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  1. #1
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    Jan 2014
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    Default Retractable 240v cable reel

    Aldi has a 10m, 240v, 10A retractable cable reel on sale this week. Just fitted one in my shed.

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  3. #2
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    Oct 2007
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    Alexandra Vic
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    ALLWAYS make sure that it is totally unreeled before connecting anything that draws even moderate current to the outlet end. Any turns left wound on the spool have significant inductance and cause significant voltage drop, plus the cable is unable to dissipate heat effectively when packed together with other turns on the spool. Personally I won't use anything that involves having live mains cable stored on a spool, not worth the risk in my mind. Only benefit over a free cable is that it is marginally easier to respool than it is to bundle up a free cable. Disadvantages include lack of choice of cable size to fit application, voltage drop and heat buildup if used near rated current without fully unspooling, and most likely a fairly light cable that is not really adequate for the task.
    I used to be an engineer, I'm not an engineer any more, but on the really good days I can remember when I was.

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Perth
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    27,756

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    For anyone that is interested I have tested a few coils and associated voltage drops and temperature rises.

    This one was on a 30m Long 10A coil running an angle grinder
    Bueller's shed - a noobs journey through vintage machinery

    And this one on a 10m long 15A cord while running a small welder.
    Can I run 2 hp motor off an extension cord

    I have also done some tests just on the diameter of the coil.
    Turns out this is one of the most critical because of increased choking and self thermal insulation effects.
    The other thing is, the cables I tested were all near new.
    A dodgy cable with, cuts and stretches, broken down insulation, and corroded connections, under and old carpet, doesn't even have to be in coil to cause a problem.

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
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    Sydney Upper North Shore
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    I've worked with them before so I am well aware of what and what not to do. I see them no more a problem or "accident waiting to happen" than a coiled up extension lead. It has an internal thermal over temperature switch. The manual even says to reel out fully.
    I just got sick of taking a 10m cable off the wall, unravelling it, connecting it and doing a task then having to roll it up again and put it back on the wall.
    Works for me

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Perth
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    27,756

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Lappa View Post
    I've worked with them before so I am well aware of what and what not to do. I see them no more a problem or "accident waiting to happen" than a coiled up extension lead. It has an internal thermal over temperature switch. The manual even says to reel out fully.
    I just got sick of taking a 10m cable off the wall, unravelling it, connecting it and doing a task then having to roll it up again and put it back on the wall.
    Works for me
    I agree. Even with 24 double GPOs in my shed I still have a need for a couple of extension cords. I don't have any on a self retracting coil, but I do have a 15A 20m cord on a hand cranked open reel hanging from the roof. I used it today to power a 3HP motor on a test run. Only about 1/3rd of the reel was uncoiled but most of the time the motor was free wheeling so only a couple of A were involved. I put the motor under short term high load where it did go over 10A for a few seconds a half dozen times. I did reach over to feel if the coil had got hot but it was not even warm. You just need to know what you are doing and I have so many ammeters on my gear I always know approximately what currents are involved.

    Let's also not pretend that unraveled extension cords on a floor especially across a walkways doesn't represent some sort of risk.

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