As part of re-wiring the workshop I want to be able to pull down a
socket (on a flex) from the ceiling when required and then to have it
retract when not needed. The action would be something like a roller
blind: pull and let go to latch down, pull again to unlatch and retract.
The roller blind mechanisms are quite long and fit in a tube whereas I
need something that winds a string.
What do I need?

On Wednesday, 20 March 2019 15:09:22 UTC, wrote:
As part of re-wiring the workshop I want to be able to pull down a
socket (on a flex) from the ceiling when required and then to have it
retract when not needed. The action would be something like a roller
blind: pull and let go to latch down, pull again to unlatch and retract.
The roller blind mechanisms are quite long and fit in a tube whereas I
need something that winds a string.
What do I need?

I have never seen anything like that.
You could have a non-retracting one using a socket from an extension lead and a flex outlet plate

On 20/03/2019 15:09, wrote:
As part of re-wiring the workshop I want to be able to pull down a
socket (on a flex) from the ceiling when required and then to have it
retract when not needed. The action would be something like a roller
blind: pull and let go to latch down, pull again to unlatch and retract.
The roller blind mechanisms are quite long and fit in a tube whereas I
need something that winds a string.
What do I need?

Is

https://www.sealey.co.uk/search?q=ca...el+retractable

what you want?

(Only cheaper!)
--
Robin
reply-to address is (intended to be) valid

On 20/03/2019 15:09, wrote:
As part of re-wiring the workshop I want to be able to pull down a
socket (on a flex) from the ceiling when required and then to have it
retract when not needed. The action would be something like a roller
blind: pull and let go to latch down, pull again to unlatch and retract.
The roller blind mechanisms are quite long and fit in a tube whereas I
need something that winds a string.
What do I need?

bistable switch and an electric motor?


--
In a Time of Universal Deceit, Telling the Truth Is a Revolutionary Act.

- George Orwell

wrote:
As part of re-wiring the workshop I want to be able to pull down a
socket (on a flex) from the ceiling when required and then to have it
retract when not needed. The action would be something like a roller
blind: pull and let go to latch down, pull again to unlatch and retract.
The roller blind mechanisms are quite long and fit in a tube whereas I
need something that winds a string.
What do I need?


Assuming you mean something that isnt a actually winding the flex in like
on some lamps then if you are looking for something simple just to hang a
socket from then you could use an adjustable hanging basket hanger as used
to lower them for watering.

Link given as example only ,there are many other suppliers at more or less
cost.

https://images.app.goo.gl/LXaPu75TthSjbLz2A


GH

Am 20.03.2019 um 16:09 schrieb :
As part of re-wiring the workshop I want to be able to pull down a
socket (on a flex) from the ceiling when required and then to have it
retract when not needed. The action would be something like a roller
blind: pull and let go to latch down, pull again to unlatch and retract.
The roller blind mechanisms are quite long and fit in a tube whereas I
need something that winds a string.
What do I need?

Such a cable-retracting mechanism can be found in some floor vacuum
cleaners.

harry wrote:
On Wednesday, 20 March 2019 15:09:22 UTC, wrote:
As part of re-wiring the workshop I want to be able to pull down a
socket (on a flex) from the ceiling when required and then to have it
retract when not needed. The action would be something like a roller
blind: pull and let go to latch down, pull again to unlatch and retract.
The roller blind mechanisms are quite long and fit in a tube whereas I
need something that winds a string.
What do I need?

I have never seen anything like that.
You could have a non-retracting one using a socket from an extension lead
and a flex outlet plate


Thinking about if he wants something that actually winds the cable in then
many people already have something similar on a vacuum cleaner , a quick
perusal of espares shows they hold some units as spares which the OP may be
able to adapt. Or he could go skip diving, hang around the the local tip.

GH

On 20/03/2019 15:41, Robin wrote:
On 20/03/2019 15:09, wrote:
As part of re-wiring the workshop I want to be able to pull down a
socket (on a flex) from the ceiling when required and then to have it
retract when not needed. The action would be something like a roller
blind: pull and let go to latch down, pull again to unlatch and
retract. The roller blind mechanisms are quite long and fit in a tube
whereas I need something that winds a string.
What do I need?

