Electrical question at the hunting cabin

Hi guys, I need some advice from all you electricians! I have a 16x 24 hunting cabin in the Texas Hill Country. This is how it is currently wired. I have a Honda 2200i inverter generator that we use for power. An extension cord runs from the generator to a male electrical outlet on the outside of the cabin. The power then comes inside through Romex to two electrical outlets and then two light sockets in the rafters. I would like to add an additional outlet on the opposite wall soon. Is this ok? Does there need to be a breaker box? Thanks!

What’s using power now? Your only concern is overloading the genset. If I was you, I’d get a short 10 gauge crows foot. Male 110 on one end, triple connector on the other end. The kind with power indicator lights build in. Then run crows foot extension cords inside.

If you want to get fancy later, yeah that means actually wiring it.

We use power for the TV, DVD player, and a Keurig Coffee pot. And to charge cell phones. That's about it.

If the genset is 2200 watts, you’re good. You could probably add a small fridge.

When we lose power at the farm house my 2200i runs two fridges, TV, cable boxes, and lights. Only time the genset goes to full throttle is when the coffee pot comes on.

I expect your genny has over current protection for the plugs. The purpose over over current protection (breaker) is to prevent overheating conductors and cords thus preventing fires.

As long as the cords and wire you use are rated for the maximum output of genny you will be ok. No additional breaker needed.

2200i should produce 15 amps of current. It should have 20 amp overprotective device. You should have a 15 amp or greater extension cord to cabin. If you are using a 13 amp cord now, you could be in danger. Probably not, but could be.

Now, please take note, every connection becomes a weak spot. My experience, the male and female ends of extension cords are prone to fail. I often replace them with after market heavy duty connectors.

All your wiring should becable to pass inspection. If a wire or connection is warm to the touch. You have a problem.

I am no electrician.

I have a similar setup. 2000 watts is plenty to run what you want. Heat is 1500 watts, AC about 300, fans 20. Lights can be very low with low wattage bulbs.

What I would do is add a few more outlets. Just pigtail and keep running the Romex.
I have 3 light fixtures and 4 outlets. No problems.

You could a a gfci for added protection. I do not think a breaker box is needed.

Something nobody has mentioned, How long of an extension chord are you using to plug in the geneerator? The longer the chord, the heavier it needs to be.

Yes the Honda has the over -current protection feature. The extension cord I'm using is a Rigid 25' heavy duty cord.......I believe it is 12ga but may be 14ga. I'm headed up there on Sunday, I'll be sure to check. Thanks fro the advice! This is what I needed to know.......I don't want the cabin to burn down!

25'......I will check to make sure it is 15amp this weekend. It is either 12 or 14 gauge, but pretty sure 12ga.

Also check the extension cord for an outdoor rating. Outdoor cords are supposed to be UV stable so they won't deteriorate in the sunlight.

The outside chord should be at least 12 gauge better if 10. Do not use 14 gauge to weak. Protect the plug ends from moisture.

What you should do is replace the main cord from the genset with a 10 gauge cord with a crows foot that will reach from inside the cabin, through the wall and plug into the genset. That will eliminate some connections and give you enough oomph to run everything inside without overloading the main cable.

Ok I checked...the cord from the Honda to the cabin is a Rigid 25' 12 ga 15 amp extension cord.

That should work fine.