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PORTABLE GENERATOR RECEPTACLES: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
Navigating power outlets, interchangeably also receptacles or sockets, occasionally connectors.
Life would be much easier if there was just a single universal electrical outlet but unfortunately, that’s not the case. This article aims to cover everything you need to know about power outlets as a portable generator owner.
This article will introduce to you how outlets are classified and then learn about the types of outlets that you will want to familiar with if you own, or plan on buying a portable generator. To top it off, this article will introduce some key safety features which you should keep in mind when operating a portable generator.
Why isn't there a simply a single universal outlet?
If you take a look at some of the many generators on the market, you’ll find that they are equipped with multiple receptacles. As you may suspect, these receptacles are used to draw power from the generator and deliver it to the appliances which you wish to power.
Annoyingly, not all generators have the same number or even kind of receptacles. Thus, to avoid major inconveniences, a generator owner must know which and how many outlets he’ll need before making a purchase. Likewise, if you already own a portable generator, you should know which outlets it’s equipped with and which you may be missing. It is also helpful to know what they’re for, how they are rated, their cross-compatibility with different plugs and how they may be adapted. That's what we do Getwiredusa.com has been helping frustrated consumers break free from retail sales associates that want to sell you a whole generator, by providing simple solutions and advice on adapters.
Having more than one outlet on a generator is not a cosmetic choice. Indeed, different designs of outlets have a practical purpose – to most effectively deliver power to the appliances which they are intended for, which is reflected in their wiring schemes. Luckily however, there are often solutions that allow you to adapter these outlets on your portable generator to suite other needs. We can help you find the right adapter when its practical and advise you about when it is not practical and how to rethink a solution for your power needs.
The choice of AC receptacles and plugs is narrowed down by NEMA standards, which ensure that every company doesn’t make their own outlets and leave the consequences of such mess up to you. (Note that NEMA is a trade association, not a governmental body. However, regulatory standards adopt their classification.)
AC Receptacles & Portable Generators
NEMA 5 Connectors 120 V or is it 125V?
NEMA 5 plugs and receptacles are three-wire (hot-neutral-ground) grounding devices rated for maximum voltage of 125 V, though they are commonly referred to as 120 V plugs/sockets, since that is their usual nominal voltage. (If you encounter sources that refer to such connecters as 125V instead of 120V, just know they are talking about the same thing.)
NEMA 1 plugs are upwards compatible with NEMA 5 receptacles, however, the opposite is not true for NEMA 5 plugs. Both NEMA 1 and NEMA 5 connectors have the same shape and rating, but unlike NEMA 5, NEMA 1 connectors are not grounded (consult manufacturer of respective appliances before you plug any of these in).
Stiff have questions? Learn more
The following is an overview of AC receptacles which are employed in portable generators. Please note that this is far from a complete list of the existing and commonly used household and industrial connectors.
From the left, NEMA 5-20R GFCI duplex, 5-20P plug, and 1-15P plug (note that NEMA 1 and NEMA 5 analogs differ only by a grounding pin).
NEMA 5-20R Outlets
NEMA 5-20R is the common household outlet for 120 V/20 A. It can provide power of up to 2400 W.
The standard NEMA 5-20R outlet can accept both NEMA 5-15P and 5-20P plugs, though you may rarely find 5-20R receptacles with modified slots, which are limited only to NEMA 5-20P plugs.
Same applies to upwards compatible NEMA 1 plugs. NEMA 5-20R outlets usually come in duplexes, which always share a single circuit breaker and may also have a shared GFCI protection.
NEMA L5-30R & L5-20R Outlets
NEMA L5-20R and L5-30R are twist-lock equipped 120 V/20A and 120 V/30A outlets, respectively. Following the same order, they can provide power of up to 2400 W and 3600 W. NEMA L5-30R receptacles are often found in docks and campsites, where they are used to connect vessels (boats, RVs, etc.) to shore power. Although some RVs are equipped exclusively with NEMA TT-30R outlets, NEMA L5-30R can still be used to power them with a suitable adapter.
Both NEMA L5-30R and L5-20R are also utilized in extension cords, e.g., for lawn mowers or hedge trimmers, where they protect from accidental disconnection, moisture, etc.
NEMA TT-30R Outlets
NEMA TT-30R is a modified NEMA 5-30R receptacle, widely employed in RVs and trailers, for 120 V/30A. It can provide power of up to 3600 W. Generators equipped with these receptacles are considered RV Ready.