Is

https://www.sealey.co.uk/search?q=ca...el+retractable

what you want?

(Only cheaper!)
Nearly. It doesn't need to reel-in the cable, only lift a flying socket
a few feet.

On 20/03/2019 16:15, wrote:
On 20/03/2019 15:41, Robin wrote:
On 20/03/2019 15:09, wrote:
As part of re-wiring the workshop I want to be able to pull down a
socket (on a flex) from the ceiling when required and then to have it
retract when not needed. The action would be something like a roller
blind: pull and let go to latch down, pull again to unlatch and
retract. The roller blind mechanisms are quite long and fit in a tube
whereas I need something that winds a string.
What do I need?

Is

https://www.sealey.co.uk/search?q=ca...el+retractable

what you want?

(Only cheaper!)
Nearly. It doesn't need to reel-in the cable, only lift a flying socket
a few feet.

clasic way to do that is a counterbalance [spring] and some friction


--
Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's
too dark to read.

Groucho Marx

On 20/03/2019 15:52, Marland wrote:
wrote:
As part of re-wiring the workshop I want to be able to pull down a
socket (on a flex) from the ceiling when required and then to have it
retract when not needed. The action would be something like a roller
blind: pull and let go to latch down, pull again to unlatch and retract.
The roller blind mechanisms are quite long and fit in a tube whereas I
need something that winds a string.
What do I need?


Assuming you mean something that isnt a actually winding the flex in like
on some lamps then if you are looking for something simple just to hang a
socket from then you could use an adjustable hanging basket hanger as used
to lower them for watering.

Link given as example only ,there are many other suppliers at more or less
cost.

https://images.app.goo.gl/LXaPu75TthSjbLz2A


GH

That looks interesting - I didn't know about those. It isn't obvious
whether they latch up and down so I'll look out for one to play with in
a garden centre.

In article ,
The Natural Philosopher wrote:
On 20/03/2019 16:15, wrote:
On 20/03/2019 15:41, Robin wrote:
On 20/03/2019 15:09, wrote:
As part of re-wiring the workshop I want to be able to pull down a
socket (on a flex) from the ceiling when required and then to have it
retract when not needed. The action would be something like a roller
blind: pull and let go to latch down, pull again to unlatch and
retract. The roller blind mechanisms are quite long and fit in a tube
whereas I need something that winds a string.
What do I need?

Is

https://www.sealey.co.uk/search?q=ca...el+retractable

what you want?

(Only cheaper!)
Nearly. It doesn't need to reel-in the cable, only lift a flying socket
a few feet.

clasic way to do that is a counterbalance [spring] and some friction


somewhewre in my bookcase is a volume of Heath Robinson inventions. I'm
sure there'll be something suitable in it.

--
from KT24 in Surrey, England
"I'd rather die of exhaustion than die of boredom" Thomas Carlyle

On 20/03/2019 16:15, wrote:
On 20/03/2019 15:41, Robin wrote:
On 20/03/2019 15:09, wrote:
As part of re-wiring the workshop I want to be able to pull down a
socket (on a flex) from the ceiling when required and then to have it
retract when not needed. The action would be something like a roller
blind: pull and let go to latch down, pull again to unlatch and
retract. The roller blind mechanisms are quite long and fit in a tube
whereas I need something that winds a string.
What do I need?

Is

https://www.sealey.co.uk/search?q=ca...el+retractable

what you want?

(Only cheaper!)
Nearly. It doesn't need to reel-in the cable, only lift a flying socket
a few feet.

is it OK if it leaves a loop of flex dangling a few/2 feet?

--
Robin
reply-to address is (intended to be) valid

On 20/03/2019 16:59, Robin wrote:
On 20/03/2019 16:15, wrote:
On 20/03/2019 15:41, Robin wrote:
On 20/03/2019 15:09, wrote:
As part of re-wiring the workshop I want to be able to pull down a
socket (on a flex) from the ceiling when required and then to have
it retract when not needed. The action would be something like a
roller blind: pull and let go to latch down, pull again to unlatch
and retract. The roller blind mechanisms are quite long and fit in a
tube whereas I need something that winds a string.
What do I need?

Is

https://www.sealey.co.uk/search?q=ca...el+retractable

what you want?

