30amp to 20 amp generator cord

[SHELCO]

Alright,
The electron installed the generator transfer unit and it all works as it should.
The three switches on the right are unused hence the tape. This unit is in a repair shop and I need a 50 foot cable to place the generator outside when it needs to be used. I was told I would be using the 120/ 240v plug on the generator on the right side

I was told to purchase a 10/4 cable with a 30 amp plug to fit the generator.
What I didn't know Is i need a 20 amp plug on other end. The installer has vanished
He pulled a good amount led lights and one gas heater, overhead garage door switch to the new panel. I will not be using the compressor during a blackout.

Thoughts, suggestions, a place where I can buy a cable ?
Thanks as always
Bill

 

[pattenp]

You should use a 30A transfer panel. You shouldn't use a 20A rated plug on a 30A source.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

agree with above.

gen output is 120/240v so your TS should have an L14-30 on it not an L14-20

 

[SHELCO]

Thank you
Would a quick fix be to purchase a smaller generator with a 20 amp output?
This is basically to open and close overhead door and maybe run a gas heater

 

[Denwood]

A quick fix is this, assuming you are sure that you will not sustain more than 20 amps load. You have watt meters on the transfer switch, so you can check this by turning everything on and seeing that watts don't exceed 1920 (120V x 20amp x 80%)

Cable (50ft)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079D3LH8P/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Adapter:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M4NY35P/?tag=atomicindus08-20

You can order a replacement L14-30 inlet for your transfer switch..pretty sure Protran sells it with an option for L14-20 or L14-30 as it is a 30 amp transfer switch. Once installed, just set the adaptor aside.

Why should you retrofit the transfer switch connector? The adapter plug I spec'd above is rated 20 amps, however your generator breaker won't trip until 30 amps is exceeded. You have 3 circuits in your transfer switch that could exceed 30 amps if fully loaded. Will you pull over 20 amps continuous via your transfer switch? Likely not, however that L14-20 to L14-30 adapter could overheat and cause a fire if you did.

If you are using the generator plug on the right (120/240V), make sure the generator is set to 240 volts as otherwise one leg of the plug will not be powered. Right now, your gen is set to 120V only. See this: http://cdn.powerequipment.honda.com/pe/pdf/pubs/pci54494.pdf

 

[CJ7VFR]

Is the generator you have shown the only one you have? A 7000 watt generator is kind of overkill for the small amount of items you want to power.

If this is your only generator, then look into changing the 20A plug on the transfer switch to a 30A like wyliesdiesels suggested, if indeed it can be done, and the wiring inside the transfer switch will support it.

That would be your cheapest and easiest fix.

Jim

 

[wes73]

At first I only saw the one watt meter. Upon further inspection the other watt meter is under the right piece of tape labeled 'out back'. Looking this transfer switch up online shows the left watt meter is for circuits ABC the right watt meter is for circuits DEF. So this means your load will only be on one leg of your generator. Maybe someone can chime in on this...Will only drawing from one leg harm a generator?

 

[Denwood]

At first I only saw the one watt meter. Upon further inspection the other watt meter is under the right piece of tape labeled 'out back'. Looking this transfer switch up online shows the left watt meter is for circuits ABC the right watt meter is for circuits DEF. So this means your load will only be on one leg of your generator. Maybe someone can chime in on this...Will only drawing from one leg harm a generator?

The generator is set at 120V, so if using the 120/240V output (on the right), one leg will not be powered, and the other will see 22 amps max. Perhaps the electrician figured that was a way to limit current to ~22 amps, ha.

If connected using the L14-30 generator output on the left, both legs at the transfer switch (connected or not) will see power on the same phase as I'm pretty sure the XY terminals are just "jumpered" internally.

 

[SHELCO]

Think i should just purchase a 4k generator? With a 20 amp plug and cable
I messed up purchasing a large generator
I can't believe the response Thank you

 

[CJ7VFR]

...I messed up purchasing a large generator...

No, you didn't mess up.

There will come a time when you will need that bigger generator. Whether for your house, or the home a friend/family member, that thing will be a life saver for someone! And when that time comes, every generator for 100 miles around you will be sold out or very hard to get. Then you will be thankful for keeping it.

If you decide to buy a smaller generator just for your garage items you need to power, that will work, as well as use less gas and be easier to move around.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do!

Jim

 

[Denwood]

I would 100% keep that generator. You can replace the inlet on the transfer switch for under $100.

