The Drip Cap
- A retractable cord is used to retract a cord back to a device back to when it is pulled a certain distance from the device.
- A retractable cord works by providing a small storage space for excess cord.
- The cord is on a set of rotatable wheels which contain space for the entire length of the cord.
What extension cord should I buy?
Extension cords should be rated for loads that are at least equal to, and preferably greater than, the requirements needed to run a tool effectively. Extension cord lengths of 50 feet or less can be used based upon the chart shown below, but runs over 50 feet should implement the next heavier-sized cord to accommodate voltage drop due to the natural resistance of the wire.
Is an extension cord safe to bury?
You could, but extension cords are not rated for direct burial. That takes specific construction and would be rated for direct burial if you can find one. If you bury a cord that is not rated for it, it is a code violation and if you are discovered you could expect consequences.
How to properly coil and store an extension cord?
Here are some of the different – and creative – ways folks store their coiled cords:
- Hang the coil from a hose butler, attached to wall.
- Hang the coil from bicycle hook, screwed into the wall.
- Secure the coil with Velcro straps and store in a milk crate.
- Secure the coil with coat hanger wire. Leave a few inches of extra wire extended from the coil. ...
- Wrap the coil around a chrome rim from a '68 Chevy, bolted to the wall.
How to choose the best extension cord?
Choosing the best outdoor extension cord or indoor cord relies on understanding how amperage, cord length and gauge ratings work together. Each one of these attributes affects the performance and power of an extension cord.
How do you use a retractable cord?
1:3715:21Free DIY Retractable Cord Reel - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou pull it down. It comes down lights. Up whatever you need anywhere you need and then when you'reMoreYou pull it down. It comes down lights. Up whatever you need anywhere you need and then when you're done all you do is pull the cord. And back up it goes to retracts up into there.
How does an automatic cord winder work?
0:402:45How Recoil Automatic Cord Winders Work - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's that simple the secret to the recoil winder is the small white trigger inside the hook. WhenMoreIt's that simple the secret to the recoil winder is the small white trigger inside the hook. When you place your cord around the hook depresses the trigger allowing the mechanism to wind your cord.
How do you retract a retractable cable?
0:110:26Retractable Cable Reel Mechanism - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPull it a little bit further when the clicking stops. And it'll fully retract into the real locked.MorePull it a little bit further when the clicking stops. And it'll fully retract into the real locked.
How do you make a retractable extension cord reel?
0:483:11Make your own Extension cord retractable reel - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOkay pretty much what you need to do is. You need to drill a hole I don't you see the hole rightMoreOkay pretty much what you need to do is. You need to drill a hole I don't you see the hole right there. It's about one inch okay you want to drill a hole on the side that does not have the handle.
What is a retractable cord?
A retractile (or retractable) cord or cable is a cable that can be extended and will return to original contracted form while minimizing the stress on the wire. Retractile cord or cable is commonly referred to as a retractable cord, a coil cord or a curly cord.
Does Dyson have retractable cord?
No retractable cords but it is easy to wind the cord up on the 2 hooks provided in the outside of the upright.
How do retractable devices work?
They work on a pair of rotatable wheels inside a storage space that houses the entire length of the cord. When a user pulls the cord, extending it, the ratchets lock automatically, preventing the cord from rolling back up into its original storage position.
How do you make a homemade cord reel?
0:001:05How to Make an Extension Cord Reel for Home Improvement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe inside there making a large enough hole for the plug end of your cord. To go through just threadMoreThe inside there making a large enough hole for the plug end of your cord. To go through just thread feed this through the hole. And leave just a little bit a few inches out.
How do you make a cable reel?
0:1114:31How to DIY Homemade a portable cable reel like Quickwinder (Reel-A ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn this video I will show you how to use a Home Depot bucket. Turn it into a cable winder. You canMoreIn this video I will show you how to use a Home Depot bucket. Turn it into a cable winder. You can wind it by hand or by power drill. It works for 100 feet of gauge cable.
