Generator Power Box

[Sodapopsixtysix]

I needed to come up with a temporary power box to work off of a generator for a short time. Here's what I put together. It's 50ft of 10/3 cord with an L5-30 plug on one end and a 100 amp sub panel that I opened up to put 4 receptacles on 15 amp circuits with a 30 amp main. So far it's working fine and saved me from having to buy a real "spider box". Let me know what you think and if you see something dangerous where I should stop using it. Thanks!

 

[Sodapopsixtysix]

More pics:

 

[ricepudding]

Simple to make, and looks clean... Thumbs up from me.

 

[Alchymist]

Looks OK, but don't use it on a commercial construction site. OSHA would have a fit.

 

[malibu101]

While obviously not OSHA approved ....
That has all the proper overcurrent protection in the proper order with the correct plugs to work successfully and safely.
Plus, you have the 30A breaker on the generator as well.
Use it in good health.

Unless you need GFI protection for your intended use, or use that NEMA1 panel in a wet location.

 

[miner]

Nice! I made something similar for my phase converter.

 

[Sodapopsixtysix]

Thanks! So far I'm just using it around the house and shop.

 

[rick carpenter]

I like this!

 

[Bigbandguy]

I would really like to extend this idea into something like this:

I run into the problem frequently of not having a good power setup in places where I need to run sound equipment and or lights for an evening. At the risk of angering the OSHA gods and code warriors could this be done using the OP's type of panel?

 

[CJ7VFR]

Nice work! I like the yellow paint too. It really makes the box stand out when you have it sitting on the ground.

I have seen boxes similar to what you made for sale at places like Home Depot and Lowes, but I have a feeling they cost a lot more than the one you made.

Here is one I saw recently. Its no where near as nice as yours:

Very well done!

Jim

 

[theoldwizard1]

Very nice ! A bit cramped inside, but what can you do ! I have often thought about doing something like this, but didn't want to spend a a lot money on the box. You came up with a great solution !!

I a pinch, you could put the whole thing in a garbage bag, zip tie it closed and it would be fairly water resistant.

What did you use as a template to drill your holes ?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Nice work.

Unfortunately, not UL listed.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I'd like to see it mounted on some kind of stand so it's not laying on the ground, particularly if you use it outdoors - that enclosure is not designed for use in wet areas.

 

[toplessHO]

While obviously not OSHA approved ....
That has all the proper overcurrent protection in the proper order with the correct plugs to work successfully and safely.
Plus, you have the 30A breaker on the generator as well.
Use it in good health.

Unless you need GFI protection for your intended use, or use that NEMA1 panel in a wet location.

generator derived system may not need a GFCI

 

[Sodapopsixtysix]

I just used an 1-3/8" hole saw for the receptacles, lined up the centers with a straight edge and punched them out. That's why I went with the single receptacles, so I didn't have to cut out any funky shapes.

Since the cutting created some bare metal I just used the yellow on the cover. I like that it's "hi-vis" now. I left the box grey.

There is actually quite a bit of room in it since it is so deep, but it's not too big and it's easy to move around.

I understand that it's best if I stick to indoor use only. Basically, I wanted to get the power and a switch inside because the generator has to stay outside.

I originally though I would make a simple stand for it and keep it upright, like it was hanging on wall, but after putting it together I thought it would work fine as-is. I am going to mount some rubber cabinet feet on the back. Not to isolate it, but to keep it from marring the floor.

The box and it's contents with the plug set me back about $100. I had the cord but you can figure adding about $2/ft if you had to buy it.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I understand that it's best if I stick to indoor use only.

Take 5/4" x 6" x 3-4' PT deck board and cut it down to 4". Cut a point on the end. Open your box up and drill a couple of whole for #10 or #12 screw. Screw the box to the stake and pound it in the ground. Put a garbage bag over it if it looks like rain.

 

[nadogail]

Beats what I have seen at various traveling carnival shows.

In addition to the suggestion of a mounting stake and trash bag rain coat; you might consider a Kellums grip strain relief on the input cable.

 

[Sodapopsixtysix]

Here's an update. I've added the cabinet feet that I mentioned a while ago and a handle to help avoid picking it up by the cable.