Retractable (electrical) Extension Cord Suggestions?

[Richard]

Changing direction in garage to add a (probably ceiling mount) cord retractor. Turns out there are a number of brands. Looking for ideas:

Plastic or metal construction? (I prefer metal, but open to better ideas)

I'm looking for 50 feet, 12g, want three plugs on the end of it. I don't care if they're lit or not

I don't want something that's flimsy and going to need replaced in three years. I'm going to guess the weak spot in these would be the return spring?? (I've got a couple retractable dog leashes and the spring wears out on them over time, rendering them useless)

I don't mind paying for quality. Prefer nothing made in china but also realize that might make it hard to find.

 

[JJT]

12g is going to be hard to find. Here's the 14g one I have used for more than a year with no issues:

Harbor Freight, $70 - VANGUARD 40 ft. x 14/3 Gauge Retractable Cord Reel with Triple Tap, Black​

 

[Chewwy]

12awg, 50ft, 3 outlets, but not U.S. made.

3 out of 4 ain’t bad!

https://www.amazon.com/SURAIELEC-Retractable-Extension-Outlets-Circuit/dp/B0BZYZB46K/ref=sr_1_9?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.uB2xxJFrbr8ajpA5-Krp76i-jpJ8_UpiTt1CVXusqLvBfud4OFwfFmBotJSKQUqLW5X9yVPa4jJ_1IakIPYFEp7cvu55IhIvSoD3LZjWZux9BU816dCY9XzG9wrCBa_C8z_LIi-XjbAnGJIz4khwZTASCoqFH_d_GyPWgn8iCmq5fCBFrg14iQmNCcBUcCNheEcmY2Mg_J8hlrCY_T2rVtKN7JyRCOdcszyFYJLDV_9h8j5UdSka12QyzcB7TFnd89YCFwhftOgaHRvzBZ3yRrUzNuUXF7mYioQDw0mvsWM.AkuWroEG3dVdYdlkpArs54DdLFsbhm1-5yB_f0vxkr8&dib_tag=se&hvadid=694786534758&hvdev=c&hvexpln=67&hvlocphy=1025498&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=8043947005579038991--&hvqmt=b&hvrand=8043947005579038991&hvtargid=kwd-1026225270212&hydadcr=3641_13539089&keywords=12+gauge+reel+extension+cord&mcid=391ecb392cb139a397b95d9c0030bd91&qid=1744124483&sr=8-9

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[masscity]

I have an Ironton 12 ga, 75 ft and 3 plugs on the end. I think I bought it from Northern Tool. I've had it at least 10 years. They sell some Ironton on Amazon.

 

[caver]

Having dealt with retractable cords the two points of failure I've experienced were the brushes or the molded outlet is garbage. These were in an industrial environment where they got more abuse than a homeowner brands. It doesn't answer your question just my 2 bit coins.

 

[Richard]

I appreciate the comments. I've found most of these listed. I was hoping for folks to be able to say "Brand "X" might be expensive, but you're getting what your paying for"..... or "Brand "X" is simply junk"

Went to two stores today. I was expecting to see something pedestrian which I did. None has 12g wire, couple were 14g and one was 16g. I just scratch my head on something like that.....but it is what it is.

So I guess I've got to just blindly buy something and see what happens. They're not terribly expensive so I can use it as a learning experience!

 

[EarPlug]

Take a look at "Industrial" quality reels

Grainger Cord Reels

 

[bmaverick]

Take a look at "Industrial" quality reels

Grainger Cord Reels

YIKES. Most are over $1,000.

 

[Sportsman762]

Having dealt with retractable cords the two points of failure I've experienced were the brushes or the molded outlet is garbage. These were in an industrial environment where they got more abuse than a homeowner brands. It doesn't answer your question just my 2 bit coins.

This is why I like Cox Reels, Reelcraft, and Appleton reels. I have a few reels, most were bought used. I like the Appleton YSRL's because they are compact, and have a built in swivel, also they are made of cast and machined metal so they are very durable. Cox and Reelcraft are the same quality in my opinion, but Cox is normally a little cheaper. There are so many varieties that these manufactures make that it is impossible to point to a specific model that would be best suited to your needs without asking 50 questions. Also are you sure you need a 50'? 30' reels are a whole lot less expensive.

A Wide Range of Cord Reels and Switches | Emerson US

Emerson’s superior design standards and options meet the needs of a variety of applications and offer a range of rocker, toggle and pushbutton switches.

www.appleton.emerson.com

Hose, Cord & Cable Reels | Coxreels®

USA Made - Heavy duty hose, cord & cable reels from Coxreels®. Find the highest quality reels for the job by spring, hand crank, or motorized rewind.

www.coxreels.com

Reelcraft Hose, Cord, and Cable Reels

Reelcraft is the leading global manufacturer of hose, cord and cable reels for industrial, commercial and professional applications.

www.reelcraft.com

I don't mind paying for quality. Prefer nothing made in china but also realize that might make it hard to find.

All of these are USA made and not cheap, but they are quality. These reels are built to last and are serviceable with the manufactures selling repair parts. None of the chinese reel manufactures sell parts, as they know customers will replace the entire unit.

