Pro tip - keep a magnetic led flashlight on the breaker box because in a power outage you may not be able to see the breakers.
@eosjoe565 Жыл бұрын
That is exactly what I do.
@eosjoe565 Жыл бұрын
@@Kevin-mp5of Believe it or not, there are some of us old farts that don't have our smartphone surgically attached to our hand. :-)
@CherokezPittman8 ай бұрын
Great tip! Having a magnetic LED flashlight on the breaker box is definitely a smart move during power outages. Speaking of backup power, have you heard about the Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series? It's a versatile powerhouse with a massive capacity, fast recharging, and comprehensive protections. It could be a great addition to your outdoor gear or home backup power setup! Check it out!
@ba177ba18Ай бұрын
Pro tip - make sure ur phone is charged and u can use the flash light on ur phone.
@truth5396 Жыл бұрын
It’s easier on the generator if you flip the circuits on one by one after the generator is running
@CruisetravelexploreАй бұрын
I was told the same thing to go one by one
@maxwellcrazycat920415 сағат бұрын
Also turn off one by one. power shedding.
@cliffkinsel629510 ай бұрын
ive been a electrician for 40 years. the system you are showing in my opinion is the best route you can go. everything is much more cost effective. the interloc will never fail. going to the $10k option has more options that can fail. Also when you use the generator for emergency situations it could be years before its needed
@jackprick9797Ай бұрын
@@cliffkinsel6295 in Texas we are needing backup power on a yearly basis.
@Steviethegr811 күн бұрын
Also an electrician and I agree. I try to recommend this over standby for anyone besides for elderly people lol
@oii62112 күн бұрын
Great info amd easy to understand thank you for helping with my decision on which route to go with 👍🏼
@michaeliverson8464 Жыл бұрын
Based on your videos I installed an Interlock, 50amp breaker, and the 9500kw Westinghouse. It works like a charm! Runs the entire house plus one my central ACs. I have a window AC that can be installed easily for the master bedroom if the power is out for more than a few hours. I run the generator in a detached shed to keep it out of the weather (had to install an attic fan in the shed to exhaust the carbon monoxide).
@EverydayHomeRepairs Жыл бұрын
Nice setup 👊! Yeah I might need one of those little generator tents.
@markkempton4579 Жыл бұрын
@@EverydayHomeRepairs I like the idea of the shed to keep it out of my garage and not out in the open. I'm getting all sorts of ideas here. . .
@HumbleWarrior7 Жыл бұрын
I did the same. However most portable generators have bonded neutrals so you would have to unbond the ground and neutral before hooking into your main service panel. The ground and neutral are both bonded there in your house, and having two places bonded (the other back at the generator) creates objectionable current and is a code violation. If you do unbond your generator just make sure you put that jumper back in if you use it portably as now any ground fault will not have a path back to the source.
@Honestandtruth007 Жыл бұрын
@@EverydayHomeRepairs I Recommend to build a Generator Shed.....To Reduce Noise and keep the Rain 🌧️ out
@tonyshipman257 Жыл бұрын
Michael, You might want to do what I did. If your generator has a 1" O.D. for the exhaust tip. Look for a 24mm/0.94" 316 Stainless Steel Thru Hull Exhaust Tip used on boats with those little Diesel Heaters. Also get 1"Inner Diameter Stainless Steel Heater Exhaust Pipe at least 2 feet long if not longer. Depending where you want to place your generator. I have ours on our closed in back porch and exhausted out the wall. That way I can keep the door closed and locked and the generator out of the weather.
@johnstraley9057 Жыл бұрын
Years ago I bought a similar portable generator and had a manual transfer switch installed. Critical circuit list includes the well pump, boiler/indirect water heater, sump pump, smoke detectors, fridge, freezer, microwave oven and a few lighting circuits. Just enough to call it "indoor camping" :)
@maxwellcrazycat920415 сағат бұрын
You left out the coffee maker. Critical.
@patricksimone8845 Жыл бұрын
Verry clear and useful instructions. You did cover everything needed. The only thing that I would do different is to open all of the circuits in the house before turning on the generator. Then turn on the circuits one at a time. This is how the electricians would bring on a large building where I worked. Thanks again.
