Automatic cord reels are exposed to repeated mechanical stress throughout the service life of an appliance. Each operating cycle subjects the flexible cord, outlet structure and reel mechanism to pulling, bending, friction and recoil. Over time, these repeated actions may contribute to cord damage, conductor deterioration or wear of the reel contacts.
The tester provides a controlled laboratory method for reproducing these operating conditions. The appliance or cord reel assembly is mounted in a representative working position, while the withdrawal distance, pulling direction, operating speed and test cycles are set according to the applicable test requirements and sample construction.
Unlike a conventional supply-cord flexing tester, this equipment evaluates the complete extension-and-retraction operation of an automatic cord reel system.
The main test parameters and installation requirements are summarized below for quick technical and purchasing review. Final sample compatibility should be confirmed according to the appliance dimensions, cord outlet position and reel construction.
Test Parameters
| Applicable Standard |
IEC 60335-1 Clause 22.16 |
| Test Object |
Automatic cord reels for household and similar electrical appliances |
| Drive System |
Pneumatic |
| Test Speed |
5–30 cycles/min, adjustable |
| Preset Cycle Range |
0–9999 cycles |
| Cycle Completion |
Automatic stop when the preset count is reached |
| Withdrawal Angle |
30°–70°, adjustable |
| Withdrawal Stroke |
Up to 1000 mm, adjustable |
| Retraction Method |
Automatic retraction by the sample’s own cord reel mechanism |
Sample Mounting and Installation
| Sample Mounting |
Work platform with quick-clamping fixture |
| Sample Orientation |
Adjustable according to cord outlet position and test direction |
| Fixture Configuration |
Confirmed according to sample size and reel structure |
| Power Supply |
AC 220 V, 50 Hz, subject to final configuration |
| Compressed-Air Supply |
5–7 kgf/cm² |
| Installation Requirement |
External compressed-air source and suitable electrical supply |
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Configuration Note
Appliance size, weight, cord length, outlet position and normal-use orientation should be reviewed before quotation to confirm fixture suitability and machine setup.
Applicable Standard and Test Purpose
The equipment is designed for the automatic cord reel endurance test specified in IEC 60335-1 Clause 22.16.
IEC 60335-1 covers safety requirements for household and similar electrical appliances. The applicable standard edition, national adoption and relevant product-specific Part 2 standard should be confirmed for each testing project.
The test is intended to evaluate whether repeated operation of an automatic cord reel causes:
✓
Undue abrasion or damage to the flexible cord sheath
✓
Breakage of conductor strands
✓
Undue wear of electrical contacts
The tester performs the repeated mechanical operation required for the endurance procedure. Final inspection and assessment should be carried out according to the applicable standard edition and laboratory test procedure.

What This Equipment Tests
01
Flexible Cord Sheath Condition
During normal use, the flexible cord repeatedly moves through the appliance outlet or guiding structure. The endurance test reproduces this movement so the cord can be examined for excessive abrasion or mechanical damage after testing.
02
Conductor Mechanical Endurance
Repeated extension, bending and recoil apply mechanical stress to the conductor strands inside the flexible cord. After the endurance cycles, conductor condition can be examined according to the applicable test procedure.
03
Reel Mechanism and Contact Wear
Automatic reel systems may include return mechanisms, rotating components and electrical contacts. Testing the complete extension-and-retraction cycle helps evaluate deterioration associated with repeated reel operation.
Testing Principle and Procedure
The appliance or automatic cord reel assembly is secured on the test platform in a position representative of normal use. The pulling mechanism is aligned with the cord outlet, and the withdrawal distance, angle, speed and number of cycles are set according to the applicable standard and sample construction.
1
The pneumatic mechanism withdraws the flexible cord through the selected distance.
2
The sample’s automatic reel mechanism retracts the cord.
3
One completed withdrawal-and-retraction cycle is recorded.
4
The withdrawal and retraction sequence is repeated according to the preset cycle requirement.
5
The tester stops automatically when the preset cycle count is reached.
The withdrawal direction and sample position should be selected according to the cord outlet arrangement and relevant test condition. The reel must be able to complete the retraction action correctly throughout the endurance sequence.
After testing, the flexible cord, conductor condition, reel contacts and mechanical operation are inspected according to the applicable test requirements.
