IF your generator has a 30A circuit breaker for the power out of it
then yes 100% legal
if it does not then your generator is not protected from overload ,,, except of course if you overload it, then it will simply choke down and die

all of this assumes that you have 50A wire on the house panel 50A breaker/interlock and everything is already legal there

 

How much does an adapter cost and how much does a 30 amp power inlet cost?

 

im pretty sure the inlet plus the labor would be enough to come close
plus he said he might want to upsize his gen later on

 

Thank you for the quick responses. The generator has the following outlets: GFCI 120V 20A Duplex (5-20R) (2), 120V 30A Locking (L5-30R), 120/240V 30A (L14-30R). Below are links to the adapters I was considering that range from about $10 to $40. The adapter would plug into the generator and I would use a 50 amp generator cord, which is pretty expensive. Looking to use that later if I upgrade to a generator that has a 50 amp outlet. Good point on over taxing the generator. The current generator has a running watts 8000W, so I do not plan to run at full capacity and would turn off all breakers that are not essential (i.e. AC and electric dryer). Mostly will ensure the refrigerator, gas furnace, and lights are operational.

Generator Plug Adapter: 50A 120/240V L14-30P to 14-50R
AC WORKS Locking Adapter NEMA L14-30P 30 Amp 125/250-Volt 4-Prong Locking Plug to 50 Amp Straight Blade RV/EV/Range Connector RVL14301450 - The Home Depot

 

Thank you for the quick responses. The generator has the following outlets: GFCI 120V 20A Duplex (5-20R) (2), 120V 30A Locking (L5-30R), 120/240V 30A (L14-30R). Below are links to the adapters I was considering that range from about $10 to $40. The adapter would plug into the generator and I would use a 50 amp generator cord, which is pretty expensive. Looking to use that later if I upgrade to a generator that has a 50 amp outlet. Good point on over taxing the generator. The current generator has a running watts 8000W, so I do not plan to run at full capacity and would turn off all breakers that are not essential (i.e. AC and electric dryer). Mostly will ensure the refrigerator, gas furnace, and lights are operational.

Generator Plug Adapter: 50A 120/240V L14-30P to 14-50R
AC WORKS Locking Adapter NEMA L14-30P 30 Amp 125/250-Volt 4-Prong Locking Plug to 50 Amp Straight Blade RV/EV/Range Connector RVL14301450 - The Home Depot

if you plan on using the 30A gen for a long time
you could also use a 30A cord and put the adapter at the 50A inlet
if and when you decide to upgrade,, if the 30A gen is re-sellable, include the 30A cord and adapter in the price
then you get some return on the cord and the gen, all of which will offset the price of the 50A cord and gen

 

It doesn't matter what the inlet will accept as long as it's over 30A. It's up to you to only turn on what it can handle.

 

Breaker are to protect wire not to protect the load. Your generator will trip its breaker at 30 amps. The wires good for 50 so its all good.

 

Also, in the future I might buy a different generator that has a 50 amp outlet

If I'm understanding the receptacle should be good (up to) 50 amps. You could put a 15, 20, 30, 40, 50 amp generator on there without any issues. An adapter or a 50 amp male cord end will work.

 

Yes, the use of the 30A to 50A adapter is the right way to go. Then buy a 50A cord and 50A inlet box and be ready for the future when you buy a 50A outlet generator, then you will ditch the 30A to 50A adapter and connect your existing 50A cord directly to the new generator.

 

I don't know why anyone else didn't come up with such sage advice.

2 years ago. Oh wait......

 

How bout a 30 to 50 adapter cord? ha