Which grounding reel is right for you?
Static grounding reels merge safety and functionality. These devices ensure that operators are protected against static charge build-up to the requirements of OSHA and NFPA, trip hazards due to unmanaged cable left on the floor, or electric shock due to damaged wire insulation by retracting the cable.
Our heavy-duty static grounding/bonding reels offer steel components and a cantilever-type frame, which support the reel assembly, and are designed to function under the most adverse conditions. Retraction need not be attended, as the retraction speed is automatically governed by a special brake assembly designed to limit the speed from two to seven feet per second. Maintenance and repairs are made possible by bolt-together construction. Baked-on MIL spec red finish and gasketed drum construction protect operating parts from corrosion. Bearing surfaces are permanently lubricated.
- Standard Clamp: 100 amp solid copper alligator clip
- Electrical Resistance: 5 ohms maximum between clamp and mounting base
- Finish: Red enamel
- Special Feaures: Braking system governing cable retraction speed
Substitute the LE21C alligator clip for our heavier duty REB clamp when using this reel in outdoor areas or with painted, dirty or rusty surfaces.
Auto rewind reels use a latching mechanism to hold the cable at a desired length and then retract following a slight pull on the cable. A ball and adjustable cable stop keep the cable end within easy reach. They are by far the most popular static grounding reel type. Auto-rewind reels fall into two categories, heavy duty and industrial.
The heavy duty models are design with tough working environments in mind. The mechanical components are made of high quality material and are placed inside a gasketed compartment to prevent dirt and moisture from reaching them. We offer two type of heavy duty auto rewind static grounding reels: self-braking and non-braking. The self-braking models contain a special piece of equipment that will allow the retraction speed (if the clamp is released) to get to a certain point and then level off, no longer accelerating any faster. This is a good safety feature so that you don't have a 2lb clamp flying through the air! The other special advantage of the self-braking reels is that they can be taken apart to service in the field (although we recommend you reach out to us before you do that. Reels can be dangerous when opened!). For the ultimate in durability, serviceability and safety, go with the self-braking heavy duty reels.
These heavy-duty reels offer a robust, gasketed design in a lower cost, riveted construction. Priced very reasonably, providing a viable alternative to manual rewind reels, yet offering the benefit of automatic self-retraction of the cable. Clamps should be walked back to the reel during retraction. These reels meet MIL-PRF A-A-50696 for use in military deployments.
- Standard Clamp: 100 amp solid copper alligator clip
- Electrical Resistance: 5 ohms maximum between clamp and mounting base
- Finish: Red enamel
Substitute the LE21C alligator clip for our heavier duty REB clamp when using this reel in outdoor areas or with painted, dirty or rusty surfaces.
Our non-braking heavy duty reels are also very durable, but they lack the self-braking feature so we recommend always walking the clamp back to the grounding reel so as not to have an uncontrolled rewind. They can also not be serviced in the field, but the good news is that they rarely break so it's not too bad of a trade off. These are our most popular heavy-duty reels.
Our industrial static grounding reels are compact and lightweight. Their enclosed design is best suited to indoor installation, and applications where a low-cost reel is needed. Now available in stainless steel models.
Industrial grade static grounding reels are more compact and lightweight. They are best suited for cabinet/indoor applications where cost plays a large factor. They are acceptable for outdoor use on vehicles when protected in a cabinet, but we would not recommend them for unprotected outdoor use. Best to use them instead for indoor use on drums, safety cans, etc.
These ruggedly constructed reels are an economical alternative to automatic retracting reels. In addition to lower initial cost, there are fewer parts to maintain, allowing for years of trouble-free service. ML2930 series hand-wind reels also offer highly compact storage of a wide range of cable lengths up to 150'.
- Standard Clamp: 100A solid copper alligator clip (LE-21C)
- Electrical Resistance: 5 ohms maximum between clamp and mounting base
- Finish: Yellow enamel
- Capacity: 125' with 5/32" O.D. cable, 150' with 1/8" O.D. cable
Substitute the LE21C alligator clip for our heavier duty REB clamp when using this reel in outdoor areas or with painted, dirty or rusty surfaces.
Hand-wind reels are best for heavy duty, lower cost, maintenance-free grounding. The opportunity to use these usually arises from customers who call in and complain about all their reels always breaking/tangling/being abused by their operators. They are also popular for outdoor applications because there are less parts to get affected by dirt and debris than in the auto-wind reels.
The other choice to consider when selecting a static grounding reel is which cable to use. Static Safety Store offers cable in two basic types of coating. These types are Yellow Hytrel® coated cable, and PVC coated cable.
Yellow Hytrel has the following properties:
- Noise dampening
- Heat Stabilized
- Medium hardness
- High energy absorption
- Suitable for use in -40°C
Whereas PVC has the following properties:
- Acid resistant
- Salt water resistant
- Suitable for use in -25°C
- Medium soft hardness
Whether the choice is auto or manual rewind models, the quality and reliability is there to ensure optimal performance even under the toughest conditions.