If you haven’t figured out that a good retractable extension cord can make your life easier, then it’s time to make a change. If you don’t keep your extension cord protected, you can expect accidents will happen. An extension cord with a retractable reel offers safety and protection unlike regular extension cords.
For busy DIY enthusiasts, a retractable extension cord may be the thing you need. The retractable cord allows you to choose the cord length depending on the project. When you’re finished, reel it back into place, and you’re done.
Here, you’ll discover the benefits of a retractable extension cord. We’ll also show you the best ones on the market today.
What Is A Retractable Extension Cord Reel?
A retractable extension cord reel is an electrical cord that’s reeled up for storage purposes.
A retractable extension cord reel has stoppers and extra outlets, and some models are weather resistant. Meanwhile, the only issue is that you shouldn’t pair an extension cord reel with a charging station or permanently fixed item.
8 Best Retractable Extension Cords
CopperPeak 50 ft Retractable Extension Cord Reel
We’re starting with CopperPeaks Retractable Extension Cord. It’s on a reel and easy to carry wherever you need to carry it. You can mount the retractable cord reel on a wall or ceiling for easy access.
There’s an adjustable stopper and the cord is made to where it’s safe, so you don’t trip on it. It can be extended up to 50 feet and there’s a 180-degree swivel which means you can use the cord from any direction.
This retractable cord also has a breaker, so don’t have worry about blown fuses.
The cord itself is made with heavy-duty polypropylene case that is resistant to oils and grease. Another cool feature is how it comes with an LED status light to let you know that it’s working properly.
This cord comes in blue and black, or yellow and grey.
Pros
- Heavy Duty
- 180-degree swivel
Cons
- Some users have reported that the cord reel can be dangerous as it retracts quickly
DEWENWILS Retractable Extension Cord
The DEWENWILS Retractable Extension Cord can extend up to 30 feet. The retractable cord reel also has a 10A circuit breaker. A breaker protects devices from blown fuses and more. It automatically retracts, which means you can set a lock on the amount of feet you need and it’ll stop there.
There is a 180 swivel on this extension cord you can get from wherever it’s mounted. The maximum power that it can handle is 1,250 watts.
This cord has a triple tap feature that allows you to charge even more things.
Pros
- Ceiling or wall mount for safety
- 3 extra outlets
- Cord stopper
Cons
- Doesn’t stay extended after it’s retracted.
Flexzilla Retractable Extension
The cord on this model extends 50 feet. There is also a 5-foot lead in as well. The cord is oil resistant and can resist colder temperatures as well as the sun. The reel can be mounted on a wall or ceiling, making it safer as you won’t trip on the cords.
The retractable cord reel cord has a power indicator light with a triple cap outlet for more capacity. The cord has a breaker with a reset button. Maximum wattage is 1,650 watts. It’s the perfect extension cord reel for those who need more coverage.
Pros
- 5-foot lead in cord reel.
- Extends to 50-feet
- Triple cap outlet
Cons
- Has an issue at locking with certain lengths
- Indoor use only.
Reelworks Retractable Extension Cord
The Reelworks Retractable Cord is a heavy-duty reel that can be mounted on either a ceiling or wall. This 65-foot cord is weather resistant. The tangle-free encased 12 Gauge SJT is designed for easy accessibility when you want to extend and retract it.
Max wattage can handle 1,875 and has a triple cap connector. There is a 135-degree swivel for easy reach to get the cord.
Pros
- Heavy duty & weather resistant
- Can extend to 65-feet
- 135-degree swivel
Cons
- No breaker.
- Low quality concerns.
Woods Retractable Extension Cord
The Woods Retractable Cord is easy to use and mount and has 4 grounded outlets.
An orange light indicator lets you know when it’s on and there is a 10-amp breaker when power is lost. Made of durable high-quality materials and can reach 25 feet.
Pros
- 5 power outlet
- Charges devices faster.
- 8 ports
Cons
- Short extension cord.
CopperPeak Retractable Extension Cord
Here we have another Copperpeak extends 30 feet and is 16 gauge. It has the LED status light to let you know it’s working and a 180-degree swivel.
Like the previous model, you can mount this power cord from a wall or ceiling. If you need more outlets, a triple tap model is available. An adjustable stopper can stop at the desired length.
Pros
- 180-degree swivel
- Can be mounted on wall or ceiling for trip free space
- Triple tap outlets
Cons
- No circuit breaker if the power fails.
