Frequently Asked Questions

Direct from Alert Reel Manufacturing

• Call us directly at 716-648-1048 to place an order
• Submit a request for a quote on our website, and we will contact you within 1-2 business days
• Order via email: send your PO to Our Sales Team
• Through Your Local Electric Distributor

Many products are also available through online distributors such as Amazon, Grainger, and others.

With years of experience distributing durable power products, Alert Reels Manufacturing is the ultimate destination for all your power needs. This means that when you need to speak to someone, you can trust they understand the product inside out, helping you decide which power product best suits your application.

Alert Reels Manufacturing is headquartered in New York, so we understand your communication needs and are also deeply knowledgeable of the specific requirements of the U.S. market. You can be assured that our products conform to all required U.S. safety standards.

We are dedicated to ensuring that our customers are happy with their purchases and that their products meet their needs. With a focus on quality customer service, you can trust Alert Reels Manufacturing to support you throughout your purchase journey.

Most devices are marked with an amperage rating – taking the guesswork out of the picture. But occasionally there may be a situation that requires you to calculate the amperage required.

Calculating amps for cord reels is a simple procedure that anyone with basic knowledge of electricity can do. To start, you’ll need to know the wattage of the application you’re working with and its associated voltage. Divide the wattage of the fixture by the voltage to get your answer. For example, if you’re working with a device with a wattage of 1800 and a voltage of 120, divide 1800 by 120 for an answer of 15 amps.

Remember that when calculating amperage, always use your application’s correct wattage and volt to ensure safety and efficiency.

In order to determine what size cord reel you should buy it’s important to know the amperage and voltage requirements of the installation – these can be found on the tags/labels for the equipment that will be plugged into the reel. Based on amperage and voltage you can determine the correct wire gauge for your reel.

Look at the plug on your devices/equipment and count the prongs. This is the number of conductors required.

Cord length will depend on the length needed for the reel to reach the desired work area(s) from where the reel is installed. You should always plan a few extra feet to ensure you don’t over-extend the cable and damage your reel.

There are some very important differences between indoor vs. outdoor extension cords.

Indoor extension cords can come in both standard and heavy duty varieties. Typically indoor cords have a plug with two prongs, but sometimes they can include the third prong which acts as a grounding wire. Indoor extension cords that have plugs that include 3 prongs would be a required feature if the device being plugged in has 3-prongs. Also, indoor cords do not require heavy insulation on the cords.

Outdoor extension cords are designed for use in damp or wet conditions. They are equipped with protective insulation to guard against electric shock and fires, making them ideal for outdoor use. They may also use UV-resistant materials to guard against damage caused by sun exposure. All outdoor extension cords would have 3 conductors – providing a ground for safety purposes.  Additionally, they often feature heavier-gauge wiring that can handle higher voltages and amperage.

Extension cords that are safe for outdoor use will have the following qualities:

UL Standards – When shopping for an outdoor extension cord, look for one that is compliant with Underwriter Laboratories (UL) standards. It should have a UL label on the packaging and indicate that it is suitable for outdoor use.

Heavy-Duty Materials – Outdoor extension cords are specifically designed and built with materials that are resistant to moisture, extreme temperatures, and physical/mechanical damage. Look for cords with strain reliefs or watertight seals on both ends. They may also state a NEMA 4 or 4X rating.

3-Pronged – Always select an outdoor extension cord with three prongs (includes a ground); this reduces the risk of electric shock.

Heavy-duty extension cord reels are indispensable tools for any commercial setting where power cords are needed, designed to easily store and retrieve long lengths of cable or cord and make your work site safer.

Cable Retrieval System: When you need to access a power cord, simply pull on the cable end. The reel’s internal mechanism will release the cable and allow it to unwind. As the cable unwinds, an automatic locking mechanism will engage, keeping the desired length of cable extended and at the ready.

Automatic Retraction: Once you’re done with the cable, a small tug allows the spring-loaded system to retract the cable back into the reel, using a controlled speed. This system not only ensures the longevity of your cord, but also makes moving your heavy tools and equipment easier and more efficient. Always hold the end of your cable while it is retracting to avoid damage or personal injury.

Durable Construction: Heavy-duty extension cord reels are made to withstand the toughest conditions. Typically constructed out of steel or aluminum.

Power Requirements: Consider the power requirements that you’ll need from your heavy-duty extension cord reel. Look for reels that are rated for high amperage and can accommodate multiple outlets, which will allow you to power multiple heavy-duty tools simultaneously. Always check the total amperage requirements for all tools you plan to operate simultaneously!  NEVER exceed the total amperage rating marked on your reel.

A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) monitors the electrical current flowing through a circuit and shuts it off automatically if it detects an imbalance between the hot and neutral wires. When it comes to heavy-duty power cord reels, using a GFCI is especially crucial. These reels are designed to handle high voltage and amperage, which means that any ground fault could cause severe damage. Additionally, heavy-duty power cord reels are often used in harsh environments where moisture, dust, or debris can increase the risk of electrical hazards. Using a GFCI can protect the equipment from damage and prevent downtime due to accidents.

Built-in GFCIs are ideal for permanent installations where safety is critical, such as on heavy-duty power cord reels that will be used repeatedly over time. When choosing a heavy-duty power cord reel with a built-in GFCI, it’s essential to ensure that the device meets the required safety standards and regulations. Look for products that have been tested and certified by reputable organizations such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Overloading an extension cord could result in potential hazards such as electrical fires, electric shocks, and other electrical-related accidents.

When extension cords are overloaded, the electrical wires within the cord tend to heat up due to the excess power running through them, causing insulation damage that produces a noticeable burning smell and is warm to the touch. The wires within them can heat up, resulting in the cord melting or catching fire. The increased heat and electricity flow can also damage the electrical devices that are connected to the cord.

One of the easiest ways to avoid overloading an extension cord is to assess the electrical needs of the device you plan to use, as well as the cord itself. Each extension cord will include information on its label that shows the maximum amount of electrical wattage it can handle. Ensure that the amount of power needed doesn’t exceed the maximum amount allowed by the extension cord. Furthermore, it is essential to avoid running extension cords under carpets or rugs or leaving the cord in contact with water. Lastly, invest in a power cord reel to make it easier to store your cords to avoid any unnecessary winding of cords.

Integrating cord reels into equipment is essential for efficient and safe cord management. Alert Reels Manufacturing understands the importance of this and offers customized cord reels for various industries and applications. Whether it’s for golf carts, EVs, MRI machines, data reels, or school and lab use, customers can trust Alert Reels to deliver high-quality, dependable cord reels tailored to their specific needs. Contact Alert Reels Manufacturing today to learn more about integrating cord reels into your equipment.