In Texas we have a wasp called mud daubers. They would make a mud blob nest in the AC works box. The prevention for that is twofold. 1. Buy a spare plug to insert into the box when it is not in use. This fills the space so no wasps/bugs between into the terminal area. I think the AC works cover would not close fully when the “filler” plug is installed. 2. Cut a foam block that fits the bottom of the box and blocks the opening when no cable is present. You don’t want bug nests or yellow jackets in your box when you open the cover.
As another fellow Texan and the mud daubers and wasps are no joke. I was thinking something 3D printed could be made to install in that opening while the door is closed and that could easily be removed when using the inlet. That's what my plan was if i purchased the box, but unfortunately as of 7/21/24 the don't seem to in-stock at the moment. i have emailed the manufacture to see if they are no longer being made. I think another good alternative is the Connecticut Electric 50 Amp Inlet Box as it is fully enclosed for the inlet when the door is closed, it plugs from the bottom so no strain on the cord, and the box seems to have more room than all others when connecting the wires. Only downside is you are plugging in blind, but like mentioned in the video a mark on the cord and box should make that installation easier when it comes time to plug in. I guess these generator related videos are really taking off right now after what we have gone through here in Houston. I will never NOT be prepared again after that week of power failure here so been doing my research here lately to make life easier next time.
@19charger74 I'm guessing most of you guys recently went through Hurrican Beryl and are now planning your setups out? I'm getting a lot of Texas traffic.
I used the Reliance Model PBN-50 because it has a downward facing socket, meaning that you're not placing a turning moment by plugging in a heavy, 50-Amp rated cable. Also minimizes rain ingress. It does mean that you're inserting the socket blind, but that hasn't turned out to be a problem since the socket prongs are keyed and will only go in one way.
I agree that the light would be beneficial for hearing impaired. One other use that applies is the Ford F150 Powerboost has an available 7.2 kw generator option that will run off the hybrid battery and the truck internal combustion engine cycles on and off to recharge the battery. The light would indicate power is coming from the truck without needing to check if the truck is powered on in generator mode. Thanks for this video.
I just ordered the GE unit. It's stupid expensive compared to the others, but I like how it's fully covered when plugged in to keep rain out, and it plugs in at a 45* angle, so less strain on the cord/box. All metal too. Only con I see is the receptacle isn't covered.
Jake I agree.. price-wise its in a league of it's own but it's easy to get like the other so I decided to include it. I really liked it as well. Thanks for the comment!
The open cut out in the bottom of the AC WORKS in theory would be to allow you to close the door and seal it with the plug in which obviously is not posable and a bad idea because of mud wasps and other critters that like getting into things like that. The light on the door would be for a deaf person, although I would think they would know if the generator is running. Actually a nice gesture to think of handicap people. I also built a small rain cover for over mine so I don't have to worry about rain getting in.
I get asked a lot why I mounted mine inside the garage and it's just to keep it out of the weather. It rains every day here for 5 months straight and then there's the constant high humidity.
Thanks for making these videos. Great review! I tried the reliance 50 in my cottage last year but had to return it since I was using a 90degree screw on type connector cord. With the pin alignment on the reliance, the cord would sit very crooked, instead of dropping the wire straight down. I ended up replacing that with a Conntek 80SS2-GYBX. I see that it has the standard pin positioning in most other boxes. I also agree about the crammed space for 6AWGx4 wires jammed in that space.
John, if that's the case then it wouldn't be wired properly. The NEC requires a disconnect. Thanks for your input but I don't think that's it. Somebody brought up having a generator that is on and running but not functioning properly... so it's not producing electricity. That sounds like a good reason for the light but I really don't know. Take care.
John is correct. If the circuit breaker panel has an emergency generator circuit, the NEC requires a “Manual Transfer Interlock”. If the light is on, the interlock is either not installed or installed incorrectly.
With wasp and bees, i won't get the ac works. The pruste for me is the overall winner due to wasp, bees, and moisture since it's not sealed like the others. Good video A+
Don't forget to watch to the end so you can win a free Pruste 50 amp generator inlet box. You have to subscribe to my channel and email me the 4 digit code hidden in this video in order to qualify. You can find my email address in the "About" section of my channel.
