Timeline for using two outlets as extension cord
Current License: CC BY-SA 4.0
14 events
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| Sep 2, 2019 at 8:01 | comment | added | FreeSoftwareServers | I'd just like to add, I read somewhere else on stack Exchange to act as if what would a professional do. Therefore I'm going to do it right with a 30 amp Inlet and a breaker box. | |
| Aug 27, 2019 at 17:01 | comment | added | Harper - Reinstate Monica | @FreeSoftwareServers if you only have 1 light and 1 outlet, then don't waste your money on a 30A/240V (NEMA 14-30) inlet, just use a common 15A/120V inlet (NEMA 5-15). Plug that into one of the generator's 120V sockets with any common extension cord... | |
| Aug 27, 2019 at 16:06 | comment | added | TheLuckless | In addition to a [larger than you think needed] breaker box, wiring in a "transfer switch" or "Source selector" from the start may also be worth considering if you suspect someone may want to add a second input source [such as solar] as it will be less likely to end up with that input socket becoming an exposed live output. | |
| Aug 27, 2019 at 15:54 | comment | added | J... | @FreeSoftwareServers Abusing an outlet to act as an inlet would require an extension cord with two male ends. These are called "suicide cables" for good reason. | |
| Aug 27, 2019 at 13:49 | comment | added | sleblanc | The issue with going without a circuit breaker is that if your wiring is AWG 14 (15A) and your genny can push out 30A, a short might be enough for wires to catch on fire without tripping the overcurrent protection. An outdoor-rated 6-space (12 circuit) Square D (reputable brand) box is only $17.48 at the leading American home improvement store, and a breaker is about $10, assuming you don't already have a few spares around. You would only have to run a wire from the box to the circuit you want to power, either to an existing junction box, or you can splice it anywhere and add a junction box. | |
| Aug 27, 2019 at 13:25 | comment | added | FreeSoftwareServers |
@sleblanc I've always called those car jacks that are like <> widowmakers, I guess every trade has a widowmaker! I doubt we will do a circuit breaker, the cabin is like around 130 sq ft. 1 Light and 1 outlet will be plenty of juice.
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| Aug 27, 2019 at 13:19 | comment | added | sleblanc | @FreeSoftwareServers, also, regarding exposed metal, it is absolutely a safety issue. An extension cord that has two "male" plugs is often called a widowmaker. In America, we use 120V which is not nearly as dangerous as 240V, but it still poses the risk of starting fires if the energized bits that you are carefully staying away from come in contact with flammable materials. What if the plug loosens up and falls into a puddle? | |
| Aug 27, 2019 at 13:16 | comment | added | sleblanc | Going with a split-phase 30A plug is definitely nice, it will let you upgrade the generator eventually for very little cost, and the twist-lock connection reduces risks of sparking by preventing the plug from backing out. You should still install a small distribution panel with circuit breakers anyhow. The breakers on the generator should be regarded as protection for the generator, not the circuits in the house. | |
| Aug 27, 2019 at 0:48 | vote | accept | FreeSoftwareServers | ||
| Aug 27, 2019 at 0:26 | comment | added | FreeSoftwareServers | Thanks, this is what I'm thinking of buying, great help as always! --> amazon.ca/Kohree-Power-Twist-Stainless-Screws/dp/B07K1SQ6JM/… | |
| Aug 27, 2019 at 0:25 | comment | added | FreeSoftwareServers | I understand, so probably would work with a outlet but not safe. Just to be clear, I would use the 30A inlet then branch off to a 15A outlet and 1 light fixture. Does that sound correct? I'm not sure we plan on needing much juice, not sure if Generators have breakers or not, but figure if we tried to run to much on the line it would just not work, there is some sort of "Fail-safe" in the Generator for too high a load. | |
| Aug 27, 2019 at 0:18 | comment | added | user3757614 | The difference is that you don't want exposed metal pins carrying mains voltage after you unplug it. The side with the power should be the "innie". | |
| Aug 27, 2019 at 0:15 | comment | added | FreeSoftwareServers | Just curious if there is a difference between an inlet/outlet or is it just the fact it's male vs female. I feel like they are both just wire carring electricity, but I'm extremly new to wiring, just got my place a few months ago and have been learing ever since | |
| Aug 27, 2019 at 0:09 | history | answered | Harper - Reinstate Monica | CC BY-SA 4.0 |