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Generator to panel connection question

MatBirch

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Joined
Oct 10, 2013
Messages
419
Location
Filer, Idaho
Hi gang,
I’m setting a 6.5 kw genset for backup power in a permanent installation. The gen will be located outside the garage on the opposite side from the panel. There is an existing pass through in the garage wall which I will use to route the cord. I have plenty of cord to reach across.
I am using an interlock kit to insure safety.
My question is which direction to set up the cord?
Options I’ve come up with so far-

1- hard wire my cord to the gen’s j box with a female twist lock cord cap. Install a recessed shore power plug in a j box at the panel which is wired to the interlocked gen breaker. (My only real concern is the downforce of the heavy cord yanking on the shore power plug, not to mention it has to come out horizontal and kind of in the way...)

2- hard wire my cord to the J box at the panel, and put a 90* plug on the other end. Hard wire a regular 240 receptacle on the gen side of the garage. (My concern is the male plug on the cord end. While the interlock should never allow it to be energized, it just feels wrong. Even though, the install would be much tidier and if nothing else, I have more room on the wall to hang the cord on that side of the garage.)

I’m sure this is all clear as mud, but I hope you get the idea.

Thanks!
 
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wyliesdiesels

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Aug 14, 2012
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Location
Modesto, CA
So you will be running cordage inside a wall?

Does your generator not have outlets?

Why not use twist locks to prevent unplugging?
 

ddurrett896

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Mar 29, 2015
Messages
995
Location
VA
If you are cutting the cord to hardwire, you can just wire it to a 30amp breaker in the panel.
 
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MatBirch

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Joined
Oct 10, 2013
Messages
419
Location
Filer, Idaho
So you will be running cordage inside a wall?

Does your generator not have outlets?

Why not use twist locks to prevent unplugging?

Generator does not have outlets. It’s an older Onan commercial unit with a length of MC cable coming out of it.

No cordage inside a wall, only passing through it via an 8” piece of 1-1/2” galvanized pipe someone put through the wall years ago. I plan to make a cord grip of sorts.

I’m not too worried about it unplugging, as much as the downward bend and strain that the weight of 12/4 SO cord will put on the twist lock and shore power connection. I don’t think the standard twist lock will allow for a vertical hanging orientation like the Appleton lock ring types we use at wok in the welding shop.
 
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mike93lx

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Dec 9, 2013
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Richmond, VA
Inside the wall is inside the wall, doesn't matter if it is 8" or 8'

You need 10/4 if using SO. 12/4 isn't enough for 6500 watts
 

alfredeneuman

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Joined
Mar 3, 2011
Messages
4,594
Location
Fullerton, CA
Article 400 deals with flexible cord.
400.12 Uses Not Permitted.
(2) Where run through holes in walls, structural ceilings,
suspended ceilings, dropped ceilings, or floors

It doesn't matter if it's through conduit or not
 
Last edited:

wyliesdiesels

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Joined
Aug 14, 2012
Messages
20,073
Location
Modesto, CA
Generator does not have outlets. It’s an older Onan commercial unit with a length of MC cable coming out of it.

No cordage inside a wall, only passing through it via an 8” piece of 1-1/2” galvanized pipe someone put through the wall years ago. I plan to make a cord grip of sorts.

I’m not too worried about it unplugging, as much as the downward bend and strain that the weight of 12/4 SO cord will put on the twist lock and shore power connection. I don’t think the standard twist lock will allow for a vertical hanging orientation like the Appleton lock ring types we use at wok in the welding shop.

Cordage cannot be used in that matter.

Are you sure its MC?

Its more likely FMC with hopefully wet rated conductors.

Can you post some pics here?

Since there are no outlets, I would hardwire the generator to a j box, then run building wire to the j box.

Make sure the generator is setup for 4-wire operation meaning no bonded neutral.
 
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MatBirch

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 10, 2013
Messages
419
Location
Filer, Idaho
Ok, so no cord...
I can easily switch it up to liquitite with thhn or xhhw from the gen through the hole in the wall and put a J box inside.
 
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