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Using V2L to backfeed power panel using a Nema L14-30P power inlet box.

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generator v2l
2.9K views 7 replies 5 participants last post by  Original Kopite  
Just posting this to assist anyone who has (or wants) the same setup which I have.

I have a Reliance PB30 power inlet box in my garage which connects to a 30 amp double pole breaker
in my main power panel. This is a 4-wire Nema L14-30P connection intended for use with a generator.
There is an interlock kit at the panel to provide safety so that the generator breaker cannot be on at
the same time as the main power breaker.

I attempted to connect my EV6 V2L adapter to my generator circuit using an additional adapter to switch
the standard Nema 5-15P over to a Nema L14-30R which can connect to the power inlet box. This failed
even though there was no load on the generator circuit (all breakers off except the generator breaker).
When connected, the EV6 complained of an overload situation and V2L would shut off immediately.

After watching a couple of YouTube videos I then tried to combine two adapters into one to see if that
might work. I had a Nema 5-15P - Nema L5-30R connected to a Nema L5-30P - Nema L14-30R. This
hybrid adapter made no difference to the situation.

I then realized that these adapters were in fact bridging the hot connector of the V2L onto both of the hots
in the L14-30 and this turned out to be the cause of my problems.

I purchased a good 12 gauge extension cord, chopped off the socket end and wired my own L14-30R
connector onto it with only one hot wire connected. This worked fine for me with one extra condition. I had
to make sure that I oriented my 5-15P so that it connected to the lower of the two ground pins on the V2L
adapter. Not sure why but V2L refused to power on if I reversed that plug.

Of course, only half of my circuits in the panel can receive power like this and so a little reorganization
was needed to get power to the most useful breakers. This is a pretty good solution and a lot cheaper
than a dedicated switch panel which has a higher cost and a more complex installation.

Hope this helps if you are working on or planning something similar. Good luck.
Many of us have already installed a switch made for this purpose.
Just posting this to assist anyone who has (or wants) the same setup which I have.

I have a Reliance PB30 power inlet box in my garage which connects to a 30 amp double pole breaker
in my main power panel. This is a 4-wire Nema L14-30P connection intended for use with a generator.
There is an interlock kit at the panel to provide safety so that the generator breaker cannot be on at
the same time as the main power breaker.

I attempted to connect my EV6 V2L adapter to my generator circuit using an additional adapter to switch
the standard Nema 5-15P over to a Nema L14-30R which can connect to the power inlet box. This failed
even though there was no load on the generator circuit (all breakers off except the generator breaker).
When connected, the EV6 complained of an overload situation and V2L would shut off immediately.

After watching a couple of YouTube videos I then tried to combine two adapters into one to see if that
might work. I had a Nema 5-15P - Nema L5-30R connected to a Nema L5-30P - Nema L14-30R. This
hybrid adapter made no difference to the situation.

I then realized that these adapters were in fact bridging the hot connector of the V2L onto both of the hots
in the L14-30 and this turned out to be the cause of my problems.

I purchased a good 12 gauge extension cord, chopped off the socket end and wired my own L14-30R
connector onto it with only one hot wire connected. This worked fine for me with one extra condition. I had
to make sure that I oriented my 5-15P so that it connected to the lower of the two ground pins on the V2L
adapter. Not sure why but V2L refused to power on if I reversed that plug.

Of course, only half of my circuits in the panel can receive power like this and so a little reorganization
was needed to get power to the most useful breakers. This is a pretty good solution and a lot cheaper
than a dedicated switch panel which has a higher cost and a more complex installation.

Hope this helps if you are working on or planning something similar. Good luck.
Check this thread:

Many in use on this forum already.

https://www.kiaevforums.com/threads...eads/i-installed-and-wired-a-natures-generator-transfer-switch.7313/#post-94696