A 110 V outlet you already have
You already have a 110 V, 16 A outlet and you want about 16 m of pull with IP44 stated on the listing. The Brennenstuhl 16+2 m reel is about £99.99. It will not fit a BS 1363 house socket.
Automatic cable reel comparison 2026
The best automatic cable reels, compared.
Top pick: Brennenstuhl 110 V IP44 reel, 16+2 m – Highest score in this set for a stated 110 V, 16 A plug, IP44, H07RN-F and 16+2 m, at about £99.99 with 4.9 from 15 reviews. Best value: Brennenstuhl 9+2 m automatic reel – Lowest price in this set for a stated BS 1363, 13 A plug, at about £57.62, with 4.0 from 120 reviews, the widest sample here. Updated 22.10.2026.
Charlie White (Charlie DIYte)Expert source
An automatic cable reel is a wall- or ceiling-mounted case that pays out a lead and springs it back on a ratchet. You use one from a 230 V BS 1363 socket in a garage or workshop, or you choose a 110 V reel only when the outlet is already a centre-tapped site supply. A handle-wound drum is a different product and is not compared here. Judge the plug first, then how far the lead reaches after the tail, then IP20 against a stated IP44, then the load while any lead is still inside the case. The scores use listing facts and review notes. They are not a load, rewind or IP test. The order of those checks is in the [automatic cable reel buying guide](/hub/electrical-equipment/automatic-cable-reel/sub/automatic-cable-reel-buying-guide). Reviews in these files describe a spring, not a motor, even where a title says electrical rewind. A slipping ratchet can whip the plug back, which UK reviews report on the short 230 V.
An automatic cable reel is a wall- or ceiling-mounted case that pays out a lead and springs it back on a ratchet.
26 products checked · 58 hrs invested · +18,400 readers
7 of 7: Best automatic cable reels compared
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1-2 of 7Best overall
Best value
9.5/10
6.9/10
7.4/10
7.4/10
8.6/10
8.7/10
8.2/10
∼ £100
∼ £105
∼ £61
∼ £90
∼ £98
∼ £58
∼ £71
4.9(15)
4.8(9)
4.7(15)
4.7(15)
4.2(42)
4.0(120)
3.9(7)
Personal buying guide
Which automatic cable reel fits this socket?
Question 1 of 2
What outlet are you plugging into?
The best automatic cable reels in detail
Our view
This Brennenstuhl is a 110 V, 16 A reel with 16+2 m of H07RN-F 3G1.5, IP44 and a safety cut-out, listed at £99.99. It scores 4.9 from 15 reviews, and only two of the three review blocks in the file are from the UK. Those UK buyers said it was the reel they wanted and that the quality was good once the bracket came off on the two pivot screws. They also said the fitting instructions are poor if you leave the bracket attached. A German review mentions solid 110 V plugs and a working rewind, which is not UK opinion. The 1 kg attribute is discarded, because an 18 m rubber lead is not that light. Dimensions stay 36 x 15 x 29 cm. It will not plug into a house socket. It is the top pick in this set when you already have a 110 V outlet and you want the longer splash-rated lead.
Pros
- 110 V, 16 A, IP44 and H07RN-F 3G1.5 all stated
- 16 m of pull plus a 2 m tail, safety cut-out, slew up to 180°
- 4.9 from 15 reviews, with UK buyers reporting a working fit after the bracket came off
- Wall or ceiling mounting
Cons
- Only two UK review texts, so the 4.9 line is a thin sample
- Fitting instructions called poor
- Will not fit a BS 1363 socket
- Listed weight of 1 kg is discarded as implausible
Best for: A 110 V outlet where you need about 16 m of pull and a stated IP44 rating.
Less suitable: A domestic garage on a 13 A socket, or a job that needs a deep UK review sample.
Specifications
- Model
- Brennenstuhl 110 V IP44 reel, 16+2 m
- Brand
- Brennenstuhl
- Price
- ∼£100
- Customer rating
- 4.9/5(15)
- Supply
- 110 V, 16 A
- Plug
- 110 V, 16 A
- Reach
- 16+2 m
- Cable type
- H07RN-F 3G1.5
- Ingress protection
- IP44
- Overload protection
- Safety cut-out
- Mounting
- Wall or ceiling
- Swivel
- Up to 180°
Common questions
Will this run from a house socket?
