Reddit reviews Reliance Controls Generators Up to 7,500 Running Watts PB30 30-Amp NEMA 3R Power Inlet Box, Gray

You could likely consume less than you think. When I installed my mechanical interlock and power inlet I also installed a pair of these. They allow me to measure the power being consumed in realtime. When I powered it up the first time I was amazed at how little I actually consumed, so I kept turning on circuits until they were all on. In the winter with all zones heating, the lights all on, and the well pump running I didn't come close to topping out my 7k/9k generator. In the summer with 6 window AC units it gets sketchy if the well pump comes on, but still within the 7k limit. This is a big house. Now COULD it exceed it, sure. If all the ACs were to start their compressors at the same time and the well pump was running and the garage compressor is running I am sure the breaker would pop. It hasn't happened though. I turn off the mains and all circuits, move the interlock, bring on the generator circuit, make sure the voltage and frequency are stabile, then I bring each circuit on line and watch the power levels until they stabilize then add on until they are all running. I assumed I would eventually upgrade, but I doubt I am ever going to.

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I prepared for this though. Find your electrical waste and get rid of it first, it saves you fuel in an emergency and money everytime else. Every bulb has been replaced with high efficiency LED. My heat is oil fired hydronic. All my stoves are LP.

Most likely scenario but I'd still feel better if an electrician came and checked it out. It worries me because I'm trying to figure out why they have an RV outlet there instead of the much safer Inlet so if someone accidentally pulls the cord while the generator is running, the male ends don't short out or cause a shock. I hope the transfer switch is not rigged to to be energized (for his RV) when back on the grid. Maybe worth an hour of an electrician's time to come see it.

I was hoping to avoid that because it would involve a bunch of digging/underground conduits, plus a bunch of interior finish work.

But you are a voice of reason: if I really want to supply the house with 30A off a generator, I should probably just do it the right way (i.e., suck it up and pay the money).

EDIT:

Or put something like this outside and buy a long cable. Is something like that really weather proof? Snow, rain, freezing etc.?

That's good! L14-30 I am guessing? You will want one of these or an equivalent from a competetir. Depending on how far your run is, you're probably going to want to use 10AWG wire. If the wire is going to be exposed outside your house at all, you'll need either conduit or wire rated for outdoor (probably UF-B to account for sun and water). If the box will just be mounted on the side of your house, romex should do you.

> I have one. It's called a dryer outlet.

Power comes out of a dryer outlet. That's why it has holes.

Power goes into an inlet (hence the name). That's why it has prongs.

Does your dryer outlet look like this?

The fact that you don't understand this basic distinction does not fill me with confidence.

> It's also illegal to install a ceiling fan unless performed by a licensed electrician.

It varies by jurisdiction but homeowners are allowed to do some basic work themselves without a license. I'm not an electrician or a lawyer and (unlike you) I won't overstate my knowledge so I will not give you a definitive ruling re: ceiling fans.

> Last time I post in this sub wtf.

Bye, I'm not gonna miss your attitude.

edit: If you don't own your dwelling then you DEFINITELY should not be doing dangerous and blatantly illegal things with its electrical system. Not to mention, the landlord or other tenants (if any) may come by and injure/kill themselves, not knowing what you've done. I suppose that's the price one pays to run their TV without an extension cord.