(Only cheaper!)
Nearly. It doesn't need to reel-in the cable, only lift a flying
socket a few feet.

is it OK if it leaves a loop of flex dangling a few/2 feet?

My hope is that, if the retraction device is in-line with the cord
(forming a triangle with sides: ceiling, cable, flex), it will/should
keep the cable under light tension when retracted and prevent a
significant dangle.

was thinking very hard :
As part of re-wiring the workshop I want to be able to pull down a socket (on
a flex) from the ceiling when required and then to have it retract when not
needed. The action would be something like a roller blind: pull and let go to
latch down, pull again to unlatch and retract. The roller blind mechanisms
are quite long and fit in a tube whereas I need something that winds a
string.
What do I need?

Rod, or tube, with a socket mounted on the bottom end, hinge the rod at
the top and add a spring to pull it up out of the way. Add a cord to
pull it down when needed and arrange the spring tension, so the extra
weight of an item plugged in, is enough to keep the socket pulled down.

The socket would need to be wired in flex, and probably ought to plug
into a fixed high level socket.

On 20/03/2019 15:09, wrote:
As part of re-wiring the workshop I want to be able to pull down a
socket (on a flex) from the ceiling when required and then to have it
retract when not needed. The action would be something like a roller
blind: pull and let go to latch down, pull again to unlatch and retract.
The roller blind mechanisms are quite long and fit in a tube whereas I
need something that winds a string.
What do I need?

Sounds rather like a rise and fall ceiling light.

Pull down to where wanted and it stays there. Pull down again and
release and it retracts. Commonly used over dining tables. The power
cable is usually a curly cable with the rise and fall support cord
running down the centre.

SteveW

"Robin" wrote in message
...
On 20/03/2019 16:15, wrote:
On 20/03/2019 15:41, Robin wrote:
On 20/03/2019 15:09, wrote:
As part of re-wiring the workshop I want to be able to pull down a
socket (on a flex) from the ceiling when required and then to have it
retract when not needed. The action would be something like a roller
blind: pull and let go to latch down, pull again to unlatch and
retract. The roller blind mechanisms are quite long and fit in a tube
whereas I need something that winds a string.
What do I need?

Is

https://www.sealey.co.uk/search?q=ca...el+retractable

what you want?

(Only cheaper!)
Nearly. It doesn't need to reel-in the cable, only lift a flying socket a
few feet.

is it OK if it leaves a loop of flex dangling a few/2 feet?

There really has to be so you can grab it unless you have
a more fancy system which runs out a few feet on command
from Siri or Alexa etc.

wrote in message
...
On 20/03/2019 16:59, Robin wrote:
On 20/03/2019 16:15, wrote:
On 20/03/2019 15:41, Robin wrote:
On 20/03/2019 15:09, wrote:
As part of re-wiring the workshop I want to be able to pull down a
socket (on a flex) from the ceiling when required and then to have it
retract when not needed. The action would be something like a roller
blind: pull and let go to latch down, pull again to unlatch and
retract. The roller blind mechanisms are quite long and fit in a tube
whereas I need something that winds a string.
What do I need?

Is

https://www.sealey.co.uk/search?q=ca...el+retractable

what you want?

(Only cheaper!)
Nearly. It doesn't need to reel-in the cable, only lift a flying socket
a few feet.

is it OK if it leaves a loop of flex dangling a few/2 feet?

My hope is that, if the retraction device is in-line with the cord
(forming a triangle with sides: ceiling, cable, flex), it will/should keep
the cable under light tension when retracted and prevent a significant
dangle.

But you need some dangle to grab when you want to use
it to pull it down with unless you have a more fancy system
that runs out enough to grab on command from Siri or Alexa.

On Thu, 21 Mar 2019 07:09:08 +1100, cantankerous trolling senile geezer Rot
Speed blabbered, again:


that runs out enough to grab on command from Siri or Alexa.

Oh, no, and this innocent little thread was Rot-free, so far! tsk

--
Sqwertz to Rot Speed:
"This is just a hunch, but I'm betting you're kinda an argumentative
asshole.
MID:

On 20/03/2019 20:02, Steve Walker wrote:
On 20/03/2019 15:09, wrote:
As part of re-wiring the workshop I want to be able to pull down a
socket (on a flex) from the ceiling when required and then to have it
retract when not needed. The action would be something like a roller
blind: pull and let go to latch down, pull again to unlatch and
retract. The roller blind mechanisms are quite long and fit in a tube
whereas I need something that winds a string.
What do I need?