No. The listing states 110 V / 16 A and IP44, with an H07RN-F lead.
What length is printed?
16+2 m, also written as 18 m.
Can the 1 kg weight be used?
The attributes say 1 kg. That is not plausible beside an 18 m rubber lead, so weight is not used. Dimensions stay 36 x 15 x 29 cm.
Our view
The Draper 15052 is a blue 20 m retractable reel at £104.53, the longest lead and the highest price in this set. The star line is 4.8 from nine reviews, with two UK texts in the file. One buyer fitted it on a wall beside a bench because a ceiling drop was not wanted, and the lead pulled out and came back. The same file calls the 13 A socket tight and the price high. Amazon’s attribute block does not state voltage, plug standard or a cable code, even though Draper’s own page titles this model as 230 V. A 20 g listing weight is discarded. Dimensions are 31.2 x 16.8 x 35.8 cm. Bullets name a thermal cut-out and a bracket that swivels through 180°, and mounting is wall rather than wall or ceiling. Consider it when 20 m matters and you have checked the carton for a BS 1363 plug. A 4.8 from nine reviews is not a test.
Pros
- 20 m in the title, the longest reach in this set
- Thermal cut-out and a bracket that swivels through 180°
- One UK review of a wall fit beside a bench, with the lead retracting
- Dimensions stated as 31.2 x 16.8 x 35.8 cm
Cons
- Supply, plug and cable code are missing from the amazon capture
- Only nine reviews, and two UK texts in the file
- One review reports a tight 13 A socket
- 20 g listing weight is discarded, and the price is £104.53
Best for: A wall beside a bench when you need about 20 m and you have confirmed a 13 A plug on the carton.
Less suitable: A buyer who needs voltage, a cable code and an IP rating printed on the amazon page, or a ceiling mount.
Specifications
- Model
- Draper 15052 retractable reel, 20 m
- Brand
- Draper
- Price
- ∼£105
- Customer rating
- 4.8/5(9)
- Reach
- 20 m
- Overload protection
- Thermal cut-out
- Mounting
- Wall
- Swivel
- Up to 180°
Common questions
What length and protection are in the listing?
The title says 20 m. Bullets state a thermal cut-out and a bracket that swivels through 180°.
Does the amazon attribute block state 230 V?
No. Supply, plug standard and cable code are not in this capture. A review mentions a 13 A socket.
Is the 20 g weight usable?
No. Item weight is not used. Dimensions in the attributes are 31.2 x 16.8 x 35.8 cm.
Our view
EnergyPro’s 10 m reel is listed at £60.99 with a UK BS 1363 plug, 230 V and up to 2300 W when fully unwound. The star line is 4.7 from 15 reviews, but the UK review bodies match the 15 m EnergyPro file and one of them names a 16.5 m reel, so they do not prove this length. Those shared texts praise a heavy metal bracket, an adjustable stopper and a 1400 W vacuum, and they say plasterboard alone may not hold the case. There is no cable code and no IP rating, while the title still mentions garden use. A listed weight of 45.4 g and a 10 cm cube are discarded as implausible, and included components say NO even though bullets claim a mounting kit. Treat 2300 W as a fully unwound claim only. No coiled wattage is printed, so a half-out lead has no number you can quote.
Pros
- BS 1363 plug stated, 230 V, 10 m in the title
- Up to 2300 W when fully unwound, with overload protection claimed
- Wall or ceiling mounting kit claimed in the bullets
- Shared reviews mention a heavy bracket and an adjustable stopper
Cons
- The same UK review text appears on the 15 m EnergyPro listing
- One shared review names a 16.5 m reel, not this 10 m title
- No cable code, no IP rating, and no coiled wattage
- 45.4 g and a 10 cm cube are not usable, and included components say NO
Best for: A 13 A socket where you want about 10 m and you accept a shared, thin review file.
Less suitable: Anyone who needs a stated cable code, an IP rating, or reviews that belong only to this length.
Specifications
- Model
- EnergyPro 10 m automatic reel
- Brand
- EnergyPro
- Price
- ∼£61
- Customer rating
- 4.7/5(15)
- Supply
- 230 V, BS 1363
- Plug
- BS 1363
- Reach
- 10 m
- Overload protection
- Overload protection
- Mounting
- Wall or ceiling
- Unwound load
- 2300 W unwound
Common questions
What plug and load does the listing state?
