I've got a 40-foot shipping container arriving this week, and I want to set up some lights and outlets inside. Right now, there's no grid power on my land, so I'm looking to power everything with a portable generator I'll place outside the container.
I'm considering installing a weatherproof plug on the container's exterior to connect the generator, and then running a line to a breaker box inside to manage everything. Is it okay to hook up a small breaker box with a waterproof 240 plug outside and run wiring directly to the busbar? Should I think about using a manual transfer switch instead, without connecting anything to a traditional grid? I really want to keep costs under $500 since this is just a temporary setup until my house is built.
4 Answers
I totally get wanting to keep costs down! Just ensure everything’s wired correctly and securely, and you should be able to manage with simple setups for now while waiting for your house.
The cheapest option will depend on your generator's features. If it has a few 120v outlets with breakers, you could simply do some heavy-duty extension cords through a hole with protection. Another option is setting up boxes with connectors on either side and running conduit or cable glands for extra safety. Just make sure to have the right grounding in place!
You should definitely go for a weatherproof exterior generator plug to match your generator. Use armored cable conduit to protect the wiring as it passes through the metal wall of the container. Don't forget to install a proper ground rod too! If you get a chance, check out temporary circuit setups at construction sites for ideas on how they handle power tools and equipment during build phases.
Yeah, protecting the wires is key! And remember to keep the generator far from any windows in the container to avoid that exhaust smell!
If you’re asking if you can install a breaker box with a waterproof 240 plug outside and run wires to the busbar, that’s actually what a lot of companies do. You should be fine with that setup as long as you do it safely!
Good call! Grounding is super important, definitely look into that before you start.