How To Wire A 240 Volt Portable Generator Plug
Things Needed
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Four-conductor standard electrical cable
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NEMA L14-30 plug
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Knife
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Wire stripper
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Screwdriver
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Ruler
Tip
A diagram of a NEMA L14-30 plug is available on Page 10 of the first article listed under "References." A picture of a NEMA L14-30 is available on the second reference article.
The standard 240-volt portable-generator plug is a four-wire NEMA L14-30 plug that can be found in most hardware stores. The four wires consist of two "hot" wires (which are normally black but are sometimes red); a "neutral" wire (normally white); and a ground wire (usually green). To make your installation easier, check your generator owner's manual to ensure that a NEMA L14-30 will fit.
Wire the Plug
Step 1
Remove the screws from the plug and remove the cover.
Step 2
Use the knife to remove the outer covering on the cable, so the four inner wires are 1 1/2 inches in length.
Step 3
Use the wire strippers to strip a half-inch of insulation off each of the four wires.
Step 4
Loosen the screw connectors on each of the four prongs of the plug with a screwdriver.
Step 5
Place the black wires under the screw connectors on the "hot" prongs and tighten them with a screwdriver.
Step 6
Place the white wire under the screw connector on the "neutral" prong and tighten it with a screwdriver.
Step 7
Place the green wire under the screw connector on the "ground" prong and tighten it with a screwdriver.
Step 8
Replace the cover and tighten the screws with a screwdriver.