The title states a UK BS 1363 plug, 230 V, and up to 2300 W when fully unwound. It does not state a coiled wattage or a cable code.
Can the listing dimensions be used?
No. The attribute block says 45.4 g and 10 x 10 x 10 cm. Those figures are not plausible for a 10 m reel and are not used.
Do the reviews belong only to this 10 m model?
The saved listing’s UK review text matches the 15 m EnergyPro file, and one review names a 16.5 m reel.
Our view
EnergyPro’s 15 m listing is the orange case at £89.99, again with a BS 1363 plug, 230 V and 2300 W fully unwound, and the same 4.7 from 15 reviews. The UK review text is identical to the 10 m file, including a mention of 16.5 m, so those comments are not a separate test of this length. The shared notes describe a cord stopper that leaves a socket hanging and cable that will not roll fully tight. No sheath code and no IP rating appear, so a garden bullet is not a weather rating. The 45.4 g weight and 10 cm dimensions are discarded, and included components say NO. You pay £29 more than the 10 m title for a longer name, not for a second review sample. It is a candidate when you need around 15 m on a 13 A socket and you accept that the evidence is shared.
Pros
- 15 m in the title, BS 1363 plug, 230 V
- Up to 2300 W when fully unwound on the listing
- Overload protection and a wall or ceiling kit claimed
- Orange in the colour attribute, which separates the row from the blue 10 m title
Cons
- Review text is shared with the 10 m ASIN and mentions 16.5 m
- No cable code, no IP rating and no coiled wattage
- Stopper and fixed lead leave cable hanging, in the shared reviews
- £89.99 without a review sample of its own
Best for: A longer 13 A run of about 15 m when you can live with the same review text as the 10 m listing.
Less suitable: A buyer who wants a cable code, a stated IP rating, or proof that the reviews are for this length.
Specifications
- Model
- EnergyPro 15 m automatic reel
- Brand
- EnergyPro
- Price
- ∼£90
- Customer rating
- 4.7/5(15)
- Supply
- 230 V, BS 1363
- Plug
- BS 1363
- Reach
- 15 m
- Overload protection
- Overload protection
- Mounting
- Wall or ceiling
- Unwound load
- 2300 W unwound
Common questions
How does this differ from the 10 m EnergyPro listing in the saved listing?
The title says 15 metres and the colour attribute is orange. Price is £89.99. The UK review text matches the 10 m file.
What load is stated?
Up to 2300 W when fully unwound, at 230 V, with a BS 1363 plug. No coiled figure and no cable code.
Is an IP rating stated?
No. Bullets mention garden, shed and eaves use without an IP code.
Our view
The Brennenstuhl 16+2 m reel is a BS 1363, 13 A unit with H07RN-F 3G1.5, a safety cut-out and a listed weight of 6 kg, at £98.44. Across 42 amazon.co.uk reviews the line is 4.2, from nine review blocks in the saved listing. Buyers describe a sturdy ceiling mount and a heavy workshop reel, and one praised the ratchet plus a replacement after transit damage. Others call it heavy, noisy and fiddly to fit alone, with no hook to park the socket. One UK review says the booklet claimed IP44 outdoor use while the product label said IP20, so the comparison leaves ingress protection unstated. The manufacturer page for this model marks IP20 and 1000 W coiled against 3120 W uncoiled. Those watts are not in the amazon capture. For a longer dry bay on a normal UK socket it is the most complete 230 V reel here, if you can lift 6 kg and you trust the label rather than the booklet.
Pros
- BS 1363, 13 A, 16+2 m of H07RN-F 3G1.5
- 4.2 from 42 reviews, with ceiling mounts described as sturdy
- Listed at 6 kg, dimensions 36 x 15 x 29 cm, safety cut-out
- Slew up to 180° for wall or ceiling fitting
Cons
- Heavy, noisy, and fiddly to fit alone, in UK reviews
- No hook to park the socket
- One review: booklet said IP44, label said IP20
- Transit damage and a poorly packed return reported
Best for: A longer dry workshop on a 13 A socket, where you want a stated rubber lead and about 16 m of pull.
