How To Install A 50 Amp Generator Power Inlet Box | Connect Generator To House Electrical Panel

In this video I show you how to install a 50 amp generator power inlet box allowing you to connect a portable generator to your house electrical panel. Installing a generator transfer switch is one great way to power your home but you are limited on how many things can be powered. By installing a generator power inlet box, you can wire your generator to your home's breaker box and powering any circuits you choose. However, you will be limited as to what circuits and how many circuits can be on at the same time by your generator size. So make sure to plan accordingly. Also, you will need to get a interlock switch for your main panel so that your electrical panel's main breaker can't be on at the same time as your generator circuit breaker. All this is explained in the video.
Items Installed:
Reliance PBN50 50 Amp Power Inlet Box: amzn.to/2Exwno0
6/3 Wire
50 Amp Circuit Breaker
Tools for the installation:
Wire Strippers: amzn.to/3j3Rqxn
Cordless Drill: amzn.to/2S1aK2I
Klein Multimeter: amzn.to/3cu4lGH
DISCLAIMER: Thank you for watching and for subscribing. You can support the channel at no cost to you by using one of the above affiliate links. This helps support the channel for new content!
Blessings,
Adam

[@johnpicard4909]

Subscribed! This was the second video I found of yours tonight talking about generators and both were very helpful.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Glad I could help both times. Thank you for your kind words and subscribing to the channel! If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

[@CherokezPittman]

That's great to hear! I'm glad you found the videos helpful. If you're looking for a reliable and powerful backup power solution, I would highly recommend checking out the Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series. With its massive capacity, fast recharging, and waterproof design, it's perfect for outdoor camping and ensuring uninterrupted power supply. Definitely worth considering for your home backup power needs. Happy camping!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

@CherokezPittman are you a rep for them or something? 😂

[@vvelez5]

This was exactly what I was looking for. This coupled with the interlock kit gives way more than enough confidence to get it taken care of. I was looking into transfer switches and this is the most affordable and easiest way to handle this. Thank you!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Yes this is definitely the more economical route and you do have more options as far as what can be on at a given time. I am glad it was helpful to you! Thank you for the feedback!

[@ridgerunner7980]

if you do it this way, with an interlock, i don't see a problem, a transfer switch looks to me like it makes to complicated, and this way theres no male to male cord

[@thesepretzels2058]

Been watching a ton of videos about this and yours was the easiest to understand. Thanks

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Adrian, thank you very much for the kind words. If you're looking for more generator content, I have been doing a whole series on them and have a few more videos coming out over the coming weeks. If you haven't already, consider clicking the subscribe button so they start showing up on your home page and it will let you know when they are uploaded. If you need anything feel free to shoot me a comment on here and I will try to help however I can. Thanks for watching and hope to see you around!

[@Iamk2jones]

Doing this to my house and trying to learn as much as possible. Thanks for the vid.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I saw you wanted a link to the interlock video so here that is if you didn’t see it already. Hope this helps! Thank you for the feedback and good luck on the project! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGa2aZmde7GcadU

[@dane1234abc1]

Subscribed, as well. Your videos are excellent. I have a 3.2 kW solar voltaic grid tie only (no battery) system, plus an interlocked breaker leading to a 50-Amp socket for plugging in my dual fuel generator (which will never see a drop of gasoline, just carburetor clog-free, residue-free, and indefinite shelf life Propane). So, during a power outage my grid tie solar inverter automatically shuts down. This is because a grid tie inverter is actually a high power DC amplifier; the incoming commercial grid AC is sampled thousands of time a second, to allow the inverter to match the incoming AC. That's why a grid tie inverter has to automatically shut down if it senses loss of commercial grid power, because it no longer has a reference for exactly matching the incoming AC voltage, frequency, and phase. So once my generator is connected, up and running, and the interlocked transfer switch thrown, aha!, could I use the generator AC to make the grid tie inverter think that commercial power had been restored, and let me also have the benefit of solar power, if the outage is during the daytime? The answer is NO. Not ever. The reason is because of the power generating characteristic of solar panels: If the solar panels isolation breaker is open, no problem, the voltage at the isolation breaker goes to about 400 volts DC and that's it. But as soon as the solar panels breaker is closed, and if it's daylight, the panels are going to start generating power, that power has to go somewhere. When your house consumes more power than the inverter can provide, additional power flows from the commercial AC grid to your house. And if the solar inverter is generating more power than your house needs, no problem, the excess power flows back to the grid. But if you are disconnected from the grid by your panel interlock, and instead connected to your AC generator, any excess power coming from the solar panels will have to go somewhere, with the "somewhere" being your AC generator, which is only designed to generate power, not sink power. Although the breakers for your solar inverter would likely pop, it would probably destroy your generator's control circuitry in the process. So, if you have solar grid tie only (i.e., no battery bank, which would isolate the solar power from the generator power), you have to ALWAYS first shut off the breaker for your solar panels. Fortunately for me in Northern California, where commercial power is provide by Pacific Gas & Electric, PG&E, aka Pacific Greedy & Explosion, Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS, aka Perfectly Stupid Power Shutoffs) have become far less common as PG&E refined its PSPS system. So it's not a big deal for Step 1 for power loss is to shut off my solar voltaic system, to isolate it, and only then wheel out my portable generator from my garage, use the breaker panel interlock, and plug in my generator.

