DEWENWILS LA81 30 ft Retractable Extension Cord Reel: features and specs

The DEWENWILS LA81 is a retractable extension cord reel with a 30 ft, 10 AWG cord and four outlets. It mounts on a wall or ceiling in a garage or workshop, so power is always within reach and the cord winds back out of the way when you are done. It is designed for tools that draw a lot of current.

Gauge, amps and watts

The cord is 10 AWG, which is a thick conductor. In general, a lower AWG number means thicker wire, which carries more current over a given distance with less voltage drop and heat. DEWENWILS rates the reel at 125V and 20A, or 2500W, and says it can power up to four high-demand tools at once. In practice, add up the amps of everything plugged in, as the total still has to stay within the 20A limit and within the circuit it is plugged into.

Plugs and outlets

The input fits a NEMA 5-20R outlet, the 20-amp receptacle with a T-shaped slot. The outputs accept both NEMA 5-15P and 5-20P plugs, so ordinary 15A plugs and 20A plugs both fit. Check that the outlet you plan to plug the reel into is a 20A type, or that you have a suitable adapter arrangement as described in the manual.

Retraction and length control

A guided rewind system retracts the cord automatically, and DEWENWILS says it does so without tangles. An adjustable stopper locks the cord at any length, so you can pull out only as much as you need. Reels like this generally work best when the cord is guided back in by hand rather than let to snap. Pulling only the length you need also helps, as a heavily loaded cord that stays coiled can run warmer than one that is fully unwound; the manual describes how to use the reel.

Circuit breaker

A built-in 20A circuit breaker disconnects power under overload. DEWENWILS lists table saws, planers, drills, miter saws, dust collectors and heaters as the kinds of tools it suits. Check each tool's label, as some motors draw a high starting current.

Cord material

The SJTW cord is a jacketed, flexible type. DEWENWILS says it resists UV, ozone, moisture and chemicals, stays flexible in cold weather, and can be used indoors and outdoors. The "W" in SJTW generally indicates weather suitability.

Mounting and size

A 180° swivel bracket lets you mount the reel on a wall or ceiling and turn it toward where you work. It measures 16.5 x 15.0 x 7.1 inches and weighs 18.5 lb, so fix it to solid framing or a suitable support, as the manual describes.

Who it suits

It suits garage and workshop users with several stationary tools, or anyone tired of tripping over loose cords. It is less suited to taking tools between sites.

What to check before you buy

• Outlet type: the input needs a NEMA 5-20R outlet.
• Total load: the four outlets share a single 20A / 2500W limit.
• Mounting: the reel weighs 18.5 lb, so confirm a solid mounting point and ceiling or wall clearance.
• Reach: 30 ft covers a room, but check the distance from the mount to your work areas.
• Tool needs: check each tool's amp draw and starting current.
• Safe use: follow the manual and local electrical codes.

The short version

• A 30 ft retractable reel with a 10 AWG SJTW cord and four outlets, model LA81.
• Rated 125V, 20A, 2500W with a built-in 20A breaker.
• Input for NEMA 5-20R; outputs take 5-15P and 5-20P plugs.
• Automatic rewind with an adjustable stopper.
• 180° swivel wall or ceiling bracket.

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