50 Amp cord service feed to "tiny house" mobile home

[synergy67]

I'm helping a friend wire a tiny mobile house she built. I've been having a hard time finding information on my options for installing the 50A inlet. Namely, I'd like to set an inlet flush into the siding in my own junction box, but the only configurations and parts I can find for this are prebuilt generator type assemblies such as this popular (but undersized) Reliance power inlet box:

http://www.reliancecontrols.com/ProductDetail.aspx?PB50

Or better quality inlets that appear to only work with boats/RVs already built to accommodate these kinds of inlets with (I assume) prebuilt junction boxes behind them:

http://www.cn-supplyinc.com/servlet/the-497/Hubbell-50-amp-125-fdsh-250V/Detail
http://www.rvpartsmarket.com/50A-125250V-Standard-RV-Power-Inlet_p_2959.html

Is there a way I can build a flush assembly on my own j-box with some kind of WP cover, or what is a recommended setup for this application? I've found a surprising hole in the information I can find on this topic. Everything seems geared towards RVs, boats, and generators, or mobile homes which were prebuilt by a manufacturer with no information on how the inlet is set up.

I also could use a recommendation for a quality 25-30' 50A SOOW cable with CS6364 connector at the house end and NEMA 14-50P at the plug in end, like this one:

http://www.conntek.com/products.asp?id=711

Code section on mobile homes says the cord actually must be stamped "for mobile home use" (!!) I don't think a lot of these generator cables and RV cables have that stamped on them.

Obviously, I'm unfamiliar with this entire setup, as I've never worked on a mobile or "tiny house" before, and after reading up on code, etc, and searching online and talking to others, I've never had so much difficulty figuring out what my options are. Namely, going through parts distributors, I seem to have none, other than prebuilt, surface-mounting generator inlet type assemblies.

Any help or advice would be highly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[augie47]

IF this is going to be in an area where inspection is required the first thing I would do is check with the AHJ concerning the entire project. I see red flags flying.

 

[DrSparks]

You need two read all of article 550 of the NEC. I doubt you will be able to pass an inspection. you would have to have the entire structure reviewed by an electrical engineer. also your state Building Code probably has very specific and specifications for manufactured homes.

 

[Strombea]

I would just put in a small panel inside the house if it doesn't already have one to distribute power accordingly. Put a 4" x 4" post outside the house with a J box with 50amp (cord or conduit) IN and conduit OUT to the panel, 50amp doesn't need any more than 1" pvc conduit.

http://inspectapedia.com/electric/Panel_Leaks_080_RH.jpg

... but no meter

 

[growler]

I'm helping a friend wire a tiny mobile house she built.

IF this is going to be in an area where inspection is required the first thing I would do is check with the AHJ concerning the entire project. I see red flags flying.

Just saying that you are building a mobile house is not a very good description of what you are building. Is this to be a travel trailer (RV) or home for someone to live in on private property or a mobile home park? When you say mobile that gives the impression that someone is going to move it around. A travel trailer needs a tag but a mobile home needs a permit just to move it. Is this mobile house ever going to need to go on a public road? Augie is right when he says to contact the AHJ for information but you need to understand what you are building to start with. The state may allow a builders title for an RV but you would need to know what's required.Is this mobile (whatever) being built from scratch ( from the ground up) or is there an existing vehicle that already has a title and just needs repaired?

 

[__dan]

The only problem I see is going from flush mount to surface mount. Flush mount I would see as a problem because of the large cut opening of the building envelope, siding and insulation, which is an indicator of problems with heat loss, condensation, leaks. I would definitely go with a surface mount connector box.

The other problems posted above relate to zoning, not necessarily building code. It can be very easy to comply with building code but zoning may prohibit "residential occupancy" of otherwise conforming structures, trailers ... Building codes typically have an exemption for structures under 200 sq ft but zoning would make illegal, occupancy of such a building or trailer.

You want a "tiny home" for personal use and not for commercial sale, rent, or over the road travel. People put them on wheels to beat the town on the real estate property tax, compared to personal property tax, but you may be able to do the same just by having it up on blocks and not attached to the earth (portable storage container / building).

You want what everyone else wants but the town does not want to get beat out of its property tax, so it is made illegal in the zoning code, not the building code. It's politics, it could be something the town does not want happening, so they will find a way to stop it.