Ideally, if the setup is to code, then that receptacle will never have power from the main. It will only get power from the generator. I realize there are probably different uses for this box, though, that I'm not considering.
You keep saying the green light is redundant. Never seen a generator running, that isn't producing power? Several times that green light kept me from going into the house, only to be confused why the power still isn't on.
Randall, so are you saying that it helped you troubleshoot possibly a fuse or breaker being out on the generator? I didn't really think of that. My comments were based around the fact that you would likely hear the generator running if it was on but I guess if it's not producing power then that's another story. I think your idea is a very plausible reason. Thanks for contributing!
@@JackofAllTrades1 My generator, and possibly other generators up here in the north, are in homebuilt housings for weather protection. If it's dark, or if your unit doesn't have indication, the light on the box might be the one thing that alerts you to the power state. Having said that, the light will probably come on even if power condition is poor.
I know this is an old review, but the green light might also help with confirming the function of the cord from the generator. I already know that I'd cover it up with electrical tape.
When you need it you want it to work. The first one isn’t ul listed which means it wasn’t tested. It might fail when you finally need. Go with the one that you know will work.
Waterproofing all metal construction most important time to be waterproof is when its pluged in "running" ,is the most important I did a large one from Midwest because you can plug it in and close the front dont like the straight "plugs" I use 90°camco (Nema 14-50p) plugs build my own cords "ofc" copper only it could be a hurricane and still not get wet at the plug cant stand the ones that just have a round door so while it's plugged it it can get water on the legs nooo good! great way to cook legs and pop breakers Current set up Portabal 18k-22k generac efi Cutter hammer 400amp panel Phase voltage watt amp monitoring panels custom built to balance legs like haveing a fluke running 24-7 yea took me time wireing every thang
Lol... yea I agree....the best I could come up with those who are fortunate enough to have a setup where the generator is several dozen yards away from the house in an enclosure where they can't hear it running. It would help show that power is being supplies... but then again, if power is being supplied then the house lights are on.
My electrician is trying to use a 4 wire 50 amp range receptacle and to male cord caps to hook up my generator to my home. That doesn't sound right. From what I'm seeing a receptacle box is used for RVs. He installed an interlock kit. I think I should only use an inlet box with the male plugs correct? This has been the most frustrating journey lol.
If the cord he wants you to use from the generator to the receptacle has two male ends, then he is cutting corners to save money and is being extremely dangerous. Your receptacle should have the male end and your cord will need one of each... the male goes into the generator and the female for the receptacle.
@@JackofAllTrades1 Wow...I'm not an electrician, but I figured he was doing something that wasn't right! Man, that's so disappointing. I'm glad I didn't buy that! Thank you for replying!
@@egyptian_thoth no problem man, the reason that double male cable is illegal is because once you plug it into a running generator, the other end can easily kill you with the live protruding prongs.
@@JackofAllTrades1 my electrician wants to wire the generator cable directly to the breaker box. Instead of having a plug receptacle for it. He seems to think that it will be safer. My main breaker panel is outside. So I would have to keep the cable rolled up inside of a plastic tight box as I would not be able to twist it off. As it would be wired directly to the panel. I don't see how this is any safer.
@Egyptian_Thoth Your electrician is playing with fire with that type of cord. 2 male ended cords are called suicide cords, and for a good reason. DO NOT USE SUICIDE CORDS.
Hey Greg, the light is only powered by the generator since you have to isolate from utility before you turn the generator on. It would be great if it had some way to let you know the power had been restored though.
I just had an electrician install a 50amp box for my emergency generator. For some reason it didn't have the center hole to accommodate the female end of the plug. I see almost all boxes sold online have the center hole. Do you know what the story is with the center pin?
Actually you are referring to the hole in the plug that accommodates the center alignment pin in the actual cable.... interesting. I do know that there are 3 to 4 different styles of plugs and plug-ins for 50 amps to accommodate their different uses. It sounds like maybe you have two similar but different kinds. What did you end up doing?