Sounds rather like a rise and fall ceiling light.

Pull down to where wanted and it stays there. Pull down again and
release and it retracts. Commonly used over dining tables. The power
cable is usually a curly cable with the rise and fall support cord
running down the centre.

SteveW

Yes, I remember them being popular in the 70s. There must be lots in
recycling skips - I'll look in the local one.

On 20/03/2019 19:22, Harry Bloomfield wrote:
was thinking very hard :
As part of re-wiring the workshop I want to be able to pull down a
socket (on a flex) from the ceiling when required and then to have it
retract when not needed. The action would be something like a roller
blind: pull and let go to latch down, pull again to unlatch and
retract. The roller blind mechanisms are quite long and fit in a tube
whereas I need something that winds a string.
What do I need?

Rod, or tube, with a socket mounted on the bottom end, hinge the rod at
the top and add a spring to pull it up out of the way. Add a cord to
pull it down when needed and arrange the spring tension, so the extra
weight of an item plugged in, is enough to keep the socket pulled down.

The socket would need to be wired in flex, and probably ought to plug
into a fixed high level socket.
If the other suggestions don't bear fruit I could use a length of bungee
cord to do this. The flex will be connected to a flex outlet, ceiling
pull switch and an FCU from the workshop ring.

On Wednesday, 20 March 2019 23:43:41 UTC, wrote:
On 20/03/2019 19:22, Harry Bloomfield wrote:
was thinking very hard :
As part of re-wiring the workshop I want to be able to pull down a
socket (on a flex) from the ceiling when required and then to have it
retract when not needed. The action would be something like a roller
blind: pull and let go to latch down, pull again to unlatch and
retract. The roller blind mechanisms are quite long and fit in a tube
whereas I need something that winds a string.
What do I need?

Rod, or tube, with a socket mounted on the bottom end, hinge the rod at
the top and add a spring to pull it up out of the way. Add a cord to
pull it down when needed and arrange the spring tension, so the extra
weight of an item plugged in, is enough to keep the socket pulled down.

The socket would need to be wired in flex, and probably ought to plug
into a fixed high level socket.
If the other suggestions don't bear fruit I could use a length of bungee
cord to do this. The flex will be connected to a flex outlet, ceiling
pull switch and an FCU from the workshop ring.

you could, but you'd then have to hang from the thing to get it to descend.


NT

On Wed, 20 Mar 2019 23:40:49 +0000, wrote:

Yes, I remember them being popular in the 70s. There must be lots in
recycling skips - I'll look in the local one.

Basically a block-and-tackle arrangement with a weight and lots of friction...

https://www.amazon.de/MonsterShop-Zu.../dp/B07DP2N7Z1

(just to illustrate the principle of the thing)


Thomas Prufer

I have seen two types but many years ago, so may well not be allowed these
days. One is kind of like track lighting where a track comes down a wall and
the socket is on the track. The other worked a little like a vacuum cleaner
chord retractor. Gave nothing but trouble though due to the lack of
adjustment in the sprung rotation bit.
However it was a very long time ago and a dangling line socket which
often never retracted high enough kept hitting people in the head!

Brian

--
----- --
This newsgroup posting comes to you directly from...
The Sofa of Brian Gaff...

Blind user, so no pictures please
Note this Signature is meaningless.!
"harry" wrote in message
...
On Wednesday, 20 March 2019 15:09:22 UTC, wrote:
As part of re-wiring the workshop I want to be able to pull down a
socket (on a flex) from the ceiling when required and then to have it
retract when not needed. The action would be something like a roller
blind: pull and let go to latch down, pull again to unlatch and retract.
The roller blind mechanisms are quite long and fit in a tube whereas I
need something that winds a string.
What do I need?

I have never seen anything like that.
You could have a non-retracting one using a socket from an extension lead
and a flex outlet plate

On Wed, 20 Mar 2019 19:22:33 GMT, Harry Bloomfield
wrote:

was thinking very hard :
As part of re-wiring the workshop I want to be able to pull down a socket (on
a flex) from the ceiling when required and then to have it retract when not
needed. The action would be something like a roller blind: pull and let go to
latch down, pull again to unlatch and retract. The roller blind mechanisms
are quite long and fit in a tube whereas I need something that winds a
string.
What do I need?

