The Best Generator Plug

This Old House Reviews Team

If you want to safely and effectively use a portable generator as a power source, you will need to purchase a generator plug. The This Old House Reviews Team has researched the best generator plugs on Amazon to suit your needs. Here are our top picks.

1 Best heavy-duty cord
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004NYAXK6

Conntek Generator Cord

 

What We Like: This cord is compatible with generators utilizing a NEMA 14-50R outlet. The female end of this generator plug locks in place to lower the risk of disconnecting while the generator is in use. The cord itself is made of 100% pure copper wires and covered with a thick, tear-proof coating.



2 Best three-plug cord
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008DIZYJS

Champion Power Tools Generator Extension Cord

 

What We Like: This generator plug is made from 10-gauge wire that is designed to withstand both high and low temperatures. The wire stays flexible even when exposed to extreme heat or cold. The bright yellow color increases the visibility of the wire so that you don’t trip over it.



3 Best 30-amp inlet box
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BQT47S

Reliance Controls Generator Power Inlet Box

 

What We Like: This box-style generator inlet box is compatible with 30-amp L14-30 generator cords and hard-wires into the wall of your home, preventing you from needing to run any cords through doors or windows. It is constructed with powder-coated steel for maximum durability outdoors.



4 Best 50-amp inlet box
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GLK5HJJ

WELLUCK 50 Amp Generator Inlet Box

 

What We Like: This generator inlet box is designed for use with 50-amp NEMA SS2-50 generator cords. The bright green LED indicator lets you know whether or not this generator plug is powered on and working properly. It comes with a rain-tight lid to protect the interior components from water, dust, and other elemental hazards.



5 Best adapter
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BHTVQS8

LeisureCords RV Generator Adapter

 

What We Like: The male end of this L14-30P adapter locks in place so you can be sure that your connection will remain secure. Plus, the bright green color scheme helps you keep track of this adapter and not lose track of it among your other tools.



 

Buying Guide

A generator plug allows you to regularly run your portable generator and have a backup source of power when you need it most. This buying guide covers important factors to consider when purchasing a generator plug.

  • Size/Length:Generator plugs can be small and compact or come in long, extension-cord style versions. Long extension cords generally range from 18 inches to 50 feet in length, with 25 feet being the most popular length.
  • Power:The power of a generator plug can be measured in either amps or watts. Common generator plug values include 30 or 50 amps as well as 7,500 or 12,500 watts.
  • Style:There are three popular types of generator plugs. Extension cords are several feet long and may have multiple plugs on each end. Adapters are much shorter, often only about a foot long, and are primarily designed to ensure generators can be plugged in wherever they are compatible. Finally, inlet boxes allow you to plug a generator into your home without risking dangerous emissions such as carbon monoxide inside your house.
  • Weight:Because they are fairly powerful, generator plugs can be heavy and bulky. You should consider how large and heavy your generator plug is before purchasing, especially if it is a long extension cord that you may need to carry around regularly.
  • Ends:A standard cord- or adapter-style generator plug has one male end and one female end. However, some may feature multiple plugs on either or both ends. Inlet boxes typically have only one plug, usually female.

 

 

FAQs

What can I use a portable generator for?

A portable generator is a backup source of power that can be used if your home loses power due to a thunderstorm or a damaged power line. It can also be used to power recreational vehicles (RVs) that may not have a consistent source of electrical power.

Can I install an inlet box myself?

If you are installing an inlet box on the outside of your home, you should do so very carefully. An inlet box has an important safety function, as it prevents portable generators from releasing carbon monoxide and other toxic fumes into your home. If you are concerned, you may wish to have a professional install your inlet box instead.

Can I use my generator plug outdoors?

Yes, you can. Generator plugs are designed to be water- and weatherproof and can be safely used outside. Some, such as inlet boxes, are exclusively designed for outdoor use and should not be used indoors.

 

Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team

This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.

We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.

 

 

The This Old House Reviews Team provides overviews of select products that are top-selling on Amazon and/or popular in consumer searches. Our team evaluates the products based on industry research, consumer reviews, pricing data, hands-on testing in select cases, and other objective criteria unique to a given product line. Unless otherwise noted, these product reviews are intended to help inform buying decisions for DIY or other non-pro users only. Editor’s picks are made by members of the This Old House Reviews Team.

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