P.O. Box 306, North Branford, CT 06471  |  Mon–Fri 8am–5pm 800.243.3161  |  100% Woman-Owned · Est. 1947
Blog & Vlog Series

The Autac Blog

Business wisdom, company culture, and the philosophy behind nearly 80 years of American manufacturing — by CEO Marie-Louise Burkle.

March 15, 2026 · Marie-Louise Burkle

Retractile Cord vs Extension Cord: What's the Difference?

A side-by-side comparison of retractile cords and standard extension cords — when to use each, and why it matters.

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February 15, 2026 · Marie-Louise Burkle

Custom Cable Assemblies: How to Spec and Order Coiled Cords

When stock cords won't do, here's how to specify and order custom coiled cable assemblies built to your exact requirements.

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January 15, 2026 · Marie-Louise Burkle

UL Approved Power Cords: What You Need to Know

What UL listing means, why it matters for safety and compliance, and how to verify that your coiled power cords are certified.

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December 15, 2025 · Marie-Louise Burkle

Woman-Owned Manufacturers: Why Supplier Diversity Matters

The business case for sourcing from woman-owned manufacturers — and why Autac is the only 100% woman-owned retractile cord manufacturer.

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November 15, 2025 · Marie-Louise Burkle

Coiled Cord Specifications: How to Read and Compare Specs

A technical reference for wire gauge, voltage ratings, jacket materials, UL designations, and every spec that matters when selecting coiled cords.

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October 15, 2025 · Marie-Louise Burkle

Made in USA Electrical Cords: Why Domestic Manufacturing Matters

Quality control, compliance, lead times, and supply chain resilience — the practical advantages of buying American-made cords.

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September 15, 2025 · Marie-Louise Burkle

Curly Cords: What They Are, How They Work, and Where They're Used

Everything you need to know about curly cords — from the manufacturing process to choosing the right one for your application.

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August 15, 2025 · Marie-Louise Burkle

Spiral Phone Cords: Why Curly Cords Still Matter in Modern Offices

The history of telephone handset cords, why offices still use them, and modern applications beyond the desk phone.

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July 15, 2025 · Marie-Louise Burkle

Coiled Electrical Cords and Power Cables: A Buyer's Guide

How to select the right coiled electrical cord for power applications — gauge, ratings, jacket materials, and safety compliance.

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June 15, 2025 · Marie-Louise Burkle

Retractile Cords and Retractable Cables: How Self-Retracting Cords Work

The definitive guide to retractile cord technology — spring memory, manufacturing process, and the difference between retractile cords and cord reels.

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May 15, 2025 · Marie-Louise Burkle

Coil Cords: Types, Applications, and How to Choose the Right One

A comprehensive overview of coil cords — power, communication, control, and signal — covering every type and how to select one.

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April 15, 2025 · Marie-Louise Burkle

Coiled Power Cords: SO, SOW, and SJT Electric Cord Sets Explained

UL cord type designations decoded — what the letters mean, which type you need, and how to specify a coiled power cord set.

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March 15, 2025 · Marie-Louise Burkle

Spiral Extension Cords: The Self-Retracting Alternative to Straight Cords

What spiral extension cords are, how they work, and how to choose the right one for your home, shop, or workplace.

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February 15, 2025 · Marie-Louise Burkle

Custom Electrical Cables: Coiled Wire and Cable Solutions for OEMs

What's possible when you work directly with a coiled cord manufacturer — customization options, engineering considerations, and OEM use cases.

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January 15, 2025 · Marie-Louise Burkle

Retractable Extension Cords: What Buyers Need to Know

Cord reels vs retractile cords — two types of "retractable" extension cords compared, and how to choose the right one.

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December 15, 2024 · Marie-Louise Burkle

Custom Coiled Cables: Built to Your Exact Specifications

The full range of what Autac can customize — gauge, conductors, jacket, color, length, terminations, and more.

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November 15, 2024 · Marie-Louise Burkle

Coil Cable vs Coiled Cord: A Terminology Guide for Buyers

Cable, cord, wire — what the terms mean, why the industry uses different names, and how to navigate coil cable specs.

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October 15, 2024 · Marie-Louise Burkle

Phone Cord Tangles: How to Fix and Prevent Them

Why phone cords tangle, how to untangle them step by step, and tips to keep them tangle-free going forward.

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September 15, 2024 · Marie-Louise Burkle

Cord Sets Explained: What They Are and How to Specify Them

What makes a cord set different from a bare cord, the types available, and how to spec one for your application.

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August 15, 2024 · Marie-Louise Burkle

Retractable Electrical Cords: Self-Retracting Power Solutions

How self-retracting electrical cords work, where to use them, and how to select the right one for your workspace.

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July 15, 2024 · Marie-Louise Burkle

Heavy-Gauge Coiled Cords: 10, 12, and 14 AWG Power Cords

When you need serious amperage — gauge selection, ratings, cord types, and applications for heavy-duty coiled power cords.

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June 15, 2024 · Marie-Louise Burkle

Coiled Cable Manufacturers: How to Choose the Right Supplier

What to evaluate when choosing a coiled cable manufacturer — certification, capability, lead times, and red flags to watch for.

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May 15, 2024 · Marie-Louise Burkle

Good Customer Service Costs Less Than Bad Customer Service

Decades of business practices have proven that financing quality customer support yields the most significant financial benefits.

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April 15, 2024 · Marie-Louise Burkle

Perseverance Is a Great Substitute for Talent

Steve Martin once said it best. Hard work, dedication and determination can make anything possible.

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March 15, 2024 · Marie-Louise Burkle

Customer Service vs. Customer Servitude

The values and priorities in business have shifted from pleasing the customer to obliging the shareholder.

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February 15, 2024 · Marie-Louise Burkle

We Sell Customer Service and Give People Wire to Remember Us By

Our brand is dependent on consistent, quality wire and cable. You don't survive 76 years selling lousy wire.

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January 15, 2024 · Marie-Louise Burkle

Roman Philosophy

"If one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favorable." — Seneca

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December 15, 2023 · Marie-Louise Burkle

Business Exists to Create Customers

It sure doesn't feel that way anymore. Maybe we're old school, but earning our client's trust is the best investment we can make.

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November 15, 2023 · Marie-Louise Burkle

Fall Back

Did you "wake up on the wrong side of the bed" this Monday? Our mindset can significantly shape our day.

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October 15, 2023 · Marie-Louise Burkle

Don't Get Your Knickers in a Knot

Fun Friday! A lighthearted approach to remind people to focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on the problem.

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September 15, 2023 · Marie-Louise Burkle

The Proverb: A Man Grows Most Tired When Standing Still

Though we are a small company, we are a mighty force. Our hustle is what makes us mighty.

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August 15, 2023 · Marie-Louise Burkle

Happy November!!!!!

Kicking off our Blog/Vlog Series by exploring famous clichés that make us better at doing business.

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July 15, 2023 · Marie-Louise Burkle

Coiled Extension Cords: The Complete Guide

Everything you need to know about coiled extension cords — how they work, types, specifications, and applications.

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