Frequently Asked Questions

A retractile cord (also called a coiled cord or curly cord) is an electrical cord that has been permanently formed into a helical coil shape. When stretched, it extends to several times its retracted length, then springs back to its original coiled form when released. This self-retracting design eliminates tangling, reduces trip hazards, and keeps workspaces organized.

They are different names for the same type of product — a helically coiled electrical cord that self-retracts. "Retractile cord" is the industry-standard UL term, "coiled cord" is commonly used in industrial and OEM contexts, and "curly cord" is the everyday term most people recognize from telephone handset cords. At Autac, we manufacture all three — because they're all the same thing.

All Autac cords are manufactured in North Branford, Connecticut, USA. We have been producing retractile cords at our Connecticut facility since 1947, making us one of the longest-operating cord manufacturers in the country.

Yes. Autac USA is 100% woman-owned and operated, led by CEO Marie-Louise Burkle. We are the only 100% woman-owned retractile cord manufacturer in the industry. Learn more about our history.

Yes. Autac retractile cords are UL and CUL listed, meeting rigorous safety standards for the U.S. and Canadian markets. Our UL listings cover a wide range of cord types, gauges, and configurations. Specific UL file numbers are available upon request.

Autac offers retractile cords in several insulation materials:

• PVC — Versatile, cost-effective, good chemical resistance
• TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) — Flexible, RoHS compliant, wide temperature range
• TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber) — RoHS-compliant alternative to Neoprene
• Neoprene — Excellent for harsh environments, oil and weather resistant

Each material has specific advantages for temperature range, flexibility, chemical resistance, and compliance requirements. Use our Build Your Cord tool to explore options.

Autac manufactures retractile cords from 26 AWG (signal-level) up to 10 AWG (heavy power), with conductor counts ranging from 2 to 25+. Common configurations include 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, and 25 conductors. Shielded options are also available. Browse our product catalog for standard configurations.

A retractile cord typically extends to approximately 5 times its retracted (coiled) length. For example, a cord with a 2-foot retracted length will extend to roughly 10 feet. Custom extension ratios are available depending on the gauge, material, and coil diameter.

Yes. Autac manufactures shielded retractile cords for applications requiring electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection. Shielding options include spiral (serve) shields and braided shields. Shielded cords are commonly used in medical, telecommunications, and industrial instrumentation applications.

Absolutely. Custom cords are our specialty. We can manufacture retractile cords to your exact specifications including gauge, conductor count, retracted and extended length, insulation material, jacket color, shielding, and termination. Use our Build Your Cord tool to get started, or contact us directly to discuss your requirements.

Minimum order quantities vary by product. For stock catalog items, there is typically no minimum. For custom orders, minimums depend on the specifications. Contact our sales team at 800.243.3161 or sales@autacusa.com for details on your specific requirements.

Stock catalog items typically ship within a few business days. Custom orders vary depending on complexity and quantity, but most ship within 2–4 weeks. Rush orders are available — contact us for expedited timelines.

Yes. We encourage customers to request samples to ensure our cords meet their specifications before committing to a production run. Contact our sales team to request samples.

Autac sells to OEMs, distributors, and end users alike. Whether you need 10 cords or 10,000, we're happy to work with you. Individual cords are also available through our eBay store.

You can request a quote online, call us at 800.243.3161, or email sales@autacusa.com. For custom cord specifications, our Build Your Cord configurator lets you specify exactly what you need.

Yes. Autac offers RoHS-compliant retractile cords in TPE, TPR, and PVC materials. Our TPE and TPR cords were developed specifically as RoHS-compliant alternatives to traditional Neoprene.

Yes. Autac manufactures hospital-grade retractile cords suitable for medical equipment and healthcare environments. These cords meet the stringent requirements for medical-grade power connections. Contact us with your specific medical application requirements.

Every Autac cord undergoes rigorous quality testing including electrical continuity testing, flex life testing, and dimensional verification. Our cords are UL/CUL listed, and we maintain strict quality control throughout our manufacturing process in North Branford, CT.