Extension Leads & Cable Reels

It just comes down to where you’re working and how far you need to reach. If you’re bridging a small gap behind a desk or sound system, a short extension cord will keep things tidy without extra wire cluttering up the floor. For bigger jobs, like mowing the lawn, working in the garage, or running power across a workshop, a heavy-duty cable reel is much more practical. Just remember to check the wattage on high-draw appliances before plugging everything in at once!

It’s best avoided if you can help it. Daisy-chaining extension leads like this raises the risk of overloading a single wall socket and makes it trickier to work out the combined wattage being drawn. If a room needs more sockets, a single multi-gang extension lead is the safer bet, and for anything more permanent, it’s worth getting an electrician to add extra sockets instead.

It’s always best to pull the cable all the way out first. Running high-power equipment through a tightly wound reel lets heat build up fast inside the coil, which risks overheating. Unwinding the cable fully before flicking the switch lets air circulate properly, keeping your gear cool and safe while you work.

An extension lead is typically a length of cable with sockets along it. A cable reel does the same job but winds the cable onto a drum, so the length you don’t need stays neatly stored rather than trailing across the floor. Cable reels are great for outdoor or workshop jobs, while a standard extension lead is usually used for everyday indoor use.