@scottanderson3913 Жыл бұрын
I have the same exact setup, including the same Westinghouse generator and it powers my house perfectly. My area just got hit with a Cat 4 Typhoon 2 months ago and we were without power for about 3 weeks. This generator setup kept us comfortable during that time. We were easily able to run lights, AC and refrigerator to keep food from spoiling. If money is tight, this is an excellent option for home backup power. Great video and the detailed explanation is excellent for those who may be looking for a similar option. 👍🏼
@fredyenrike198Ай бұрын
Do you have a 3 ton AC?
@Amac_2219 күн бұрын
What AC?
@laurielammi3996 Жыл бұрын
Got the same setup generator at my house. 2 years now with several outages, and westinghouse works as i hoped. Perfect. You will be happy with your purchase.
@arnoldmartinez6973Ай бұрын
Have you ever tried to use it in the cold? I've seen some reviews that is VERY hard to start in the cold, just asking cause I'm really considering buying this generator soon, I live in south texas
@user-dq3xp2dk2o18 күн бұрын
@@arnoldmartinez6973 I have noticed with my 9500watt/12500 peak westinghouse if it is colder it is a little harder to start. It does have an automatic choke, but you can manually choke it also which can help. I run a 50 amp setup, I wouldn't recommend the 30 amp because it may put you too close to the limit depending on what circuits you want to run. With a 50 amp, we run all the criticals and the central air conditioning without a problem.
@wholeNwon Жыл бұрын
Many years ago I bought a very small generator just adequate to run the heating system. Of course, since then there have been no power failures at all and the generator is still in the box.
@EverydayHomeRepairs Жыл бұрын
But you know if you didn’t buy it there would have been a major outage the next week 😂
@wholeNwon Жыл бұрын
@@EverydayHomeRepairs Yup...like washing the car to make it rain.
@shenmisheshou7002 Жыл бұрын
I have bought home insurance for 20 years and never had to make a claim. Same thing.
@hosthoof1716 Жыл бұрын
Knock on wood. Lol. Same here. We put an inlet in for cord and haven't had to use it.
@curtisendicott59898 ай бұрын
It pay to fire it up every three months and put a load on it so it doesn’t lose charge
@billk8780 Жыл бұрын
I installed a 50-amp interlock with a 11,500-watt portable generator. I regard my system as an insurance policy. Sure a permanently installed natural gas Generac would be nicer and less bother during an infrequent outage, but at roughly 10-times the total-installed-cost I could not justify it. Nice video.
@michaeliverson8464 Жыл бұрын
I have roughly the same set up for the same reasons. During our last hurricane I heard too many stories of people w whole house generators that failed. If my $1,000 generator fails I can easily replace it. A whole house generator w automatic transfer switch would be sweet, but they're too damn expensive and can still fail when you need them.
@wildbill23c Жыл бұрын
@@michaeliverson8464 Even if your portable generator fails, you may not find one anywhere remotely close to replace it....but at least you probably have a neighbor with a generator you could run a cord to if you really had to temporarily while you tracked down a replacement generator. Yep, those whole house backup/standby generators sound great, until, what I hear frequently is when you actually need the dang thing and it doesn't work at all. For what those things cost, it seems people have way too many problems with them. I don't have a generator at all anymore, don't have enough power outages to justify owning one...and have no use for a generator otherwise.
@tighecrovetti2844 Жыл бұрын
I use tiny little magnets and place them next to the circuit breakers I want to turn in during a backup. Can easily move them around if you change your mind or move breakers at some point.
@lj5773 Жыл бұрын
That's basically what I did. Except I installed a sub panel for a critical load panel. Than all my criticals to that with an interlock. Than used 6awg copper to a CS6365 for a 50 amp plug. Only have a 30 amp 8250 Gen right now, but I'm in the process of ordering a 16k fuel injected portable generator. That should be very efficient fuel wise and easy on the generator for wear and tear.
@johnrademeyer205 Жыл бұрын
You should NOT power all critical circuits at the same time. Proper sequence is largest circuit load fist, then next largest circuit load and so on and so forth. Large loads would be freezers, refrigerators, window AC, electric cook top.