[@texaslookout5382]

Thank You for your time. Very informative and 100% SAFETY when doing the Attachment to house.

[@phantom5185]

You saved me so much cash, hiring someone. Where do I send "U" a beer? With watching you, and the electrician that just dropped by, that i knew from when doing our clients home roof, I met this guy, dropped by tonight. He says he's so busy, but could help if I had questions. Thumbs up, brother.... Sam..

[@jshbryan]

Very helpful and straight forward! Thank you for this video.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey, thank you very much for the feedback and I am glad it was helpful!

[@SIRBRADDLEY]

I’ve watched MANY of your videos, especially the generator, shed and how-to videos. I had a 50amp power inlet switch and an Interlock Kit installed and built my own generator shed for operation, and storage of a portable generator and also installed an easy start kit on my a/c using your instructions and everything went flawless, so thank you!!!!!! I’ve search KZbin far and wide, but can not find a video that shows the proper steps for actually hooking the generator to the house. By that I mean, if I lose power, should I start generator, then hook up 50amp cable to generator, then to power inlet, then flip Interlock? What are the proper and safe steps that need to take place before flipping the Interlock? Whatever the steps are to start the generator and get the house running, I would expect it to be in reverse, when disconnecting. Your channel is AWESOME!!!! Thanks for your help.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Wow, thank you very much for your kind words! I am glad you have found them to be helpful. So if the power is out, I would just turn off the main breaker coming from the utility, then I would go to your breakers and turn them all off so as to not overload the generator on startup, then I would connect the generator cord to the generator, then connect it to the power inlet box, then start the generator and let it run and get up to temperature, a that point turn on the breaker on the generator to send the power, then flip the interlock and turn on the generator breaker, and then slowly turn on the breakers you want on one by one, allowing some time in between as some of the items may be pulling some decent amperage on startup. Someone may disagree with this as technically since you have an interlock, the two breakers cant be on at the same time, but I listed what is probably the safest order to do so. Hope this was helpful! And thank you again for the feedback!

[@firstandlast8674]

I Just finished putting together my set up. I would like to thank you for your post and some great tips. Looking forward to ERCOT dropping the ball again this winter. 👍😜

[@HowToHomeDIY]

😂 Hope you stay warm!

[@jimfaulhaber2543]

Its liberating being ready for the next power outage for whatever reason. its not getting any better moving forward, be ready.

[@johnallison4412]

Thank you for your video on how to safely instal a 50 amp whole house generator backup. I found your suggestion idea of the safety interlock kit to be of great importance. I am preparing to purchase my supplies for my installation. I will be using the Reliance Controls

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey John, glad it helped! Having this has come in handy numerous times!

[@MorCoutureMenswear]

Nice video. after installing my interlock setup with the straight access inlet box I saw the toll of the weight of the heavy 50amp cord on the inlet box. Now I am going to switch to the bottom access inlet box which would have less of a side cord tension of the inlet box and also be more bad weather protected. ty

[@donaldcallahan5913]

Great video, very informative and easy to follow 👍

[@rickyellis242]

Great video, easy to follow. Thanks

[@Rlaplante73]

Nice job laying out the project. Thanks!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are welcome! Glad you liked it. Thanks for the feedback!

[@jennyjenfromdablock]

Wow you made it look so easy……great video

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Thank you for the feedback! Glad you liked it!

[@israelgriffin585]

Great video Brother, keep up the good works and God bless you always and forever.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Thank you for the feedback! God bless you too!

[@thesilbon7604]

Excellent and very helpful video thank you

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I am glad it was helpful for you! Thank you for the feedback!

[@jeffsmith8737]

Good video! First one I’ve seen where they are not trying to sell you a Generac system! I’ve got a similar setup except no interlock ! I don’t recommend this setup for a customer Who doesn’t have the knowledge and would maybe install a transfer switch! But still would be cheaper than what these companies want to charge!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Can I interest you in a generac system? 😂 yeah definitely recommend the interlock kit with this install. I don’t need a brain fart to cause a big problem!