 

[mrmikey]

Odd that it's 12ga and yet only rated 15A, wonder if it aluminum wire and not copper? I will say tho that it's a nice looking reel and got good reviews.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I have 2 50' 20 amp 12 gauge Coxreels that have been in use for over 25 years with no issues. They are industrial grade and even back then, were expensive. I don't regret spending the money for a quality product made in the USA.

Electric Cord

Application - Electric Cord Products Coxreels

www.coxreels.com

An old timer auto mechanic told me the life of these reels can be extended if you don't extend or retract the cord while under a heavy electrical load. This saves wear on the brushes.

 

[Rustyiron]

I've found that with plenty of available electrical outlets about 8-10' apart along the walls, 3 or 4 20' HD extension cords seems to work out better than my retractable.

 

[chim]

If cost doesn't matter - Hubbell or Woodhead. We used Harbor Freight or Northern Tool reels at work. We didn't use any cord reels with multiple outlets except for a few that had boxes on the end of the cord with a duplex in it. The guys preferred a single outlet (like a female cord end) because that didn't catch of everything when moving around.

 

[D&D]

I have had these for over 14 years now. 2 overhead and one mounted between the doors to reach farther outside. Not 12ga.

SL-8904: 50ft Retractable Polymer Cord Reel w/4 Outlets - 15amp

This Retractable Cord Reel has a 50' 12/3 SJTW Cord. With 4 separate grounded outlets and a 15 amp resettable circuit breaker, powering your projects is quick and easy. The outlet bar even has a built in LED status light to let you know you have power. Includes mounting brackets that allow it to...

www.baycoproducts.com

 

[grsthegreat]

I have a cord reel at each end of my shop on the wall. The one by the door for outside work and the other on the far wall for occasional use. My shop has wall outlets all over the place….and i mean all over.

The one on the far wall used to be located at the roll up front door . But it was a chepo lowes model with 14 ga wire that had a 3 outlet head that failed to hold a plug any longer. I replaced it with a quality 12g single plug end cord reel and i was going to throw the old one out when i decided to cut the 3 prong head off and replace it with a new outlet and heat shrunk the repair. Its still only 14 ga but it works ok for things i need it for which is usually things like drop lights, hand grinder, etc.

The new one is a real industrial unit. It didnt come with a GFCI like the homeowner units do, but it did have an inline resettable fuse. I was going to bypass the fuse if it gave me any issue as its attached to a 20amp protected circuit that is GFCI protected. But it has never tripped in the last 3 years ive been using it.

Retractable Cord Reel - Heavy Duty, 45', Single Outlet H-10990 - Uline

Never wind a cord again. Pull down for safe and easy access. Wall and ceiling mountable. Hardware included. Cord locks to desired length, retracts with slight tug. Single grounded outlet with resettable circuit breaker. Industrial grade polyethylene housing. Requires a 20A outlet. ULINE offers...

www.uline.com

 

[grsthegreat]

One thing i have noticed is 12 g extension cords tend to be downrated to 15 amps once they reach 50 feet and over. If you notice the HUGE 20 amp 100ft extension cords used on construction sites, they have different, thicker insulation materials and have real 20 amp receptacle ends. Not ment to plug into residential 15 amp outlets….at least the real ones ive used over the years.

I think the industrial cord reels ive seen rated at 20 amps have all been 30-45 foot runs for this reason.

 

[bigtiller]

I have a Cox Reel hanging on the ceiling with 50' of 3/8 air hose. I'm very happy with it and glad I bought it. I would think any type of Cox Reel would be worth the investment.

 

[ultrarunner]

Very happy with mine and all have drop cord light with outlet.

Bought my first from Sears made in USA in 1975… have one in my service truck plus I bought as gifts to give to family hanging near the garage door opener…

 

[RayIN]

This is why I like Cox Reels, Reelcraft, and Appleton reels. I have a few reels, most were bought used. I like the Appleton YSRL's because they are compact, and have a built in swivel, also they are made of cast and machined metal so they are very durable. Cox and Reelcraft are the same quality in my opinion, but Cox is normally a little cheaper. There are so many varieties that these manufactures make that it is impossible to point to a specific model that would be best suited to your needs without asking 50 questions. Also are you sure you need a 50'? 30' reels are a whole lot less expensive.

A Wide Range of Cord Reels and Switches | Emerson US

Emerson’s superior design standards and options meet the needs of a variety of applications and offer a range of rocker, toggle and pushbutton switches.

www.appleton.emerson.com

Hose, Cord & Cable Reels | Coxreels®

USA Made - Heavy duty hose, cord & cable reels from Coxreels®. Find the highest quality reels for the job by spring, hand crank, or motorized rewind.

www.coxreels.com

Reelcraft Hose, Cord, and Cable Reels

Reelcraft is the leading global manufacturer of hose, cord and cable reels for industrial, commercial and professional applications.

www.reelcraft.com

All of these are USA made and not cheap, but they are quality. These reels are built to last and are serviceable with the manufactures selling repair parts. None of the chinese reel manufactures sell parts, as they know customers will replace the entire unit.

Made in China ones aren't gonna be cheap much longer. The difference will be quality of workmanship.

 

[SHUNKSTER]

AMZ Has Goodyear cord reels 12 and 14 ga. Their good reels