@shenmisheshou7002 Жыл бұрын
The interlock is the absolute best approach other than a full standby generator, but a full standby generator only really works where there is natural gas. We have had two serious long duration power outages where I live (Texas) and the 4 day outage two years ago was brutal. I swore I would never be out of power for days again so I put in an interlock and a 5KW generator. This will not run my AC, but my summer outages then to be short (2-3 hours at most). The last ice storm knocked out power for 3.5 days, and I was one of the only people in the neighborhood that had a generator. I lived a normal life. Since then, 5 of my neighbors have put in interlocks and bought 5KW generators. They may never use them, but the know that if they needed power during a long freeze, they won't have to worry.
@bdkbdk8005Ай бұрын
If you leave a generator near a road at night, when you wake up it won't be there. Last hurricane in Houston (in a nice area) people had a lot of generators stolen out of their back yards with locked fences in the middle of the night.
@tigard375 Жыл бұрын
I purchased the exact same generator as my backup power source. I purchased the optional automatic ST Switch but don't use it as I'm utilizing the 50 amp outlet and the inlet box with the interlock kit. You can also purchase the automatic ST switch to power appliances from the 30amp outlet. When plugged into the grid, when the power goes out, the Switch sends a signal to the generator to start it. When the grid power is restored, the automatic switch powers down the generator. This is a very nice generator with plenty of power to power my whole house. Thankfully the only major appliances that draw a lot of power are the refrigerator, furnace, microwave and AC unit. Thanks for the tutorial video.
@EverydayHomeRepairs Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the feedback now just need a major power outage 😂
@tigard375 Жыл бұрын
@@EverydayHomeRepairs lol same here. But at least we're both prepared, along with others who've commented.
@ncooty Жыл бұрын
@6:30: Given that you work on a live panel, it'd be a good idea to put safety caps on your service lugs.
@agolfer23710 ай бұрын
Love all your videos. I have a very similar setup except using the larger 12K Westinghouse with 50A cord. At the beginning I noticed you dragging the generator out on your driveway in the rain. Is this not a problem? I purchased a cover protect the generator from rain. Now I'm wondering if I really needed to. Also, both our generators have a bonded neutral. I'm pretty sure the cord connection you have is sharing a neutral with the panel. And in your panel the neutral is bonded with the ground. So I believe code recommends you unbond the generator neutral making it a floating neutral. Of course if you ever directly connect a load to the generator you will need to reverse that. And finally, I was told it's best practice to turn off all breakers before connecting generator to panel, and then after starting generator turn on individual breakers. Especially important to do this with larger breakers. Again, thanks for all your helpful videos!
@dan44666 ай бұрын
I have the Wen 12500 watt gen and manual says do not run it in the rain.
@erichaan770 Жыл бұрын
Love the tip on caulking the numbers on the panel. I never thought of that!
@wildbill23c Жыл бұрын
Paint marker works just as well without the caulk mess. You could even use different colors to mark out different circuits for different times of the day.
@Scott-st2yi Жыл бұрын
@@wildbill23cor a Sharpie marker ...
@2nickles647 Жыл бұрын
Place a laminated "critical circuit list" and how to do each step by step next to the breaker box. Attach a grease pencil to the list with boxes to check each step as it completed. Teach your wife to do each step by step and work it through in real steps. Instead of her calling you or the neighbors in a panic mode. I should know. I've received calls with my wife in a panic mode before even with minor issues. That when I call my older daughter and have her walk through the steps. It's the panic mode that kills people. Or better yet. Teach your family to work the list through. Have an emergency kit prepared. Complete with flashlight. Tools if needed.
@davidwayneprins Жыл бұрын
I've used the caulking idea to make the numbers more legibl (I sometimes have trouble reading the stamped numbers) At my work, we have our lighting circuits marked the handles of those breakers with a yellow paint pen to make them more legible.
@hajjdawood Жыл бұрын
While what you did in the beginning works, its recommended to run the motor first with everything on and then slowly turn everything on with the biggest loads first. This will ensure the generator can keep up and avoid dangerous drops in power.
@jadriannefrancisco121411 ай бұрын
I’m sorry do you mean start to turn things off after a little bit? The comment didn’t make sense to me.