Bring Universal Power to Your Shop
With a retractable extension cord in the shop, there’s no more searching for the extension cord, no more tripping over cords on the floor, and no more constantly bending over to plug in whatever you need. But stay away from wimpy 16- to 18-gauge corded models. They don’t carry enough current for many tools. The Husky 14-3, 50-ft.
Best Way to Use a Retractable Extension Cord
For the most part, placing one of these systems directly above your workbench is the best place to mount the extension cord. But you may be different. You might find that it is better to place it in a spot where the cord can reach outside.
Cordless Jigsaws: Are 12 Volts Enough?
The tool shelf at the Family Handyman workshop holds both 12-volt and 18-volt jigsaws. To our surprise, we generally, prefer the 12-volt models. They’re lighter, easier to handle and have plenty of power for cutting hardwoods or 1-1/2-in.-thick material.
How long is a retractable extension cord?
In general, the retractable extension cord lengths vary from 30, 40, or 50 ft. The reel casing size may reflect the extra coiled length of the cord, but overall the difference shouldn’t be too dramatic if you are concerned about the space you need to install it. As far as pricing, the shorter cords tend to be more basic and less expensive. But you can weigh the value for yourself – an extra few dollars may be worth being able to use your tools in your side yard and have some additional features stacked on top of that.
How many outlets does a retractable cord have?
The number of outlets on a retractable extension cord is also a feature that has options. Typically, three outlets seem to be the standard. However, with some of the portable extension reels, there may be four places to plug in.
Do retractable extension cords have a light?
Some retractable extension cords have a handy lighted outlet that is much brighter than just the dim indicator light.
What is retractable cord?
Retractable cords aren't to be confused with retractile cords. The latter are covered with a specially-treated insulation or jacket that causes them to curl up, like an old-fashioned phone cord, according to the 2006 book " Cabling: The Complete Guide to Network Wiring ," by David Barnett, David Groth, and Jim McBee.
How does a retractable USB cord work?
Retractables, like this retractable USB cord, work by using ratchets to lock excess cord into place in a storage space. Wikimedia Commons ( CC By-SA 3.0)
When did the retractable cord come out?
You might think that retractable cords are a contemporary convenience, but actually, the term shows up in U.S. Patent Office documents going back to the early 1900s. For example, here's a patent awarded in 1939 for a vacuum cleaner handle, which is equipped with a grip that allows the user to control how much of the sweeper's electrical cord is wound back by the spring-operated drum inside it. This patent awarded in 1971 covers an electrical cord retracting mechanism.
How does a ratchet work?
They work on a pair of rotatable wheels inside a storage space that houses the entire length of the cord. When a user pulls the cord, extending it, the ratchets lock automatically, preventing the cord from rolling back up into its original storage position.
What is an extension cord reel?
Made of impact-resistant plastic, these reels are more durable than other automatic-wind cord reels. They have a ratchet to hold the extension cord in place at any length; a quick pull releases the cord and the spring-driven winding mechanism retracts it. A resettable circuit breaker prevents overload damage. Mount reels to a wall or ceiling with the quick-release mounting bracket. The included extension cord resists oil and water.
What holds the extension cord in place?
A ratchet holds the extension cord on these reels in place at any length; a quick pull releases the cord and the spring-driven winding mechanism retracts it. An adjustable ball lock controls how much cord retracts into the reel.
What is controlled winding?
Controlled winding prevents the cord from whipping at the end, making winding safer and extending the life of the cord and reel. These reels also have a ratchet to hold the extension cord in place at any length; a quick pull releases the cord and the spring-driven winding mechanism retracts it.
What is an automatic take up reel?
The automatic take-up feature maintains constant tension on the extension cord as the spring-driven winding mechanism retracts it. An adjustable ball lock controls how much cord retracts into the reel.