@@smittyone66 if you want the Pruste model in this video then send me an email with your contact info and I will mail you the demo I have. Look in the "About" section of this channel.
Question, I used the same inlet box you used (50a). The issue I have is the 50a twist and lock cord I have will only go about 1/2 way into the inlet box which does not allow the cord to push fully in and then twist. Ideas?
Yes, I know exactly what you are talking about. I had the same issue with the very first set I installed a few years back. It's going to be hard to explain by text but I will give it a try. On your inlet box you have 3 or 4 "male" prongs. On my prongs the edges were real "boxy" or "square" which made it really hard to turn when plugged in. What I did to aleiviate this was I took a small file and shaved down the corners of those prongs a little to give them a slight slope and this allowed for much easier turning into place to connect. You may have to wiggle it a little too when plugging it in but it doesn't turn until it's fully seated. I hope this helps.
@@JackofAllTrades1 thanks for the reply! I can't even get to the fully inserted part in order to twist, as the cord end stops about 1/2 way in before hitting the bottom where you can twist. will try again and see if I can get it in the socket fully in order to twist??
@@gobfranklin6759 check and see if one of the prongs has a "L" shape about halfway down. Make sure it is true to the actual shape of the cord. That may be stopping you.
@@JackofAllTrades1 Hi. Thanks again for the help! I used a screw driver inside the cord plug (twist on side) to bend the metal connectors out of the way of the plastic slot. Will test with gen, and power feeding panel to make sure it works. What a hassle, poor workmanship on the cord ends. :(
The outlet does not recieve power from the panel, only the generator. This is because the interlock prevents power from both sources ( mains and gen ) which is the correct way. I guess if you didn't have this installed with an interlock then that light would let you know now to plug in or start the gen. Thanks for the comment.
Reliance and AC Works are UL listed. The other two identical ones are not... likely because they are not from larger companies looking for that standard.
there i 1 feature you didn't mention on the 2 that are similar, they have a threads under the cover for a marine type cord for a weather resistant boot. i get tired of you you tubers that think you are so smart and really dont know what you are talking about!!
Alright, nobody found the hidden code…. I’ll now be choosing one subscriber who emails me a picture of their profile or screen grab showing that they are subscribed to me….I’ll contact the winner before Christmas. My email is located in my channel “About” section.
In Texas we have a wasp called mud daubers. They would make a mud blob nest in the AC works box. The prevention for that is twofold. 1. Buy a spare plug to insert into the box when it is not in use. This fills the space so no wasps/bugs between into the terminal area. I think the AC works cover would not close fully when the “filler” plug is installed. 2. Cut a foam block that fits the bottom of the box and blocks the opening when no cable is present. You don’t want bug nests or yellow jackets in your box when you open the cover.
@@DIYJim-wx6hq yea. We have something similar here... they build mud nests and fill them with dead spiders. Thanks for the input.
As another fellow Texan and the mud daubers and wasps are no joke. I was thinking something 3D printed could be made to install in that opening while the door is closed and that could easily be removed when using the inlet. That's what my plan was if i purchased the box, but unfortunately as of 7/21/24 the don't seem to in-stock at the moment. i have emailed the manufacture to see if they are no longer being made.
I think another good alternative is the Connecticut Electric 50 Amp Inlet Box as it is fully enclosed for the inlet when the door is closed, it plugs from the bottom so no strain on the cord, and the box seems to have more room than all others when connecting the wires. Only downside is you are plugging in blind, but like mentioned in the video a mark on the cord and box should make that installation easier when it comes time to plug in.
I guess these generator related videos are really taking off right now after what we have gone through here in Houston. I will never NOT be prepared again after that week of power failure here so been doing my research here lately to make life easier next time.
@19charger74 I'm guessing most of you guys recently went through Hurrican Beryl and are now planning your setups out? I'm getting a lot of Texas traffic.
@@JackofAllTrades1 yup that is exactly right. I will be 100% prepared for next time!
@@19charger74 I'm sitting here on the west coast of FL wondering if I'm next lol
I used the Reliance Model PBN-50 because it has a downward facing socket, meaning that you're not placing a turning moment by plugging in a heavy, 50-Amp rated cable. Also minimizes rain ingress. It does mean that you're inserting the socket blind, but that hasn't turned out to be a problem since the socket prongs are keyed and will only go in one way.
