AlphaWorks ALEXA Smart Extension Cord Reel Waterproof 13A 1625W 14AWG x 50" Feet

After reading reviews on many cord reels I chose this one and am very impressed with the quality and function. The 14 guage wire size means that it can handle the new higher amperage leaf blowers that burnt up a previously owned 16 guage wire HD unit after the first use. It litterally melted a wire and did it without even shutting off the built in circuit breaker. I totally trust this unit permanantly mounted outside in any weather when most comparable units state for indoor use only. The retractable cord functions perfectly and rewinds at a convenient steady slow pace or easily stops and temporarily locks in at nearly any desired point. I have no current need for the two Alexa capable WIFI receptacle outlets but it could come in handy some day for an outdoor lighted Xmas tree or other powered outdoor remotely controlled need. It is definitely more expensive than many other cheaper 50 foot options but is of much greater quality than any I have ever seen. For those who note difficulty mounting cord reels that don't have a removable mounting bracket, simply take a small side piece of cardboard from the box and lay the bracket on it then mark the mounting holes carefully with a sharpee. Then using that piece as a template line it up where needed on a wall and drill two pilot holes through the cardboard. Just insert the mounting screw bolts in the pilot holes leaving them slightly less than tight and the bracket then slides over the bolt heads easily. Then snug down the two mounting bolts as needed with a small wrench. It stays securely mounted and swivels back and forth in either direction to give access to nearly anything within 50 feet of either side. Although it doesn't swivel 180 degrees, it does swivel enough to swing out of the way when not in use and swings easily and far enough for the cord to be used in nearly any direction. After testing it at the extreme length in both directions, I find it easier to just pull the cord all the way out to the red taped end of cord warning before use so you don't have to keep tugging on it around corners or obstructions. That makes it easier and quicker to use up to the maximum length and retracting it all when done is easy, quick and very smooth. I would definitely buy this unit again and highly recommend it. It may cost a bit more than some but is still cheaper than buying a lesser unit first and then having to upgrade later. At least it won't cause a fire like the cheaper units with smaller guage wire and defective circuit breakers. If any extention cord gets hot it is overloaded and very dangerous so I would not buy any cord reel with less than 14 guage wire and if the need is over 50 feet I would up that to 12 guage wire to be safe for anything more than low amperage lighting or low power small tool needs.

It is easy to mount, and the mechanicals are solid. Each outlet can be individually powered on and off with the touch of a button on the triple tap. I never got the Alexa integration part to work, but it wasn't a priority for me.Unfortunately, all outlets failed after just over a year of use. The green light will turn on when the button is pressed, but there is no power. They didn't all fail at once, leading me to blame the relays. I disassembled it (had to use a jeweler's precision screwdriver set with a Y bit), removed the control board, and rewired it to be dumb. Cut the brown wires and black wire from the control board, and connect them all together with a wire nut. Now it's always hot and works.5 stars if you want a dumb reel and don't mind modifying it. But, my rating is for the features as advertised.

More like Alpha Doesn't Work!!! Tried to get it set up several times. App was buggy, and the instructions poorly written. The cord never transmitted electricity. Finally took it off the wall after getting tired of seeing it there and contacted their customer support since several people indicated that they had a good experience. When I contacted their customer service, I had to create an account on the website just to get a response, then the "Tech Support" just writes back "you are out of warrenty. our cord reels are not serviceable because opening up the item is dangers."When I pointed out that the unit never worked and that the excuse he's using not to assist is actually *warranty* the next response I received was beyond condescending:"I do apologize for the misspelling... Why are you only reaching out now if it never worked? We can only go off of what is in our system, and what's in our system is that you reached out after your "warranty" was up. You had a whole year to get ahold of someone for us to help you out. I'm sorry that you feel it is wrong of us not to bend our rules to cater to you. Please let us know if there is anything else we can help you with. Have a good day!"

I purchased the reel about 8 months ago. It worked just find and is very handy. I went to use it a couple weeks ago and it was dead. It had power, but it was just flat dead. No power no wifi nothing. I tried to reset but that did nothing. I was pretty unhappy. I contacted their customer support and it took a few emails explaining the situation, but they sent a new unit out super fast! I have dealt with a lot of customer services in the past, but this was painless. It is one thing to sell a product it is another to stand behind it. Alphaworks stands behing their product and I will be a future customer for sure.Thank you Alphaworks for making it right and standing behind your handy little product!

Bought this for my husbands bday. He used it once and it never worked again! So disappointed. Great idea but not a good product

The reel seems to be well built, but after I installed it and plugged it in for the first time I heard a pop inside it and the GFI tripped. The reset button on the reel didn't work, so I contacted Great Circle USA over their website. That same day their customer service representative shipped a replacement unit because it was still under warranty. Hate that there was a problem, but couldn't ask for better support to resolve it.

An extension cord that lasted nearly 3 years to date. They offer an extended warranty for $7.89 that covers the product for 2 additional years. I’ve had mine for 3 years and it no longer powers up at the socket end. I’ve used this sparingly (home use). If you’re looking for a temporary solution, this is your ticket. I DO NOT recommend this item. Junk.