@mikemccarthy69397 ай бұрын
Always start generator first to warm up first turn breaker on after that never have breaker on when starting generator
@SeanBaker Жыл бұрын
I got a similar setup installed earlier this year for a total of around $2K. That includes the 50A inlet, generator, 50 ft generator cord, and natural gas tie-in. As long as I can get gasoline, propane, or don't run out of natural gas, I'll have electricity in an outage. I really should get a generator shed.
@EverydayHomeRepairs Жыл бұрын
Nice setup 👊
@SamJones1337 Жыл бұрын
Which generator are you using
@SeanBaker Жыл бұрын
@@SamJones1337 Firman T09275, but Costco usually has Firman generators for a couple hundred bucks less than the manufacturer.
@hassanbazzi3545 Жыл бұрын
Really a remote control. Fantastic. Very interesting video. Thank you for sharing
@EverydayHomeRepairs Жыл бұрын
You bet!
@billybassman21 Жыл бұрын
I had just done this a few months before the Texas freeze in February 2021 as well as converted my generator to natural gas. My 10 KW generator powered my entire house for two days. It was business as usual other than spotty internet due to not having fiber at the time and low water pressure, nether that had anything to do with the generator. I got a hard start kit for my AC and I can run that too plus power the whole house if I have any outages in warm weather. Just have to make sure if I'm using say the microwave to turn off the coffee maker or toaster. I also have a surge protector with a 3 minute delay on my fridge and deep freezer. The AC has a 5 minute delay. I have a gas dryer, water heater, stove and furnace. I don't turn any breakers off.
@aldairsworld3314Ай бұрын
I thought I needed the soft start? Why the hard start? Thanks
@billybassman21Ай бұрын
@@aldairsworld3314 both accomplished the same thing, hard start is cheaper. It has a potential relay and puts a capacitor in line during the start up to give it a boost. A soft start slowly ramps the compressor up.
@clifftrue6187 Жыл бұрын
I know I am late to this video. I have a question and some other suggestions. Q: What do you do with the dirty power for your electronics you run like your laptop, cell phone, etc? I am always worried about this being an issue for a non-inverter type generator. The Inverter type are about double the price and I was not aware of this concern when I got my generator. So far this has not been an issue the one time I used it for about 4 hours. I have a 9500 Watt (12500 Watt peek) Westinghouse dual fuel generator that included regulator for propane. (50 amp option) 1) Keeping gasoline is an issue but I found during the last hurricane I could still get propane when the gasoline was not available. So have enough gas to get by a few days. Then propane until gas is available again. I live about 50 miles inland so normally it is a couple of days with no access to gas depending on how bad it gets. 2) For running my 3.5 ton AC I added an EasyStart Micro-Air 368 so the startup amps are much less and can add life to my AC unit. So AC from the generator does not overload and trip the circuit breaker when it starts. 3) I have generator tent running cover that is "windproof." I found this on Amazon for about $140 and allows it to run in the rain but covering much of the unit and stakes to hold it down. 4) In my case when a hurricane is coming I will get the generator in place in my back yard enclosed by a solid fence away from the house. This does a couple of things. Dampens the sound for the neighbors a little and also it makes it harder for someone to be notice it and keep it from being stolen. The remote starter makes it so I will not need to go outside to start it and I just have to go to the garage and flip the interlock. 5) Find a fuel pump for a gas can to move the gas much quicker than pouring it in to minimize time out in the elements. I found one that moves 5 gallons of gas in about 2 minutes. Found that on Amazon for about $60 that runs on AA batteries. There are manual pumps for cheaper but I wanted to not have to lift and hold the can while in the wind and/or rain.
@nblanchard16676 ай бұрын
SAM's has a UPS system for $120.00 that includes AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulation) which takes care of dirty power issues.
@Steviethegr811 күн бұрын
This dirty power thing is so overblown and only even brought up because people let the generators surge like crazy running them out of fuel.
@josephknapick5307 Жыл бұрын
When powering a house, it is important to unbond the generator's neutral from ground to comply with the National Electrical Code.
@HumbleWarrior7 Жыл бұрын
@user-id1bf1us8w yes it creates objectionable current since there are now two paths back to the source with both being bonded.