Less suitable: A wet wall, a plasterboard-only fixing, or a 110 V site outlet.
Specifications
- Model
- Brennenstuhl 16+2 m automatic reel
- Brand
- Brennenstuhl
- Price
- ∼£98
- Customer rating
- 4.2/5(42)
- Supply
- 240 V, BS 1363
- Plug
- BS 1363, 13 A
- Reach
- 16+2 m
- Cable type
- H07RN-F 3G1.5
- Overload protection
- Safety cut-out
- Mounting
- Wall or ceiling
- Swivel
- Up to 180°
Common questions
Is this a 13 A UK reel?
Yes in the listing: BS 1363 / 13 A, and the included-components line says 240 V, 16+2 m.
Does the saved listing state IP44?
No. A UK review says the booklet claimed IP44 and the label on that unit said IP20. Ingress protection in the attributes is not stated.
How heavy is the listing figure?
6 kg. Dimensions are 36 x 15 x 29 cm.
Our view
The Brennenstuhl 9+2 m reel puts a BS 1363, 13 A lead on a wall or ceiling bracket, with 9 m you pull and a 2 m tail back to the socket, listed at £57.62. Across 120 amazon.co.uk reviews, the largest sample in this set, the line is 4.0, and 30 review blocks were in the saved listing. Workshop buyers say an overhead fit takes a lead off the floor, and some find the mounting plate straightforward once the screws are located. The title says electrical rewind, but UK reviews describe a spring, and a slipping ratchet can whip the plug back. Several buyers received the plug and socket the wrong way round, and the last metres often need feeding in by hand. The cable is H05VV-F 3G1.5. The listing does not state an IP rating, and the manufacturer page marks this class IP20 for indoors. It is the best value here for a short dry workshop on a normal UK socket, if you guide the rewind and return a reversed unit.
Pros
- BS 1363, 13 A plug on a 240 V listing at £57.62
- 4.0 from 120 amazon.co.uk reviews, the largest sample here
- 9 m of pull plus a 2 m tail, H05VV-F 3G1.5, listed at 2.97 kg
- Safety cut-out, wall or ceiling mount, slew up to 180°
Cons
- UK reviews report the ratchet letting go and the lead whipping back
- Plug and socket fitted the wrong way round in several reviews
- Last metres often need feeding in by hand
- No IP rating in the amazon capture; manufacturer page says IP20
Best for: A short, dry garage or workshop on a normal 13 A socket, where about 9 m of pull is enough.
Less suitable: A long bay, a wet or outdoor wall, or anyone who needs a 110 V plug.
Specifications
- Model
- Brennenstuhl 9+2 m automatic reel
- Brand
- Brennenstuhl
- Price
- ∼£58
- Customer rating
- 4.0/5(120)
- Supply
- 240 V, BS 1363
- Plug
- BS 1363, 13 A
- Reach
- 9+2 m
- Cable type
- H05VV-F 3G1.5
- Overload protection
- Safety cut-out
- Mounting
- Wall or ceiling
- Swivel
- Up to 180°
Common questions
Will this plug into a normal UK socket?
The listing states BS 1363 / 13 A, and the included-components line says 240 V. It does not state an IP rating.
How long is the lead you can pull?
The listing says 9+2 m of H05VV-F 3G1.5, so 9 m is the retractable length and 2 m is the extra length in that wording.
Does the listing show a motor rewind?
Operation mode is Automatic and the title says electrical rewind. UK reviews in the saved listing describe a spring and ratchet, and some report the ratchet letting go.
Our view
This Brennenstuhl is a yellow 110 V, 16 A reel with 9+2 m of H07RN-F 3G1.5, IP44 and a safety cut-out, listed at £70.52. The star line is 3.9 from only seven reviews, and the saved listing holds two review texts, so the sample is thin. One UK buyer called the quality good. The other said the 110 V plugs were fitted the wrong way round. It will not go into a BS 1363 garage socket, and an adaptor is the wrong fix. The case is listed at 4.88 kg, with a bracket that slews up to 180°. IP44 means splash, not a hose or rain, even where the bullets pair the rubber lead with outdoor wording. Take it only when the outlet is already 110 V and about 9 m of pull is enough.
