Extension Reel used with Smart Plug

Thready

Hi There

Is it safe to have a fully retracted cable reel plugged into a smart plug if the smart plug is off but the socket on?  I use it through the summer for mowing the lawn [always fully extended when in use] but the socket is realy hard to reach so I am thinking that a smart plug which can be remotely turned off might be the solution - just need to check that the smart plug turned off acts in the same way as the socket itself being turned off?

neilmcl

Thready said:

Hi There

Is it safe to have a fully retracted cable reel plugged into a smart plug if the smart plug is off but the socket on?  I use it through the summer for mowing the lawn [always fully extended when in use] but the socket is realy hard to reach so I am thinking that a smart plug which can be remotely turned off might be the solution - just need to check that the smart plug turned off acts in the same way as the socket itself being turned off?

Where is the extension reel being left (outside, inside)? Also does it have an RCD?

Personally, I wouldn't.

GDB2222

I keep my rolled up reel plugged in and switched on. It’s perfectly safe. 

The issue is if you draw current through the lead whilst it is rolled up. Some heat is generated in the lead and because it is rolled up the heat cannot dissipate. I loaned an extension lead to a builder and he actually managed to melt the lead that way, so it is a real risk. 

Of course, if there’s nothing plugged into the extension cord, no current is flowing, and no current means no heat is generated. 

There’s no need for a smart plug, but if it makes you happy…

chrisw

Yes perfectly fine.

You can use a smart plug or you might find one of those remote controlled sockets cheaper but they usually come in a pack of 3.

Grizzlebeard

GDB2222 said:

I keep my rolled up reel plugged in and switched on. It’s perfectly safe. 

The issue is if you draw current through the lead whilst it is rolled up. Some heat is generated in the lead and because it is rolled up the heat cannot dissipate. I loaned an extension lead to a builder and he actually managed to melt the lead that way, so it is a real risk. 

......

There’s no need for a smart plug, but if it makes you happy…

A lawnmower isn't going to draw enough current to overheat a reeled cable, which will be at least partially unreeled in use anyway.

Your last point is very true. Leaving the extension switched on (live) at the wall probably poses less risk and uses less on 'standby' than a smartplug. Extension less likely to go faulty than the Smartplug.

If other common sense rules applied, then just unplug the lawnmower and always keep the reel indoors when not being used.

GDB2222

Grizzlebeard said:

GDB2222 said:

I keep my rolled up reel plugged in and switched on. It’s perfectly safe. 

The issue is if you draw current through the lead whilst it is rolled up. Some heat is generated in the lead and because it is rolled up the heat cannot dissipate. I loaned an extension lead to a builder and he actually managed to melt the lead that way, so it is a real risk. 

......

There’s no need for a smart plug, but if it makes you happy…

A lawnmower isn't going to draw enough current to overheat a reeled cable, which will be at least partially unreeled in use anyway.

Your last point is very true. Leaving the extension switched on (live) at the wall probably poses less risk and uses less on 'standby' than a smartplug. Extension less likely to go faulty than the Smartplug.

If other common sense rules applied, then just unplug the lawnmower and always keep the reel indoors when not being used.

I agree. To overheat the reel, you have to draw quite a large current through it.

The builder, who melted my reel, was using a steamer to remove wallpaper. That was around a 2-3 kw load, and he had around half the lead unrolled. That generated sufficient heat to melt the insulation around the wires in the reel. Eventually, the wires touched, and the circuit breaker tripped. That was the first i knew about it.

I'm not an expert on electric mowers. How much power do they draw?

FreeBear

GDB2222 said: I'm not an expert on electric mowers. How much power do they draw?

1200W to 1800W - Not an insignificant amount.

A smart plug, if it is anything like some of the smart switches I have, draw about 0.3W even when idle.

Thready

Hi all thanks for the replies.  It is a remote smart plug not an 'pure' smart plug.  when not in use the remote plug is off and nothing is plugged into th reel.  

I thought it should be safe but wanted to check theat the remote controlled plug being off stops any power getting to the rolled up reel.

It is in the conservatory and the reason for the remote plug is access.  the socket is behine the washer and drier and I have to be a contotionist to reach the switch to turn it off and as I am no longet in the first flush of youth that is becoming harder every year, a remote plug seemed to be the ideal solution, I just wanted to double check the safety.  I have seen examples of iverheated reats not being fully extended when in use so don;t want to take enyu chances :-)

Thank you all who took the time to respond.

grumbler

I still don't understand why you want to have the reel switched off when not in use. 

FaceHead

My roll up extension cord has written on it that it's rated for 3A rolled up, or 5A unrolled. 

My 1200W mower will draw roughly 5A, so it seems you can quite comfortably get passed the rolled up rating. That said, you'd have to be drawing more than the rating for a long time to cause any problems, as manufacturers put a bit of a safety margin in this sort of thing.  

Back the the original question: yes not a problem - think of it just like a normal switch that you can flick via WiFi. 

Section62

Thready said:

It is in the conservatory and the reason for the remote plug is access.  the socket is behine the washer and drier and I have to be a contotionist to reach the switch to turn it off and as I am no longet in the first flush of youth that is becoming harder every year, a remote plug seemed to be the ideal solution, I just wanted to double check the safety.

There are three reasons why I wouldn't do this.

1) Electronics can fail.  For safety you always need to have a situation where you can quickly cut the power to electronic devices. Plugging something in to a socket without easy access means in an emergency you wouldn't be able to switch it off, without isolating the whole circuit at the consumer unit.  Also, being in a hidden location means you wouldn't see some of the warning signs of imminent failure, such as scorching or yellowing from overheating.

2) The safety risk is not limited to electronics failing.  If the extension lead is being used outdoors there is an increased risk of accidents and damage.  Being able to safely isolate the extension lead quickly and completely could be critical to saving someone's life.  The plug being inaccessible means this isn't possible (unless again, by isolating at the consumer unit).  You can't rely on an electronic switch to completely disconnect the extension lead from the mains supply.

3) For outdoor use (especially with a lawnmower) it is essential to use an appropriate RCD.  If you use a plug-in one - highly recommended when using power tools outside - then you will be in the same position of having the RCD in a location which isn't accessible if it needs to be reset, or if it fails.


It would be much safer to get an electrician to fit an additional socket in a position which is easily accessible.  And if the washer / drier are also plugged into inaccessible socket(s) then this is all the more reason to do the job properly and have sockets installed in better positions as washing machines and tumble driers are also appliances which should have an accessible means of isolating in case of emergency.

Maybe there are other locations/appliances in the house connected to inconvenient sockets and it would be worthwhile thinking about doing something about these at the same time as well?


In any event, adding a remote plug adds things that can go wrong over and above having a standard extension cable left permanently plugged in and switched on.  It doesn't really improve safety, and arguably makes things worse in some situations.