[@Random-rt5ec]

Excellent video - As much as I love DIY challenges I am not taking any chances and will hire an electrician.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

That is always a good option! Thanks for the feedback!

[@AIRWARFAREGROUP]

Super Presentation! Thanks,

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Thank you, glad you liked it!

[@bigonprivacy2708]

Apologies for a late comment but what size screws did you use to fix the box to the house in the rear of the power box? I believe there were 3 screws. Thanks and great video! Because of you I was able to put my 50 Amp cord together! Thank you!

[@miamijason305]

Finally a clear video, good stuff

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I'm glad it was helpful. Thank you for watching and hope to see you around on future videos!

[@gotem8173]

You just save my life thank you

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I am glad it was helpful! Thank you for the feedback.

[@KDW1812]

Thank you brother your video was very well.and it was very detailed good job

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Keith, you are very welcome. I am glad you liked it and found it helpful! Thank you for the feedback.

[@kevindharnsberry5245]

Saving this video. I’m installing one soon. Thanks!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are welcome! Glad you liked it.

[@edwardsauer6084]

I have 300 amp service split between 2 breaker panels. I just installed 1 30 amp breaker in each box and y tailed the cable that runs to my generator. I plan on installing a outsde inlet generator hookup and also a non fused quick disconnect on the inside next to my panels.

[@mooosestang]

Convenient to have your main on the outside. I think i need to run those wires through my cement wall to my breaker box and move my ac breaker so i can use the interlock switch. I'll probably just hire an electrician.

[@williefufu2985]

Very good video, I’m sitting in the dark watching your video.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I am assuming that is not by choice. Sorry to hear that. The good news is, you have options going forward! Thanks for the feedback and hope you have gotten or get your power back soon!

[@williefufu2985]

@@HowToHomeDIY Yes, the power is on, this video is empowering. Thank you

[@rusticfamily1378]

Is there a certain type of 6/3 wire I should use when going from breaker to plug box?

[@Airflores322]

Thank you excellent video!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Richard, glad it was helpful! Thank you for the feedback!

[@johnnyblanco1834]

Such an awesome video. Thanks

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Glad you liked it!

[@matthackney9004]

Great video installing this with a 12 KW generator do i need to ground the generator

[@rc51cbrguy]

Hi, Thanks for taking the time to make this excellent education videos. In this video, you demonstrated a more direct and inexpensive alternative to provide portable power to the house. As I trying to decide the options for my needs, I have two questions regarding this particular video. Can I use this method in my Main meter 200 amp circuit panel? and what is the fundamental difference in this installation with your previous video of how to install a portable generator transfer switch?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Ryder, thank you very much for your feedback, I am glad it has been helpful for you! Yes this method would be used on your main panel wherever that may be. Mine happened to be outside at the meter but that is not always the case or location. The main differences between this and the transfer switch are that with the transfer switch, when it is being used for generator power and it is switched to generator power on the transfer switch, it completely separates itself from the main panel. So only the 8 circuits (in this case) in the transfer switch (sub panel) are having power sent to them. Nothing is going to the main panel so all of those circuits are not getting any generator power. With the power inlet box, it would send electricity to your whole electrical panel and you would need to decide what circuits you wanted to power without overwhelming the generator. The transfer switch eliminates any chance of backfeeding into the utility lines, where with the power inlet box you would need to install an interlock kit in order to make sure that doesn't happen and also stop any chance of utility power energizing your power inlet box. Thank you again for the feedback! I hope this helps.

[@rc51cbrguy]

@@HowToHomeDIY Thanks so very much. I think both methods are very useful. I have an outdoor's meter. I think the power inlet box would be a more sensible option for me because I happen to have an extra 50 amp two pole breaker. My American made old school generator can produce 50 amps at 240 volts. I thank you again. I think you have an excellent channel. Truly hope you continue growing because you present the information very clearly for us to follow.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

@@rc51cbrguy Both methods certainly do have their place and everyone needs to decide for themselves which is best for their situation. It definitely sounds like you are probably going down the right path for your particular situation. I really appreciate your kind words and feedback. The channel is growing thanks to folks like you so thank you! Good luck with your project, and I hope to see you around!

[@carapungo]

@@rc51cbrguy Hi Ryder, were you able to wire up your generator to the 50A breaker yet?

[@rc51cbrguy]

@@carapungo Yes, I did. Thanks! Your information in the video was vital for me. Thanks!

