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I have the Generac 5500 portable generator that I bought from you guys last year, and am looking for a suitable power inlet box to mount on the exterior of my home. Luckily, I have discovered a pre-existing 6/3 Romex wire w/ ground already ran from the panel to the spot that I want to locate the inlet. My question is regarding the wire connections on the 30 amp inlet boxes. Is there one that accepts 6 AWG wire? I don't need a 50 amp box for the load that I will be providing, but I am concerned that the 30 amp box's push in connectors will not be large enough to accept wires larger than 8 AWG. The space inside the box would also play a factor when putting the box back together after installing the wires: Would there be enough room to accommodate the 6 AWG wires? They are not very flexible - I'm sure you know.
Thanks for you help!!!
Chris D'Aleo
from New York
September 25, 2013
Answer
Thank you for your interest in Electric Generators Direct!
The Generac 6340, like many 30 amp, 240 volt devices is designed to accommodate conductors ranging from 10-8 AWG. By staying within this tolerance, the installer is able ensure that a solid connection is made without jeopardizing the products construction. While cases have arisen where a 6 AWG conductor have been squeezed into one of these boxes, it is certainly not advised. Keep in mind that the density of these wires makes them very rigid and it is often very difficult to tuck them into the box while maintain a stress free connection n the device.
While it would be convenient to use the material that you currently have in place, it sounds that there may be complications with the install and finished fit. We would recommend that you consider replacing that 6/3 wire.
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