Q: 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!!! by Chris D'Aleo from New York on September 25, 2013
A: 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.
This is a good power inlet box if you need 30 amps. This inlet box even comes with the flip lid to keep out dirt, bugs and moisture. The enclosure is a durable, glass-filled nylon. The power inlet box is key to your portable generator back up system and you can't go wrong with this Gen-Tran model.
Mike Recommends This Model
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91
Robert S. Great Meadows, NJ
Purchased 9/23/13
3 Reviews
13 Helpful Votes
REVIEWED
OCT.
18
2013
Flip Lid Broke
Installation was relatively easy. Hook up is easy. However, the spring that closes the cover to the receptacle broke from just opening the lid to plug in the power cord! Ok, so this could happen. I called Generac thinking this would be a manufacturer's warranty issue.
Result: 15 minutes on hold before person picked up who informed me she could not help and would connect me with a technician. Who informed me that even though the unit was installed caulked in and painted I would need to send it back to the merchant for inspection and verification that this was a case of manufacturing defect... All I wanted was a new spring!!! Any way she told me no way so I informed her NEVER would I ever buy any Generac product again.
Installation was relatively easy. Hook up is easy. However, the spring that closes the cover to the receptacle broke from just opening the lid to plug in the power cord! Ok, so this could happen. I called Generac thinking this would be a manufacturer's warranty issue.
Result: 15 minutes on hold before person picked up who informed me she could not help and would connect me with a technician. Who informed me that even though the unit was installed caulked in and painted I would need to send... more
Pros:Easy To Use
Cons:Durability, Generac Cust Service- Terrible
Robert Would Recommend Power Equipment Direct To A Friend
Web Site
4/5
Service
5/5
Shipping
5/5
"I called Electric Generators Direct. After a brief explanation of what happened they said a new flip lid would be on it's way to me today. Outstanding! Thank-you Gen-Direct! Generac on the other hand- Not so much! Beware of companies who have no concept of customer service of which Generac is one!"
I just received this box from EGD and installed it. I wanted a plug that faced down for the weather protection it provides and for the less stress it places on the plug and wire due to this orientation.
Overall, this is a quality product that I am pleased with. It consists of a sturdy 5 sided, one piece, plastic box and removable front cover that fit well. There are 4 holes in the back for use attaching it to a structure. The top is slightly tilted for water run off, but it is tilted towards the back which means the water will run towards the house. I thought that was a bit strange, however not much of an issue for me.
It has 6 punch-out locations, 1 on each side, 2 underneath and 2 in the back. The 2 in the back are located to the sides of the plug so the plug does not interfere with the wires coming in. I used one of these punch-outs to bring my 4 wire (10-3), 10AWG cable in and it worked out well. There is plenty of room for the wiring.
The 2 punch-outs underneath are located close to the flip-lid so I can see that causing a problem if you need to use one of them. You need to remove the plug, flip-lid and gasket in order to terminate the wires on the plug. These are held in place by 3 screws. When re-installing, you might need to work upside down since the plug is facing down. I found this not to be a problem and the plug, lid and gasket installed easily.
The unit comes with a grounding wire already terminated at the plug and runs to a terminal screw with another pig tail from the screw that you connect to your incoming ground. According to the instructions, this is done for installations that have wiring in a metal jacket that requires grounding. The depth of this unit is about 5" so it does stick out a bit from the house. The Reliance model is listed with a depth of 4.375", so that does not come out as far.
I connected my 25' Conntek power cord to the box and liked that the connection was well protected and plugging the cord in was very easy (remember the plug is upside down). Lastly, these boxes need to be installed at least 24" above grade. A bit higher makes plugging in the cord easier.
I had my licensed electrician check my work and make the final connections in the main panel where he also installed an interlock kit, bringing my generator installation up to code.
I just received this box from EGD and installed it. I wanted a plug that faced down for the weather protection it provides and for the less stress it places on the plug and wire due to this orientation.
Overall, this is a quality product that I am pleased with. It consists of a sturdy 5 sided, one piece, plastic box and removable front cover that fit well. There are 4 holes in the back for use attaching it to a structure. The top is slightly tilted for water run off, but it is tilted... more
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80
Nicholas V. Pleasantville, NY
Purchased 9/29/13
3 Reviews
REVIEWED
OCT.
20
2013
Poor Quality
Silver clip on return spring for cover slips so cover just hangs down. Had to drill a hole and put in a screw so cover would stay closed. Not a big deal I guess but was surprised because of quality of other products I purchased.
Pros:Light Weight
Cons:Low Quality, Unreliable
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40
Todd
Purchased 2/19/13
4 Reviews
20 Helpful Votes
REVIEWED
APR.
30
2013
Solid & Water Tight
I found this inlet box to be very solid with plenty of room inside for wiring the receptacle. The flip-up cover seems durable as well. I like the cord plugging in from underneath so even if used in the rain it remains water tight. I mounted it to the house using a short length of plastic conduit out the back of the box. I sealed around all mounting hardware and conduit with a generous amount of silicone before securing to the house. The 10/3 with ground was then run into the box through the conduit. I also tucked a small amount of fiberglass insulation around the 10/3 where it entered the conduit to limit any drafts from outside.
I found this inlet box to be very solid with plenty of room inside for wiring the receptacle. The flip-up cover seems durable as well. I like the cord plugging in from underneath so even if used in the rain it remains water tight. I mounted it to the house using a short length of plastic conduit out the back of the box. I sealed around all mounting hardware and conduit with a generous amount of silicone before securing to the house. The 10/3 with ground was then run into the box through the... more
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31
Arthur N. West Des Moines, IA
Purchased 11/20/13
2 Reviews
REVIEWED
JAN.
07
2014
Poor Quality
The door spring broke the 1st time I opened it. I heard about this before I made the purchase but thought it was just a on time thing. Obviously not.
This is just plain bad design. Don't buy this one. For $50 you can do much better.
Cons:Low Quality
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10
Jim F. Grants Pass, OR
Purchased 1/28/13
REVIEWED
FEB.
19
2013
Great Product
Arrived sooner than expected. Quality made inlet box.
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10
Paulo F. Trumbull, CT
Purchased 12/5/15
REVIEWED
FEB.
08
2016
Fantastic
Great product! Easy installation.
Paulo Recommends This Generac Product
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00
Antonio C. Trumbull, CT
Purchased 12/13/14
REVIEWED
JAN.
05
2015
Good Seller
Excellent product and quick shipping.
Thanks Tony
Antonio Recommends This Generac Product
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00
Miguel L. Stratford, CT
Purchased 11/22/13
REVIEWED
DEC.
13
2013
Very Good
Use to connect generator.
Pros:Durable, Easy To Use, Reliable, I'd Buy It Again
 Non-Metallic Power Inlet Box w/ Flip Lid&p[url]=https://www.powerequipmentdirect.com/Generac-6340/p9348.html&p[summary]=Buy the Generac 6340. In-stock at Power Equipment Direct. Also, read the latest reviews for the Generac 6340 - 30-Amp (4-Prong) Non-Metallic Power Inlet Box w/ Flip Lid&p[images][0]=https://www.powerequipmentdirect.com/products-image/280/6340_9348_600.jpg)
 Non-Metallic Power Inlet Box w/ Flip Lid "Pin It!")
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