DRIVE SYSTEM
Pneumatic Cord Withdrawal
The pneumatic drive repeatedly withdraws the flexible cord while the sample’s own reel mechanism performs the retraction action. This reproduces the interaction between the cord, outlet structure and automatic reel.
SPEED CONTROL
Adjustable Test Speed
The test speed can be adjusted from 5 to 30 cycles per minute. The operating rate can be selected according to the test procedure and the operating capability of the sample reel.
TEST DIRECTION
Adjustable Withdrawal Direction
The withdrawal angle is adjustable from 30° to 70°, allowing the pulling direction to be set according to appliance orientation and cord outlet geometry.
TEST STROKE
Adjustable Withdrawal Stroke
The withdrawal stroke can be adjusted up to 1000 mm. The selected stroke should reflect the applicable test procedure, available cord length and operating limits of the reel.
CYCLE CONTROL
Preset Cycle Control
A test count from 0 to 9999 cycles can be preset before operation. The tester stops automatically when the programmed number of cycles has been completed.
SAMPLE FIXTURE
Adaptable Sample Mounting
The work platform and quick-clamping arrangement support different appliance and cord reel configurations. Fixture suitability should be reviewed according to actual sample dimensions and cord outlet location.
The Automatic Cord Reel Endurance Tester is intended for products incorporating an automatic retractable supply cord.
Household Appliance Compliance Testing
Appliance manufacturers and internal compliance laboratories can use the equipment for design verification and standards-based cord reel endurance testing.
TYPICAL SAMPLES
Retractable cord appliances
Third-Party Testing Laboratories
Independent testing and inspection organizations can use the equipment for controlled automatic cord reel endurance procedures associated with IEC 60335-1 testing.
LABORATORY VALUE
Controlled endurance cycles
Adjustable motion settings
Product Development and Reliability Evaluation
R&D and quality teams can use repeated cord reel operation to identify mechanical deterioration and compare the performance of different cord or reel designs.
EVALUATION FOCUS
Cord sheath and conductor damage
Incomplete or unstable retraction
Reel and contact deterioration
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For comparative or development testing outside a standard compliance procedure, the selected speed, stroke, angle and cycle count should be documented as project-specific test conditions.
Sample and Configuration Review
Automatic cord reel systems vary in appliance size, cord length, outlet geometry, reel location and normal-use orientation. Sample review before quotation helps determine whether the standard fixture arrangement is suitable or whether fixture adaptation is required.
The following information should be confirmed:
✓Applicable standard edition and clause
✓Applicable product-specific Part 2 standard
✓Appliance type
✓Complete appliance or cord reel assembly
✓Sample dimensions and weight
✓Total and withdrawable cord length
✓Cord outlet position and direction
✓Normal-use orientation of the appliance
✓Required withdrawal distance
✓Required test angle and speed
✓Required test cycle count
✓Local power supply
✓Available compressed-air pressure
✓Fixture requirements
Sample photographs or drawings showing the appliance, cord outlet and reel arrangement are recommended for configuration review.
Function Boundary
The basic published configuration is intended for mechanical endurance operation. Functions such as conductor continuity monitoring, electrical loading or automatic failure detection should be confirmed separately when required.
Difference from Related Cord Test Equipment
Cord-related tests in the IEC 60335 series evaluate different failure modes. Equipment should be selected according to the applicable clause and the actual movement or mechanical stress applied to the cord.
THIS PRODUCT
Automatic Cord Reel Endurance Tester
Used for repeated extension and automatic retraction of a cord reel system. The test involves the flexible cord, cord outlet, return mechanism and reel contacts during repeated reel operation.
Supply Cord or Wiring Flexing Tester
Used to repeatedly flex a cord or wiring at a defined position. It evaluates flexing endurance and does not reproduce the complete extension-and-retraction action of an automatic reel.
Cord Anchorage Pull and Torque Tester
Used to apply pulling and twisting forces to a supply cord and its anchorage. It evaluates cord retention rather than repeated automatic reel operation.
Swivel Connection Flexing Tester
Used for repeated movement of rotating or pivoting cord connections. Its test motion and evaluation purpose differ from automatic cord reel endurance testing.