[@syedfaz26]

Great video!!. I will be running around 45 ft 6 gauge wire from the main panel to inlet box. I am planning on running the wire in the garage attic to the backyard whete i will be installing the inlet box. Do you know if the 6 guage wire needs to be in conduit? Pvc , flexible ? I read about the wire heating in conduit so need an advise. Thanks

[@cartrip2559]

Great video. I was able to install my own generator inlet. Works great. Do you know how I can use the same generator inlet to connect my inverter and battery banks?

[@alanrodgers4156]

Excellent video. Thank you! I know you mentioned earlier in another video that the pigtails for 50 A has eight gauge wire. Do you know if this Reliance box also has an eight gauge wire?

[@ant03609]

Can i install the generator inlet box anywhere I have an electric box. Or does it have to be near my electric panel. Thank you. Great video

[@CheezyBurg3r]

Nice Video. I enjoy the tutorial. What size was the Liquid Tight Conduit you used for the 6/3 wires? Is that a 3/4inch or an 1 inch? Thanks

[@danguyen64]

is the knockout 3/4" or 1/2". Does it work out of the box or do you have to use a knife or a drill bit to get the 3/4" connector fitted through the knockout?

[@zanndawg1808]

Thank you for uploading this! Appreciate the safety tips as well... :)

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Zann, you are very welcome! I am glad it was helpful. Thank you for the feedback. Hope to see you around!

[@alred6568]

Thanks for taking the time to create this very nice video. My buddy recommended your channel and I understand why. I have a question. I have several old school yellow in color waterproof flip-type rounded cap covers that I can use to neatly install my l14-30p to my sub-panel. My question has to do with code or is it a proper technique to do so? I have seen the end result at the finished product look so clean and flush. I do have plenty of space in my big sub pannel to do it safely. I am in California and wonder if this is normal practice on this side of the country? I truly would love to hear what you had to say!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Gonzalo, I believe I understand what you are talking about. There are sub panels that do have the male plug inside of them to where you can connect directly to the sub panel. This could also work well as long as the wiring is sized correctly for the amperage of the generator. As far as code goes though, you would need to check with your local codes to make sure that particular installation is approved as many jurisdictions have different codes. I hope this helps!

[@condor5635]

I did this work as well last week. Thanks for the video. Out of the five or six breakers that were prioritized as needed it turns out that all of them were on Phase A of the panel and only one was on Phase B which was the microwave and coffee maker - things that are not on most of the time. Now I need to figure out how to move some breakers to balance it out. I had like 1500 W running on phase A and zero running on phase B Have you mapped out how your load is balanced or unbalanced? Thanks for posting

[@HowToHomeDIY]

The generator that I connect to this power inlet box is pretty large and can power almost the whole panel so I did not really run into the issue of phases being out of balance. When I did my transfer switch though with the smaller generator I did have to move some breakers around though to help bring it in close to balanced while it was running on utility power. I am glad you liked the video. Sounds like you are about ready for that next power outage!

[@dougburgoyne2418]

confused: Where is your main service panel? Is the big box on outside of the house a sub panel that feeds your service panel that has breakers for outlets/lights/appliances? I plan to use the plug box like yours, but run the 6g cable directly to my service panel through 50a breaker...that uses interlock switch that serves to keep main and generator breaker from being on at same time...as you stated. Thanks!

[@demoll78]

Can you go through the service pole do you loose wattage that way

[@USMC-dr5wc]

Great video sir helped me alot

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Richard, I am glad it was helpful. Thank you for the feedback and for watching! Hope to see ya around.

[@rrdevries100]

It was indeed helpful. However, there may be some new regulations regarding the interlocks. They may not be sufficient.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

To my knowledge an interlock kit with a power inlet box is still acceptable per the NEC. Thank you for the feedback!

[@deedub529]

Subscribed!! This what I was considering and it seems very straight forward. Now, I wanted to install a 30 amp for my travel trailer, is this the same idea? Do you have a video about installing a 30 amp outlet? And I appreciate you explaining this slow, most others I've seen are fast talking and still make no sense.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I do not have one for 30 amp but how its wired should be the same but wouldn't need as big of wiring or circuit breaker.

[@fredduncan1610]

Great video, thanks ! What size conduit did you use?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Fred, it is 3/4 in Liquid Tight conduit. Was good size for the wiring. Hope this helps and thanks for the feedback!

[@jasonthompson2669]

Great video! Thanks for the info. One quick question - did you use a GFCI breaker or is it just a regular one? Thanks!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I am assuming you mean AFCI breaker but I just used a regular double pole breaker.

[@ronaldnaeyaert3653]

What gauge is the ground wire in the 6/3 Romex?

[@stevenmchenry9276]

Great explanation

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the feedback!

[@ADA-ih6kz]

I'm sorry to ask but that white wire would hook up to the neutral bar on the panel right?