They keyed socket does help for sure. Thanks for the comment.
Wish I would have done that
I agree that the light would be beneficial for hearing impaired. One other use that applies is the Ford F150 Powerboost has an available 7.2 kw generator option that will run off the hybrid battery and the truck internal combustion engine cycles on and off to recharge the battery. The light would indicate power is coming from the truck without needing to check if the truck is powered on in generator mode. Thanks for this video.
Interesting... yea that would be beneficial as well. Thanks
I just ordered the GE unit. It's stupid expensive compared to the others, but I like how it's fully covered when plugged in to keep rain out, and it plugs in at a 45* angle, so less strain on the cord/box. All metal too. Only con I see is the receptacle isn't covered.
Jake I agree.. price-wise its in a league of it's own but it's easy to get like the other so I decided to include it. I really liked it as well. Thanks for the comment!
Please check with a magnet to see if the silver terminals are steel. They could be plated brass.
@DIYJim-wx6hq good call. Just checked, and a magnet does not attact to them. So they are plated brass.
The open cut out in the bottom of the AC WORKS in theory would be to allow you to close the door and seal it with the plug in which obviously is not posable and a bad idea because of mud wasps and other critters that like getting into things like that. The light on the door would be for a deaf person, although I would think they would know if the generator is running. Actually a nice gesture to think of handicap people. I also built a small rain cover for over mine so I don't have to worry about rain getting in.
I get asked a lot why I mounted mine inside the garage and it's just to keep it out of the weather. It rains every day here for 5 months straight and then there's the constant high humidity.
Thanks for making these videos. Great review! I tried the reliance 50 in my cottage last year but had to return it since I was using a 90degree screw on type connector cord. With the pin alignment on the reliance, the cord would sit very crooked, instead of dropping the wire straight down. I ended up replacing that with a Conntek 80SS2-GYBX. I see that it has the standard pin positioning in most other boxes. I also agree about the crammed space for 6AWGx4 wires jammed in that space.
Thanks Sobey, I hope all goes well with your install.
The green indicates if you have main breaker and generator circuit on at the same time
John, if that's the case then it wouldn't be wired properly. The NEC requires a disconnect. Thanks for your input but I don't think that's it. Somebody brought up having a generator that is on and running but not functioning properly... so it's not producing electricity. That sounds like a good reason for the light but I really don't know. Take care.
John is correct. If the circuit breaker panel has an emergency generator circuit, the NEC requires a “Manual Transfer Interlock”. If the light is on, the interlock is either not installed or installed incorrectly.
@Rick Brecke thanks Rick for the feedback. That's very interesting and not something I considered.
With wasp and bees, i won't get the ac works. The pruste for me is the overall winner due to wasp, bees, and moisture since it's not sealed like the others. Good video A+
Don't forget to watch to the end so you can win a free Pruste 50 amp generator inlet box. You have to subscribe to my channel and email me the 4 digit code hidden in this video in order to qualify. You can find my email address in the "About" section of my channel.
The light indicates if the house power is on. This reminds you to turn off the main before connecting the generator
Ideally, if the setup is to code, then that receptacle will never have power from the main. It will only get power from the generator. I realize there are probably different uses for this box, though, that I'm not considering.
You keep saying the green light is redundant. Never seen a generator running, that isn't producing power? Several times that green light kept me from going into the house, only to be confused why the power still isn't on.
Randall, so are you saying that it helped you troubleshoot possibly a fuse or breaker being out on the generator? I didn't really think of that. My comments were based around the fact that you would likely hear the generator running if it was on but I guess if it's not producing power then that's another story. I think your idea is a very plausible reason. Thanks for contributing!
@@JackofAllTrades1 My generator, and possibly other generators up here in the north, are in homebuilt housings for weather protection. If it's dark, or if your unit doesn't have indication, the light on the box might be the one thing that alerts you to the power state. Having said that, the light will probably come on even if power condition is poor.
The light will help troubleshoot a tripped breaker on the generator or an overload trip on the inverter generator.
