Every construction site in the UK that uses power tools needs a safe way to distribute electricity. 110V CTE is the standard. But setting it up correctly, from the transformer to the tool, involves selecting the right components and understanding how they work together. This guide covers everything.
A 25m 110V cable reel with two 16A sockets for powering site tools from a centre-tapped earth supply on UK construction sites. IP44 rated for outdoor site use.
- BS EN 61242 16A certified, CE, UKCA and RoHS marked
- IP44, suitable for outdoor construction site use
- 2 x 16A IEC 60309 sockets (110V CTE)
- 16A IEC 60309 plug, 110V AC
- Thermal cutout with neon indicator and manual reset
- Maximum load 1,750W (16A) when fully unwound
- 1.5mm 3 core PVC cable, 25m, yellow
- Iron frame, polypropylene reel
- 4kg
- Class I
25m 110V Cable Reel - 2 Socket 16A Thermal Cutout
A 25m 110V cable reel with two 16A sockets for powering site tools from a centre-tapped earth supply on UK construction sites. IP44 rated for outdoor site use.
- BS EN 61242 16A certified, CE, UKCA and RoHS marked
- IP44, suitable for outdoor construction site use
- 2 x 16A IEC 60309 sockets (110V CTE)
- 16A IEC 60309 plug, 110V AC
- Thermal cutout with neon indicator and manual reset
- Maximum load 1,750W (16A) when fully unwound
- 1.5mm 3 core PVC cable, 25m, yellow
- Iron frame, polypropylene reel
- 4kg
- Class I
- Buy 5 for £73.93 £61.61 each and save 8%
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| BULK DISCOUNT | 5 | 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £61.61 £73.93 | £56.09 £67.31 |
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Log in to access trade discounts25m 110V Cable Reel - 2 Socket
A 25m 110V cable reel with two 16A IEC 60309 sockets for construction site use. It connects to the output of a 110V CTE site transformer. Two sockets let two site tools run at the same time. The reel is certified to BS EN 61242 16A, CE and UKCA marked, and IP44 rated for outdoor site use. It has a thermal cutout that cuts power automatically if the reel overheats. Maximum load when fully unwound is 1,750W (16A at 110V). Always unwind fully before connecting tools. The yellow cable and drum are the standard site colour for 110V equipment.
Why UK construction sites use 110V CTE
110V CTE stands for centre-tapped earth. A site transformer takes the 240V mains and outputs 110V AC. The neutral point of the secondary winding is connected to earth. This means neither conductor is more than 55V above earth. A shock from 55V is far less likely to cause cardiac arrest than one from 240V. HSE guidance recommends 110V CTE for most portable tools on UK construction sites. This cable reel is for use with a 110V CTE site transformer. It must never be connected to a 240V supply.
Key Features
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2 x 16A IEC 60309 sockets: Yellow 16A sockets for 110V CTE site tools. They connect directly to compatible site equipment without adaptors. The socket geometry prevents accidental connection to 240V equipment.
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IP44 rated: Protected against solid objects larger than 1mm and water splashes from any direction. Suitable for outdoor construction site use. Do not use in sustained rainfall or standing water.
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BS EN 61242 16A certified, CE and UKCA marked: Meets the UK and European standard for cable reels. Class I means the 3 core cable includes an earth conductor. CE and UKCA marking confirms compliance with UK regulations.
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Thermal cutout with neon indicator: Cuts the circuit automatically if the reel overheats. The neon goes off when it trips. Allow the reel to cool fully before pressing the manual reset button.
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25m 1.5mm 3 core PVC cable: 25 metres covers most construction site floor plans from a single transformer position. The 1.5mm conductor is rated for the 16A load.
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Yellow cable and drum: Yellow is the standard site colour for 110V equipment in the UK. It distinguishes this reel from 240V equipment immediately and at a distance.
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Iron frame with carry handle: The frame holds the reel stable on site. The handle makes it practical to carry to the work position at 4kg.
Who is this for
Trades and roles:
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General site operatives and groundworkers
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Electricians specifying site power distribution
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Site managers overseeing temporary power setups
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Concreters, carpenters, and first fix trades
Industries:
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Construction and new build
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Civil engineering and groundworks
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Refurbishment and renovation
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
| Product Name | 25m 110V Cable Reel - 2 Socket 16A Thermal Cutout |
| SKU | EL125 |
| Standard | BS EN 61242 16A |
| Certifications | CE, UKCA, RoHS compliant |
| Safety Class | Class I |
| IP Rating | IP44 |
| Voltage | 110V AC (CTE) |
| Frequency | 50/60Hz |
| Sockets | 2 x 16A IEC 60309 (110V CTE) |
| Plug | 16A IEC 60309 (110V), 3-pin |
| Maximum Load (fully unwound) | 1,750W (16A at 110V) |
| Safety Feature | Thermal cutout with neon indicator and manual reset |
| Cable Length | 25m |
| Cable | 1.5mm 3 core PVC |
| Cable Colour | Yellow |
| Frame Material | Iron |
| Reel Material | Polypropylene (PP) |
| Net Weight | 4kg |
Compatibility
| Application or condition | Status |
| 110V CTE supply from a site transformer | ✓ Suitable |
| Outdoor construction site use (IP44) | ✓ Suitable |
| Trenches, excavations, and confined site areas | ✓ Suitable |
| Powering 110V site tools and equipment | ✓ Suitable |
| Groundwork, civils, and new build construction | ✓ Suitable |
| Total load up to 1,750W (16A) when fully unwound | ✓ Suitable |
| Connection to a 240V mains supply | ✗ Not suitable |
| Use without a 110V CTE site transformer | ✗ Not suitable |
| Sustained rainfall or standing water | ✗ Not suitable (IP44, splashes only) |
| Loads exceeding 1,750W (16A) across both sockets | ✗ Not permitted |
| Daisy-chaining into another lead or reel | ✗ Not permitted |
| Permanent wiring installation | ✗ Not suitable |
Who is this for
This reel is for construction site operatives using 110V CTE site tools. It connects to a 110V site transformer and runs two 110V tools at the same time. The 25m cable covers most indoor and outdoor site layouts from a single transformer position. IP44 rating makes it suitable for use in typical outdoor site conditions. It is the standard cable reel format for 110V tool power distribution on UK construction sites.
