8g wire question

ponykilr

ponykilr

Chicken Rancher
Joined
Apr 26, 2021
Location
Lowgap
@Ron maybe?

8g stranded from my breaker to my welder outlet in my shop.

What I would like to do is add a generator input box on the same breaker.

If I add a junction box is there an approved way to splice 8g? (3 wires in a wire nut seems 😶‍🌫️ with 8g)

I don’t believe either the gennie input box or 240v welder outlet is capable of handling two 8g wires per terminal.

Suggestions?
 
DON'T USE BLUE WIRE NUTS! At my shop they have 2 uses - 1) for grounds and 2) for pink slips.

Either use a split bolt and properly insulate it...OR better use a "polaris" connector.

This is in no way an endorsement of what you propose. In fact Id specifically discourage you from doing this. There is high potential to injure someone if you dont properly isolate the main when running a gen.
But assuming you are competent in isolating the main - a polaris lug (trade term - personally I prefer both brundy and ilsco to polaris brand) will make the tap for you.

Something like this would do what you are describing safely.

3-Port Black Multi-Tap Pre-Insulated Connector, 2/0 AWG - 14 AWG

Polaris Black Multi-Tap Connectors form secure connections between multiple conductors with a rounded design and UV-resistant insulation coating. Installs with a hex key and torque wrench, with no need for cover and taping.
nsiindustries.com nsiindustries.com
 
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I fully understand generator operation and know the dangers.

Thanks for the suggestion 🙂
 
What I did when I was in this situation years ago was put together a generator cable that plugged into the welder receptacle. Per the above you need to know what you are doing and how to use it but it worked until I installed a permanent standby machine and did a manual transfer interlock in the load center.
 
OnlyOneDR said:
What I did when I was in this situation years ago was put together a generator cable that plugged into the welder receptacle. Per the above you need to know what you are doing and how to use it but it worked until I installed a permanent standby machine and did a manual transfer interlock in the load center.
Click to expand...
I likewise used a ‘cord of death’…super easy if you are smart and careful…and super dangerous if not
 
To clarify, my current generator input is at the house and I want to move it to the shop for better noise regulation. I have been using it forever and know the ropes.
 
And to make sure I'm not coming off like an ass - unintentionally - I wasn't suggesting @ponykilr didnt or couldnt hook up a gen. One thing I am always cognizant of is anything said on here can be potentially read by anyone worldwide even years in the future. Anytime something safety related comes up I always write from that perspective. Not talking to a specific person but any future person who may read this.

That combined with 25 years in the power gen industry and having attended the funeral of 2 friends/co-workers who died on the job from errors made by others, the shit just hits different....and I dont ever want to think that someone out there reads something I wrote and then hurts themself or others.
 
My next route of consideration. A light comes on if it detects grid power is back up

During helene I cut the main power, and split two 30a gen cords across 4 outlets on 4 different circuits. Took 5min to deploy
1755870554613.png
 
After further thought, I plan to buy a tandem 2 pole breaker to replace the current one and just run a new 8-3 to a gennie input.

Not sure why I didn’t think of this originally but it solves all issues.
 
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