Generator cord rated for only 7500 watts - my generator is 10k starting/8k running

What is the wire size in the cord?
What kind of generator is it?

I doubt you will be running 8,000 watts continuously and if its a Chinese unit I would be surprised if it could actually put out 8,000 watts for hours on end without melting down.

In summary your cord will likely be fine.

The wire is 10 AWG and 25 feet long (not sure if the length matters). The generator is a Generac 10k starting/8k running.

Yes, back feeding the panel with it. Electrician told me I could run anything in the house except the oven and central air, just not all at the same time.

Only things I’d run at the same time would be lights, Eatel internet modem, alarm system, fridge/freezer, and a window unit air conditioner. The water heater would be run all alone when it comes time to heat the water before showers.

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What are you back feeding through?

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Main panel outside.

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What size breaker/wire is on that circuit?

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shite if I know. An electrician got it all set up for me a few months ago so it's done right, I just got a little nervous when I noticed the wire size earlier and found out it's only rated for 7500k. I thought maybe he supplied an under sized cord.

It’s all a set formula. The cable is usually rated for “amperage”, or ampacity, not watts. However, they are all related to each other by the equation he posted.

If your generator has a 30A breaker, you’re fine with a 10awg cord. It is rated for 30A.

Your back feed connection should also be rated at least to 30A, which means the wiring in the wall (or in your case the panel) is also rated for what the generator can put out. This would be more applicable if you were trying to back feed through the 30A dryer connection with a larger amperage generator.

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An electrician

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I didn’t think licensed electricians could do this work because it’s dangerous to back feed. Is there some approved, safe way to do this?

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I didn’t think licensed electricians could do this work because it’s dangerous to back feed. Is there some approved, safe way to do this?

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With an interlock kit it’s legal. I got a licensed electrician to do this. Invoice is on company letterhead so if it’s not legal, they’re on the hook.

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Technically, this one is only good for 25A @ 86°F. It’s SOOW so it goes by a different rating table.

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He didn't know how to check the rating of his cable, so I wasn't going to scramble his brain with any more technical talk.

And thanks for the good info.

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I'm not an electrician so that is Greek to me. I still don't understand how the cord is good.

My generator does have a 30amp breaker on it BUT what if I'm running the generator at 8,000w? Am I going to burn up the cord?

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not likely but you could feel it occasionally to see how hot it gets. The only thing that's going to use a lot of amps that you listed is the water heater. However, it's very important to turn off the breaker to the oven every time you use the generator to make sure no one accidentally uses the oven.