[@Texdram]

My ConnTek 50 amp inlet box came with 2 ground strap wires for the in box grounding post, if the 6/3 already has a bare ground wire, I'm assuming there is no need for the supplied 2 ground straps. correct?

[@MorCoutureMenswear]

Very good video. I have a gas generator hooked up to my inside panel w/interlock. I also have a Eco Flow Delta pro. In an extended outage I will run the gas gen during the day and the Delta Pro at night. It would be nice if I could switch between an inlet box for the gas gen outside to a inlet box inside. Is there such a scenario. Currently my inside Delta at night plan is to run extension cord hookup to vitals. Looking for an easier backup scenario to not run cords. Thank you.

[@dalebourgeois9851]

Thankyou for your video, just ordered a Westinghouse 9500df. The big question I have? I know it's a 50amp generator, 9500 running watts, but I will never run that many watts at one time. Can I use #8 wire? I took 9500 watts and divided it by 220 volts and got 43.18 amps. Will that work? Let me know what you think? Thanks

[@frankborsh6340]

Great video. One question, is there a maximum length of wire/conduit from the inlet box to the main panel?

[@zekedenton6268]

Not much with AC which is what your probably working with. DC has voltage drop over distances.

[@Alex-et1bb]

Really helpful brother

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Awesome. Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the feedback.

[@GmanfromTexas]

Great video. I was scratching my head wondering how to wire my panel from inside the house. Duh it's so easy this way. TWO questions: 1- I've seen various videos using 10/3 wire but you are using a heavier one, Can you explain please and 2- Which outlet from the generator are you using on this application? Thanks

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I am going to guess that the other videos, they are installing a power inlet box for a 30 amp setup. Mine is for a 50 amp so that is why I am using a heavier wire. The power inlet box I am using in this video is the Reliance PBN50. Thanks for the feedback!

[@blam1040]

Great video! Is there a problem with running the 50 amp setup and using a smaller generator? Just thinking about future proof if I need a bigger generator down the line.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey B Lam, if your generator has a 50 amp hookup then no there wouldn't be any problem. You would just need to make sure not to turn on too many circuits and overwhelm whatever sized generator you have. Thank you for the feedback. Hope this helps!

[@sethfarmer5964]

What if my inverter generator only has a 30 amp hookup available? Starting Amps at 120V is 30A, and Running Amps at 120V is 26.3A. Could I still set my 200 amp panel up with this 50 amp system, and use a " step down" adapter from 50 amp to 30 amp and only run a few select breakers? Future intention to buy a larger more capable generator that has 50 amp capabilities.

[@sharpenrightservicesllc]

Nice job on the video.

[@barrysoetorro9123]

Fuse box on the outside of the house? Thats a neat idea.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Barry, yes in some areas it is code that the disconnect be at the meter depending on distance from the service entrance and the main panel. I like it because it basically gave me 4 more spots for circuit breakers and It was convenient for this install. Didn't mind at all haha.

[@barrysoetorro9123]

@@HowToHomeDIY Ive never seen one on the outside. Being in canada the weather would trash it. I guess its a bylaw here. Thanks for the info.

[@vuhoang71]

Can I use inverter generator for a whole house power ?

[@elmerfudd7674]

Do you have a link for interlock switch?

[@jamalothmanRN]

How many running watts do you need from the generator to power your AC unit with the soft start ? I want to use my firman trifuel with NG and it provides 6900 start, and 5500 running. Thanks in advance from the North Texas

[@solarandwindinsouthtexasda1473]

I have that box $261 breaker interlock GE streamly proud

[@HowToHomeDIY]

For just the interlock kit? If that is what you mean, I paid much less for my interlock kit. Can be hard to find though.

[@solarandwindinsouthtexasda1473]

@@HowToHomeDIY I looked everywhere is the model of my box is that GE ABB

[@reneeranere4788]

Hi Adam. We just came across this video. You mention being from the south. We are in SWFL. Any chance you are local enough to assist us with our installation?

[@mwelsh64]

I have the Predator 9000. I've bought a 30A power inlet, 30A double pole breaker, 8/3 Gray Stranded CU UF-B W/G Wire. I bought 30A because it says "30A MAX" I look inside my panel and notice the ground and the neutral are on the same bar. 1952 house. I'm assuming I keep with what's there and put the ground and the neutral on the same bar? Even if you can't answer, Thanks for the great info in your video.

[@nathanallsup1224]

I noticed you chose to do this on the breaker on the outside of the house as opposed to the inside of the garage. Essentially its the same thing either way right??

[@damianpaul912]

what size generator do I need, I have the same size A/C 4 ton. I was looking at the 9500 predator. what do you think.

