Reliance Controls Generators Up to 7,500 Running Watts PB30 30-Amp NEMA 3R Power Inlet Box, Gray

As an electrician who has spent years on the job, you learn that some products just work, and you stick with them. The Reliance Controls PB30 30-Amp NEMA 3R Power Inlet is a perfect example of that. I’ve tried other brands over the years, often for convenience or a slightly lower cost, but I always find myself coming back to Reliance. There's a reason they've become the industry standard for this type of application. The first thing that gives me confidence is the build quality. The NEMA 3R rating isn't just a label; it's a promise of weather resistance that holds up in real-world conditions. The robust casing and hinged cover protect the electrical connections from rain, snow, and ice, which is absolutely critical for an outdoor component that's only used when the power is out. It’s designed to be a reliable point of connection when your customer needs it most. Installation is where this unit really shines. The wiring chamber is spacious, with plenty of room to work with heavy-gauge generator cords. The terminal blocks are clearly marked and easy to access, allowing me to make solid, secure connections without cramping my hands or fighting the enclosure. This efficiency saves time on the job and gives me confidence in the long-term reliability of the installation. For me, the peace of mind that comes with installing a Reliance inlet is a major selling point. I know that when the power goes out and the customer needs to connect their generator, this inlet will perform flawlessly. The quality of the connections, the durability of the housing, and the overall reliability mean I never have to worry about callbacks. In summary, the Reliance PB30 is not just a part; it's a crucial link in a homeowner's emergency power system. For a professional, that means trust. It's a testament to the fact that when it comes to critical components, it's always worth it to go with the one you know you can rely on.

Don't go with a no-name imported plastic box when you can get this steel well made USA one.

Worked as it should, my husband is an electrician, it was easy to install

Works as intended.

This is a heavy duty inlet box. It is sealed for the elements, and does what it advertises. The nema connector makes a positive connection to the cable, thus reducing any concerns of arcing, or moisture getting in when in use. The only complaint I have is regarding dis-assembly of the unit. What most people (myself included) are doing is removing the cover using the single screw on the bottom front. You then, mount it to the wall where you need it, and I am guessing you do this securely by driving screws tight to the wall. Then you wire it up, and attempt to put the cover on. Sadly, you now have trouble putting the cover on, because the cover actually overlaps the top of the box, in order to make this more weatherproof. Since the box is mounted tight to the wall, you cant slip the cover on. I then had to loosen one of the screws, making the box slightly loose against the wall, then affix the cover back onto the box. I know this may sound confusing, but if you look at the box, the cover actually forms a 'letter L', the back edge of the cover needs to slip between the back of the box, and the wall that you mount to. In other words, when you mount this to a wall, you use 2 screws. The screw that is closer to the top of the box should be left a little loose so you can slip the cover on.

Summary - This is a well built generator inlet box that is easy to install and use. Background - I purchased this box to go with gas powered generator ( Briggs & Stratton Elite Series 30471 10,000 Watt Briggs & Stratton 2100 Series OHV Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wheel Kit ), and a 30 AMP, 7500W generator cable ( Reliance Controls PC3040 40-Feet 30-Amp L14-30 Generator Power Cord for Up to 7500-Watt Generators ). I decided on 8/3 Romex to connect between the inlet box and the breaker panel. At the breaker panel, I decided on an Interlock Kit (available at my local super-box hardware store) rather than a manual transfer switch such as Reliance Controls 31410CRK Pro/Tran 10-Circuit 30 Amp Generator Transfer Switch Kit With Transfer Switch, 10-Foot Power Cord, And Power Inlet Box For Up To 7,500-Watt Generators . This allows me have more control over my panel and prevents any back-feed down the power lines. To let everyone know the power was back on, I also purchased a nifty little box that tells you power has returned, Reliance Controls THP108 PowerBack Utility Power Return Alert Home Monitoring Products , and a Baby Monitor (See my review of the power return alarm for that story!), Packaging - The packaging was adequate and protected the device in transit. The basics are included, but you will need to go an purchase mounting hardware, conduit nipple and nut, Romex, etc. Instructions - Clear and concise. I am a Home Handy-person and could see what needed to be done without issue. Construction - The box is painted metal with a spring-loaded plastic cover. A single screw on the front, lower,and center edge is all i takes to remove the front of the box to gain access to the back of the plug. There are multiple 3/4" punch outs for running the wire through, but I highly recommend a threaded electrical nipple and a nut to protect the Romex and prevent water intrusion. There are three mounting holes in a triangle configuration on the back of he enclosure for mounting. NOTE: Many places require a weather protected box if you plan on leaving the generator connected for long periods. This box will not satisfy that requirement in most localities. Check with the building department when you pull your permit. Installation - A screwdriver and a wire stripper/cutter was all it took in order to connect the Romex. Since the wire is thick, you will have to manage your wire lengths. This is more of a function of the wire inflexibility then the box. The ground wire was the most difficult since the factory installed internal wires were of a different gauge and you will need to take care that you have the wire clamp sufficiently torqued to grip both your wire and the supplied wire. Since I have dutch-lap siding, I also purchased a plate (I.E. - Arlington DBVR171-1 Outdoor Electrical-Box Adapter Plate for Existing Siding Retrofit Construction, Vertical, Dutch Lap ) so that it was mounted flush on the wall with 3 1/2 inch stainless screws into the stud. I also used non-metallic conduit through the wall, again to protect the wire and prevent moisture intrusion. The job was done in 30 minutes or less. Use - Easy and simple. the plugs are keyed so my wife can set it up without instruction form me. Recommendation - I would recommend this product.

Good product

Great item and price too.

Una caja de muy buena calidad y soporta cables de calibre 8 AWG. Muy recomendable

Great stuff.

La instale sin problema y está lista para utilizar,

If you look at some of the photos posted, you'll see the back knock-out is pretty much aligned with the bottom two screw holes. This is a problem for brick houses, as the wire was punched through the wall at a grout joint... leaving the bottom two tapcons in the mortar.... not great. Also, make sure to pick up some washers, as the holes are oversized (also: make sure you drill accurately, you only have one shot). Build quality feels and looks great. Plenty of space inside. I would have preferred a ROBERTSON HEAD option on the screws... American manufacturing and their philips... yikes. I was installing this at 0 C (32 F) outside, and the ground stake-on broke off :P Word of warning, be very gentle with the ground stake-on. (max 2 bends before it breaks)

Excellent quality. Well made, strong, water proof, great spring loaded cover over the plug. Lots of room in the box for wiring. Just unscrew the front three screws to pop the plug out to wire it then screw it back in. I saw a review of someone saying there wasn't much room in the box to wire the plug. That is completely incorrect. As long as you are using the correct wire size for 30 amp rating there is lot's and lot's of room for the wiring of the plug. And very easy to do. Great value for the price.