Pros
- 110 V, 16 A plug with IP44 stated on the listing
- H07RN-F 3G1.5 rubber lead, 9+2 m, safety cut-out
- Listed weight 4.88 kg and a 180° slew
- Wall or ceiling mounting
Cons
- Only seven reviews, with two texts in the saved listing
- One UK review reports the 110 V plugs reversed
- Will not fit a UK 13 A wall socket
- IP44 is splash protection, not rain or a hose
Best for: A short pull from a 110 V, 16 A outlet you already have, where splash resistance is stated.
Less suitable: A house or garage on BS 1363, or a bay that needs more than about 9 m of pull.
Specifications
- Model
- Brennenstuhl 110 V IP44 reel, 9+2 m
- Brand
- Brennenstuhl
- Price
- ∼£71
- Customer rating
- 3.9/5(7)
- Supply
- 110 V, 16 A
- Plug
- 110 V, 16 A
- Reach
- 9+2 m
- Cable type
- H07RN-F 3G1.5
- Ingress protection
- IP44
- Overload protection
- Safety cut-out
- Mounting
- Wall or ceiling
- Swivel
- Up to 180°
Common questions
Will this plug into a UK 13 A wall socket?
No. The listing states 110 V / 16 A, not BS 1363.
Is it described as splash resistant?
The title and bullets state IP44 and an oil-resistant H07RN-F lead.
How long is the cable?
The listing says 9+2 m, also written as 11 m total, of H07RN-F 3G1.5.
How we compared
Seven automatic cable reels on amazon.co.uk were scored from the listings captured on 19 October 2026 and from the UK review notes in those files. No load, rewind or IP test was run. The score starts at the amazon.co.uk star average times 15, then adds up to 12 points for the review count and further points when the listing states a plug, a cable code, an IP rating and a plausible weight. Points come off for a repeated whip-back, for review text shared across two listings, or for a missing supply voltage.
1
Amazon star average
55%The score starts from the amazon.co.uk star average times 15. A 4.9 line starts higher than a 4.0 line. The stars are not copied across as a percentage, and the published score is that start after the later additions and deductions.
2
Review-count band
12%Up to 12 points reflect how many amazon.co.uk reviews sit behind the star line. A line from 120 reviews is a wider sample than a line from seven, nine or 15 reviews.
3
Stated plug, cable, IP and weight
18%Further points apply when the listing states a plug, a cable code, an IP rating and a plausible weight. A missing supply voltage does not earn those points. Implausible weights, such as 45.4 g or 20 g, are not treated as stated.
4
Repeated listing faults
15%Points come off for a repeated whip-back in the reviews, for review text shared across two listings, or for a supply voltage the amazon capture does not state. A brand name does not add points.
Independent review
Last updated: 22.10.2026
8 sources checked
Automatic cable reel buying guide
Start with the plug, then the reach after the tail, then IP20 against a stated IP44, then the load while any lead is still in the case. Price comes after those four. The notes below follow that order for seven amazon.co.uk listings captured on 19 October 2026. None of the scores is a load, rewind or IP test.
What is an automatic cable reel?
An automatic cable reel is a closed case you fix to a wall or a ceiling. You pull a lead out, and a spring returns it on a ratchet. Reviews in these files describe a spring, not a motor, even where a title says electrical rewind. A slipping ratchet can whip the plug back, which UK reviews report on the short 230 V Brennenstuhl. A handle-wound drum is a different product. The seven rows here are retractable reels only, at shelf prices captured on 19 October 2026. Supply comes first.
Best for
- A householder with a BS 1363 socket who wants 230 V at a bench or on the ceiling, and who pulls the lead out before a heavy load
- A site user who already has a 110 V centre-tapped outlet and needs a matching 16 A connector with IP44 stated
- A longer dry bay on a 13 A socket, if you can lift a reel listed at about 6 kg and you trust the IP label rather than a booklet
Not ideal for
- A 110 V reel bought for a house garage, or a 230 V reel bought for a 110 V site outlet
- Anyone reading IP44, H07RN-F or an outdoor bullet as permission to leave the reel in the rain
- A heater or other heavy load run while the lead is still half inside the case
Mistakes to avoid
- 1
Reading 9+2 m as nine metres from the socket
Brennenstuhl’s 9+2 m and 16+2 m split the pull from the tail back to the wall. Measure the room with that tail included. EnergyPro prints 10 m or 15 m with no split, and Draper prints 20 m.
