Best option to run generator line

[ara777]

Hi all,

I just joined this forum as I was embarking on few projects at home, and loved what I saw in the different threads!

I am in the process of adding a generator inlet box to my house and had a few questions. I'll start with one of them which is about running the 50A wire outside the home from the inlet box to the point of entry in to the house.

In my situation I'd like to run the generator at the back of the house. The most convenient place to get the power in to the house is near the power meter, which is on the side of the house. I have been deliberating between 2 options (attached pic for visual reference).
Option #1 - Having the inlet box right at the power meter and using a long power cord from the generator.
Option #2 - Having the inlet box also in the back of the house and run permanent line run to the point of entry in to the house near the power meter. Then use just a short power cord from the generator.

Is there a technically preferred difference between these 2 options?

If I am to do option 2, is it ok to run the conduit along the seam of the foundation wall and siding or should it be buried? The grade is about 2 ft below this level throughout, and I felt mounting the conduit on the foundation brick is fine. But, I will defer to the recommendation here.

~Ara

 

[Megawatt]

Hi all,

I just joined this forum as I was embarking on few projects at home, and loved what I saw in the different threads!

I am in the process of adding a generator inlet box to my house and had a few questions. I'll start with one of them which is about running the 50A wire outside the home from the inlet box to the point of entry in to the house.

In my situation I'd like to run the generator at the back of the house. The most convenient place to get the power in to the house is near the power meter, which is on the side of the house. I have been deliberating between 2 options (attached pic for visual reference).
Option #1 - Having the inlet box right at the power meter and using a long power cord from the generator.
Option #2 - Having the inlet box also in the back of the house and run permanent line run to the point of entry in to the house near the power meter. Then use just a short power cord from the generator.

Is there a technically preferred difference between these 2 options?

If I am to do option 2, is it ok to run the conduit along the seam of the foundation wall and siding or should it be buried? The grade is about 2 ft below this level throughout, and I felt mounting the conduit on the foundation brick is fine. But, I will defer to the recommendation here.

~Ara

I’m not quite sure what you mean about the meter but I think option # 2 would be best for you. It’s fine to run the conduit on the brick or bury it at least 18 inches. The power company doesn’t like people tampering with the meter. You could go to jail. You are fine if your no going to open the meter. Let us know how it works out.

 

[ara777]

I’m not quite sure what you mean about the meter but I think option # 2 would be best for you. It’s fine to run the conduit on the brick or bury it at least 18 inches. The power company doesn’t like people tampering with the meter. You could go to jail. You are fine if your no going to open the meter. Let us know how it works out.

Sorry for the confusion. I didn't mean tampering with the meter. I have a finished basement and the only convenient place the run a wire to the panel is to go in through the header joist somewhere close to the location of the meter. Likely about 1-2 ft away from it. Thanks for the response!

 

[Megawatt]

Sorry for the confusion. I didn't mean tampering with the meter. I have a finished basement and the only convenient place the run a wire to the panel is to go in through the header joist somewhere close to the location of the meter. Likely about 1-2 ft away from it. Thanks for the response!

Your welcome and good luck