[@johnr5545]

Great job god bless

[@demoll78]

My gen has a 38 amp breaker so I'm limited to 9120 so should I change my gen breaker to pull more

[@phantom5185]

"U Rock" build those videos.

[@mafosa8519]

what about the "balance" side of the circuits while in generator mode? is there a way to monitor it? great share by the way! larry

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Larry, I have a “sense” electrical monitoring device that I installed in the main panel in my garage that monitors the usage of not only how many total watts I’m using at a time but I can also monitor each leg of the panel as well in real time. There are other devices similar to this as well. I hope this answered your question. Thank you for the feedback!

[@jonnyz5758]

What type of generator cord would you use to connect the 50 amp plug on generator to the three prong power inlet box?

[@noegarcia1444]

easy and fast Thanks boos

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are welcome. Glad you found it helpful!

[@hassaniqbal4089]

So because your generator neutral is running into the breaker and is disconnected with the utility neutral, you can be worry free when installing the wires, otherwise if the neutral goes directly to the common busbar, won't the wiring polarities be of critical nature? Need your expert advice on this..

[@boyetboy]

Thanks for the video! I have a question, I have a main box outside and I have another panel in my garage that has all the breakers for everything I need to run, can I install the breaker and interlock outside on the main and turn the main off and leave the main on inside the garage on the sub panel and power everything I need? Thanks

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I believe I am following what you are saying, it sounds like my situation. If it is then yes you can assuming your generator can handle everything that is on in your sub panel in the garage.

[@123spleege]

this is in lew of the generac manual 30A transfer switch video you did right?. this works if you have a 50 amp out of the generator that you then hook right to the main panel and switch on and off particular circuits. I have a 12KW generator so this method would work well for me.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I am actually using them in conjunction with each other. I have a smaller generator that I hookup to the transfer switch to power the "essential" circuits and to save on fuel when the big one doesnt need to be running and then I hookup my big one to this to power the AC and everything else. In most cases people will not have both, I just do because I bought the transfer switch early on and decided later I wanted to be able to power my AC and the whole house haha. So yeah with a 12 KW generator like you have, I would probably go this route with an interlock kit instead of the transfer switch. More options and less expensive. Hope this helps!

[@CDRNorth]

Thanks, great info. What is the best way to determine what size breaker to use?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Great question. Obviously you are going to want to get as much out of your generator as possible without damaging it or creating a fire hazard. First you need to find what your maximum amperage output from the generator is. They all advertise their maximum wattage, so to find their maximum rated amperage you would take your maximum wattage and divide that number by the voltage that you plan on using. For example, a 7500 watt generator at 240 volts supplies approximately 31.25 amps (7500÷240) and at 120 volts it would supply a maximum amperage of 62.5 amps (7500÷120). In the case of this video and installation you would use 240 volts as it is how the power is being distributed, so in this example, you would install a 30 amp double pole circuit breaker. Keep in mind you will need to make sure you don't exceed the amperage that your generator puts out as it could damage the generator and whatever it is powering. Also it would cause the circuit breaker to trip regularly. I hope this answers your question!

[@CDRNorth]

@@HowToHomeDIY Thanks! Do you plan on installing any solar?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Yes, the solar is very interesting to me. Maybe not powering the whole house, but some select circuits. I have actually been thinking about it over the past couple weeks so its interesting you brought it up. Have you installed any solar of your own?

[@CDRNorth]

@@HowToHomeDIY no, but I am starting to give it serious consideration.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Probably a good thing to be thinking about. Definitely a lot of advantages.

[@rickmyers4160]

Hello, and thanks for the video. Unfortunately, I found the video after my run to the box store to pick up a 50 amp breaker and 8/3 wire to which was recommended for a 12’ run to the 200 amp panel. As far as inlet boxes, all the ones I see max out at 12500 watts. Do they make a inlet box to handle 15000 watts? I’m looking at a duel fuel 17500 portable Generator. Granted, I know we can control the load, but I am on well, lift station for the septic, hot water , AC to handle the Florida heat and so on.. Thanks again

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Rick, if you’re planning on using 50 amps you will want to look at a larger wire size. At least 6 gauge wire. As far as the inlet boxes go, I personally have not seen larger ones than 50 amps but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist at all. As you mentioned, you may just consider not have everything on at the same time. That is what I do just to be safe. I am also in Florida so I definitely understand wanting to have that AC haha. Hope this helps!

[@ibrockin4u]

Great step by step video !!!! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge !!!!!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I am glad it was helpful! Thank you very much for the feedback!

