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Generator Inlet and Interlock Kit for Pro Onboard 9.6kw

4195 Views 15 Replies 7 Participants Last post by Wiseguy, 3 mo ago

Wiseguy

Discussion Starter · 9 mo ago

So, I’m trying to get a grasp on the Home Back Up Integration and just felt it’s being over complicated.

I have a Generator Interlock kit with a 50amp breaker hooked up with to a NEMA SS2-50P inlet box outside my garage. I use that to plug my 12,000 watt portable generator to run everything in my home including HVAC during a power outage. Note: AC condenser has a cold start kit to reduce starting amps.

In theory, couldn’t I just hook the Ford Lightning’s 240v bed port into my generator inlet using my existing generator cable to get 9.6kw of backup power? It’s on a 50amp breaker so it would max at 12kw, but I can get a smaller 40amp breaker instead to avoid damaging the truck and I wouldn’t run my HVAC on it since it’s starting amps are 45amps or 10.8kw.

Im just trying to avoid having to pay for the Home Integration Kit and the Pro charger since I ordered an XLT with SR battery.

Any thoughts on why this wouldn’t work?

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Wiseguy

Discussion Starter · #7 · 9 mo ago

Leaf to Lightning : ) said:
Success! ProPower used as backup to home power outage...

Here's videos and photos of my testing of an whole-home 'outage' scenario today, with my Lightning PRO with 9.6kw onboard ProPower/240v 30amp outlet in the bed saving the day... SUCCESS - yes, it DOES work...congrats to all who are looking for this to be their temporary 'power source' when...

www.f150lightningforum.com

Thank you! That’s exactly what I was looking for! I knew someone did something similar by now haha

StanT said:
Here is the grounding information Port Gen Grounding

thanks for all the information! It was helpful and didn’t realize how touchy the Lightning is

Slider19 said:
I don’t see why it wouldn’t, except you won’t get the full 9.6KW. You will only get 7.2KW at the 30A/240V connector. I think one question though is if the neutral is going to give you heartache. I’ve heard rumors that the gfi protection on the truck outlet can be problematic in some cases. Some of the powerboost guys have complained about it. What you’re looking at doing is exactly what I want to do. Just run the essentials.

checking the amps on the 240v should’ve been my first step haha thanks for the info

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Wiseguy

Discussion Starter · #10 · 9 mo ago

rio said:
Has this post been taken down? The link doesn't seem to work and when I search for it in that forum it doesn't come up. Weird.

You’re right! Whelp looks like I’ll be making a YouTube video and adding how I did it when I get my XLT later this year 😁

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Wiseguy

Discussion Starter · #15 · 9 mo ago

ChasingCoral said:
You might be able to install a soft start to allow the HVAC to power up at a lower amperage if running the HVAC off the truck is a real concern of yours. My travel trailer has a soft start that allows me to run its air conditioner when plugged into the Lightning.

Thanks, I have a soft start already that I installed but starting amps are still 45amps since it’s a 4 ton unit, I might give it a shot but won’t be surprised if it trips the breaker. Runnings amps is only 15amps. Screenshot attached.

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Wiseguy

Discussion Starter · #16 · 3 mo ago

I knew my thread was around here somewhere. Today, I was able to power my home using my Ford Lightning SR for 2 hours to test the system. I lost 6 miles of range so I lost 1 mile of range per 20 minutes during my test. I have an existing 50amp Generator Inlet box with Generator Interlock kit on my main panel. I ordered a 50 to 30 amp adapter with additional 25’ 30 amp cord. I ended up breaking off the Ground pin on the adapter which was the cheapest item (cost $20) instead of rewiring anything inside my home to stay within code in the homes wiring. Once everything was hooked up I turned my main off and turned on the generator breaker and then powered on the Pro Onboard. I was able to run everything in the home including the Heat except for some large appliances like the dishwasher, washer/dryer. I also made a video, link below. Disclaimer: bypassing the Ground (though it’s still using the Ground of the main panel) is against code and attempt at your own risk.

Setup video- Lightning4life on TikTok

Part cost for anyone looking to do the same:

30 amp Inlet generator box- $50 on Amazon
6/3 cable - $4 per foot from Nassau Cable (cost depends on distance from main panel to location inlet box will be installed)
2” PVC conduit (optional) at local HD/Lowe’s- if running 6/3 cable outside needing PVC conduit for the run to the inlet box.
40 amp breaker $20 at local HD/Lowe’s- to leave some additional “cushion” to cover the 20% extra passed the 30amp output.
Generator Interlock Kit $25 on Amazon for safety to deter mistakenly backfeeding (this is very important!)
25’ 14-30 cord on Amazon $60 to connection from Inlet box to Lightning

Note: I already had a 50amp box so I needed additional cables and adapters which I didn’t include.

You can do the full install for under $200 if the inlet box is close to the main panel like mine was in my garage and install it all yourself. In addition, an electrician may not want to be liable for bypassing the Ground on the cord.

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Success! ProPower used as backup to home power outage...

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