Jan 25, 2007 16:59
17 yrs ago
26 viewers *
English term
United States
Was nicht ist, kann noch werden.
Native in: English (Variant: US) 
Works in: German to English
cable drum vs. cable reel
English
Tech/Engineering
Energy / Power Generation
OK, folks, this comes from a German translation. Everywhere I look, these two terms seem to be used interchangeably.
My question: ARE they interchangeable?
I thought that a 'reel' had spokes in it and a 'drum' did not, however, in researching it, I have come to think that this does not apply. Rather it appears that a 'reel' is just a smaller drum. If this is the case, does anybody KNOW when one changes into another? Can you give me references?
I know, this sounds like that recent question about when does a boat become a ship.
All contributions gratefully accepted, but I really want someone who KNOWS.
My question: ARE they interchangeable?
I thought that a 'reel' had spokes in it and a 'drum' did not, however, in researching it, I have come to think that this does not apply. Rather it appears that a 'reel' is just a smaller drum. If this is the case, does anybody KNOW when one changes into another? Can you give me references?
I know, this sounds like that recent question about when does a boat become a ship.
All contributions gratefully accepted, but I really want someone who KNOWS.
Responses
| 4 +5 | My two ha'p'orth |
Tony M
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Responses
+5
1 hr
Selected
My two ha'p'orth
In all the years I've been working with electrical cables of various scales, I have never come across any definitive or authoritative statement on this issue.
My own empirical observations suggest that "reel" is used for lighter duty, smaller items, possibly in cardboard or flimsy plastic: think fishing reel, reel of thread — and in many instances, an older-fashioned alternative might be a "spool". Remember too that "reel" can have a connotation of "winding something in", as in a fishing or a hose reel, for example.
Whereas a drum is usually more substantial, possibly in sturdy plastic, wood or even metal, and almost invariably used for heavy-duty cables, rather than individual thin wires.
I would think in your case of heavy submarine cables, there is no doubt that it would be a drum; I think the only ambiguity comes at the small end of the scale, where the crossover is probably a bit more vague.
Interestingly enough, NS OED doesn't even give this meaning of the word at all, suggesting that the emphasis is perhaps on the central cylindrical drum on which the cable is wound, rather then on the flanges that keep it in place. If you think about it, this makes sense: most large cable drums have quite a big centre diameter, the flanges may not be that deep.
NS OED has more to say about reel:
"reel
I 1 A cylindrical rotatory device on which thread, yarn, paper, etc., can be wound and from which easily wound off; any apparatus on which a length of material can be wound up and unwound as required.
2 spec.a A cylindrical device attached to a fishing-rod, used in winding the line.
b A small cylinder of wood or plastic, with a rim at each end, on which thread is wound for sale and ordinary use; a quantity of thread made up in this way.
c A cylindrical structure with a broad flange on which film or recording tape is wound; a length of film or tape wound on this;..."
and for spool:
"spool
1 A small cylinder for winding thread on as it is spun, esp. for use in weaving.
b Any cylinder on which thread, tape, wire, etc., is wound; spec. = REEL ..."
My own empirical observations suggest that "reel" is used for lighter duty, smaller items, possibly in cardboard or flimsy plastic: think fishing reel, reel of thread — and in many instances, an older-fashioned alternative might be a "spool". Remember too that "reel" can have a connotation of "winding something in", as in a fishing or a hose reel, for example.
Whereas a drum is usually more substantial, possibly in sturdy plastic, wood or even metal, and almost invariably used for heavy-duty cables, rather than individual thin wires.
I would think in your case of heavy submarine cables, there is no doubt that it would be a drum; I think the only ambiguity comes at the small end of the scale, where the crossover is probably a bit more vague.
Interestingly enough, NS OED doesn't even give this meaning of the word at all, suggesting that the emphasis is perhaps on the central cylindrical drum on which the cable is wound, rather then on the flanges that keep it in place. If you think about it, this makes sense: most large cable drums have quite a big centre diameter, the flanges may not be that deep.
NS OED has more to say about reel:
"reel
I 1 A cylindrical rotatory device on which thread, yarn, paper, etc., can be wound and from which easily wound off; any apparatus on which a length of material can be wound up and unwound as required.
2 spec.a A cylindrical device attached to a fishing-rod, used in winding the line.
b A small cylinder of wood or plastic, with a rim at each end, on which thread is wound for sale and ordinary use; a quantity of thread made up in this way.
c A cylindrical structure with a broad flange on which film or recording tape is wound; a length of film or tape wound on this;..."
and for spool:
"spool
1 A small cylinder for winding thread on as it is spun, esp. for use in weaving.
b Any cylinder on which thread, tape, wire, etc., is wound; spec. = REEL ..."
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
William [Bill] Gray
3 hrs
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Thanks, Bill!
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| agree |
Cilian O'Tuama
: On reflection (and given that "miles long and weigh tons"), I'd tend towards drum too.
5 hrs
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Thanks, Cilian! No contest, I feel!
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| agree |
Christine Andersen
: The problem may arise when a verb is needed. From long-ago offshore texts I vaguely remember winding in or out, and reeling in or out, but you can NOT 'drum in' or out!! (in that sense at least) Just a thought after a long night - I may be way off.
14 hrs
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Thanks, Christine! Yep, you have to "wind onto a drum"
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| agree |
kmtext
: That's certainly how I've always looked at it
14 hrs
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Thanks, KMT!
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| agree |
Hakki Ucar
: I think,drum is a kind of higher capacity reel, in general speak they are very same;look at it http://www.cabledrumpusher.com/
20 hrs
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Thanks, Hakki! "drum" is generally larger in scale overall, but at the bottom end of the scale range, the boundary is a little more confused...
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4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Comment: "Pretty thorough, Tony. Thanks. Makes me feel better that "... I have never come across any definitive or authoritative statement on this issue.""
Discussion