Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Bob Faulkner]

Has anyone used (or is using) these generator splitter cords that sometimes get used on the 30amp (120/240) 3-prong or 4-prong receptacles?

Sort of like this (certainly not as long):
https://www.homedepot.com/p/FIRMAN-25-ft-125-Volt-30-Amp-L5-30P-to-3-Multi-Directional-5-20R-Outlets-Generator-Power-Extension-Cord-with-Storage-Strap-1105/315517895

About every 2 years, I end up doing a small show where someone has a 5KW or 7KW gasoline generator (sometimes an inverter) to power audio and lighting.  With these generators, there's always a "suspect" electrical splitter cable plugged into one of the 30 amp (120, 120/240) receptacles for us to use.  It's either a home-made one or a "factory" one that has been used to pull a car out of mud.  There's usually not enough power from the 15/20amp receptacles for everything.

I'm considering just getting my own splitter cables and using those instead of what is usually provided.  I sampled some splitters at the big box stores... they didn't feel right.  The blades seemed too thin and the build quality did not appear good.  Though, if this is the way these cords are, and they function good... then I may pick up a couple.  These would probably only be used once a year (at best).

Any recommendations for a generator splitter cable (for occasional use)?  I'm not ruling out a more professional solution, but wanted to make sure I'm not being too critical of the big-box offerings.

[Brian Jojade]

The factory molded stuff never seems to be of the same caliber of higher quality plugs.  I've seen them do things like use 2 layers of metal for the plug instead of a solid piece.  Functionally they would be the same, but the 2 layer design is much easier to bend out of shape.  They also may use a different mix of metal, as again cheaper ones bend easier.

If you take care of the connectors, that part probably won't matter.

For the unit you linked to, it looks like there are breakers on each of the outputs which would make it a legit connector.  Keep in mind that the 3 pin connector is 30 amps at 120 volts TOTAL.  You don't magically get 3 20 amp circuits this way.

The 4 pin conductor would be 2 120v legs at 30 amps, or 60 amps total of 120v circuits.  Twice as much as the 3 pin wire.

Interestingly enough, they offer one of the cables for the 4 pin wire: https://www.homedepot.com/p/FIRMAN-25-ft-125-Volt-30-Amp-L14-30P-to-Four-20-Amp-5-20R-Fan-Style-Generator-Power-Extension-Cord-with-Storage-Strap-1120/315517896

However, it appears that there are only 2 breakers on this unit. That would mean that the breaker would need to be a 20 amp breaker for the 20 amp plug, or they are cheating and putting a larger than 20 amp breaker and sharing it between the 2 plugs.

Quite honestly though, I'd simply go the route of a proper distro. I have a 50 amp distro that gets used at venues that have 240 power available.  Simply make an adaptor that fits the plug for the generator and you're done.  Now you're covered for every scenario.

Note, it's OK to plug a larger distro into the smaller generator, as those plugs should have overload protection on them.  You just need to be mindful of your total load.  Adding current meters to your distro is super inexpensive and handy if you're at all concerned about that.

[Bob Faulkner]

Thanks Brian.  You are right about the low quality of the blades; 2 layers instead of a one solid piece -sigh-.  I am mostly dis-enchanted with the big-box stores, but sometimes, they may have something that actually works.  For the size of the events where I would need a splitter, a 3-pin 30amp would probably be adequate; a 4-pin would be better.

I have a Motion Labs Rac Pac (50amp) in my larger PA rack.  It works perfect for the larger shows (with Diesel generators), but with these smaller gigs, I'm having a hard time justifying an expense for something I may use once a year (I'm getting cheap in my old age), which is why I'm looking at splitters.   I thought about using the Rac Pac, but it would be a lot of work removing it and re-installing it and I don't have a "traveling rack" for it.  Thanks for the link!  I wish these stores carried more "solutions" in stock so I could handle/check them.

[Chris Hindle]

Thanks Brian.  You are right about the low quality of the blades; 2 layers instead of a one solid piece -sigh-.  I am mostly dis-enchanted with the big-box stores, but sometimes, they may have something that actually works.  For the size of the events where I would need a splitter, a 3-pin 30amp would probably be adequate; a 4-pin would be better.

I have a Motion Labs Rac Pac (50amp) in my larger PA rack.  It works perfect for the larger shows (with Diesel generators), but with these smaller gigs, I'm having a hard time justifying an expense for something I may use once a year (I'm getting cheap in my old age), which is why I'm looking at splitters.   I thought about using the Rac Pac, but it would be a lot of work removing it and re-installing it and I don't have a "traveling rack" for it.  Thanks for the link!  I wish these stores carried more "solutions" in stock so I could handle/check them.

Bob, is this "splitter" something a Generator House may have as a rental item?
Once or twice a rear, right?
Chris.

[Bob Faulkner]

Bob, is this "splitter" something a Generator House may have as a rental item?
Once or twice a rear, right?
Chris.

Hey Chris - I would assume a generator house would have that.  Though, the generators used at these events are always provided by someone from the event; I'm not sure where they are getting them.  I'm sure some have been personal generators.   I'm tempted just to get my own cord and bring them with me to the event(s), instead of renting.  I think it would be cheaper to own than rent for something like a cord.

