I have installed an interlock (from interlockkit.com) on a CH40/40 NEMA 3R main panel mounted on the side of the house. I plan to use a Generac 8000/12000kw portable generator. I plan to use a 30A power inlet box wired to the back feed breaker.

1. How should I handle the neutral at the generator?

2. Is UDF wire okay to connect the inlet box to the main panel?

3. I was thinking of mounting the inlet box on the far side of the house, running the line through the crawl space. What gauge wire would be proper for a 50ft run to the main panel?

Thanks!

1. Are you using the 30 amp twist plug on your generator (assumption)?
2. You need 4 wires from the generator to the panel.
3. #10 wire is good for 30 amps . Can you shorten the run?

Any reason why you don't get a standby generator and an automatic transfer switch? Just curious.

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Originally Posted by Missouri Bound

1. Are you using the 30 amp twist plug on your generator (assumption)?
2. You need 4 wires from the generator to the panel.
3. #10 wire is good for 30 amps . Can you shorten the run?

Any reason why you don't get a standby generator and an automatic transfer switch? Just curious.

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1. Yes. I will be using a L1430R cable as short as possibe depending on where the power inlet box gets placed.

2. Yep. I'm just not sure what to do with the gen neutral. It comes bonded, but I believe I should unbond it to properly connect it to my panel.

3. Yes, I can, but I would love to get the generator to the carport. That being easier to refuel and storage. I just don't know how much voltage drop (if any) I should expect for a 50ft. Run versus 20ft.

I do not have gas service available, or I would be all over the standby unit. Diesel would be my preference (have oil heat), but out of my price range.

Leave the neutral bonded. Expect between 3 to 4 volt drop at 50 feet. ( not significant for minimal load)
... a side note.

I have an electric house, and I recently installed a propane tank for a gas fireplace in my family room, and a standby generator. Best investment I ever made. The idea of storing gasoline, dragging out a portable generator, making the connections, turning off breakers and fueling a hot generator just didn't seem the way to go for me. Just my opinion.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Missouri Bound

Leave the neutral bonded. Expect between 3 to 4 volt drop at 50 feet. ( not significant for minimal load)
....a side note.

I have an electric house, and I recently installed a propane tank for a gas fireplace in my family room, and a standby generator. Best investment I ever made. The idea of storing gasoline, dragging out a portable generator, making the connections, turning off breakers and fueling a hot generator just didn't seem the way to go for me. Just my opinion.

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It's 1,800 vs. 10-15k in my case. If I had gas I'd have to get a real stove, new boiler, water heater, $$$$

I probably only use it 1-3 times a year. Kind of like the snowthrower...

I understand. Cost vs inconvenience was my determination as well. I spent about $3000 for the propane installation, the stove and the generator. We had a few power failures over the last 3 years and threw out $250 worth of food each time. I'm not always able to get home to set up a portable generator in time to save the perishables. Just last weekend a storm knocked out our power while we were away. I pulled in the driveway and the garage door wouldn't open. When I opened the car door, I heard the generator humming away... my investment is starting to pay off. Best of luck on your project.