All About Coiled Cords

You’ve seen them at concerts, in hospitals, and probably even in your own home. Coiled cords are ubiquitous, but what are they really for, and why does everyone use them?

Coiled cords, also called retractile or Curly cords, consist of metal wires encased in a flexible, spiral jacket. The wires can be made of copper or aluminum, while the spiral jacket is typically made from an insulating material like thermoset or thermoplastic resins such as PVC. The material helps protect the wires inside from moisture.

All coiled cords have straight sections as well as curly sections. The latter are the parts that stretch. Depending on what they will be used for, retractile cords can be fitted with connectors and other components.

What Are the Advantages of Coiled Cords?

1. They are stretchable and space-saving: The spiral jackets allow them to stretch. This gives you additional length when you need it, such as if a power outlet is located too far from your equipment. In addition, they self-retract. This means you do not need to wind them up when you are not using them.
2. They do not get tangled: You do not have to spend precious time untangling wires when you choose coiled cords. They automatically go back to their spiral shape.
3. They are very durable. They are designed and built to stretch and recover their original assemblies over and over again.
4. They are versatile: They can be built to transfer power, data, and signal.

Coiled Cords and Their Applications

The unique advantages of retractile coiled cords have made them a must for individuals and businesses in a range of industries, from telecommunications to medicine. Your cell phone charger probably has a coiled power cord. Helicopter pilots also often use headsets that plugin using coiled audio cords. Defibrillators also have curly coiled cords that connect the paddles to the main unit.

Coiled cords are used for many types of applications, including:

• Aeronautical
• Commercial
• Industrial
• Medical
• Military

Factors to Consider When Buying Coiled Cords

• Insulating Wire Materials: Choose cords with thermoplastic or thermoset insulation. Thermosets and thermoplastics are typically flex-resistant and will not crack or break when bent. Also, they do not soften or melt easily when exposed to high temperatures. The use of a heat-resistant, flexible spiral jacket makes retractile cords safe for use even in harsh environments. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-insulated spiral coiled cords have a maximum temperature range of 55°C to 105°C and are resistant to abrasions and moisture. Neoprene (polychloroprene), on the other hand, is resistant to oil and solvents. In addition, it is flame-retardant. Neoprene-insulated retractile cords are used widely in military applications due to these qualities.
• Coiled Size: Coiled cords come in many sizes, from short cords such as those used in phone chargers and extra-thick cords used in industrial and military applications. You should choose a size that best fits the cord’s intended use.
• Shielding Coiled Cords: The insulating jacket protects coiled cords wire from scratches and spills. However, it cannot protect the wires inside them from electromagnetic interference (EMI). If you will be using cords in applications that require protection from EMI, you should choose shielded variants. Shielding is made from cable metal, usually copper or aluminum wire. It can be one or more thin layers of aluminum or a braided mesh woven into the wires. It prevents EMI by acting as a barrier against electromagnetic energy, minimizing noise from other electrical power sources.
• Extended Coiled Length: A coiled cord should be able to extend several feet more than its retracted length. Autac USA, for example, offers 12-inch coiled cords that can stretch for up to five feet of wire.

Choosing a Reputable Coiled Cords Manufacturer

Choose a coiled cord manufacturer with a reputation for a top-notch power product. An electrical manufacturer’s track record in product manufacture and assemblies should be a major factor in your wire purchase decision.

Also, consider the electrical company’s ability to customize your power cord wire. Electrical companies should be able to make coiled cords custom in a variety of gauge sizes, assemblies, and colors. The company you choose should also allow you to specify the custom number of power conductors, type of shielding, and insulating and jacketing materials.

Autac: Providing Electronic Coiled Cords for Every Industry

The electronic coiled cord, acknowledged interchangeably as the recoil extension cord, retractile cord, or curly cord, stands as a testament to human ingenuity. Its ingenious spring-like design accommodates elongation during utilization while seamlessly contracting for efficient storage. This versatile cord emerges as a pivotal asset spanning a diverse range of applications. From the realms of communications to electronics, robotics to medical arenas, this cord assumes an integral role within various machinery. The potential avenues for application are virtually limitless.