[Chris Hindle]

Hey Chris - I would assume a generator house would have that.  Though, the generators used at these events are always provided by someone from the event; I'm not sure where they are getting them.  I'm sure some have been personal generators.   I'm tempted just to get my own cord and bring them with me to the event(s), instead of renting.  I think it would be cheaper to own than rent for something like a cord.

Loud and clear Bob. In my mechanics days, if I had to borrow something more than once, i had to buy it.
I thought if a Genny House sent it out, it would be more "substantial"  (and expensive) than the Big Box version. It wouldn't hurt to be known at one of these places on the day(s) you need some REAL power.
Chris.

[Dave Garoutte]

I prefer to supply my own genny on the smaller gigs.  Then I have more control over the whole power chain, plus I get to charge for that too.

[Brian Jojade]

Bob, is this "splitter" something a Generator House may have as a rental item?
Once or twice a rear, right?
Chris.

Chances are, rental houses would provide a spider box that has a higher rental cost than buying one of these cheap cables.

At under $100, even using once or twice a year, I'd buy before renting. Just the hassle of picking up and dropping off a rental is worth the $100. (less because rental fee too)

There are commercially made units that are a little nicer.  This one looks more substantial, using traditional outlets and GFCI, although it's limited to 2 20 amp circuits.

LINKY

You can also build your own unit (if your electrical inspector still allows it, and let's be honest, if you're using a 5Kw generator, it's unlikely an inspector will be at the event.)

The cost to build your own would be similar to the pre-packaged kit, but you can build it to your own standards.  If you can find used parts, it might be close to nothing.

Here's a neat design I found at a rental house.  Clearly not a commercially built production piece, but would be perfect for this scenario with a unique design.

https://proenergy.ca/product/power-distribution-spider-box-30-amp-2/

[Paul G. OBrien]

Any recommendations for a generator splitter cable (for occasional use)? 

I have 2 of these... https://www.homedepot.com/p/Champion-Power-Equipment-25-ft-NEMA-L14-30P-to-4x-5-20R-Generator-Cord-in-Yellow-48043/303700045

The reason I got these initially was because the 120v outlets on rental generators are often in pretty bad shape and even if they weren't it's not possible to get the full capacity of the genset through them. So far they have been great even used one at an indoor event on NYE as the facility had pair of L14-30 R's installed on stage, and that was good because the 120v recepticales there are so worn the cables just fall out under thier own weight.

[Bob Faulkner]

Loud and clear Bob. In my mechanics days, if I had to borrow something more than once, i had to buy it.
I thought if a Genny House sent it out, it would be more "substantial"  (and expensive) than the Big Box version. It wouldn't hurt to be known at one of these places on the day(s) you need some REAL power.
Chris.

Exactly!

I prefer to supply my own genny on the smaller gigs.  Then I have more control over the whole power chain, plus I get to charge for that too.

If I had a Diesel genny, I would be using it every time!

Chances are, rental houses would provide a spider box that has a higher rental cost than buying one of these cheap cables.

At under $100, even using once or twice a year, I'd buy before renting. Just the hassle of picking up and dropping off a rental is worth the $100. (less because rental fee too)

There are commercially made units that are a little nicer.  This one looks more substantial, using traditional outlets and GFCI, although it's limited to 2 20 amp circuits.

LINKY

You can also build your own unit (if your electrical inspector still allows it, and let's be honest, if you're using a 5Kw generator, it's unlikely an inspector will be at the event.)

The cost to build your own would be similar to the pre-packaged kit, but you can build it to your own standards.  If you can find used parts, it might be close to nothing.

Here's a neat design I found at a rental house.  Clearly not a commercially built production piece, but would be perfect for this scenario with a unique design.

https://proenergy.ca/product/power-distribution-spider-box-30-amp-2/

Damn!!  How did I forget about those CEP boxes!??  Thanks for the link. 

I'm going to have to take a look into the 30amp 120/240 option (maybe the dead end boxes); this would work well for all of the smaller shows.  "By once, cry once"... I have no problem with that.  Any event needing something larger would be managed by a Diesel genny with a 50amp service.  If I need to use my Rac Pac, they provide the power.

I have 2 of these... https://www.homedepot.com/p/Champion-Power-Equipment-25-ft-NEMA-L14-30P-to-4x-5-20R-Generator-Cord-in-Yellow-48043/303700045

The reason I got these initially was because the 120v outlets on rental generators are often in pretty bad shape and even if they weren't it's not possible to get the full capacity of the genset through them. So far they have been great even used one at an indoor event on NYE as the facility had pair of L14-30 R's installed on stage, and that was good because the 120v recepticales there are so worn the cables just fall out under thier own weight.

Exactly... with the 120V limited power and torn up receptacles!  Thanks for the link.

This is why I started looking for a solution that I can manage without spending too much.  Question:  For the cable you are using (in the link), are those solid blade pins on the 4-pin connector?  Some that I have seen (and what was referenced before), reflected non-solid pins, but actually 2 thinner blades folded over to make one large blade; I'm trying to only consider solid blades.
Thanks.

[ProSoundWeb Community]