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Make a 50 amp generator extension cord (step by step process)

If you have to use a generator for an extended period of time, you need to make sure it is properly set up. One of the most important things with a generator is making sure that you have the correct cords and adapters so that it does not trip the breaker, or worse, catch on fire.

If you are going to be using your generator for more than just an hour here and there, you need to make sure that you have the right setup for both your home and the generator itself.

This includes making sure that your 50 amp generator cord is compatible with your generator as well as installing it in a way that helps protect both you and others using the same power grid.

Making a 50 amp generator cord isn’t as hard as you might think, especially if you take the time to read through this short article. Moreover, making a long and powerful generator cable is vital if you have a high-load generator like 50 Amp.

Tools Required

Once you know what parts and tools you need, along with a few tips on general best practices, making your own generator cord will be no problem at all. 

Generator cords are fairly simple devices that are used to connect generators to home electrical systems. 

They don’t take long to make at all – once you have all of the right supplies! 

So the tools you need: 

      • 50 Amp Cable with a male plug (with the desired length)
      • Screwdriver Pliers
      • Female twist-lock plug (50 Amp)
      • Male plug
      • Wire cutter
      • Inlet box (50 Amp)

How to Make a 50 Amp Generator Cord – Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Note taking point indication

This guide doesn’t encourage using male-to-male generator plugs, as most electricians call this generator cord a ‘suicide cord’ because it is dangerous.

Instead, this guide includes how to make a 50Amp generator cord that is safe and guaranteed using a 6-guage robust wire attached to the male and female plugs.

Moreover, these generator cord guides can help you make cords for most generator cable types with larger and smaller cords. After all, they are associated with the correct placement of plugs.

Step 1: Hooking Up the Male Plug

Generator Male Plug For Creating a 50 amp Generator Extension Cord

The first step is to hook up the male plug on one end of the cord. Carefully peel the beginning part of the wire and expose all four wires using a wire cutter.

Once the wires are exposed, put each in its respective hole, tighten using a screwdriver, and ensure they don’t fall out easily.

Once the wires are correctly fit, put the back cover back of the male plug and keep it aside to do it into the generator once the entire process is completed.

Step 2: Hooking Up the Female Twist-Lock Plug

Female Twisted Lock Plug For Creating a 50 amp Generator Extension Cord

Once you have successfully hooked one end of the cord to the male plug, it’s time to hook up the female plug on the other end of the cable to be plugged into the inlet box.

Unscrew the back cover of the female lock and run the wires from the cable through the cover to attach them to the plug.

Pass all 4 wires (green, white, red, and black) through the back cover of the female twist-lock plug and slide the cover down through it so that it won’t be an obstacle anymore for further procedure.

Step 3: Peeling the Wires

Peel The Wires For Creating a 50 amp Generator Extension Cord

After moving the wires to the plug, look closely at the connections and where you need to put each wire.

You can see the 4 colored sockets for every wire—red for the red wire, black for the black one, and vice versa.

Peel all four cables according to the plug size to ensure after putting the cover back, there are no nude cables left outside, as it can be dangerous and not recommended.

Cut off the extra part of the wire, in case there is no chance of anyone leaving outside the plug nude, with the help of the wire cutter.

Now, peel the insulated wire covers to expose the guage wires and make them easy to connect with the inside of the plug using the pliers.

Use fingers to align the wire gauges and spin them together in a straight direction, as it is necessary to put all the strands connected correctly in the plug.

Step 4: Attaching the Wires

Attaching the wires For Creating a 50 amp Generator Extension Cord

Take the plug and start putting the cables in their respective colored holes. Put the red wire in the red spot or X, and put the black wire in the black hole or ‘Y.’

Next is to put the white wire into the white hole or ‘W’ and the green wire into the green hole or ‘G.’

Screw all the wires using a screwdriver in their respective holes correctly and tightly. Usually, the tightening screws are located at the sides of the plug.

Remember: red and black wires are your hot wires, so the process must be carefully done; ensure the wires cannot be pulled out or fall out easily.

You probably find it difficult to insert the wires into their holes, but these are usually flexible wires that can be manipulated into holes conveniently. So, keep trying!

Some people vouch for all wires at once, whereas others prefer to deal with a single wire at a time; choose whatever method works best for you.

Step 5: Tighten the Plug Clamps

For Creating a 50 amp Generator Extension Cord

Typically, the female plug is made with tightening clamps to provide extra grip and safety to hold the wires inside it so the cables cannot fall out or loosen easily.

Line the clamps from both sides holding all wires inside their structure.

Once it is done correctly, tight the screws on the plug using a screwdriver or a drill machine to tighten the screws more firmly, as it is better not to take any risks.

Step 6: Pull the Female Twist-Lock Cover Back

Pull the Female Twist-Lock Cover Back For Creating a 50 amp Generator Extension Cord

Since everything is hooked up correctly, pull the plug back-cover up. Slide it over the wires and finally onto the screws made to hold the cover to ensure it doesn’t fall out.

Take the back cover to the top of the plug and screw it from all sides. 

Now, your long and powerful 50 amp generator cord is all set to be operational for your generator.

Step 7: Connect to the Inlet Box

Inlet Box For Female Plug

Mount the inlet box outside the house or anywhere far away from the residence to ensure safety, and keep in mind this powerful generator’s safety precautions.

Once everything is mounted and ready to use, plug the female twist-lock in the inlet box and the male plug into the generator.

The inlet box is further connected to the house’s main supply so that when the generator is working, it powers the utilities or applications you want to keep operational during a power outage.

To Sum Up

Installation of a long generator cable is accessible. That’s why it is worth knowing how to make a 50 Amp generator cord. Ensure you keep the cables and wires in their respective holes into which they are designed to go, and you can make your generator cord on a budget.

Moreover, this is also an effective way to customize what you need and how you need it. For instance, you can choose which plugs you want to put, how much cord length is preferred, and which brand you want to choose.

All in all, verifying the connections before going towards the final operation is always recommended. Test the electrical connections, or if you have doubts about the process or connections, it is better to seek professional help.

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