, or 14 AWG (gauge).

Amps

Ideally, you want a  cord that is rated for 15 amps or 125 volts. These will be able to handle any household appliances and tools. If you are a professional, you may want to pay the extra money and purchase a contractor cord. These can handle up to 300 volts. If you are just using the cord around your home, the cheaper option should be fine.

Weather capabilities

Generally speaking, you will want to find a cord that is suitable for cold-weather environments. These cord reels are generally more flexible and will be able to stretch around any workplace or home set-up. This information is usually available on the packaging.

Multi-outlet

You may be persuaded to purchase a multi-outlet cord reel, which is perfectly fine if you are only using it at home. However, if you plan on plugging in power tools and work lights, you could easily overload the cord. Obviously, we don’t want that. If you are a professional, we recommend a single-use extension cord reel with a thick wire.

What Are the Three Types of Extension Cord Reels?

As you may already be aware, you can find a number of different extension cord reels in your local hardware store. They include:

Indoor

The indoor extension can be purchased as grounded or ungrounded in a variety of lengths. They are usually low wattage and intended to be used with everyday household appliances like lamps and clocks. You can also buy more industrious cords with higher wattage which can be used for more demanding electrical appliances.

Outdoor

Outdoor cord reels are weather-resistant and can be used both inside and outside. They are built to withstand freezing temperatures and can handle the most powerful tools that you may need for gardening or minor construction work.

Contactor

Contractor cord reels are made specifically for job sites. They withstand extreme cold and heat. They are very high wattage and are usually oil and chemical resistant.

Extension Cord Reel Price Range

Extension cord reels vary in price depending on why you need them. The cheapest indoor reels can cost less than $20; whereas the more expensive cords can cost over $100. If you want one that will do a good job and can handle a variety of appliances and tools, you will end up paying around $50-$70.