Generator Power to Hunting Cabin

[lakngulf]

For the load you are talking about a 50 ft12 ext cord would get the generator a good distance away for noise and fumes
I would re wire the main incoming for 120 vac and be done with it

So, a heavy duty (12) extension cord that would plug into the generator and hard wired to one side of the Main breaker? (along with neutral and ground, of course).

I am looking for simple and low amp usage.

 

[lakngulf]

I have that same Reliance Controls power inlet box on my daughters playhouse. I use a HF 3200/4000 generator (under $300) to run a small window unit AC, a ceiling fan, several lights, and a few assorted electronics she uses while playing. I run it through a breaker box like you described and have only 120v outlets but it allows me to use both sides of the bus bar for breakers. That is large enough to run all of this w/o any hiccups. For what you want something along those lines should handle it.

Can you describe the wire from the HF 3200/4000 to the breaker? I assume it is a four wire so that you can hook to both parts of main breaker

 

[kcflhrc]

FYI, if you are close to a Sams Club and a member they have a really nice generator that will do you fine for $199.00. Then just buy a simple 12 gauge 50' cord to run from the generator inside to a power strip. I wouldn't even mess with the breaker box for something this temporary.

 

[GPintheMitten]

Do you already own a generator or are you looking to buy one?

Also, the more I think about it, the 4 prong generator extension cable is 10 guage so maybe running 10 guage to the breaker would be fine.

I know you want simple, easy and cheap for a hunting cabin, but what I'm talking about will involve a few hours of work and less than $100 (excluding the generator and it's cable).

Then when you use it, is is very straightforward, simple and easy.

 

[Texas Dawg]

Can you describe the wire from the HF 3200/4000 to the breaker? I assume it is a four wire so that you can hook to both parts of main breaker

I used a Reliance Controls twist lock
Reliance Controls Twist Lock 30-Amp 125/250-Volt Plug-L1430P - The Home Depot (Male)
Reliance Controls Twist Lock 30-Amp 125/250-Volt Connector-L1430C - The Home Depot (Female)
I bought the 4 conductor 10guage wire off the spool in the electrical department at Home Depot and made the length I needed.
Mounted the connection box Reliance Controls 30 Amp Power Inlet Box-PB30 - The Home Depot on the outside of the structure.
I am going to build a sound insulated 3 sided structure (over sized dog house essentially) with the open side facing away so it will be ventilated yet protected from the elements and will reduce the sound to the inside.

Don't forget to drive a copper ground rod to ground the structure permanently

 

[GPintheMitten]

Here's a short video that I think will be helpful for you..in the first 3 minutes he explains and shows the wiring attachments for the power feeds.

In his case the power feeds are sized for 200 amps and connect to the power company. In your case the feeds will come from the Reliance Controls box. The Guage wire from the Reliance Controls box to the service panel can, of course be smaller guage.

So if you were to go this route, either reroute your existing wires to the Reliance Controls box or pull the existing wires out and install new and route them to the Reliance Controls box.

It's really pretty simple.

In addition to connecting the 4 wires as mentioned, put in a ground rod or two and run copper wire from them to the ground bus in the circuit breaker panel.

Easy peasy.

Now the vid:

https://youtu.be/YbEZOT8rVW4

 

[JerryK]

Again, you have to work from the generator to the cabin. Need to know if you have a little 1000-2000w generator, or a big diesel powered 3 phase industrial unit. No use talking wire size, or even number of conductors, until you know.... The wire size/etc. is sized according to the rated output of the generator... not the size of the load or anything you have box wise/etc in or on the trailer.

 

[GPintheMitten]

Well, let's give him some examples.

For a generator putting out 6000 watts or less, he's less than 30 amps, so 10 guage wouuld be fine.
For 7000 watts, its a shade over 30 amps (30.45).

I doubt he's going to bring in a commercial 3 phase unit.

He hasn't responded to the questions about what generator he has, if any.

The story problem is pretty easy if he would say what generator he has or wants. At first I was thinking that it depended on the main breaker, but it is unlikely that will be a limiting factor. The generator and wires he uses from the genny to the panel is though.

 

[lakngulf]

Will reply 're generator when I get a little time. You 're right it will not be huge probably the medium size from Sam s. Trailer has hot water heater and some electric heat but I will probably not use either. Thanks for all the good help

 

[BigRol]

Get 50' of 10/3 (dryer cable) plugs for both ends, receptacle on trailer and you're done. you cant use wire thats to heavy, 10/3 will allow you to move the gen away from the camp (gets anoying quick) without worrying about voltage drop and also gives you leeway for more juice in the future if needed