Middle pin isn’t a ground, it’s just a locating pin.
Thanks
The light is good for the deaf.
The light lets me know that it’s powered up. In case you forget. At my age that’s a good thing.
Haha... good point.
Thank you for your service!
Thank you Mr. Napolean!
I know this is an old review, but the green light might also help with confirming the function of the cord from the generator. I already know that I'd cover it up with electrical tape.
I guess just one more tool for troubleshooting a power supply issue if there is one. Thanks for the feedback.
You forgot to mention only one of those, the Reliance, is UL listed.
@@Max_Maximus_69 thanks for the info.
Would love to see your review on the Generac 6340 think it would fit great in this category. Great video nonetheless!
Thank you, I will have to check it out.
When you need it you want it to work. The first one isn’t ul listed which means it wasn’t tested. It might fail when you finally need. Go with the one that you know will work.
Waterproofing all metal construction most important time to be waterproof is when its pluged in "running" ,is the most important I did a large one from Midwest because you can plug it in and close the front dont like the straight "plugs" I use 90°camco (Nema 14-50p)
plugs build my own cords "ofc" copper only it could be a hurricane and still not get wet at the plug cant stand the ones that just have a round door so while it's plugged it it can get water on the legs nooo good!
great way to cook legs and pop breakers
Current set up
Portabal 18k-22k generac efi
Cutter hammer 400amp panel
Phase voltage watt amp monitoring panels custom built to balance legs like haveing a fluke running 24-7 yea took me time wireing every thang
Thanks for the input.
If I connect inlet to breaker box with 6/3 wire can I use 14/2 to connect outlets to the breaker box?
@@mrniceguy8600 as long as you are only using 15 amp breakers for those outlets. Yes.
Very informative! Thanks. Will need this info in the future!
Thanks man, if you need it. I did a step by step video a few months back on how to install the whole setup. Good luck!
The light could be used in an are where there is low light visibility, troubleshooting, and it makes it look techy. That's all I could think of.
Lol... yea I agree....the best I could come up with those who are fortunate enough to have a setup where the generator is several dozen yards away from the house in an enclosure where they can't hear it running. It would help show that power is being supplies... but then again, if power is being supplied then the house lights are on.
Awesome video! Maybe I need to get around to putting a gen on the house...
Lmk and I can help. :)
Have you tried or used the GE 50 amp metal inlet? Wondering if it would be a good AC works replacement.
I have not, sorry.
My electrician is trying to use a 4 wire 50 amp range receptacle and to male cord caps to hook up my generator to my home. That doesn't sound right. From what I'm seeing a receptacle box is used for RVs. He installed an interlock kit. I think I should only use an inlet box with the male plugs correct? This has been the most frustrating journey lol.
If the cord he wants you to use from the generator to the receptacle has two male ends, then he is cutting corners to save money and is being extremely dangerous. Your receptacle should have the male end and your cord will need one of each... the male goes into the generator and the female for the receptacle.
@@JackofAllTrades1 Wow...I'm not an electrician, but I figured he was doing something that wasn't right! Man, that's so disappointing. I'm glad I didn't buy that! Thank you for replying!
@@egyptian_thoth no problem man, the reason that double male cable is illegal is because once you plug it into a running generator, the other end can easily kill you with the live protruding prongs.
@@JackofAllTrades1 my electrician wants to wire the generator cable directly to the breaker box. Instead of having a plug receptacle for it. He seems to think that it will be safer. My main breaker panel is outside. So I would have to keep the cable rolled up inside of a plastic tight box as I would not be able to twist it off. As it would be wired directly to the panel. I don't see how this is any safer.
@Egyptian_Thoth Your electrician is playing with fire with that type of cord. 2 male ended cords are called suicide cords, and for a good reason. DO NOT USE SUICIDE CORDS.
Would the light indicate that the box is live with utility power?
Hey Greg, the light is only powered by the generator since you have to isolate from utility before you turn the generator on. It would be great if it had some way to let you know the power had been restored though.
