DEWENWILS DL-620 75ft Retractable Extension Cord Reel: specs and uses

The DEWENWILS DL-620 is a ceiling- or wall-mounted extension cord reel carrying 75 feet (about 23 metres) of 14-gauge cord. It is meant for garages, workshops and yards, where a loose extension cord ends up tangled, tripped over or lying on the floor. The cord pulls out when needed and winds back in on its own.

What the cord is made of

The reel uses 14/3C SJTOW cable. The 14 is the wire gauge, and the 3 means three conductors: live, neutral and ground. SJTOW is a common North American cord designation for a jacketed, flexible cord with a thermoplastic outer layer. DEWENWILS says the jacket resists UV, water, oil and acid, stays flexible in cold weather, and does not break after repeated bending.

The brand is also clear that the reel is for use indoors or in a dry place. A weather-resistant jacket is not the same as a weatherproof reel, so keep the housing and outlets out of rain.

How the retraction works

The reel has an auto-guide rewind mechanism, which DEWENWILS says retracts the cord quickly and smoothly without kinks or tangles. A ratchet system locks the cord at whatever length you pull out, so it stays put until you give it a small tug to release it. An adjustable stopper sets how far the cord is allowed to wind back in, which helps keep the plug end from slamming into the housing.

At 17.6 lb (about 8 kg), a reel with 75 feet of cord is a substantial piece of kit. That weight is a good reason to read the mounting advice carefully.

Mounting on a wall or ceiling

A swivel bracket and screws are included. The bracket lets the reel turn through 180°, so the cord can be pulled out in different directions from one spot. Mounting overhead keeps the cord off the floor and frees up bench space, which is why this style is common over a workshop or garage bay. Fix the bracket to solid framing or rafters rather than drywall alone, and follow the instructions supplied.

Outlets, limits and breaker

The end of the cord has three lighted tap outlets. Built-in neon bulbs show that power is present, which helps in a dim corner of a garage. The reel is rated at 10A, 125V and 1250W. It also has a built-in 10A circuit breaker that cuts power when the current goes over 10A. After it trips, you press the reset button to carry on. The listing states that the product is UL listed.

A 10A limit is lower than the 15A that many household outlets supply. In practice that suits lights, chargers, small power tools and similar loads, but it is a reason to add up what you plan to plug in.

Who it suits

It suits hobbyists and tradespeople with a garage, shed or workshop who want one tidy power point they can pull to the work. Its length also suits larger spaces and short runs into a yard, as long as the cord is used in dry conditions.

What to check before you buy

• Total load: add up the wattage of everything you will plug in, and keep within the 10A and 1250W limits.
• Mounting surface: confirm there is solid framing for a unit of about 17.6 lb, plus the cord's pull.
• Clearance: the reel measures about 14.6 x 13.0 x 5.5 inches, so allow room for the swivel.
• Wet locations: the brand says to use it indoors or in a dry place.
• Codes and manual: follow local electrical codes and the manual for installation, use and reset.
• Outlet type: the three outlets are on a tap at the cord's end; check this layout suits your tools' plugs.

The short version

• A 75-foot retractable reel with a 14/3C SJTOW cord, model DL-620.
• Auto-guide rewind, ratchet lock at any length and an adjustable stopper.
• Three lighted tap outlets, a 10A / 125V / 1250W limit and a 10A resettable breaker.
• Includes a 180° swivel bracket and screws for a wall or ceiling.
• Listed as UL listed; meant for indoor or dry locations.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.