The Cord Bucket Method for Tangle-Free Extension Cords!

We’ll show you one of 5 ways to wind up extension cords. The Cord Bucket method is an effective way to wind and stow cords - buckets are readily available and there are several option you can do to customize your cord bucket!

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This is one in a series of episodes showing different methods of winding up and/or using extension cords. In this series, we will show the daisy chain, over-and-under, figure 8, cord reel, and cord bucket approaches.

This episode features the “Cord Bucket” method. These are simple to make and easy to customize to your preferences.

No matter what method you use to wind up your cord, always get the BEST extension cord you can afford. The cheaper the cord, the stiffer it will be, especially in cold weather.

Extension cords come packaged in a coil (much like a garden hose) or looped into an oblong shape with a sleeve around the middle. For the jobsite, we recommend 14 gauge or higher. Remember, when it comes to wire gauge sizes, the smaller the number, the larger the conductors.

For that new cord, unwind and stretch it out somewhere in the sun. It can be on the lawn, sidewalk, or driveway. Leave it out for about an hour to get the cord warm so it can “relax” and lose any memory it acquired during the time it was packaged. If it’s winter when you get your cord, place the cord somewhere warm until the cord is supple. Now you wind up the cord using the method you prefer.

The basic layout of a cord bucket is a hole low on the side of the bucket that allows the male plug end to come from inside the bucket and extend long enough to plug into a wall outlet. After the hole is drilled (1-½”/38mm is typically large enough), the end is passed from the inside to the outside of the bucket to the desired length. Then, the remainder of the cord is coiled inside the bucket until the receptacle/female end is placed on the top of the coil The lid is then placed on the top to protect it from weather and such.

There are several variations and enhancements to the basic bucket. Here are a few of them:

Drill small holes in the bottom of the bucket in case water get in so it will drain out.
Add cleats to the bottom to reinforce the bucket bottom a bit and raise it of the floor.
Inset an outlet in the lid of the bucket
Use an approved weather-tight box and cable mount on the end of the cable to have more outlets to plug into. Remember, the combined draw on all the outlets can not exceed the cord rating.
Cut side-slots on the edge of the lid to make the lid easier to place and remove, but still be secure.

There is an active debate about the safety of using coiled electrical conductors. Is it safe?

The answer is a conditional “yes.” Remember, mounted cord reels are used in industrial, garage and shop settings routinely and many of these reels are government safety-agency approved. Coiled conductors in a reel are deemed safe when the total combined electrical draw on the device is lower than the rating. As a safety measure coiled cordage is always rated lower than the usual rating for the same conductor when it is uncoiled. This is because coiling conductors does introduce some resistance and resulting heat.

This is addressed by rating the cordage lower with the idea being that less current will be utilized with that particular setup.

Some tradespeople also have the practice of pulling all the cord out of the bucket because then there is no risk of resistance/heat due to coiling. Indeed.

My practice has always been to avoid coming anywhere near the capacity of the cord when running power to the jobsite. This is asking for trouble, whether the extension cord is coiled or not.

The same is true of the capacity of the circuit that you are plugging your extension cord into. If you exceed the rating, you will heat up circuits and (hopefully) trip breakers before damage is done to the electrical components.

While you’re at it, check out these OTHER methods that trade professionals use as well:

View the "Over and Under" Method Here:

   • Best Way for Tangle Free Extension Co...  

View the "Daisy Chain" Method Here:

   • Tangle Free Extension Cords: The Dais...  

View the "Cord Reel" Method Here:

   • Are Cord Reels for Winding Extension ...  

View the "Figure 8" Method Here:

   • The Figure 8 Method for Tangle-Free E...  

JUST DO IT YOURSELF!

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