Wire Reel Sizes and Weights

Wire reel sizes describe flange diameter, winding width and drum diameter; loaded weight also depends on the cable, footage and empty package weight. Ohio Wire Buyers buys reusable surplus electrical wire and cable from businesses anywhere in Ohio, and these measurements help us review the lot and plan pickup without guessing from a photograph.

0100 FTWhat measurements define wire reel sizes?

The flange is the round side of the reel. Measure its outside diameter, then distinguish the traverse—the clear winding space between flanges—from overall width, which includes the flanges and projecting hardware. Overall width matters for access and loading; traverse describes the space available for cable.

The drum, or barrel, is the center cylinder carrying the innermost cable layer. The arbor hole takes the supporting shaft. Record all these dimensions when accessible without moving an unsafe reel, and label each measurement rather than sending an unexplained pair of numbers. Our wire selling guides cover the separate tasks of identifying, measuring and documenting surplus.

0200 FTWooden and steel reel dimensions: verified examples

These examples come from Southwire's Reel Packaging Information. Dimensions are in inches; empty weights are approximate manufacturer figures, not loaded weights or safe working loads. They illustrate specific packages rather than a universal wooden reel size chart.

Do not identify a reel model from diameter alone. Southwire uses different constructions for different products, including reinforced wood for heavier cable and steel for heavy conductor loads. Steel reels may also be returnable; check ownership and return obligations before including one in a sale.

Keep the reel stencil and tag visible. Our guide to reading a wire reel tag explains which product and package details to capture.

0300 FTHow much does a loaded cable reel weigh?

Tare means empty package weight. Net means cable weight, while gross means the complete loaded package. Southwire lists gross, tare and net among its reel-tag information. A current scale reading is more useful for loading than the original gross weight after cable has been removed.

For an estimate, multiply footage by the manufacturer's approximate complete-cable weight per foot, then add tare and any packaging not already included. Southwire's product specifications list approximately 719 pounds per 1,000 feet for its 4/0 AWG copper THHN/THWN-2 and 1,662 pounds per 1,000 feet for its 500 kcmil version.

The tare figures are assumptions for arithmetic, not weights assigned to particular reel models. These examples are not approval to load those lengths onto any reel or lift them with particular equipment.

Use complete insulated-wire weight, not copper-only weight. Jackets, insulation and armor remain on reusable cable. The wire weight-per-foot chart explains that distinction when comparing specifications.

0400 FTWhy can't reel diameter tell you the footage?

A wide traverse holds a different winding volume than a narrow traverse, even with matching flanges. Drum diameter changes the available space too. Cable outside diameter, winding pattern and fill level all affect what fits, while cable bending requirements constrain the package choice.

A partial reel may contain a continuous length, several separate cuts or parallel conductors. An original footage tag does not resolve those differences after material has been used or rewound. Note the actual arrangement instead of calling every nearly full-looking reel a factory-full package.

Use jacket footage marks, inventory records or a documented estimate following our guide to measuring wire left on a reel. A capacity chart is not proof of remaining length, cable condition or reel strength.

0500 FTForklift or crane: what decides a safe lift?

Start with current gross weight, reel dimensions, condition and the equipment manufacturer's instructions. OSHA explains that forklift capacity applies at the load center shown on its data plate. An oversized load can move that center forward and reduce usable lifting capacity; a weight below the headline rating does not by itself establish a safe lift.

Prysmian directs forklift operators to support both flanges with forks long enough for the full reel width. Forks must not bear directly on the cable between flanges. Do not push a reel sideways with fork tips or lift it by the top flange.

For heavy high-voltage cable drums, Prysmian's handling guide specifies crane lifting with a spreader bar designed for the particular drum size, weight and width. Have trained personnel determine the lifting arrangement under the manufacturer's requirements rather than improvising around short forks. Flag large medium-voltage cable reels before pickup planning.

0600 FTHow should reels sit on stands and trucks?

Prysmian calls for appropriate payoff stands that hold the drum firmly and allow smooth rotation. Check the stand and shaft manufacturer's fit and capacity requirements against the actual reel. Its drum-handling guide also calls for controlled payout and braking to prevent cable overrun; makeshift supports are not a substitute.

Store and transport reels upright, with flanges vertical and the barrel axis horizontal. Restrain them against rolling, and keep neighboring flanges from touching cable. Do not drop reels from a truck or put tie-down pressure directly across exposed cable.

Report broken flanges, loose hardware, damaged lagging or missing end seals. For material awaiting collection outdoors, our Ohio winter reel-storage guide covers storage preparation without sacrificing product identification.

0700 FTWhat should you send for an offer on wire reels?

Give each reel a distinct inventory label and use it in the footage list and photos. State whether weight is from the factory tag, a current scale reading or a calculation. Photograph damage instead of hiding it behind wrapping.

Include whether there is a dock, usable forklift or restricted yard access. Follow the offer-photo guide for close-ups, and review the options for selling full and partial wire reels.

0800 FTKeep the cable intact until pickup terms are settled

We verify the seller and proof of ownership, review the material, and provide questions or a written offer before pickup. Payment method and timing are confirmed in writing before pickup, and the count is checked against the written terms. The selling process explains those steps; non-reusable material may belong with a scrap recycler instead.

Send your reel measurements, photos and footage list to request an offer, or call Ohio Wire Buyers at 951-403-5738. We arrange pickup at the seller's Ohio jobsite, warehouse, plant or yard.