Buy Cable Reels Online in Australia
Retractable electric cable reels
A cable reel keeps a power lead off the floor, protects the cord from damage and winds it back after use. AIMS stocks two spring-rewind 240V cable reels: the Retracta C1 Series in 10A and 15A, and the wall-mounted Alemlube ECRP24025, a 15A reel with thermal overload protection. Both suit workshop and industrial use.
What's in the range
| Reel | Rating | Cable | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retracta C1 Series, 10A | 240V, 10A. Maximum 1000W coiled, 2000W fully unwound | 20m of 3 x 1.5mm² H07RN-F | Drills, grinders and other standard workshop tools |
| Retracta C1 Series, 15A | 240V, 15A. Maximum 1600W coiled, 3200W fully unwound | 20m of 3 x 2.5mm² H07RN-F | Higher-draw equipment that needs a 15A supply |
| Alemlube ECRP24025 | 240V, 15A, thermal overload protection | 20m of 3 x 2.5mm² | Wall-mounted power at a workshop bay. IP42, so indoor use |
The 10A Retracta reel has a 10A flat 3-pin plug and socket. The 15A Retracta reel has a 15A flat 3-pin plug and socket, so check that your supply outlet is 15A before you order.
Choosing a cable reel
Match the current rating to the load. Check the rated current of the equipment you will plug in, and choose a reel rated at or above it. A 10A reel suits standard workshop tools. Heavier equipment needs a 15A reel.
Unwind the cable fully under load. Cable wound on the drum cannot shed heat as well as cable laid out. That is why the Retracta reels are rated for roughly half the wattage when coiled: 1000W against 2000W for the 10A model, and 1600W against 3200W for the 15A model. For anything drawing close to the limit, pull the cord out completely.
Match the reel to the environment. The Alemlube reel is IP42, which suits indoor workshop use. It is not a washdown or outdoor rating.
Mounting: the Alemlube ECRP24025 is wall-mounted. Check the product page or call us about mounting for the Retracta reel.
Inspection and testing: portable electrical equipment in workplaces is generally inspected and tested to AS/NZS 3760, with the frequency depending on the environment. Check the standard and your state requirements, and take any reel with a damaged cord, outlet or plug out of service.
Always check the manufacturer's data sheet before you buy.
Related ranges
See Retracta for the full Retracta range, including hose reels, or Hose Reels & Accessories if you are after an air, water or oil hose reel instead. For wider electrical products see Electrical & Electronic and Wire & Cable Management, and for storage and routing of cables read our Cable Management Guide.
Order from AIMS Industrial
For product advice, stock availability or a quote, call our Sydney team on (02) 9773 0122, get in touch via Contact Us, or submit a Request a Quote.
Cable reels — common questions
Why unwind a cable reel fully when running a heavy load?
Cable wound on the drum holds heat that cable laid out would shed, and over time that heat can damage the insulation. Reels are rated lower when coiled for this reason. The Retracta 10A reel is rated for 1000W coiled and 2000W fully unwound, and the 15A reel for 1600W coiled and 3200W fully unwound. Pull the cord out completely for anything drawing a high load.
What is the difference between a 10A and a 15A cable reel?
It is the maximum current the reel is rated to carry. The Retracta 10A reel uses 1.5mm² cable and the 15A reel uses 2.5mm² cable, both 20m long. Standard workshop tools such as drills and grinders generally suit a 10A reel. Heavier equipment may need 15A. Check the rated current of your equipment and choose a reel at or above it. Running a high-draw appliance on an undersized reel risks overheating the cord.
Do workshop cable reels need to be tested and tagged?
Portable electrical equipment used in workplaces is generally inspected and tested to AS/NZS 3760, and a cable reel falls into that group. How often depends on the environment and your state requirements, so check the standard or your work health and safety adviser.
What does thermal overload protection do?
It cuts the power if the reel overheats, which protects the cord and the reel. The Alemlube ECRP24025 includes thermal overload protection.
Can I use the Alemlube cable reel outdoors?
The Alemlube ECRP24025 is rated IP42, which suits indoor workshop use. It is not a washdown or outdoor rating. For wet or outdoor work, call us before ordering.
Why use a retractable reel instead of an extension lead?
A reel winds the cord away after use, so it is not left on the floor as a trip hazard or exposed to damage from vehicles and foot traffic. It is also quicker to deploy and put away than a loose lead.
Not sure which reel suits your equipment? Contact our team with the load and we will point you to the right one.