Portable generator cable size

[rmack898]

I had a manual transfer switch and generator receptacle installed when I had the house built but I never made a cord to connect a portable generator to the house.
I have a 10.5KW welder/generator that I plan on using for emergency power. The house has a 50amp receptacle and and a separate ground connection for the generator to connect to the manual transfer switch. I need to make up a cable to connect the two together.
I'm thinking 6AWG SOOW cord will be enough for a 25' length of cable as well as a 10AWG bare copper ground wire.

Can anyone confirm my cable sizing before I hit the supply house tomorrow?

 

[mm08822]

#6 SOOW will work for this size gen. You should be using 6-4 cord with NEMA 14-50 ends or L14-50 ends. The "extra" # 10 grd wire makes me think you don't have the correct setup to start.

Is it a receptacle hard-wired as part of the house wiring or a Power inlet box (PIB) wired into the transfer switch?
What is the "receptacle" you want to plug into?
What is the size and number of conductors back to the panel?


Also consider a ready made cord that has a molded plug and cap. Molded ends can make for slightly more water resistance.

 

[dcg9381]

Note, these are common cables. You can buy (order) them for very near what you'll spend doing 6/4 SOOW with high quality plugs on both ends.