Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: chevyx92, Location: VA BCH, VA
Asked on: Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 5:05 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 3:52 am EDT
Question: Is there a limitation on how far the generator power inlet can be before it gets into the panel? I have a customer who wants the generator inlet located on opposite side of house from where the panel is. The generator is in the shed and that would be easier for him to wheel it out to instead of all the way around the house, so he says anyway. So basically the power inlet would be about 55' away from panel wiring run through attic. Most of the ones I do, the power inlet is less than 5' from panel. Just thought I would ask and make sure I'm not missing anything on this one. Thanks.
Yes, there is a limitation on how far the generator power inlet can be from the panel before it gets into the panel. The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that the generator power inlet be located within 10 feet of the service panel. This is to ensure that the generator can be easily connected to the service panel in the event of a power outage.If the generator power inlet is located more than 10 feet from the service panel, then a transfer switch must be installed. A transfer switch is a device that allows the generator to be connected to the service panel safely and efficiently. The transfer switch will automatically switch the power from the utility grid to the generator when the utility grid power is lost.In your case, the generator power inlet would be about 55 feet away from the panel. This is too far away to meet the NEC requirement. Therefore, a transfer switch would need to be installed.Here is a link to the NEC requirement for generator power inlets:[https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=70&edition=2023](https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=70&edition=2023) Flag for review