[@131rocketman]

What’s the pro/cons and difference in this versus installing a transfer switch kit. This seems more simple and cost effective

[@HowToHomeDIY]

It's funny you ask this, I was just thinking to myself a couple days ago that I need to do a video on this subject at some point. So main differences are like you said this is very simple and it is pretty cost affective. This route requires a interlock kit installed as well so just rough numbers you are in this about $250 approximately including a interlock kit. Obviously this cost can vary. The transfer switch highly varies depending on which one is purchased, but I was up around $500 for that installation. The transfer switch is a more difficult install but not terrible. So the power inlet box wins those two categories. The pro of a transfer switch is that it is a fully contained panel that completely separates itself from the main panel when in generator mode. It is also ideal for smaller generators as you will have done the math as to what circuits can go in the box (generally essential circuits like fridges, well, some lights and fans, etc.) so that you aren't over the capacity of the box and your generator. Where a power inlet box will charge the whole panel and you need to make sure to turn off all of the circuits that you don't need or it will kill the generator as more power is being called for than the generator can produce in most cases. I have a 15 KW generator so I can run pretty much my whole house so it is definitely ideal for bigger generators. So for ease of mind, controlling circuits, the transfer switch probably wins but it is also more limited than the power inlet box as most transfer switches accommodate 8 circuits or less. So I would say these are the biggest differences. Sorry just going off of the top of my head. Hope this is helpful!

[@paaao]

Transfer switch also disconnects the service ground/neutral so that you're truly isolated from the grid with no potential for your appliances to back feed, loop, or run into a floating neutral condition when a fault takes place, or your generator fails. American homes are 240V single phase. They get 120V from a center tap directly in the middle of that 240V transformer winding. So if you only disconnect the main, you leave a direct path connected to the center of the transformer from the power co. So when the power comes back on, you'll start receiving a potential on that center tapped line, that will compete with the power your generator is outputting. It can lead to a variety of over voltage problems on anything in your house that's using 240V, and has 120V components within it as well. If your generator dies, or faults, you ideally want anything running off it to only have a connection to IT. Not a secondary potential that's now missing both it's 240V taps, but still has a direct, single wire connection to the middle of a coil, that is maybe hot on the primary with as much as 2700 volts.

[@Ojb_1959]

To save the $50 on the interlock kit I made one with a piece of 1/8” thick aluminum plate I had.

[@skwerlee]

I wonder how it's handled in cases where the generator power inlet box can't be installed close to the home's breaker panel? How many feet will the heavy duty gauge wire work without amperage loss? in my case I'm probably looking at 80'.

[@brucehartman4465]

Are you aware the Catapiler stopped making the RP12000E generator and don't support it anymore? Where do you get your filters, oil and air? Love your videos, keep up the good work.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I am, they discontinues all of their portable generators. Seems it was due to covid and the manufacturing. Hopefully they will produce them again as they are great machines. I got them all from Napa. The Fram filter that fits is ph4967 but in my opinion Fram is not great quality. But you can take that number and cross reference it with Napa's Gold filters. I just use standard 10w30 or 30 weight oil per the manufacturers recommendation. Hope this helps! Thank you for the feedback!

[@johnlarkins5664]

Hey Now! Great video. I have an 8000 watt gene. Im connecting a reliance 306 CRK transfer switch box for a back up. I want to connect my house AC to the 20 Amp double pole on the transfer switch. The fuse’s for the AC are 2x50 amp circuit fuses. Will the 2 20 amp fuses’s together power the AC?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Anthony! No, unfortunately you would need to replace the 20 amp double pole breaker in the transfer switch with a 50 amp double pole breaker like the AC is currently connected to in your main panel. If you just use the 20 amp in the box it will constantly trip. I hope this answers your question!

[@jamesishere6630]

so i currently have a 6500-watt Gen, but i want to install a 50 Amp Inlet for future proof(maybe get a bigger GEN later on) , would it be an issue if I get an adaptor to accommodate the Gen i currently have? can you recommend an adaptor? or is there a method i should use? THanks

[@edwardstanley2195]

Was the generator bonded or a floating neutral?

[@frankamedure9248]

Hello, please advise on getting the right interlock for my panel. I have a 9500/1200 watt 50 amp hybrid portable home generator that can easily power my small house, therefore, no transfer switch is needed. I am looking to get what some call an interlock kit, a plate prevents one from turning main on while generator is running and connected. Ans so I need an interlock that is compatible with siemens 100 amp panel catalogue number g3030b1100cu enclosure type 1 It looks like it was installed in 2007. I have pictures. I have seen a number of ebayers selling them but I want to be sure to get one that will fit properly and not have to be sending the wrong one back etc...

[@treybuyars7373]

OKay I see you have a Ground and neutral Bus Bar, but if you don't have a neutral Bus Bar can you pull it into ground bus bar?

