In the kit with my Reliance ProTran manual transfer switch, there was a remote power inlet box (their part #PB30), intended to be mounted close to where the portable generator is. For CO2 contamination reasons, everyone seems to be pretty clear that the generator should be outside, and away from windows or doors. My plan is to do exactly that, using the supplied inlet box. This box has an L14-30 inlet (male), into which a L14-30 female would get plugged in from the generator. When not in use, this box is weatherproof by way of the flapper & foam seal which is spring loaded and completely encloses the inlet. When it is in use, however, I don't see anything protecting from intrusion of water - specifically, driving rain.
I emailed Reliance, and asked them about this - they state that the PB30 is code compliant (which I don't doubt, and didn't question in my email to them), as it is both 30a (therefor not being covered by the 15/20a 'waterproof in use' language - not sure where that is in the code) and an INLET, not an OUTLET, therefore not required (for 'inuse' rating) by code anyway. They additionally indicated that the interface between the face of the plug and the face of the inlet being ~1 inch "in" from the surface of the box protects it from water.
Having said all that, I'm still a touch uncertain about this... I understand it is NEC compliant, but 'good enough for code' isn't always the same as 'without risk'.
Does anyone make a 'bubble cover' for this kind of box? Have any of you come up with some better way of protecting this inlet from water while it is in use?
I emailed Reliance, and asked them about this - they state that the PB30 is code compliant (which I don't doubt, and didn't question in my email to them), as it is both 30a (therefor not being covered by the 15/20a 'waterproof in use' language - not sure where that is in the code) and an INLET, not an OUTLET, therefore not required (for 'inuse' rating) by code anyway. They additionally indicated that the interface between the face of the plug and the face of the inlet being ~1 inch "in" from the surface of the box protects it from water.
Having said all that, I'm still a touch uncertain about this... I understand it is NEC compliant, but 'good enough for code' isn't always the same as 'without risk'.
Does anyone make a 'bubble cover' for this kind of box? Have any of you come up with some better way of protecting this inlet from water while it is in use?