As mentioned above, NEMA L5-30, 5-30 and TT-30 connectors can be all interfaced using a suitable adapter
NEMA 14-50R Outlets
NEMA 14-50R is a 120/240V, 50A receptacle. It can provide power of up to 12,000 W.
The outlet is quite commonly utilized to power demanding appliances, such as electric cooking ranges.
NEMA 14-50 connectors are also used to power large RVs which are beyond the scope of NEMA TT-30 connectors.
NEMA L14-30R and L14-20R Outlets
NEMA L14-30R and L14-20R are twist-lock equipped 120/240V, 30A and 120/240V, 20A receptacles, respectively. In the same order, they can provide power of up to 7200 W or 4800 W.
NEMA L14-30 connectors are commonly used to power household appliances which require 240 V and to hook up home backup generators to transfer switches. On the other hand, NEMA L14-20 connectors are rarely encountered. Note that both connectors can be interfaced with their non-twist-locked counterparts by an appropriate adapter.
NEMA SS2-50R Outlets
NEMA SS2-50R is a twist-lock equipped 120/240V, 50A receptacle. It is somewhat rare in portable generators, though quite widely utilized to hook up boats to shore power.
Given their specs, NEMA SS2-50 connectors are adaptable to NEMA 14-50 connectors.
The Honda EB10000 is one of the rare portable generators that feature this outlet.
12V DC Receptacles
12V DC connectors come in various shapes and sizes. The image to the left shows 3 different types of 12 V DC receptacles frequently found on portable generators. Some connectors which are commonly employed for use with portable generators are flat or cylindrical connectors, banana connectors, and sometimes even 12 V automobile auxiliary power outlets. Such connectors can be used to power and charge small devices, batteries and electronics (including sensitive devices such as phones or laptops).
Note that the design of DC connectors is quite inconsistent and even connectors which are at first sight identical may utilize different pin design, length and diameter. Moreover, 12 V DC connectors may vary significantly in supplied current. Refer to user manuals for exact specs of the connector to ensure that your devices are compatible.
DC 5 Volt USB Ports
Over the past few years, portable generators have thankfully adopted the practice of including USB ports in their control panels. Given that most DC-powered electronics are USB compatible, this solves most issues with DC outlet compatibility.
However, even USB ports may differ significantly in the amps they provide. Most devices tolerate 1.0A current. However, it is common to encounter USB outlets which supply a current of 2.1A and higher, which is not necessarily compatible with some small devices with old circuitry, e.g., vape pens, wireless headphones, etc. This may result in your devices refusing to charge, or charging at ridiculously low speeds.
Given the current trends in USB charger technology, the same may soon apply to the supplied voltage, as even 5 V USB chargers are being replaced by higher-voltage devices.
Parallel Ports
Inverter generators quite often feature so-called parallel ports. These are, as their name suggests, used to hook up two or more generators in parallel, to increase the power supplied to a circuit.
Generators with parallel ports are labeled as “parallel capable”. However, a parallel kit which includes all the parts required for a parallel setup is often not included in the package and thus must be purchased separately (you can find this information in our generator datasheets).
Proprietary Outlets
Some generators include additional proprietary ports for various accessories, which are often designed uniquely for a model or a series.
The best examples of these proprietary outlets are outlets of welding generators for welding equipment or outlets of home backup generators for proprietary transfer switches.
GFCI Receptacles
A GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) receptacle disconnects the power supply when a new ground connection appears in a circuit, which is detected by an imbalance between incoming and outgoing current. GFCI receptacles are usually designed in a duplex and feature a test and reset button.
Upon tripping, the power supply is cut off and the reset button slides out. The power is restored by pushing the button back in.
The test button interrupts the grounding and is intended to test the functionality of the GFCI circuit.
Tamper-resistant receptacles
Tamper-resistant receptacles are designed to reduce shock hazard upon manually tampering with them by preventing direct contact with the wires from the outside. This has been the mandated design of all household receptacles since 2008 by the National Electrical Code and is often employed in portable generators. They can be identified by the letters “TR”.
The best examples of these proprietary outlets are outlets of welding generators for welding equipment or outlets of home backup generators for proprietary transfer switches.
Weather-resistant receptacles
Weather-resistant receptacles are designed to resist UV light, cold and moisture. They have been mandated since 2008 by the National Electrical Code for all outdoor, damp and wet locations and although they are hard to identify going by user manuals, they should be installed in most portable generators as well. They can be identified by the letters “WR”.
On top of that, manufacturers may improve the durability of their generator’s receptacles by introducing covered outlets. Covers are usually made from durable, light-weight and water resistant rubber materials.