- 2
Buying 110 V for a house garage
A 110 V, 16 A reel will not fit a BS 1363 socket. An adaptor is the wrong fix. Buy 110 V only when that outlet is already there. HSE points site work toward cordless tools or 110 V centre-tapped-to-earth. That is not a duty on every job.
- 3
Treating rubber or outdoor wording as weatherproof
H07RN-F is a rubber sheath. It does not set the IP of the case. IP44 is splash, not rain or a hose. A garden bullet without an IP code is not a weather rating. A 45.4 g, 20 g or 1 kg listing weight is not a usable figure for these reels.
What to weigh up
Supply and plug
HighA house socket needs BS 1363 at nominally 230 V. In this set the Brennenstuhl 9+2 m and 16+2 m 240 V reels state BS 1363 and 13 A. Both EnergyPro titles state a BS 1363 plug at 230 V. The Draper amazon capture does not state voltage or a plug, so a 20 m title is not enough on its own. The two 110 V Brennenstuhl reels state 110 V and 16 A. They fit a 110 V outlet only. Do not join a 110 V reel to a 13 A socket with an adaptor.
Reach, IP and coiled load
HighPlan the pull, not only the number on the title. 9+2 m and 16+2 m include a 2 m tail. EnergyPro’s 10 m and 15 m titles, and Draper’s 20 m, do not show that split. IP20, which the manufacturer pages give the 230 V Brennenstuhl models, is dry indoors. IP44, stated only on the two 110 V Brennenstuhl reels, is splash. EnergyPro and Draper print no IP code. H05VV-F is the PVC lead on the short 230 V Brennenstuhl. H07RN-F is the rubber lead on the other three Brennenstuhl reels.
Which option suits you?
Three typical situations, each with a recommendation from this comparison.
You have a normal UK socket and about 9 m of pull is enough in a dry
You have a normal UK socket and about 9 m of pull is enough in a dry garage. The Brennenstuhl 9+2 m reel is about £57.62, with 4.0 from 120 reviews. Guide the rewind, and return a unit whose plug is reversed.
You want about 16 m of H07RN-F on a BS 1363 socket
You want about 16 m of H07RN-F on a BS 1363 socket and you can lift a reel listed at 6 kg. The Brennenstuhl 16+2 m 240 V reel is about £98.44. Trust the product label on IP, not a booklet that disagrees with it.
Common questions about automatic cable reels
Which automatic cable reel is the top pick in this set?
The top pick is the Brennenstuhl 110 V IP44 reel with 16+2 m of H07RN-F, about £99.99, with 4.9 from 15 amazon.co.uk reviews. It is for a 110 V, 16 A outlet you already have. It will not fit a BS 1363 house socket. Two UK reviews called the quality good once the bracket came off the pivot screws. IP44 means splash, not rain or a hose. The sample is thin, and the score is not a lab test.
Which automatic cable reel is the best value?
The best value is the Brennenstuhl 9+2 m reel at about £57.62, with a BS 1363, 13 A plug and 4.0 from 120 amazon.co.uk reviews, the largest sample here. You pull about 9 m, and a 2 m tail runs back to the socket. The cable is H05VV-F 3G1.5. UK reviews report a ratchet that can let go and whip the plug back, and plugs fitted the wrong way round. It suits a short, dry workshop. The manufacturer page marks this class IP20. The amazon capture states no IP rating.
Will a 110 V cable reel run from a house socket?
No. The two 110 V Brennenstuhl reels state 110 V and 16 A. They will not go into a BS 1363 garage socket, and an adaptor is the wrong fix. A house socket needs BS 1363 at nominally 230 V. On construction sites, HSE points to cordless tools or a 110 V supply that is centre-tapped to earth. The IET calls that good practice, not a legal duty on every job. Match the reel to the outlet you already have.
How long is a 9+2 m automatic cable reel?
Read 9+2 m as 9 m you pull from the case and a 2 m tail back to the socket, not nine metres measured from the wall. Brennenstuhl’s 16+2 m split works the same way. EnergyPro titles say 10 m or 15 m with no split. Draper says 20 m. Measure the room, including the tail, before you treat the number in the title as the reach from the socket. A handle-wound drum is a different product.
Can you run a heavy load with the lead still coiled?