That said, if you do buy a smaller unit, buy an Inverter/generator as it will also power your more sensitive electronics if needed. My newer furnace won't run off a generator, but has no issues with an inverter/generator. I run my entire house (all LED lighting, efficient appliances etc.) on a 2200 Watt inverter generator when the power is out. No 240V, but that's fine.

 

[slow]

If I did not want to change the generator inlet, I would buy a L14-20 female plug to wire onto a 10 or 12 gauge 20 amp extension cord and plug that into one of the 120 volt receptacles on that generator and be done. That keeps proper overcurrent protection for the generator inlet and no changes to the generator panel. This does limit you to a total of 2400 watts however, but it looks like your generator panel is already wired to limit you to one side of that

The Eu7000 is a fantastic machine, I would love to own one personally, but I bought the same one for work, it is easy to use, fuel efficient and work great.

If it was my house, I would change the inlet to a 30, as long as that is still correct for that panel.

 

[510ebl]

First, I believe that generator is an excellent choice with good economy, power, and quiet. I would be hard pressed to return it. I would replace the whole transfer switch first.

Second, consult Reliance directly regarding whether a 30A inlet is available and advisable for your application. Get the answer in an email in case there is a warranty concern in your future.

Third, I would not use an adapter to connect an oversized generator circuit to this transfer switch. The last thing you need in an emergency/power outage is a fire that takes out your generator.

Just my 2c

 

[Terry D]

I don't understand why your electrician wired those 3 loads just to one leg anyway. Just get a 50ft. 12 gauge extension cord, cut the female plug off and put a 120/240 20 amp twistlock on it. On hot on the twistlock will have nothing going to it. Just make sure you wire the hot in the cord to the correct hot on the twistlock so you energize those 3 circuits, and plug the other end into one of the 20 amp GFCI's on the generator.

Or try changing the twist lock on the panel, but Im sure you will have to change some of the wiring to # 10

 

[kaffine]

They make adapters with circuit breakers in them. I use one in my shop since some of my tools have 20amp twist locks and my outlets are 30amp.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FK8SL2G/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[510ebl]

They make adapters with circuit breakers in them. I use one in my shop since some of my tools have 20amp twist locks and my outlets are 30amp.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FK8SL2G/?tag=atomicindus08-20

That is a solution that makes sense ^^

 

[Denwood]

Yep that would work.

That said, I'd be tempted to rewire that transfer switch with an L14-30 I'd also balance out the circuits on the transfer switch so both legs of a L14-30 or L14-20 are being used. That's a much better path if Shelco adds circuits later for generator backup.

 

[ripperd]

Thank you
Would a quick fix be to purchase a smaller generator with a 20 amp output?
This is basically to open and close overhead door and maybe run a gas heater

Do some load calcs. You got a hell of a generator for all of that. You could get a Honda EU3000i that provides half the power at half the price, and it probably would suffice for your loads.

 

[SHELCO]

I've been looking hard. No small generator has the four plug receiver for the 20 amps on the panel?
Makes sense to take the large Honda to home base. Home project is next .

 

[brooktre]

I've been looking hard. No small generator has the four plug receiver for the 20 amps on the panel?
Makes sense to take the large Honda to home base. Home project is next .

First of all you need a different electrician. They really screwed up that installation.

Don't know what your "home base" electrical needs are, but I have the same generator with a Reliance 310 transfer switch for my whole house during power outages. I run my well pump (240v), hybrid hot water heater (240v), and 6 other 120v circuits. It works really well. I installed everything myself and it is fairly easy. Reliance gives good instructions and what you need to connect it to the main panel.

 

[Denwood]

Shelco, if you're buying a small generator, a 1600/2000 inverter/generator will likely work fine for your application.

Just buy one of these: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B076BGP5MZ/?tag=atomicindus04-20
to plug into your generator. You don't need a locking plug on the generator, just go off a 20amp standard receptacle on the generator. If the plug pulls out, it won't be live...so no issue. The hots are bridged on that adapter, so it doesn't matter which leg is live on your transfer switch.

Use a L14-20 50ft extension cord and you're good. 20 amps max.

I run my house off of one of these 2000 watt inverters for $600 during outages (120V only): https://www.championpowerequipment.com/product/100306-2000-watt-inverter/ 53db and runs for about 10 hours on a 1.1 gallons of fuel. The house has been highly retrofitted for efficiency so 15 amps does us fine.