 ellessPremium
join:2003-08-22
Poughquag, NY | Portable generator power entry location I'm adding a 7000W portable generator and manual transfer switch to my home. I have most of the details worked out, except for one.
What are the restrictions on the placement of the power entry receptacle on the outside of the house? This is (in my case) the L14-30 fixture where the portable generator plugs in.
What are the NEC or typical local restrictions on the receptacle's height above the ground; or maybe its proximity to doors, windows, or other stuff typically found on the outside of a home?
For installation convenience, I'd like to install the power entry receptacle to the left of the door in the attached photo, halfway between the door and the corner of the building. The door leads into a garage, if that matters.
I plan on using a 20 foot cable between the generator and the power entry, so the generator will sit on the driveway, well away from the house.
Any information is appreciated! |
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lutful... of ideasPremium
join:2005-06-16
Ottawa, ON | How far away is the electrical panel from this location? |
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ellessPremium
join:2003-08-22
Poughquag, NY | The total wiring distance to the basement transfer switch from this locations is about 25 feet. And the transfer switch is about 18 inches from the main panel. |
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 alkizmo
join:2007-06-25
Pierrefonds, QC
kudos:1 | reply to elless
said by elless:the generator will sit on the driveway, well away from the house. I think you should first rethink where the generator would be located before starting on an inlet.
A generator on a driveway = stolen generator from the driveway.
I'm sure you're trying to plan the shortest run to your transfer switch (Or electrical panel) but once it comes to actually using your generator, you'll probably realize that it's best to find a secure location FIRST and figuring out how to run the wiring after.
edit - Also even if you stick to placing it on the driveway, I notice your garage doors are on the right of the door. If you put the inlet on the left of the door, the cord would obstruct the door. |
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ellessPremium
join:2003-08-22
Poughquag, NY | OK, thanks, I appreciate the good advice re: security.
But even if I decide to move the general entry location, I will still need to know the answer to my original question - what restrictions do NEC or typical local codes place on the location of the power entry fixture? |
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 cdruGo ColtsPremium,MVM
join:2003-05-14
Fort Wayne, IN
kudos:7 | said by elless:what restrictions do NEC or typical local codes place on the location of the power entry fixture? I don't believe there are any specific codes that pertain to the location for an inlet for a generator. Anything that would apply for just an exterior outlet would also apply to the inlet such as minimum height above grade, weatherproofing, etc. There isn't a maximum length requirement other than practicality for voltage drop or cost of the wire; I've seen posts where people have had to run the wires across the length of the house as the electrical service was on one end and the natural gas supply was on the other.
You're best bet is to fine out what version of the NEC (or any local additions) applies to your jurisdiction and get a copy of it. You can get free versions of the last several NEC editions online. |
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 fcislerPremium
join:2004-06-14
Riverhead, NY | reply to alkizmo
said by alkizmo:I think you should first rethink where the generator would be located before starting on an inlet.
A generator on a driveway = stolen generator from the driveway.
I used to have that exact same thinking. I was planning on putting my inlet in the back yard (I have a door from my garage outside).
Then I saw this snow and thought a couple things:
1) My garage door opens up nice and wide and the overhang provides a little protection from the elements.
2) I back my car up to within a 1-2' of my garage door
3) I can chain my generator up to my car's tire (vs the cheap railing i have in the back yard)
My inlet will be installed on the front of my house now. While my back yard does offer privacy, if I need emergency power in winter I know I made the right choice. There's still 12-18" of snow in my back yard (where I cannot use my snowblower) - whereas my driveway is nice and clean. |
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alkizmo
join:2007-06-25
Pierrefonds, QC
kudos:1 | said by fcisler:I used to have that exact same thinking. I was planning on putting my inlet in the back yard (I have a door from my garage outside).
Then I saw this snow and thought a couple things:
1) My garage door opens up nice and wide and the overhang provides a little protection from the elements.
2) I back my car up to within a 1-2' of my garage door
3) I can chain my generator up to my car's tire (vs the cheap railing i have in the back yard)
I guess it depends on each situation.
Though I don't know if it is wise to run a generator inside an attached garage, even if the door is open. Wind + air draft could push in the fumes into the house. |
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 John GaltForward, MarchPremium
join:2004-09-30
Happy Camp
kudos:5 | reply to elless
No particular restrictions with respect to its being an 'inlet', although some locations are better than others. Since it "could" be construed as a "disconnect", if you give 30" for the space so that you can stand directly in front of it, you should be good (not only Code-wise but from an operational standpoint, too). Think "electrical panel clearances"...
Since it (connecting the generator) is "non-permanent", you have wide latitude.
Your location described above is OK...mounted about 3 feet above grade.
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Nothing makes an American want to do something more than telling them they can't.
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said by fcisler:3) I can chain my generator up to my car's tire (vs the cheap railing i have in the back yard)
I would bet a thief would have these which solvers the chain problem. Being in the back yard solves the drive by visibility issue.
»www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_···+cutters |
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garys_2kPremium
join:2004-05-07
Farmington, MI Reviews:
 ·callwithus
·Callcentric
| reply to elless
With that window right there I may think twice about running a carbon monoxide generator right nearby. I think there are specific requirements about that, but possibly they wouldn't apply for such temporary setups. Still, have a CO detector on the other side of that window when the generator's going. |
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lutful... of ideasPremium
join:2005-06-16
Ottawa, ON Reviews:
 ·TekSavvy DSL
| reply to elless
said by elless:The total wiring distance to the basement transfer switch from this locations is about 25 feet. And the transfer switch is about 18 inches from the main panel. 20ft+25ft=45ft is OK but maybe go with AWG10 cables on both sides. |
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ellessPremium
join:2003-08-22
Poughquag, NY | said by lutful:said by elless:The total wiring distance to the basement transfer switch from this locations is about 25 feet. And the transfer switch is about 18 inches from the main panel. 20ft+25ft=45ft is OK but maybe go with AWG10 cables on both sides. Yes, 10 AWG on both the generator cable and inside wiring. |
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