Cord size for generator

[pixie.susan]

I hope I'm posting to the correct spot. I have a portable generator, Westinghouse WGen7500 (running) that I plug into the side of the house with a 4 prong plug. It's got its own panel inside the house so it's all wired to code.

It used to sit by where I plug it in but that's visible on a sort of busy street and someone tried to walk off with the generator. So now we are putting it behind the house and securing it. I need a 75' cord. When I look online the cord is almost the same cost as the generator was 3 years ago! I'm not sure what size I need cord-wise. The one I have now is a 10. The Generator manual says I need a 6. My handy guy says I can use an 8.

I have no idea if you need any other info. I only have 100 amp service at my house. The generator runs: water pump, water pressure tank, 2 small refrigerators, my heat (forced air by gas), and a light and outlet in 4 rooms. My house is tiny well under 1000 sq ft.

Thanks,

Susan

 

[DPG]

I hope I'm posting to the correct spot. I have a portable generator, Westinghouse WGen7500 (running) that I plug into the side of the house with a 4 prong plug. It's got its own panel inside the house so it's all wired to code.

It used to sit by where I plug it in but that's visible on a sort of busy street and someone tried to walk off with the generator. So now we are putting it behind the house and securing it. I need a 75' cord. When I look online the cord is almost the same cost as the generator was 3 years ago! I'm not sure what size I need cord-wise. The one I have now is a 10. The Generator manual says I need a 6. My handy guy says I can use an 8.

I have no idea if you need any other info. I only have 100 amp service at my house. The generator runs: water pump, water pressure tank, 2 small refrigerators, my heat (forced air by gas), and a light and outlet in 4 rooms. My house is tiny well under 1000 sq ft.

Thanks,

Susan

Didn't you already ask this on here? I'm sure Megawatt gave you an answer?

 

[pixie.susan]

Didn't you already ask this on here? I'm sure Megawatt gave you an answer?

Huh? Maybe I did. I'm getting old, I guess. I am doing a ton of prep for my daughter's wedding in a couple of weeks and we have a hurricane coming! I'm frazzled.

 

[pixie.susan]

Didn't you already ask this on here? I'm sure Megawatt gave you an answer?

Actually, I just looked it up, no he didn't give me an answer, he said "depending on what wire size you need." That's the problem I don't know what wire size I need. The manual puts it at 6, my handy guy said 8. My friend who is a boat captain and has installed tons of generators on boats said I could probably use a 10. So that's the problem I don't know. And I don't really know who's advice to take.

 

[DPG]

Huh? Maybe I did. I'm getting old, I guess. I am doing a ton of prep for my daughter's wedding in a couple of weeks and we have a hurricane coming! I'm frazzled.

Ah fair enough. Hope the hurricane doesn't affect you too badly.

 

[pixie.susan]

Ah fair enough. Hope the hurricane doesn't affect you too badly.

It's not until Monday morning so it has a chance to switch course a little. I hope so, fingers crossed. I don't need to get this squared away before then I can use the shorter 10 gauge cord I have now for next week but again then this generator sits in full view of the street!

 

[Megawatt]

Actually, I just looked it up, no he didn't give me an answer, he said "depending on what wire size you need." That's the problem I don't know what wire size I need. The manual puts it at 6, my handy guy said 8. My friend who is a boat captain and has installed tons of generators on boats said I could probably use a 10. So that's the problem I don't know. And I don't really know who's advice to take.

I know that this is a late reply but # 8 is fine since your plug is rated at 50 amps