Cable Balancer Vs. Cable Retractor: What’s the Difference?

If you’re outfitting a battery room or an EV charger station, you’ll need a cable management solution. BHS provides heavy-duty, reel-type Cable Retractors, which prevent cables from being bent, pinched, or kinked by automatically eliminating slack. 

Occasionally, our clients will ask whether cable retractors and cable balancers are the same products. While similar, these products don’t provide the same functionality, and they’re intended for different use cases.

The difference is right in the name:

• Cable Retractors retract the cable to its starting position when released.
• Cable Balancers maintain the cable at its current position when released. 

Below, we’ll explore the advantages of each option. To start outfitting your battery room, call 1.800.247.9500 and speak with a member of our team.

Use Cases for Cable Retractors

Cable retractors are ideal for applications where cables need to be completely out of the way (and off the floor) when not in use. They prevent trip hazards, reinforce good ergonomics, and maintain an organized workspace. Common use cases include:

• Battery Charging Stations: In battery rooms or EV charging areas, retractors keep charging cables off the floor. They’re essential for maintaining OSHA compliance and protecting cables from vehicle traffic.
• Pneumatic or Power Tool Access: Retractors can be used to suspend power tools or pneumatic tools, keeping them within reach while preventing them from cluttering work surfaces.
• Assembly Lines: In manufacturing settings, retractors may streamline workflows (again, while promoting organization and ergonomics). 
• Any area where a cable must be stored when not in use.

Use Cases for Cable Balancers

Cable balancers feature an internal spring mechanism that applies continuous, upward tension to the cable. That mechanism effectively counteracts the weight of the attached tool. 

This design is best suited for applications where cables need to be held in a specific position for extended periods, providing ergonomic support and reducing operator fatigue. Key use cases include:

• Assembly and Manufacturing: Balancers support the weight of tools or components and minimize strain. In these applications, they may be referred to as tool balancers (as opposed to cable balancers). 
• Welding Operations: Balancers hold welding guns or other equipment at a comfortable working height.
• Material Handling: Balancers can be used to suspend and position materials or parts for smoother handling. They can be paired with other material handling solutions such as Tilt Tables and Lift Tables to keep loads at an appropriate working height and angle.
• Any other workstations where tools are used for long periods of time. This might include production lines or automotive repair stations.

In short, cable balancers are more of an ergonomic solution for powered equipment; cable retractors are a cable management solution. 

Build a Better Approach to Battery Handling with BHS

BHS provides a range of solutions to help warehouses, manufacturing facilities, automotive repair businesses, and other organizations promote better ergonomics (while keeping cables off of the floor). Products to consider:

Cable Retractor Pogo Stick (CR) - Featuring a robust spring mechanism and a safety chain for enhanced security, the 'pogo' style cable retractor also incorporates a cable clamp for secure cable suspension. It’s a dedicated solution for keeping cables organized and improving efficiency in the battery room.

Cable Retractor Reels – A reel-type cable retractor with 6.5 feet of reach, the Cable Retractor Reel offers adjustable capacity to support up to 13 feet of 4/0 charger leads.

EV Charger Cable Retractors (CCR) - The CCR houses heavy-duty retractable reels within a weather-resistant steel box. During charges, the cables extend up to 96 inches (2.4 m) to reach EV charging ports. All units are suitable for indoor and outdoor use. See also: EV Charger Pedestal and Cable Management Kits.

BHS has engineered ergonomic material handling equipment to help organizations build efficiency in the battery room, on the docks, on the warehouse floor, and everywhere in between.

We’re ready to help your business find ergonomic solutions — or create custom equipment that matches your current workflow. Contact the BHS sales team at 1.800.247.9500 to learn more.