Do you have extension cords which often end up a tangled mess, causing a hazard to you and others as you attempt to use it? Having a neat and tidy retractable high-quality power cable reel close at hand is essential for all kinds of tasks to extend your capabilities.
Perhaps you’re using power tools and need more cable length to get to hard-to-reach places. Or maybe you’re cutting the grass and need to extend your power source outdoors to reach further.
Either way, if you’re looking for the best retractable extension cord reel in Australia, you’ll find our best picks here!
Ultracharge 25m Power Cord Reel Extension
The Ultracharge extension reel is a brilliant choice for all kinds of users. As an Australian approved piece of equipment, you can enjoy complete peace of mind in your purchase. Operating at 10 amps, this is a heavy duty extension cable suitable for all kinds of purposes.
How Do You Find The Best Retractable Extension Cord?
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Ultracharge 25m Power Cord Reel Extension |
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MS4039 15M Ext Reel 4 Way Power Board Overload |
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see price on amazon
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Ultracharge 15m Mountable Power Reel |
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check price |
Are you looking for the best retractable 240v extension lead? Then you’ll need to know which features to be on the lookout for. Here is our buyer’s guide to point you in the right direction.
Length
When you’re choosing the right extension cord reel for you, you need to get the length right. You need one that can stretch further than you require. An extendable cord can be shortened or lengthened to suit different tasks, but a longer reel is more versatile.
Thickness
The thickness of the cord is especially important for those who’ll be using their reel with power tools. A thick cord can carry more power so it can run more equipment safely. Heavy-duty reels will measure 10, 12, or 14 gauge (AWG) (1).
Amps
In an ideal world, you need a cord that is rated for 125V or 15 amps. This will be capable of handling all tools and household appliances. Professionals may wish to buy a contractor retractable cord that can handle as much as 300 volts.
Weatherproofing
In many cases, you’ll need a cord that can be used in a cold-weather environment. This type of reel will be more flexible and so can stretch more easily.
Is a 40 foot retractable cord reel long enough for outdoor use?
Multi-Outlet
Multi-outlet cord reels are great for use at home. But if you’ll be using power tools this could lead to overloading the cord. For professional use, a single-use cord reel that has a thick wire is best.
Our Retractable Power Cord Reviews
Here, you’ll find our top four picks of the best reciprocating saws on the market this year.
1. Ultracharge 25m Power Cord Reel Extension – Best Overall
Specifications
10 Amp
- Cable length – 25m
- 4 sockets
The Ultracharge extension reel is a brilliant choice for all kinds of users. As an Australian-approved piece of equipment, you can enjoy complete peace of mind in your purchase.
Operating at 10 amps, this is a heavy-duty extension cable suitable for all kinds of purposes. Its 25 metre cable length is sufficiently long for a wide range of uses. It allows you to use equipment and tools at a long distance from a power outlet.
An excellent feature of this cable reel is its four sockets allowing you to plug in several tools or appliances. It comes with an integrated on/off switch on the powerboard as well as a reset button for safety and convenience.
Another brilliant feature of this reel is its handy carrying handle which complements the strong base and frame. Essentially, this is a very durable and robust piece of equipment for use at home or on the Jobsite.
If you’re seeking a great overall retractable extension reel, this model is the one for you.
2. MS4039 15M Ext Reel 4 Way Power Board Overload – Best on a Budget
Specifications
Lead length – 15m
- Rating – 240 VAC, 10A
- Wattage – 2400W
Affordable yet high quality, the MS4039 extension reel is a good budget purchase. This four-way round cable reel comes with a handy 15 metre extension cord. This gives you plenty of lengths to use a range of tools in a variety of locations.
This reel combines an extension lead with a powerboard. It creates a hub that keeps you from the frustration of tangled leads.
It couldn’t be simpler to use this piece of equipment. All you need to do is unreel the cable then connect the main appliances. Once you’re done, just disconnect the appliances then use the reel to wind away from the extension lead.
The powerboard has an integrated master power switch together with inbuilt overload protection. This ensures greater safety for the user against overloading the system.
The heavy-duty case makes this a robust and durable reel for home or professional use.
If you’re on a tight budget, this extension reel is the ideal versatile choice.
3. Ultracharge 15m Mountable Power Reel
Specifications
10 Amp insulated lead
- Power cord length – 2 metres
- 15 metre retractable lead
The Ultracharge UR240/15TR auto-retractable extension reel is popular thanks to its mountable design. This makes it a brilliant option for use in a single location such as in a workshop or garage. The wall pivot bracket makes storage a breeze.
With its 15 metre retractable cord, this reel offers sufficient length for a wide range of purposes. Thanks to its auto-retracting design, it also involves minimal work to return it to its storage position.
An excellent feature of this reel is its LED power indicator which shows at a glance whether it is functioning. It also features a collared socket, integrated on/off switch, and thermal cutoff switch for the user’s safety and convenience. The 10 amp insulated lead and 2 metre supply cord ensures ample power for a wide range of uses.
The Verdict – Which Extension Lead Reels Do We Recommend?
All three of the extension cord reels that we have recommended offer excellent benefits for users. However, overall, we think that the Ultracharge 25m Power Cord Extension is the best option.
Perfect for heavy duty applications, it offers a 25 metre cable length for optimal convenience. This makes it a perfect choice for using tools and equipment far from power outlets.
It also features four sockets so you can use four appliances simultaneously. Meanwhile, its carrying handle and robust construction make this a brilliant choice for use on the go.
Retractable Power Cord FAQs
The term “retractable” power cord means a cord that retracts back to the device. When pulled from the device it will lock in position. However, when you pull the cord further to a certain distance it will automatically curl back up to the appliance.
Retractable cord reels feature a pair of rotating wheels in a storage space that houses the cord’s whole length. If the user pulls on the cord and extends it, ratchets (2) will lock automatically. This prevents the cord from being able to roll back into its storage position.
Extension cord reels are handy in many situations. Both professionals and DIYers may find they could use one regularly.
People who work on construction sites can benefit from retractable extension cords. They are ideal for use on building sites.
They’re also commonly used in the entertainment industry for dealing with amplifiers, PA systems and lights. They provide sufficient sockets to meet the needs of performers. They also allow equipment to be placed in suitable locations without needing to be near a mains power outlet.
The simple answer to this is that a 12 gauge cord is a better option than a 14 gauge one. This is because a 12 gauge wire is thicker and therefore has a longer lifespan and higher capacity. If you’re planning on running appliances that have a current draw of 10-15 amps, this is essential.
Extension cables up to 50 feet in length are fine with 14 gauge wire. However, if you need a longer extension you need 12 gauge wire. This will ensure you have sufficient power to run your more powerful tools and equipment safely and efficiently.
There are some extension cords that are water-resistant, although none are fully waterproof. A water-resistant cord is suitable for use in light rain, however, it’s best to prevent extension cords from becoming wet. This is the best way to ensure your safety and the long lifespan of your extension cord reel.
References
- What is the conversion between AWG and the metric system?- Retrieved from https://www.elandcables.com/the-cable-lab/faqs/faq-what-is-the-conversion-between-awg-and-the-metric-system
- Definition of Ratchet – retrieved from https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/ratchet
