Mercury 4 Gang 5m Cable Reel With Thermal Cut-Out - Red

The Mercury 4-gang cable reel provides four 13A UK sockets on a 5-metre cable wound around an enclosed red plastic drum with a carry handle and manual winding knob. A thermal cut-out built into the reel trips if the cable overheats, protecting against the fire risk that occurs when cable reels are used fully wound under high load.

Designed for workshop, garage, office and domestic use where temporary power is needed at a distance from fixed sockets, the reel handles loads up to 3120W when the cable is fully unwound and up to 1200W when the cable remains on the drum. The enclosed drum protects the cable from dust, oil and mechanical damage when stored, and the carry handle allows the reel to be moved between work areas without tangling the cable.

The cable uses 3x1.25mm² flexible conductors rated to A05W-F and conforms to BS EN 61242. The red outer casing provides high visibility on a workshop or site floor, reducing trip hazards. The reel measures approximately 220mm diameter and weighs 0.83kg when wound, making it compact enough to store on a shelf or in a vehicle boot without taking excessive space.

Why does the load rating drop when the cable is wound?

When cable is wound on a drum, the layers of cable trap heat and cannot dissipate it effectively. This increases the risk of the cable overheating under load. The thermal cut-out trips at a lower wattage when wound to prevent this. For loads above 1200W, unwind the cable fully before use.

What does the thermal cut-out do?

The thermal cut-out is a safety device that automatically disconnects power if the cable temperature exceeds a safe threshold. This prevents the cable insulation from melting and reduces fire risk. Once the reel cools, the cut-out can be manually reset using the button on the reel face.

Can this be used outdoors?

The Mercury reel carries no IP rating and is designed for indoor use only. The sockets and drum are not waterproof and should not be exposed to rain, wet conditions or damp environments.

What cable specification is used?

The reel uses A05W-F 3x1.25mm² flexible cable conforming to BS EN 61242. This is a standard heavy-duty flexible cable suitable for temporary power applications up to 13A when fully unwound.