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Outside Guy
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# Posted: 1 Aug 2018 03:59pm
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I'm completing a remodel on my cabin and now that I have a inverter generator, would like to put a 20 amp power inlet box (since my generator as two plugs...standard extension cord plugs - two straight connectors for the hot and neutral and one roundish ground plug) on the cabin on the outside and then wire the cabin inside. I've been looking on-line for a 20 amp power inlet box and don't see much in the way of plugging in with a normal extension cord...except for marine use like one that you could install on the side of a boat or maybe a camper. What do you all recommend in terms of the plug into which I'd plug the extension cord coming from the generator and going to the cabin? I'd like something that fits a normal extension cord and is water tight. Thanks. Chris.
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ICC
Member
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# Posted: 1 Aug 2018 04:27pm
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A marine or RV inlet like you said, will be good plus safe.
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redwolfguild
Member
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# Posted: 1 Aug 2018 06:14pm - Edited by: redwolfguild
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Outside Guy - It really depends, when the Genny is not hooked up, will there be power in the cabin?
I just went "Suicide" with mine as there is no power in the cabin unless the generator is plugged in. Just follow the correct steps plugging in and out.
I think this is what you really want- URL
Also Check out this thread http://www.small-cabin.com/forum/3_2738_0.html
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hamish
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# Posted: 1 Aug 2018 09:03pm
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I have never seen the need to ever run a suicide plug on anything anywhere.
When you wire your cabin but leave the corresponding wiring with a whip and a male plug at the end of it.
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ILFE
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# Posted: 1 Aug 2018 09:04pm - Edited by: ILFE
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Quoting: hamish I have never seen the need to ever run a suicide plug on anything anywhere.
I take it you have never resided in Southeast Asia? You wouldn't believe some of the wiring that is done here. I'm surprised more people don't get electrocuted in this part of the world.
Quoting: redwolfguild I just went "Suicide" with mine as there is no power in the cabin unless the generator is plugged in. Just follow the correct steps plugging in and out.
That's what I did, even though we do have mains power here. But, the way it is wired, it is impossible for both the mains and generator to provide power simultaneously.
The only way the "suicide plug" is powered, is if the generator is connected to it and running.
I just wired a double pole, double throw switch, connecting mains or generator, to a 32 ampere breaker panel. (230vac, 50hz, power here.)
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redwolfguild
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# Posted: 2 Aug 2018 11:23am - Edited by: redwolfguild
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Quoting: ILFE The only way the "suicide plug" is powered, is if the generator is connected to it and running.
Yes, and if you make sure you plug it into the circuit 1st, then into the generator, It is really no different than pluging a lamp into an outlet. But, and it is a big but.......It is not CODE in the US. My property is so remote, it might as well be ASIA. My solar does all the work, I use my generator maybe once a quarter, usually to run power tools to make repairs. If I needed my Genny more, I would hard wire it with a real transfer switch and Electric Start. Maybe next year. 
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Outside Guy
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# Posted: 2 Aug 2018 01:45pm
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Thanks ya'll! To answer your questions, no, there is no outside power from a utility as our farm is almost a mile off the main road so it would cost too much for me to ask the utility company to run electric...even from the nearest pole...it would be about $8,000. So, that said, I'm only looking to plug in with my generator using a standard electric cord/three stem plug. That picture you posted was a four prong plug. Just wondering if there are any suggestions on a power inlet box that has the standard three prong plug other than a flush mount marine application. Thanks for replying! Chris.
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ICC
Member
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# Posted: 2 Aug 2018 02:41pm
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https://smile.amazon.com/Leviton-5278-CWP-Receptacle-Industrial-Grounding/dp/B003ATXI BG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1533235063&sr=8-1&keywords=leviton+power+inlet+plug
https://smile.amazon.com/Leviton-5278-C-Receptacle-Industrial-Grounding/dp/B0017SOZ8C /ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1533235063&sr=8-3&keywords=leviton+power+inlet+plug
there are others as well......
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Outside Guy
Member
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# Posted: 2 Aug 2018 03:02pm
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Thanks for the replies and the parts suggestions...one follow-up. If the inverter generator is 2,500 watts/has two 120V, 20 amp outlets into which one would normally plug a regular extension cord to run my power tools, is using the 15 amp power inlet OK? Thanks again. Chris.
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ICC
Member
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# Posted: 2 Aug 2018 06:07pm
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If you are consistently actually using over the 15 amp rated limit for the linked items then you should likely get a 20 amp unit. Marinco has them for under 420. Leviton has a 20 amp similar to the one linked to but it is expensive.
A2500 watt generator with 2 20 amp outlets would have the same power available at each outlet. So only one cord from gen to cabin. If you get a real 20 amp inlet plug you will need the appropriate cord end to connect to it.
I have been told, but never verified, that the size of the internal contact parts is the same in a 15 and a 20 amp outlet or plug and the only real difference is the 20 amp has the one prong turned 90 degrees. That might be correct, but like I said I have never verified it.
If the power used hardly ever hits over 15 amps I would not worry about it.
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Outside Guy
Member
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# Posted: 3 Aug 2018 05:26pm
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Thank to all of you for your replies. Chris.
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