Typical applications
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Running 110V power from a site transformer to angle grinders, drills, and jigsaws across a construction site floor or outdoor groundworks area.
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Providing two simultaneous 110V tool connections from one transformer output in a trench, excavation, or confined work area.
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Powering 110V site lighting in indoor areas without established lighting during new build or refurbishment work.
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Distributing 110V supply across a concreting or groundwork setup where multiple tools need power from a single transformer.
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Providing site tool power during first fix electrical and mechanical work on new build sites.
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Running 110V supply across a road or civils site from a transformer at the mains supply point.
How to use
Step 1: Connect this reel only to the output of a 110V CTE site transformer. Do not connect to a 240V mains socket.
Step 2: Unwind the full 25m cable before connecting any tools.
Step 3: Connect the 16A IEC 60309 plug to the transformer output socket. Check the neon indicator is lit to confirm the reel is live.
Step 4: Connect site tools to the two 16A sockets. Keep total load across both sockets at or below 1,750W (16A at 110V).
Step 5: If the thermal cutout trips, disconnect from the transformer immediately. Remove all tools. Let the reel cool fully before pressing the reset button.
Step 6: Disconnect from the transformer before rewinding. Never rewind while the reel is live.
Common mistakes
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Connecting to a 240V supply: this reel is for 110V CTE only. The plug geometry will not fit a standard 240V socket, but do not attempt to force or adapt the connection.
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Using without a site transformer: this reel cannot be plugged directly into the mains. A 110V CTE site transformer is required.
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Not unwinding before use: the product label instructs full unwinding before use. Running tools on a wound reel causes heat build-up and will trigger the thermal cutout.
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Resetting the cutout before the reel has cooled: press reset only after a full cool-down. Resetting early will cause it to trip again.
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Using in sustained rainfall or standing water: IP44 covers splashes from all directions, not heavy rain or submersion. Keep the reel in a sheltered position on site where possible.
Safety
This reel is for use with a 110V CTE site transformer only. Do not connect to any other supply. Certified to BS EN 61242 16A, CE and UKCA marked, Class I. Maximum load when fully unwound is 1,750W (16A). IP44 rated for outdoor site use. Do not use in sustained rainfall or standing water. Always unwind fully before connecting load. Disconnect from the transformer before rewinding. Do not bypass the thermal cutout.
Maintenance
Inspect the full 25m cable for cuts, kinking, or abrasion before each use. Pay particular attention to the plug end and the cable entry point on the drum. Check the two IEC 60309 socket shutters close fully when no tools are connected. Clean site debris from the socket faces after use. Do not use if any cable damage or plug damage is visible. Store in a dry location when not in use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do UK construction sites use 110V instead of 240V for site tools?
A: The 110V CTE system significantly reduces the risk of a fatal electric shock. A site transformer takes the 240V mains supply and outputs 110V AC with the neutral point connected to earth. This means neither cable conductor is more than 55V above earth potential at any time. A shock from 55V is far less likely to cause cardiac arrest than one from 240V. HSE guidance recommends 110V CTE for most portable tools on UK construction sites, and many principal contractors require it as a site rule.
Q: What are IEC 60309 sockets and why are they used on this reel?
A: IEC 60309 is the international standard for industrial plugs and sockets. The 16A yellow 3-pin version is the UK standard for 110V CTE site supplies. The socket shape and pin configuration are specific to 110V site equipment. A 240V plug cannot be inserted by mistake, which is an important safety feature when both voltages may be present on the same site. All 110V site tools with a compatible plug connect directly to these sockets.
Q: Can I plug this reel into a 240V mains socket?
A: No. This reel is designed for 110V CTE systems and must only be connected to the output of a 110V site transformer. The 16A IEC 60309 plug cannot be inserted into a standard 240V BS1363 socket. If you need a 240V cable reel, the CMT range includes the 25m 240V Cable Reel (EL225) and 50m 240V Cable Reel (EL250).
Q: What is the maximum load I can connect across both sockets?
A: Maximum load is 1,750W (16A at 110V) across both sockets combined when the cable is fully unwound. Check the wattage of both connected tools before use. Most 110V site tools list their power draw on the rating plate. Do not connect a combination of tools that exceeds this total.
Q: What does IP44 mean for site use?
A: IP44 means the reel is protected against solid objects larger than 1mm and water splashes from any direction. This makes it suitable for outdoor construction sites in normal working conditions. It is not rated for heavy rain falling directly onto the reel, running water, or submersion. Position it under cover where possible. Do not use in standing water or leave it in direct sustained rainfall.
Q: What do I do when the thermal cutout trips on site?
A: When the cutout trips, power to both sockets cuts and the neon indicator goes off. Disconnect from the site transformer immediately. Remove all tools from the sockets. Allow the reel to cool fully before pressing the red reset button. Do not press it while the reel is still warm. If it keeps tripping at normal loads, take the reel out of service and check for damage.