In the pursuit of superior curly cords, Autac emerges as your ultimate solution. Our specialization lies in the crafting of coiled curly cords, meticulously tailored to cater to an array of applications and precise specifications. Should your requirements encompass a cord harmonizing seamlessly with industrial ice cream-making equipment, Autac is your destination. And for those seeking curly cords seamlessly integrating into telecommunication cable assemblies, our offerings are all-encompassing. Embodying dedication across industries, our cohesive team diligently collaborates to realize cords tailored precisely to your unique requisites.

About Our Company – Coiled Cords

At the core of Autac’s foundation stands Robert N. Bunkle, a visionary who ardently champions the maxim, “Putting the customer first.” Driven by this unwavering principle, he embarked on a mission to create an enterprise that not only places paramount value on its customers but also delivers exceptional services and products. In the year 1947, Autac came into being as a testament to Bunkle’s commitment to infuse this ethos into every facet of its operations. The result? A flourishing and thriving company that remains a legacy of his key philosophy.

Fast forward to the present, Autac has carved a significant niche on the global stage as the eminent manufacturer of top-tier retractile cords. The legacy lives on through the Burkle family, who continues to guide Autac in alignment with the founder’s original vision – a steadfast dedication to customer value and a “team management approach” to elevate the customer experience.

Our guiding motto, “Service Through Inventory,” is more than a mere slogan – it’s a promise we uphold. Evidencing this commitment is our comprehensive collection of finished coiled cables and straight bulk cables, readily available at your disposal. This extensive inventory translates into agile lead times and swift turnarounds, fueled by a multitude of coiled cords in stock. For those moments when an urgent need arises for a retractile extension cord, rely on us to have your order delivered within a single day. Your needs, our expedition – this is Autac’s unwavering pledge.

Our Coiled Cords Products

Autac stands at the pinnacle with a comprehensive inventory surpassing 400 distinct part numbers, embodying the world’s most extensive collection of premium retractile extension cords. Our ingenuity is evident in the creation of coiled cords, showcasing a versatile range spanning gauge sizes, conductor options, lengths, and a palette of colors. You’re presented with a dual choice – the treasure trove of retractile cords residing within our inventory or the avenue to craft a bespoke cord tailored precisely to your requisites. Behold our repertoire:

Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) Power Cords
PVC Power Cords
PVC or Auta-Prene® Communications and Electronic Control Cords
PVC or Auta-Prene® Shielded Cords
Auta-Prene® Test Leads
PVC Shielded Cords
PVC Miniature Cords
PVC Miniature Cords With Foil Shield
Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) Power Cords
Amid this expanse, a majority of stock items emerge in four retracted lengths – 12″, 24″, 36″, and 48″. Each creation is meticulously crafted to align with the exacting standards of UL/CSA specifications. Our conductor offerings include the finesse of soft tinned copper and the versatility of soft bare copper. Delving further, the spectrum widens to encompass your preference for unshielded or shielded cords.

Our commitment to diversity doesn’t halt there; an array of insulation and jacketing materials beckons, from PVC to TPE, Polypropylene to Polyurethane, and Neoprene. The offerings extend to encompass ROJ jackets and conductor stripping.

As a testament to our dedication, Autac thrives on the foundation of innovation and diversity, a hallmark that resounds through our retractile extension cords.

Place an Order Today!

If a custom recoil extension cord is required, contact Autac’s experts. Our team will collaborate with you to craft a coiled cord tailored to your business needs. For urgent cases, choose from our available curly cords in stock, ensuring swift access to the listed items. Learn more about our product by visiting our website.

Are you working on a project that may need a retractile cord? Reach out to us today. We distribute cords in the United States, Canada, and other countries. Most orders can be shipped within one day. You may contact us through our phone number 203-481-3444 or our email at sales@autacusa.com.