Rod, or tube, with a socket mounted on the bottom end, hinge the rod at
the top and add a spring to pull it up out of the way. Add a cord to
pull it down when needed and arrange the spring tension, so the extra
weight of an item plugged in, is enough to keep the socket pulled down.

The socket would need to be wired in flex, and probably ought to plug
into a fixed high level socket.
Forget the spring, just let it come down under it's own weight, then
have a cord (via an eye or two on the ceiling) to pull it up. A loop
in the middle of the cord and a hook in the wall to put the loop on to
hold the rod (length of wood with cable and socket attched) up.

On 20/03/2019 15:09, wrote:
As part of re-wiring the workshop I want to be able to pull down a
socket (on a flex) from the ceiling when required and then to have it
retract when not needed. The action would be something like a roller
blind: pull and let go to latch down, pull again to unlatch and retract.
The roller blind mechanisms are quite long and fit in a tube whereas I
need something that winds a string.
What do I need?

"Alexa, drop the socket please"

--
Adrian C

On 21/03/2019 10:28, Davidm wrote:
On Wed, 20 Mar 2019 19:22:33 GMT, Harry Bloomfield
wrote:

was thinking very hard :
As part of re-wiring the workshop I want to be able to pull down a socket (on
a flex) from the ceiling when required and then to have it retract when not
needed. The action would be something like a roller blind: pull and let go to
latch down, pull again to unlatch and retract. The roller blind mechanisms
are quite long and fit in a tube whereas I need something that winds a
string.
What do I need?

Rod, or tube, with a socket mounted on the bottom end, hinge the rod at
the top and add a spring to pull it up out of the way. Add a cord to
pull it down when needed and arrange the spring tension, so the extra
weight of an item plugged in, is enough to keep the socket pulled down.

The socket would need to be wired in flex, and probably ought to plug
into a fixed high level socket.
Forget the spring, just let it come down under it's own weight, then
have a cord (via an eye or two on the ceiling) to pull it up. A loop
in the middle of the cord and a hook in the wall to put the loop on to
hold the rod (length of wood with cable and socket attched) up.

This needs to be in the middle of the room (saw table, spindle moulder,
etcetera) but I guess I could have string passing through a series of
eyelets leading to the nearest wall. Hmm, not such a bad idea - I wish
I'd thought of it :-)
I'll investigate the hanging basket doofers but I think you may have won
the prize!

On 21/03/2019 07:11, Thomas Prufer wrote:
On Wed, 20 Mar 2019 23:40:49 +0000, wrote:

Yes, I remember them being popular in the 70s. There must be lots in
recycling skips - I'll look in the local one.

Basically a block-and-tackle arrangement with a weight and lots of friction...

https://www.amazon.de/MonsterShop-Zu.../dp/B07DP2N7Z1

(just to illustrate the principle of the thing)


Thomas Prufer

No, the ones I remember used a slightly larger than usual "ceiling
rose", with the suspension cord winding up and down on a rotary spring
mechanism within it. Like this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dar-Light-R.../dp/B00FOYQNOY

SteveW

"Adrian Caspersz" wrote in message
...
On 20/03/2019 15:09, wrote:
As part of re-wiring the workshop I want to be able to pull down a socket
(on a flex) from the ceiling when required and then to have it retract
when not needed. The action would be something like a roller blind: pull
and let go to latch down, pull again to unlatch and retract. The roller
blind mechanisms are quite long and fit in a tube whereas I need
something that winds a string.
What do I need?

"Alexa, drop the socket please"

All you need is "Alexa socket" to toggle its current state.

On Fri, 22 Mar 2019 07:05:51 +1100, cantankerous trolling senile geezer Rot
Speed blabbered, again:

What do I need?

"Alexa, drop the socket please"

All you need is "Alexa socket" to toggle its current state.

Duh, what an asshole!

--
"Anonymous" to trolling senile Rot Speed:
"You can **** off as you know less than pig **** you sad
little ignorant ****."
MID: