So you've just ordered your portable generator and Reliance Controls Through-The-Wall (TTW) kit from American Power Supply. Congrats - you're well on your way to safe, effective power next time the electric goes out.
Set up is simple, and you do not need to be an experienced DIY-er to install.
Getting Started
The first step: get your tools out.
- Hand drill w/ 1/4" drill bit
- Hammer
- Hack saw
- Pliers
- Flat tip + Philips screwdrivers
- Pencil
- Tape measure
- Small amount of PVC cement
- Second person to help at 2 different points (optional, but recommended - we'll explain more below)
Step One: Find your desired location
You'll need to find the best location to install the kit. When you are looking for a space, consider the following (keep in mind that you'll be drilling a hole from the inside to outside if your home):
- How close/convenient is the outside going to be to the location to my portable generator when it's running?
- Do I have enough space on the inside wall to place the 6 outlet power panel?
- You will be drilling about 19" above the floor, so ensure there is enough room for install
- Ensure the place that you select is in a convenient area for plugging in your appliances
- Ensure the location you select is between wall studs, and away from electrical or other types of lines in the wall
Step Two: Drill the hole
Once you've determined the location for the power panel, you'll need to drill the hole that will connect the power panel (inside the house) to the outside receptacle (which is what you plug the generator into).
Look at the outside of the house opposite the mark you just made on the inside. Ensure that there is nothing that will obstruct the installation of the receptacle on the outside.
Next, begin drilling. Drill from the inside of your wall to the outside. Using the provided drill bit, begin drilling until the tip just starts to exit the outside wall, then stop and back out the drill.
On the outside wall, center the drill bit on the little hole you created. Drill from the outside on that hole towards the inner wall.
Step Three: Install conduit and other components
Push the stick of conduit through the path you created, from inside towards outside. Push the conduit through the internal and external holes.
Then, from inside to outside, fish the wires that are attached to the power panel through the wall. Push the power panel onto the conduit, and push the panel so that it's snug on the inside wall.
Then, go outside and mark the location of where the conduit exits the outside wall. Mark this location with a pencil 1/8" away from where it exits.
Go back inside, and mark the location of where the screws will hold the power panel. Tip: insert the screws as if you were going to screw them in, and twists the screws so they make a mark in the wall. Then, you'll have your locations to drill. Then, from the inside, remove the power panel and conduit out of the hole entirely.
Step Four: Drill the power panel holes and cut conduit
From the inside, drill the holes that you just marked on the wall using a 1/4" drill bit. Insert a wall anchor into each hole.
Remove the conduit from the power panel. Using a hack saw or similar, cut the conduit at the pencil mark you made earlier. Ensure that your measurements are correct - you might want to double check!
Step Five: Cement the conduit to the power panel
Take your trimmed conduit and apply a small amount of PVC cement to the end that will attach to the power panel. Fish the wires through as before and connect the conduit to the power panel.
Next, tape the ends of the wires together with electrical tape.
Push the whole assembly through the wall. The wires will be sticking out of the exterior wall.
Step 6: Mount the inside power panel
Install the power panel so that it matches the locations of the drill holes. Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws down.
Step 7: Install the outdoor power inlet box
Unscrew the front 2 screws of the box and slide out the wiring tray. Remove the circular knockout from the box.
Snap the washer into the knockout hole and tighten down the tightening ring. Use pliers to tighten securely.
Install either 1 or 2 foam insulating rings onto the threads. Use 1 or 2 depending on your house siding and how flat the power inlet box sits.
Fish the wires from the outside of the house through the knockout and into the inlet box. Apply a small amount of PVC cement into the inside surface of the conduit (the side that protrudes from the back of the power inlet box). Apply some to the conduit that is sticking outside of the house as well.
Fit the power inlet box into the conduit and push until secure.
Next, install the 3 screws so that the box remains secure.
Step 8: Wire the power inlet box
Inset the 4 pre-stripped wires into the holes that match their colors. (The black wire should go into the hole marked 'X', and the red wire should go into the hole marked 'Y'.) Push the wires in and secure with the set screws. The wires should not be able to be pulled out.
Slide the tray into the power inlet box and tuck wires in neatly.
Then, place the cover of the inlet box onto the box itself and tighten with the 2 long screws.
That's a wrap! You now have the directions on how to safely and securely install the Reliance Controls TTW Kit. You're on your way towards having reliable power when you need it the most.
PS - want to see the video explanation? Click HERE for step by step instructions with visual aids.