Installing a 30amp generator power inlet box.

[bagged89s10]

I'm about to install a 30 amp power inlet box for a portable generator.

I'll be using an interlock kit to prevent backfeed. My question is about wire size. I'm estimating my run to be about 65' so let's assume I will run 75'. What gauge wire should I use to run from my main panel to the inlet box to minimize voltage drop? Will 8/4 be good?



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[Mustang51js]

10/3 rx is fine, you wont get much voltage drop

 

[malibu101]

I too think 10/3 would be fine also. If you want, 8/3 would not hurt anything except your wallet.

BTW- you said "8/4". If your talking about romex or mc cables do not count the ground.
10/3 or 8/3 will give you the 3 wires plus ground that you need.

Don't ask me why, but, if your talking about flexible cord (not allowed in what you want to do) you call out all conductors including the ground.
ie- 10/3 in flexible cord would get you a black, white and green.

 

[bagged89s10]

Thanks for the info. Yes sorry I meant 8/3 Romex. I guess I will run 10/3 Romex. Is there anywhere online that sells wire cheaper than the local home center or electric supply house? I've usually only had to buy 12 gauge and I usually just buy it at Lowes or Home Depot.

Also another question. Can I just drill a hole in the wall and run the wire straight into the generator inlet box like I was running any other outdoor electrical, or do I need to run pvc conduit or anything?


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[wyliesdiesels]

If u dont find a better deal than the big box stores, u could always get one of those Lowes 10% off coupons in the mail forwarding packets at the post office....

 

[bagged89s10]

If u dont find a better deal than the big box stores, u could always get one of those Lowes 10% off coupons in the mail forwarding packets at the post office....

Haha, I like how you think!


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[olytdi]

Also another question. Can I just drill a hole in the wall and run the wire straight into the generator inlet box like I was running any other outdoor electrical, or do I need to run pvc conduit or anything?


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This may help:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=273275

 

[Mustang51js]

Yes you can run right into the back as long as you have the right connector. I usually use a plastic rx connector, don't need to sleeve pvc if you don't want to

 

[Monte406SS]

I did this last year, also about 75'-80'. 10 would have been fine, but the 8 was not much more money so I went that route.

 

[AlwaysFixingSomething]

If you feel like wasting $80+ for #8 go for it but it's a complete waste unless you plan on getting a bigger generator in the future.

 

[Monte406SS]

Depends on your run, 75 feet just did it for me and the 8 came in a 75' roll. The 10 didn't come in 75', had to get a 100' roll, so it was $30 for me. I am sure if I shopped around I could have found a 75' roll of 10 though.

 

[bagged89s10]

So I'm thinking this is where I'll mount the box. Somewhere in between the faucet and the oil pipe. There is a gutter that I need to install to the right of the oil pipe.

What's code for proper height above ground for a generator input?

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[pattenp]

I like the style where the plug and cord hangs. Place it at a height that's convenient. I placed mine at about 44 - 46 inches.

 

[fastjohnny]

So I'm thinking this is where I'll mount the box. Somewhere in between the faucet and the oil pipe. There is a gutter that I need to install to the right of the oil pipe.

What's code for proper height above ground for a generator input?





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I'm sure you mean downspout, instead of gutter, install that right on the corner of the siding. Then what pattenp said for height. You don't want to have to bend over too far...

 

[bagged89s10]

I'm sure you mean downspout, instead of gutter, install that right on the corner of the siding. Then what pattenp said for height. You don't want to have to bend over too far...

Yes I meant downspout. Must have been too early in the morning. There won't be enough room to the right of the downspout. I could put it between the oil tank vent and the downspout.


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[Mustang51js]

If you plan on coming into the back of it then your height will be about 6-10 inches above where the siding starts.

 

[Mustang51js]

Basically same height as hose faucet, this way you come into the sill in basement

 

[jpcjguy]

Better check your code for any minimum distances between the faucet and outlet.

 

[bagged89s10]

I'll have to check local code. I did find 75 feet of 10/3 Romex for $55 and a 30amp inlet box with plug on the bottom for $39 at the local electrical wholesalers. I will go grab it tomorrow.


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[Charles (in GA)]

I did a THIS THREAD ON GENERATOR INLETS AND INTERLOCKS last June.

I installed the Reliance box under my redneck back porch. Its set back far enough that combined with the eave, its not subject to a lot of water when it rains.

Later I discovered this metal GE/Midwest generator inlet box that fully covers the connector and cable and allows entry from the bottom. It was the perfect solution for a connection on the pole where the breaker panel is installed for a community water well.

 

[bagged89s10]

I did a THIS THREAD ON GENERATOR INLETS AND INTERLOCKS last June.

I installed the Reliance box under my redneck back porch. Its set back far enough that combined with the eave, its not subject to a lot of water when it rains.

Later I discovered this metal GE/Midwest generator inlet box that fully covers the connector and cable and allows entry from the bottom. It was the perfect solution for a connection on the pole where the breaker panel is installed for a community water well.

That's a nice box. Too bad it's priced around $130 when searching for it.


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[Charles (in GA)]

That's a nice box. Too bad it's priced around $130 when searching for it.

I bought it new off an Ebay seller who had a bunch of them. Don't remember what he had them priced at, but I made a offer for $60 and he took it, inc shipping.

Charles

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Here is one for $55 plus $18 shipping.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-NEW-Midwe..._Accessories_Gear&hash=item43d6b427ea&vxp=mtr

Same seller but $30 with #17.50 shipping.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Midwest..._Accessories_Gear&hash=item46332ad8f5&vxp=mtr

Another for $80 with free shipping, and a make offer.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Midwest-Ele...235?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35e3dd2363

 

[AlwaysFixingSomething]

Depends on your run, 75 feet just did it for me and the 8 came in a 75' roll. The 10 didn't come in 75', had to get a 100' roll, so it was $30 for me. I am sure if I shopped around I could have found a 75' roll of 10 though.

A 100 foot roll of 10/3 is $98 and 8/3 for 75ft. is $179 at 2.39 a foot at least here in PA

 

[wyliesdiesels]

So I'm thinking this is where I'll mount the box. Somewhere in between the faucet and the oil pipe. There is a gutter that I need to install to the right of the oil pipe.

What's code for proper height above ground for a generator input?

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How high does the snow get there? I would put it high enough so it doesnt get buried...

 

[bagged89s10]

How high does the snow get there? I would put it high enough so it doesnt get buried...

Rarely get high as I usually clear that area for the oil man and clear out the basement hatchway which is to the left of the faucet. I think I'm going to mount the box to the left of the oil fill.

Picked up 10/3 Romex for $0.75 per foot and I was able to buy by he foot. They cut 75 feet for me. I just ran the wire. I'll mount the box and connect it to the panel tomorrow.






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[pattenp]

NEC requires NM cable to be run through bored holes or along running boards when installed perpendicular on the joist lower edges.

 

[bagged89s10]

NEC requires NM cable to be run through bored holes or along running boards when installed perpendicular on the joist lower edges.

Thank you. I was going to run it thru holes and then I second guessed myself because I saw that the electrician had run the wire for my garage sub panel under. I kept second guessing myself and didn't cut the roll yet as I didn't like the way I ran it and thought it was wrong. I was thinking because the plumbing hung lower it would be ok, but I understand as my basement is unfinished. I will move it thru bored holes like the rest of my NM cable. If I'm reading code correctly, 8/3, 6/2 or larger cable can be run under joists, and anything smaller has to be thru bored holes. Correct?


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[pattenp]

Correct.