[@pgtool3047]

Great info. Thank you. Just installed a 50a breaker in my 200a disconnect panel. Trying to hook up my Generac 15000w bonded neutral generator. I ordered a 6g cord and 50a twist lock inlet. I will either make an interlock or get one online. The big question is about the bonded neutral. How can I connect a bonded neutral gen to my main panel? A 3 pole manual transfer switch is over the top pricey. Can I power the house with the neutral bonded in the gen and in main disconnect panel? I might be able to unbond the gen neutral? Or do I have to use a floating neutral gen? Thank you for your thoughts.

[@PCB-Designer]

Unbond the neutral on your generator. Your manual should show you how.

[@fatelvis500]

Would this be an alternative to an inside the home panel interlock switch? All circuits in my fuse panel are in use. Looking for a whole house solution. Dont know if I can use a Generlink system in my area and would like something less complex that a transfer panel.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Andrew, it all depends on your setup. If you have a load center like in the video where the main power switch is out by the meter where the power is coming in with some room for some circuits then that would definitely be the way to go. If you only have the main electrical panel in your garage for instance, and all of the circuits are taken, you could look into using tandem circuit breakers to free up a couple spots to make room for the double pole breaker needed for this install. Not knowing your particular scenario, if you go this route, you might consult with an electrician as tandem breakers can be great but you don't want to go over load capacity or create a phase imbalance. But if this was the case a sub panel could be installed as well. I hope this helps!

[@jrdoza1980]

Could I run #6awg on a 30amp circuit to anticipate a bigger generator later so I would not have to rewire later? This is if I get a bigger generator to handel more like a 50 or 60 amp circuit? Would this be a good idea?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey jrdoza, yes that would be okay to do. Nothing wrong with beefing up the wiring. It's when folks just upgrade the circuit breaker without upgrading the wiring to match the breaker that there can be serious issues. If I was in your situation I would do what you are talking about. You are thinking ahead!

[@kittysch2]

Thanks

[@erwinbrubacker7488]

Yep, its useful, looks easy. T Y Sir.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

It was a pretty easy install. Glad you liked it! Thanks for the feedback.

[@garyhawthorne1678]

can i use 6/2 wire for 50 amp box

[@mdav9609]

I am upgrading my existing 30 amp generator inlet that was already installed when I bought my house to the 50 amp. One thing I am confused about. I have a main panel and side panel. The generator inlet and my house and ac circuits are on the side panel and my 2 240 volt circuts for dryer and stove plus the main are on the main panel. On my panels I dont have a separate ground and common bus. They are both on the same bus. The side panel ground bus connects back to the main panel ground bus. So essentially the common and ground wires are connected to the same thing. I've read articles about this but still don't have a definitive answer. I just want to be sure that is correct. I'm not paying the electrician 1100 dollars that I was quoted to essentially hook up 4 wires for me. Just want to verify this process is correct. It was already wired this way and my home passed inspection so I assume it's right but seems weird.

[@scarter176]

If you shut off main breaker that powers house panel from utility how can it back feed to utility ? Just wondering who is going to turn generator breaker on and/or plug in generator cord without doing this first? Nice video.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Steve, yes you are absolutely correct, if the main is off, it would not be able to backfeed. Common sense is just not so common anymore haha. But interlock kits are required by code for this install just to make sure it cant happen. Appreciate the feedback!

[@bigal7561]

I hope you have some more. You do a great job explaining but I everyone loses me when they talk about the ground and neutral lines. Does the neutral go to the bar that is connected to the power bar and the ground is the one grounded to the box only? I've seen everything including all neutral and grounds on the same bar and a tie from each bar to each other. I'm going nuts. I'm just installing my Westinghouse 9500 generator to my shed. Generator has a 50 amp outlet that I taking to my eaton 100 amp box and my 50 amp breaker where the power (black and Red) will be put in. My issue is where the green and white goes and If I need to take a copper wire from the ground to the copper bar in the ground outside. I willing to pay for this information I'm so confused now.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Al, I think I am understanding what you are saying. In many cases, the neutral and ground wires will be attached to the same bar in the panel. This is the case with mine as there is no designated neutral bar and the two are connected. I am sorry if I misunderstood, let me know and I will try to answer you! I really appreciate the feedback!

[@shadetree134]

I have a Westinghouse 28000 watt generator and would like to wire it to my home. I assume the way you did it in this video would be good for my purpose also? I have gotten an estimate from a local company it was $1800.00. I know that is crazy. I am a mechanic so I am going to do it myself. Should I run both 50 amp circuit’s on my generator to power my home or just 1 circuit?