I just had an electrician install a 50amp box for my emergency generator. For some reason it didn't have the center hole to accommodate the female end of the plug. I see almost all boxes sold online have the center hole. Do you know what the story is with the center pin?
If they don't punch the hole out then it is a cost saving measure for a metal box. It sucks unfortunately.
Actually you are referring to the hole in the plug that accommodates the center alignment pin in the actual cable.... interesting. I do know that there are 3 to 4 different styles of plugs and plug-ins for 50 amps to accommodate their different uses. It sounds like maybe you have two similar but different kinds. What did you end up doing?
Excellent
Thank you!
Great information
Thanks, I appreciate the support.
Well which ones the best
I really liked the larger AC Works. The design was different but it was well built.
Great video I’m looking to buy one
You looking for 30 Amp or 50 amp?
@@JackofAllTrades1 50
@@smittyone66 if you want the Pruste model in this video then send me an email with your contact info and I will mail you the demo I have. Look in the "About" section of this channel.
@@JackofAllTrades1 thanks I emailed you my contact info
@@JackofAllTrades1 please let me know if you get my email thanks
Are all these boxes 240 volts - 3wires and a ground??
Yes... two hot wires red/black... a neutral -white and a ground -green.
thanks very much
Question, I used the same inlet box you used (50a). The issue I have is the 50a twist and lock cord I have will only go about 1/2 way into the inlet box which does not allow the cord to push fully in and then twist. Ideas?
Yes, I know exactly what you are talking about. I had the same issue with the very first set I installed a few years back. It's going to be hard to explain by text but I will give it a try. On your inlet box you have 3 or 4 "male" prongs. On my prongs the edges were real "boxy" or "square" which made it really hard to turn when plugged in. What I did to aleiviate this was I took a small file and shaved down the corners of those prongs a little to give them a slight slope and this allowed for much easier turning into place to connect. You may have to wiggle it a little too when plugging it in but it doesn't turn until it's fully seated. I hope this helps.
@@JackofAllTrades1 thanks for the reply! I can't even get to the fully inserted part in order to twist, as the cord end stops about 1/2 way in before hitting the bottom where you can twist. will try again and see if I can get it in the socket fully in order to twist??
@@gobfranklin6759 check and see if one of the prongs has a "L" shape about halfway down. Make sure it is true to the actual shape of the cord. That may be stopping you.
@@JackofAllTrades1 Hi. Thanks again for the help! I used a screw driver inside the cord plug (twist on side) to bend the metal connectors out of the way of the plastic slot. Will test with gen, and power feeding panel to make sure it works. What a hassle, poor workmanship on the cord ends. :(
@@gobfranklin6759 I had the same feeling when I had to mess with mine... poor tooling and craftsmanship.
Could you please tell me what power cord brand you were using in the video?
Conntek 1450SS2-15
@@JackofAllTrades1 Thank you!
If the light is lit when you are going to plug in the generator, you would know the power was back on.
The outlet does not recieve power from the panel, only the generator. This is because the interlock prevents power from both sources ( mains and gen ) which is the correct way. I guess if you didn't have this installed with an interlock then that light would let you know now to plug in or start the gen. Thanks for the comment.
you didnt even mention UL listed vs ETL.
Reliance and AC Works are UL listed. The other two identical ones are not... likely because they are not from larger companies looking for that standard.
Could be running with no output
I dont think the little light would come on without any output. It is powered by the generator.
there i 1 feature you didn't mention on the 2 that are similar, they have a threads under the cover for a marine type cord for a weather resistant boot. i get tired of you you tubers that think you are so smart and really dont know what you are talking about!!
Maybe stop watching TH-cam then if you are so tired? Lol ... thanks for the view!
Any thoughts on Connecticut Electric 50 amp inlet boxes?
Looks like a solid choice. I have not tested it though. I like the undermount connection.
@@JackofAllTrades1 Thank you.
I like that and the fact it has the bronze male ends.
@@paulmysliborski4832 thanks for watching my video and contributing.
Alright, nobody found the hidden code…. I’ll now be choosing one subscriber who emails me a picture of their profile or screen grab showing that they are subscribed to me….I’ll contact the winner before Christmas. My email is located in my channel “About” section.