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

Good quality construction, worked as it should and got me thru two hurricanes so far

Purchased in 2016, so it may be a bit different today. If you use #10 wires, easy—they worked when I tested them. The instructions indicate that 20 ft-lbs of torque are needed on the screws—this could be hard for some people to do with a screwdriver. I used #6 so that I could upgrade the connection to higher amps later if needed. You have to trim the #6 to make it work—the installation instructions indicate max of 8 gauge wire. The box is smaller than some of the other boxes and thus can be a tight fit, but it has standard size knockouts which allows a conduit to be fully attached for weatherproofing. The only thing I have noticed is that the foam seal on the hinged front cover has degraded in the last 9 years. (This is likely due to being next to a heat pump—electric motors emit O3 aka ozone and it attacks foam, etc.). Mine has the standoffs (Bumps or dimples) which offset it from the wall making the cover easier to install. It is a tight fit, especially if you are using larger gauge wiring than the 10 gauge minimum, but it is ‘doable’. Note: If you are DIY with this device, make sure to check local electrical codes. And, most importantly, use a transfer switch or a lockout on the breaker panel. You can kill a lineman working on the power lines if you do not do this. And, there are lots of firefighter made videos of idiots with generators improperly wired causing fires when the power turns back on, fries/melts/boils the generator windings that are sitting below a tank of gasoline. What could go wrong?

No dislikeFell right into placeWorks very well

Worked excellent for the generator install. No complaints.

Summary - This is a well built generator inlet box that is easy to install and use.Background - I purchased this box to go with gas powered generator (Briggs & Stratton Elite Series 30471 10,000 Watt Briggs & Stratton 2100 Series OHV Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wheel Kit), and a 30 AMP, 7500W generator cable (Reliance Controls PC3040 40-Feet 30-Amp L14-30 Generator Power Cord for Up to 7500-Watt Generators). I decided on 8/3 Romex to connect between the inlet box and the breaker panel. At the breaker panel, I decided on an Interlock Kit (available at my local super-box hardware store) rather than a manual transfer switch such as Reliance Controls 31410CRK Pro/Tran 10-Circuit 30 Amp Generator Transfer Switch Kit With Transfer Switch, 10-Foot Power Cord, And Power Inlet Box For Up To 7,500-Watt Generators. This allows me have more control over my panel and prevents any back-feed down the power lines. To let everyone know the power was back on, I also purchased a nifty little box that tells you power has returned, Reliance Controls THP108 PowerBack Utility Power Return Alert Home Monitoring Products, and a Baby Monitor (See my review of the power return alarm for that story!),Packaging - The packaging was adequate and protected the device in transit. The basics are included, but you will need to go an purchase mounting hardware, conduit nipple and nut, Romex, etc.Instructions - Clear and concise. I am a Home Handy-person and could see what needed to be done without issue.Construction - The box is painted metal with a spring-loaded plastic cover. A single screw on the front, lower,and center edge is all i takes to remove the front of the box to gain access to the back of the plug. There are multiple 3/4" punch outs for running the wire through, but I highly recommend a threaded electrical nipple and a nut to protect the Romex and prevent water intrusion. There are three mounting holes in a triangle configuration on the back of he enclosure for mounting.NOTE: Many places require a weather protected box if you plan on leaving the generator connected for long periods. This box will not satisfy that requirement in most localities. Check with the building department when you pull your permit.Installation - A screwdriver and a wire stripper/cutter was all it took in order to connect the Romex. Since the wire is thick, you will have to manage your wire lengths. This is more of a function of the wire inflexibility then the box. The ground wire was the most difficult since the factory installed internal wires were of a different gauge and you will need to take care that you have the wire clamp sufficiently torqued to grip both your wire and the supplied wire. Since I have dutch-lap siding, I also purchased a plate (I.E. - Arlington DBVR171-1 Outdoor Electrical-Box Adapter Plate for Existing Siding Retrofit Construction, Vertical, Dutch Lap) so that it was mounted flush on the wall with 3 1/2 inch stainless screws into the stud. I also used non-metallic conduit through the wall, again to protect the wire and prevent moisture intrusion. The job was done in 30 minutes or less.Use - Easy and simple. the plugs are keyed so my wife can set it up without instruction form me.Recommendation - I would recommend this product.

Very happy with the item. Works very well and will last.

We bought a generator to run to our breaker box for when the power went out. I wanted to have the generator setup in the backyard so I could lock our gate and keep the generator safe frombeing stolen or vandalized while running. I bought this so that I could run wire to our backyard to allow our generator to plug in where it eas located which was much cheaper than buying 75 foot power cord to run from the generator to the breaker box. It also allows me to disconnect and put up the generator when not in use.I attached a picture of the current setup. I recently bought a shed though that I am going to setup my generator to run inside it, so I will be moving this to my shed. This will also allow me to plug into this to have power in my shed via an L14-30 extension cord with 4 Power connections. Then if the power does go out, can just plug in the generator and turn off our main breaker to power our house.Perfect for many uses and look forward to our future setup.

Decided a couple years ago that I would install this as a backup power source option since I have a portable generator that can handle the load. Size, quality and design blends right into the color of the house.