Pull the working lead out before a heavy load. Under the UK condition of BS EN 61242, the 13 A plug fuse does not protect a lead still reeled in the case, which is why these listings name a cut-out. Brennenstuhl UK states 1000 W coiled and 3120 W uncoiled on the 240 V models. Those watts are not in the amazon captures. EnergyPro claims up to 2300 W fully unwound and prints no coiled figure. Do not quote a coiled wattage for EnergyPro or for the Draper.
Does IP44 or a rubber lead mean the reel can stay outside?
No. IP44 is splash, not rain or a hose. Only the two 110 V Brennenstuhl reels state IP44 in this set. Manufacturer pages mark the 230 V Brennenstuhl models IP20, which is dry indoors. One UK review of the 16+2 m 240 V reel said the booklet claimed IP44 and the label said IP20. H07RN-F is a rubber sheath, called oil resistant in these listings. The sheath does not set the IP of the case. EnergyPro and Draper print no IP code.
When should you call an electrician about a cable reel?
Call a competent person for a new socket or any change to the fixed wiring, for heat damage or a burning smell, or when the job is a temporary site system rather than a retail reel. Screwing a bracket into a joist or masonry and using an existing socket is the ordinary case. A reversed plug is a return, not a first rewire. These Brennenstuhl pages say the reel has no RCD of its own. A mains isolation switch belongs to the fixed installation, not to the reel.
Our verdict
In this set of seven amazon.co.uk listings, the top pick is the Brennenstuhl 110 V IP44 reel with 16+2 m, about £99.99, with 4.9 from 15 reviews, when the outlet is already 110 V. The best value is the Brennenstuhl 9+2 m reel at about £57.62, with 4.0 from 120 reviews, for a short dry workshop on a BS 1363 socket. The 16+2 m 240 V Brennenstuhl is the fuller 230 V reel if you can lift the listed 6 kg. None of these scores is a load, rewind or IP test.
Best overallView offer
Brennenstuhl 110 V IP44 reel, 16+2 m
Highest score in this set for a stated 110 V, 16 A plug, IP44, H07RN-F and 16+2 m, at about £99.99 with 4.9 from 15 reviews.
Best value
View offer
Brennenstuhl 9+2 m automatic reel
Lowest price in this set for a stated BS 1363, 13 A plug, at about £57.62, with 4.0 from 120 reviews, the widest sample here.
Editorial
Editor
Automatic cable reelsWorkshop electricsamazon.co.uk listings
Peter F. is the editor for DIY & tools at productscompared.co.uk. Comparisons in this category are checked against amazon.co.uk listings, review evidence and public UK sources.
Updated: 22.10.2026
8 sources checked
Guides to automatic cable reels
Guides on what to look for, how to use a product, and common mistakes.
Automatic cable reel buying guidePlug, reach, IP, sheath and coiled load, without walking every ASINBest automatic cable reelWhich kept reel fits a short workshop, a longer bay, or 110 VHow to mount an automatic cable reelBracket, joist, an empty ratchet test, and a reversed leadAutomatic cable reel for a workshop230 V over a bench, without a lead left on the floor230 V or 110 V cable reelMatch a BS 1363 socket or a 110 V site outlet
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Sources
Public UK sources from the research digest. Shelf prices and star lines are the amazon.co.uk figures captured on 19 October 2026.
- Electrical Safety First: extension leads, cable reels and block adaptors (retrieved 19 October 2026)
- BSI: BS EN 61242:1997+A13:2017 cable reels (retrieved 19 October 2026)
- Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016, regulation 35 (retrieved 19 October 2026)
- HSE: electrical systems on construction sites (retrieved 19 October 2026)
- HSE: INDG231 electrical safety and you (retrieved 19 October 2026)
- IET: electricity in the workplace FAQs (retrieved 19 October 2026)
- Brennenstuhl UK: IP protection classes (retrieved 19 October 2026)
- BEAMA: extension lead safety checklist (retrieved 19 October 2026)
Expert source (DIY & tools): Charlie White (Charlie DIYte) (external profile) – public expert commentary used as a research source, not as a contributor to our pages.
This page contains affiliate links to amazon.co.uk. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices, stars and review counts are from the UK listings checked on 19 October 2026. We did not lab-test these automatic cable reels.