When choosing a portable generator, you need to make sure it includes all the necessary plugs and receptacles. This will avoid a number of problems down the road.
The receptacles and plugs should be rated for the power output of your generator, as well as compatible with any other appliance or plug. This will ensure the safety of your family and equipment.
UL/CSA Switch-Rated Plugs and Receptacles
UL/CSA switch-rated plugs and receptacles are a simple, safe and cost-effective way to connect, disconnect and de-energize equipment. They are ideal for equipment changeouts and can be used in many different industries, including construction, transportation, utilities, and more.
In addition to being NFPA 70E compliant, switch-rated devices have built-in provisions for lockout/tagout. They also meet NEC and CSA “line of sight” disconnect requirements, as well as’motor circuit’ and ‘branch circuit’ disconnect switching standards.
They also feature a dead-front design to reduce the need for arc flash protection boundaries, cumbersome PPE and safety barriers. This allows workers to make and break electrical connections without a licensed electrician on site.
Bell’s Brewery, a craft brewery located in Comstock, MI, is one of the first companies to upgrade to Meltric DECONTACTOR(tm) Series switch-rated plugs and receptacles. They chose them to reduce installation costs and increase production efficiency while improving worker safety with simplified lockout/tagout procedures.
NEMA 5-20R
A portable generator plug is a device that delivers electricity to an outlet. It comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. This allows for a wider range of uses and provides more flexibility than traditional outlets.
The most common plugs and receptacles are flat or cylindrical connectors, banana connectors, and automobile auxiliary power outlets. They are typically used to feed small devices, batteries and electronics (including sensitive devices).
They also serve as a backup power source for homes and businesses during power outages. They can be installed safely with a few simple safety measures.
These include a power cord with multiple outlets, a surge protector, and a GFCI protection switch. A surge protector can protect your appliances from power surges, while a GFCI can protect your home from dangerous voltage spikes.
A NEMA 5-20R plug is one of the most common household outlets. It is rated for 120 V/20 A and can deliver power of up to 2400 W.
NEMA 5-20P
Portable generators are a great way to provide electrical power to your home or office during an emergency. But they are not without their drawbacks. One of these is the lack of receptacles, or outlets, on many models.
To avoid these inconveniences, be sure to purchase your generator with a sufficient number of outlets. This will not only prevent you from having to move your generator closer to your appliances and power sources, it will also save you money on cords and plug adapters in the long run.
When shopping for receptacles, it is important to note the NEMA number, which will determine what type of plug you need to use. The NEMA numbers range from 1 to 30 and define a variety of different types of connectors, depending on voltage, amperage, phasing, grounding and the number of wires/prongs.
NEMA 14-50
NEMA 14-50 is a NEMA rated 50A receptacle that can be used for portable generators, RVs and off-the-grid applications. The receptacle is primarily suited for powering appliances in remote locations, such as campers or boats.
The NEMA 14-50 outlet is also commonly used to power electrical clothes dryers and electric cooking ranges. This outlet is backward compatible with NEMA 10 devices, and is also suitable for charging EVs.
There are several types of 12V DC connectors that can be found in portable generators, ranging from flat or cylindrical connectors to banana or automobile auxiliary power outlets. Although they may appear to be identical, these connectors vary significantly in voltage and current.
Many portable generators also come with a USB port that can be used to charge small electronics and batteries, such as phones or tablets. However, not all portable generators have USB ports that are compatible with the same USB devices. This may cause your portable generator to not function properly or even cause damage to your electronic devices.
