connected a cord reel for block heater

[emarsh]

It took a while to get the bracket situated so that I could drill holes under the passenger battery, used the bracket that holds the horn in place. NOW when I want to plug in, as long as I am within 30 feet of a hot duplex receptacle, I just unreel the cord winder COMPLETELY and plug in. No more being too lazy and waiting forever for the truck to warm up!

I cut off the ends and replaced them with high quality cord ends so the the MALE is the one that unwinds.

Only an electrician would think of doing this



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[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Good man emarsh I am thinking about the same thing but I hardly ever plug in.



You probably realize you should reel at least 2/3 of the length out when you plug in so your power cord won't act as a coil and heat up the cord in the reel.



Vaughn

 

[Cooker]

Awaiting Pics

 

[illflem]

Do you have to open the hood? I'd be too lazy if so. Just remember to uncoil the reel, I had a self retracting one melt into one mass with just the load of a battery charger.

 

[HTRDHLR]

LOL

I only see one problem with that instalation, It's an AC DELCO cord reel Looks Great I wish I had thought of that.

 

[RonaldLarson]

Vaughn..

has a good point. The other consideration with using a coiled cord is that you are reducing the voltage and current available to the heater by using a coiled cord, and thereby reducing the effectiveness of the heater.

Ron

 

[SnoKing]

Watch out for induction if you do not pull the cord out all the way. Melted one of those a few years ago running a small table saw. SNOKING

 

[RATTLINRAM]

Another Question,,,,,,,,,,,,,

How about the possability of the reel housing retaining water?? I can't tell exactly how it's mounted. I do think that I would make sure it's plugged into a supply that will trip out easily if something shorts out. I've never cared for those cord reels,,,,,,,,,,, I too have melted down a few,,,,,,,,, one was just a drop-light type and the other was a cord reel with a small pool pump on it.

It sure would be a bad reason to have your rig go up in smoke! Just my . 02