I'm helping a friend to get some generator power into a small hunting cabin(12'x12')that has no power. Generator will be outside so I'm guessing it's best to use the 30 amp circuit on the generator and wire that into a small panel inside the cabin?
Wiring a off grid generator into a small cabin
- Thread starter 930dreamer
- Start date
slow
Well-known member
That is one good way to do it, what kind of loads does the cabin have?
OP
Right now nothing, no wiring at all.
dcg9381
Well-known member
You've got it. The two inlet options seem to be 30A or 50A. Considered solar for a building that small?
OP
Very new property purchase so the generator will be the starting point, not sure what the long term plans will be?
nadogail
Well-known member
A 30 Amp generator should be plenty big enough to power the tools to build a pretty large house.
I would set the generator up outside in it’s own enclosure and pipe the power to a panel in the house.
I would set the generator up outside in it’s own enclosure and pipe the power to a panel in the house.
dcg9381
Well-known member
One thing about generators - there are a lot of options in the 120V range these days with a 30A connector as they are targeting the RV industry. Moving up to 240V, you're looking at generators that are at least 5500 watts (generally). They are louder, consume about 50% more fuel and start to get heavy. If I was doing what you are doing (with a generator) - I'd set it up for 30A @ 120v, just run one side of a sub-panel... That's the "sweet spot" for generators in the 3500 watt range - lots of options for inverter generators and dual fuel generators.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Overkill !
That small of a cabin can run comfortably on a 2000W-2500W generator. 20A is all you need. You can use a fused A/C disconnect if you are on a budget.
That small of a cabin can run comfortably on a 2000W-2500W generator. 20A is all you need. You can use a fused A/C disconnect if you are on a budget.
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
Without knowing what loads there will be in the cabin, any responses about the generator size are only speculation. Will there be just a single light bulb and one receptacle, or is there electric heat, air conditioning and an electric stove?
OP
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
A panel? I would just run one extension cord, two if he has money to blow
I know your question is about a generator, but for a 12x12 with a porch, maybe start with a one or two panel Amazon solar panel kit with a charge controller, a marine battery and a 300 or 400 Watt automotive style inverter. Something like a Renogy Wanderer or MidNite Solar Brat controller. Get an inverter with a smart fan that comes on/off with load, not a constant fan. Use LED lighting and you will be able to run lighting all night and charge your i-devices. Portable tools can charge during the day when you are making power. When the window AC shows up get an inverter generator sized to match and just plug the AC straight into the gen. Depending on how nice or expandable a solar set up you get, you could be in the game (sans AC) for $300-$500 and never deal with fueling or put up with the noise.
OP
Land owner already has an inverter generator, I'm just helping to wire a few circuits inside.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
How about this feeding two 120v circuits, if they don't want extension cords running around?
Reliance Controls 20-Amp Power Inlet Box,
SKU# 202216492
Reliance Controls 20-Amp Power Inlet Box,
Reliance Controls 20-Amp Power Inlet Box, PB20 - The Home Depot
The Reliance Controls 20-Amp Power Inlet Box comes with removable face for faster installation. It features stylish patented design. It is raintight and includes flanged inlet plug, inlet cover, four combination knockouts.
www.homedepot.com
Bretny
Well-known member
Why not just throw the end of a 100ft cord in the window then? A generator at the end of a 100ft cord can really quiet it down.