Generator Power Bank

[sparkync]

I have a customer who wants to put a "30 amp generator inlet box" inside his house below his electrical panel. Eventually he is going to put in a "power bank", where the "inlet" is, and plug into it, then run a cord through his window outside to his gas generator. Right now his plans are: using a "120 volt generator plug adapter" to plug into the inside "inlet box", and run his cord through the window to his generator, just in case he has a power outage until he can get the "power bank".
When he gets his "solar power bank" installed, the outside generator will be used only for "recharging" his "power bank". I've never done one exactly like this. Can this be done according to Code, with the "inlet" placed inside the home, even though the generator will be outside? Thanks
And forgot to say, that a "inter-lock" device will be installed in his "electrical panel".

 

[tortuga]

I have a customer who wants to put a "30 amp generator inlet box" inside his house below his electrical panel. .... ///...Can this be done according to Code, with the "inlet" placeyourslefd inside the home, even though the generator will be outside?

"power bank" in code speak is a Energy Storage System (ESS), permenatly installled ones that do stand alone are covered by article 710.
A inlet with a mechanical interlock so when the main is off the feeder inet breaker can be switched on is a common thing and a smart idea, there is no code section prohibiting one indoors that I am aware of.
The code allows temp feeders for emergencies under article 590, the feeder can go to a generator or ESS.
The important part for the electrician to install is a interlock, I think newer versions of the code might require the interlocks to be UL listed.
I would verify the generator and ESS, do not have a ground - neutral bond, or its switchable or removable, so its not creating a separately derived system (SDS), or parallel neutral paths.

 

[ron]

NEC Section 702.5 nor Articles 445 or 705 do not seem to have a limitation on where the inlet can be.

 

[synchro]

In his post at the link below @don_resqcapt19 cited 702.12(B) for portable generators 15 kW or less as saying :
"The flanged inlet or other cord-and-plug-type connection shall be located outside of a building or structure."

2023 NEC on portable generator receptacle

On a recent Mike Holt Live Streaming it was highlighted that the 2023 NEC will not allow a receptacle for a portable generator to be installed inside the garage and that it had to be located outside the dwelling. They were concerned about the cord going out through the garage door and the door...

forums.mikeholt.com

You could put an inlet on the outside of the building and have it go to directly to a receptacle on the inside which the customer can plug into.
Then you could also have the inlet below the panel that the customer is asking for, because it won't need to be used for a portable generator. If the power pack is not available or not working, a cord can be connected between the inside inlet and the receptacle from the outside inlet


I think the main concern is possible carbon monoxide getting in through a building opening.

 

[ron]

In his post at the link below @don_resqcapt19 cited 702.12(B) for portable generators 15 kW or less as saying :
"The flanged inlet or other cord-and-plug-type connection shall be located outside of a building or structure."

2023 NEC on portable generator receptacle

On a recent Mike Holt Live Streaming it was highlighted that the 2023 NEC will not allow a receptacle for a portable generator to be installed inside the garage and that it had to be located outside the dwelling. They were concerned about the cord going out through the garage door and the door...

forums.mikeholt.com

You could put an inlet on the outside of the building and have it go to directly to a receptacle on the inside which the customer can plug into.
Then you could also have the inlet below the panel that the customer is asking for, because it won't need to be used for a portable generator. If the power pack is not available or not working, a cord can be connected between the inside inlet and the receptacle from the outside inlet


I think the main concern is possible carbon monoxide getting in through a building opening.

Great catch.

From the 2023 version
(B) Portable Generators 15 kW or Less.
Where a portable generator, rated 15 kW or less, is installed using a flanged inlet or other cord-and-plug-type connection, a disconnecting means shall not be required where ungrounded conductors serve or pass through a building or structure. The flanged inlet or other cord-and-plug-type connection shall be located outside of a building or structure.