The appropriate cable reel mainly depends on the location of use, the required cable length, the cable type, and the required conductor cross-section. Follow these steps to quickly find the right model:
1. Determine the location of use (Where)
First, consider where the cable reel will be used:
- Indoor use: Standard cable reels for household, office, or workshop
- Outdoor use: Cable reels with weather-resistant cables and suitable protection rating (e.g., IP44)
- Construction site or commercial use: Especially robust models with durable cables
2. Select the required cable length (How long)
Choose the cable length appropriate for the distance between the power source and the device:
- Short distances: 10–25 m
- Medium distances: 33–40 m
- Long distances: 50 m or more
Tip: Choose the length as closely as possible to the actual need to avoid unnecessary voltage drop and cable clutter.
3. Choose the appropriate conductor cross-section (Which devices)
The conductor cross-section affects the load capacity and voltage drop of the cable reel. The longer the cable and the higher the connected power, the more important it is to have a sufficiently large cross-section.
| 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 |
Tip: For high-power devices or long cable reels, a larger conductor cross-section is recommended to reduce voltage losses.
4. Choose the right cable type (Which application)
Different cable types are used depending on the area of application.
Learn more here:
What are the differences between the cable types of brennenstuhl® cable reels or extension cables?
5. Pay attention to the protection rating (Which environment)
If the cable reel is used outdoors, it should have a suitable protection rating:
- IP20: For dry indoor areas only
- IP44: Protection against splashing water and foreign objects – ideal for outdoor use
6. Consider the power (Sum of devices)
For high-power devices, you should check the maximum load capacity of the cable reel.
Important:
- Always fully unwind cable reels when using high power consumption.
- Observe the maximum power in both unwound and wound states.
7. Check additional features
Depending on the application, the following features may be useful:
- Overheat protection
- More sockets
- USB charging ports
- Foldable carrying handle
- Especially impact-resistant reel housings
Summary
Indoor use → H05VV-F
Outdoor use → H07RN-F or BREMAXX®
Construction site → H07RN-F or BQ or BREMAXX®
Wet or changing environments → at least IP44
High power or long cable runs → prefer 2.5 mm²
High power → always fully unwind the cable