AlphaWorks Retractable Extension Cord
The Alphaworks Retractable offers smart features like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. It can extend up to 50 feet and is 14 AWG.
With voice activation and Wi-Fi, its built in remote allows you to set routines. It also has three additional outlets that run on timers.
The built-in slow retraction cord reel doesn’t snap back, making it super safe. It also has current protection, and is weather resistant, waterproof, and fireproof.
The cord reel case is made with oil resistant polypropylene. The cord also has an adjustable cable stopper. It can handle a maximum of 1,625 watts. You can connect coffee makers and water sprinklers and also control them remotely.
Pros
- Smart extension cord
- Can extend up to 50-feet
- Triple tap capabilities
- Weather resistant
Cons
- Wi-Fi issues
- Some users have reported it stops working after a certain amount of time
Retractable Extension Cord Benefits
1. Prevents Accidents
Retractable cords are mounted on a ceiling or wall. When you use the cord for a power tool, for example, the cord doesn’t rest on the ground so it prevents tripping accidents.
Regular cords are limited to grounded outlets, which are closer to the floor and cause accidents.
2. Extra Outlets
Retractable extension cords come with extra plug-ins known as triple-tap cords. Some are made with five outlets that can allow you to plug into extra appliances or lights.
That means you can charge anything from your coffeemaker to your laptop to maybe even your Christmas lights if it’s heavy duty.
3. Bonus Features
Some retractable extension cords come with breakers, cord stoppers, smart features, and more. Many of them are built with heavy-duty material you can use during bad weather.
Extension Cord Safety Tips
Don’t Overload Extension Cord
There’s a reason why watts and specifications are provided so that you know how much you can get out of the extension cord. Overloading means dangerous shocks or fires.
Choose The Right Retractable Cord Reel
You may need an extension cord for your power tools. Or maybe you need one just for regular household items.
Make Sure You Plug Into The Right Outlet
Extension cords are triple tap, which means they have three prongs. You don’t want to put it into a two-prong outlet as that would be dangerous.
Avoid Fire Hazards
With traditional extension cords, you don’t want to run it through the wall or steal or anything like that because it can overheat and cause a fire. But, if you get a retractable extension cord, they’re safer on a ceiling or wall because the cords are fireproof.
How to Properly Store an Extension Cord
Since we’re talking about retractable extension cords, we’ll tell you how to store them properly. If you need to keep it in the garage or workshop you will want to get a retractable extension cord that can be mounted on a wall or ceiling.
If you have oil spills in your garage you’ll need the cord to be out of the way while you use it with your power tools. You’ll also want to keep it out of reach from children and away from fire-prone areas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
Can You Run Extension Cord Ceiling?
Running through holes or hidden in floors, ceilings, and walls. Extension cords should never be used in place of proper electric wiring. Running through windows, doorways, and other openings. This may result in the cord starting to fray or becoming damaged, which can create a fire hazard
Can I Use An Orange Extension Cord Inside?
To make sure you find the right extension cords for your needs, check the packaging for these designation letters: S indicates a general-use cord good for indoor applications. Outdoor versions have bright orange rubber, plastic, or vinyl covers, while cords for indoor use are less heavy-duty.
What Should Not Be Plugged Into An Extension Cord?
If the power cord is hot, it could start a fire. Rule two: never plug in high power capacity appliances, like space heaters, refrigerators, or microwave and toaster ovens into power strips or extension cords.
Why Do Extension Cords Get Curly?
As a cable moves within a cable carrier or on a robot arm, for example, its conductors also move, shifting from the original stranding design. The displaced conductors also damage the jacket, causing both internal and external cable components to become twisted.
Why Do Extension Cords Need To Be Unrolled Before Using?
If your extension cord is coiled around a reel, you should unwind it before plugging it into a power outlet to prevent it from fusing.
What Is A Triple Tap Extension Cord?
A triple tap extension cord is a multi-outlet cord that powers three items from a single outlet.
Retractable Extension Cord Reel Conclusion
A retractable extension cord reel is a handy household accessory. Ceiling or wall mounts provide added safety. Some cords have extra outlets, so you can plug in multiple items. Regular cords that rely on grounded plugs will limit your capabilities.
Before you buy a retractable cord reel, think about why you want a retractable cord. You’ll also need to know how you will use it With the varieties available, like triple-tap cords, you wouldn’t want to buy something that you’re not going to use.
With an extension cord reel, you’ll have easy access to your power cord for any DIY household project.
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