Short Answer
The right brennenstuhl® cable reel depends on where you want to use it, the cable length needed, and which devices will be connected. For the household, garden, workshop, or construction site, brennenstuhl® offers different cable reels with various protection ratings, cable qualities, and comfort features.
Which cable reel is suitable for my area of use?
For indoor use
Cable reels with protection rating IP20 are suitable for living rooms, offices, or hobby rooms.
Suitable for:
- Television
- Computer
- Lamps
- Household appliances
For garden and outdoor use
For outdoor use, cable reels with at least protection rating IP44 are recommended.
Suitable for:
- Lawn mowers
- Hedge trimmers
- Pressure washers
- Garden lighting
For workshop and construction site
Robust cable reels with durable rubber cables and high load capacity are suitable for demanding applications.
Suitable for:
- Power tools
- Construction site floodlights
- Compressors
- Machines
For camping
Special camping cable reels provide comfortable power supply at campsites and parking areas.
What cable length should I choose?
| Area of Use | Recommended Length |
|---|---|
| Household | 5–10 m |
| Garage or basement | 10–20 m |
| Garden | 20–25 m |
| Large properties | 40–50 m |
| Construction site | 25–50 m |
What does the cable designation mean?
H05VV-F
Plastic cable for indoor use.
H05RR-F
Rubber cable for light to medium loads.
H07RN-F
Robust rubber sheathed cable for workshop, construction site, and outdoor use.
More about cable quality and cable types here:
What are the differences between the cable types of brennenstuhl® cable reels or extension cables?
Which cable quality should I choose?
The cable quality determines resistance to:
- Moisture
- UV radiation
- Temperature fluctuations
- Mechanical stress
For professional use, a high-quality rubber cable is recommended.
What does the conductor cross-section mean?
The conductor cross-section affects the current-carrying capacity and voltage drop of a cable. The longer the cable and the higher the connected power, the more important a sufficiently large cross-section is.
The following values serve as a guideline for the recommended continuous load:
| Conductor Cross-Section | Typical Application | Recommended Power |
| 1.5 mm² | Household, garden, and general applications | up to approx. 2,500 W |
| 2.5 mm² | High-power devices and longer cables | up to approx. 3,500 W |
| 4.0 mm² | Professional applications, construction sites, and very long cables | up to approx. 4,500 W |
Please note that the actually permissible power depends on cable length, installation method, ambient temperature, and the technical specifications of the respective cable reel.
Which protection rating (IP) do I need?
| Protection Rating | Area of Use |
| IP20 | Indoor use |
| IP44 | Garden, terrace, workshop |
| Higher protection ratings | Construction sites and demanding environments |
When is a residual current device (RCD) useful?
An integrated RCD increases safety when working outdoors and can detect fault currents early.
Recommended for:
- Garden work
- Construction sites
- Damp environments
- Power tools
How many sockets do I need?
Protective contact sockets
For connecting multiple devices at the same time.
CEE sockets
For applications with higher power requirements, such as on construction sites or in commercial areas.
What comfort features are available?
BRETEC®
Prevents twisting of connected devices when winding and unwinding.
CABLEPILOT®
Ensures comfortable cable guidance when winding.
Automatic cable winding
For especially convenient storage of the cable.
Plug garage
For secure storage of the plug.
Drum brake
Prevents unintended unwinding of the reel.
Which housing material is the right one?
Plastic housing
Lightweight and ideal for household and garden.
Special plastic
Particularly robust and durable.
Metal housing
For workshop, construction site, and professional applications.
What additional features are available?
USB function
For charging smartphones, tablets, or other USB devices.
Maximum USB output current
Determines the charging power of the USB ports.
Nominal input voltage
Most cable reels are designed for a mains voltage of 230 V.
Safety notice
Cable reels should always be fully unwound under high load. This prevents excessive heating of the cable.
Conclusion
For household use, a cable reel with protection rating IP20 is usually sufficient. For garden, workshop, or construction site use, you should pay attention to a suitable protection rating, robust cable quality, an appropriate conductor cross-section, and optionally an integrated RCD. Comfort features like BRETEC® or CABLEPILOT® additionally make daily use easier.