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Old 10-09-2012, 08:08 PM   #1
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Generator Inlet

I'm hooking up a generator to my panel. The power cord is going to run through a small basement window and plug in next to the panel. All the power inlet boxes I've seen are designed for outdoor use and are therefore pretty expensive.

Can I buy one of these, get a deep junction box with a blank cover, and drill with a hole saw the size of this outlet? Then connect to the panel with conduit and THWN wire?

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Old 10-09-2012, 08:17 PM   #2
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Generator Inlet

You are going to need an approved transfer switch or interlock to prevent backfeeding on to the utility grid. You cannot just install the inlet.

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Old 10-09-2012, 08:25 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by Jim Port View Post
You are going to need an approved transfer switch or interlock to prevent backfeeding on to the utility grid. You cannot just install the inlet.
I am installing an interlock, I'm just looking for how to get the power in.
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Old 10-09-2012, 08:30 PM   #4
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Generator Inlet

You need 4 pins, not 3.
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Old 10-09-2012, 08:31 PM   #5
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Generator Inlet

I know, that's just an example of the type of plug. I just want to know if I'm allowed to make my own inlet box.
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Old 10-09-2012, 08:57 PM   #6
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Generator Inlet

Can you mount a 4 pin "inlet" on an approved box using an approved cover? Yes.
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Old 10-09-2012, 09:01 PM   #7
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Generator Inlet

When the power going to fail most likly? In the poring rain. Do you really want to have to leave a basement window open in a rain storm?

What about the CO2 coming in the window while it's running?
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Old 10-09-2012, 09:15 PM   #8
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Generator Inlet

I'd urge you to consider a small transfer panel rather than an interlock. It's very often the same cost and unless you use a large generator you won't be able to power all of the circuits in your panel.
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Old 10-09-2012, 09:16 PM   #9
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Generator Inlet

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Originally Posted by joecaption View Post
When the power going to fail most likly? In the poring rain. Do you really want to have to leave a basement window open in a rain storm?

What about the CO2 coming in the window while it's running?
You missed the part in his other thread where he posted the specs of his generator and it says that it is not to be used in the rain.
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Old 10-09-2012, 09:19 PM   #10
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Generator Inlet

sheesh.....thought that was over.......
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Old 10-09-2012, 09:35 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by k_buz View Post
You missed the part in his other thread where he posted the specs of his generator and it says that it is not to be used in the rain.
Where does it say that? It's a regular generator. Quit crapping in my thread.
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Old 10-09-2012, 09:43 PM   #12
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Generator Inlet

You will need an approved cover. Not a blank with a hole drilled in it.
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Old 10-09-2012, 09:45 PM   #13
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Generator Inlet

A 30A gen inlet box is around $50. You consider that expensive?
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Old 10-09-2012, 09:50 PM   #14
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Generator Inlet

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...erator%2Binlet
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Old 10-09-2012, 09:55 PM   #15
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Generator Inlet

Do you think I just make this stuff up?

http://www.championpowerequipment.co...al-english.pdf

Page 3...Right-hand side

Quote:
DO NOT touch bare wires or receptacles.
DO NOT use electrical cords that are worn, damaged
or frayed.
DO NOT operate generator in wet weather.
DO NOT allow children or unqualified persons to
operate or service the generator
Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in damp
areas and areas containing conductive material such
as metal decking.
Use approved transfer equipment to isolate generator
from your electric utility and Notify your utility
company before connecting your generator to your
power system.
Page 4...Bottom right-hand corner

Quote:
Use the generator only for intended uses.
Operate only on level surfaces.
DO NOT expose generator to excessive moisture,
dust, or dirt.
DO NOT allow any material to block the cooling slots.
If connected devices overheat, turn them off and
disconnect them from the generator.
DO NOT use the generator if:
–– Electrical output is lost
–– Equipment sparks, smokes or emits flames
–– Equipment vibrates excessively

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