@eosjoe565 Жыл бұрын
It's silly to sit that generator out in the rain. There are many types of inexpensive coverings that will help keep the rain/snow off the running generator. I also question the 25-feet thing. As long as it is out in the open and not near any open windows you will be fine. If in doubt, install a CO detector near the window nearest to where you plan to sit the generator. I use the same type of Interlock system for a whole house solution using a Honda 6500W generator. I have bright orange stick-on dots next to the breakers that need to be turned off when running a generator. I also keep a magnetic flashlight stuck to the panel so I can see to throw breakers during the outage. Even with my 6500W unit I can run the whole house except for the central air and water heater. In an emergency I can run the water heater if I turn off a few additional breakers. Don't forget an alarm to tell you when power comes back on. This is very important for daytime power failures when you can't just look out the window and see the neighborhood lights on. :-)
@FREIMUZIC Жыл бұрын
@eosjoe, what do you use to protect your Honda gen from the elements?
@FREIMUZIC Жыл бұрын
@@Kevin-mp5of Really? How do you do that? Do you use a ramp to get your generator into the back of your SUV?
@tzavitz Жыл бұрын
What is the alarm you referenced that tells you when the power is back on?
@eosjoe565 Жыл бұрын
@@FREIMUZIC I took three square pieces of 1/4-inch plywood and joined them together with two piano hinges. I can then hang this over the handles and it shields the entire front of the generator. My gen sits on a covered patio when in operation so I mainly just need to shield the control panel and air intake from blowing rain and snow.
@eosjoe565 Жыл бұрын
@@tzavitz It is a Reliance Controls THP108 "Power Back" alarm. It has a sense wire which wraps around one of the main panel feed wires. It is magnetic and you can just stick it to the front of your panel. It uses a 9V battery and you turn it ON when you switch to generator power. When it senses power on the main feed it emits a loud warbling siren that can be heard throughout the house. You can get them at various places including Amazon. It is the perfect solution for determining when power is restored.
@marct95872 ай бұрын
Thanks, wonderful video. I just bought a Firman HO 7553 generator, which looks quite similar to your Westinghouse. Your info on using the inlet box and then just turning on a certain number of circuits is much easier and cost effective than the transfer box method, which was the only method I previously knew of. Our power has been out for almost two days now and I wish I had it connected to the house, instead of running electrical cords as I am now doing.
@RM-rj5okАй бұрын
Please note, regular generators can damage in a long run your AC compresor!! Regular generators produce electical distortion THD above normal safety for sensitive equipment. Get a mini split AC system 110 volt and inverter generator instead! Inverter generators are 5% THD, while regular generators are above 23%. Make sure to avoid wet conditions, keep the generator above wet surfaces!! Never refuel when engine is running wait until is cool!!
@maxwellcrazycat920415 сағат бұрын
I have the WGen9500DF. I use the 50amp feed. Plus surge protectors and UPS to my electronics.
@randywheeler5984 Жыл бұрын
Suggestion for a backup circuit... If you have a garage with garage door openers should be backed up. Many garage door openers have a battery backup so it's not much of a load except to recharge the batteries.
@dbrennan1523 Жыл бұрын
I have the same setup with a Westinghouse 7500 and a transfer switch. Takes care of the living room, kitchen so we have the fridge, stove and microwave covered, one bathroom and the garage so we can open the garage door automatically. Can't do laundry or power the A/C, but this generator has enough power to run a window A/C unit which we can run out the living room to keep it cool most of the year, and 3 months during peak summer it sucks but still livable. I pull it out every month and crack it up just to test, then keep a battery tender on the battery during the winter months so the battery doesn't die and the autostart works.
@gerrylangston9514 Жыл бұрын
Hello: I see in this video you placed your Westinghouse generator outside in the rain. I understand that a generator needs to be in some type of shelter.
@J_Beazy223 Жыл бұрын
hey nice video! FYI your order of operations is not the best. You should make sure all the breakers are off until after the generator is plugged in and running, then turn the breakers that you would like to use. Most devices and appliances are sensitive to under or over voltage. As the generator ramps up and down on start up and shut down, this can create an imprper supply voltage to the equiptment you are powering. Plus starting the generator under load is not good for the generator. Unless it is a generator inverter then it really doesn't matter but none the less it is good practice to be safe. This is how i do it. 1. Turn off Main Breaker and all branch circuits 2. Start generator let it warm up while doing the next steps (make sure it is within your cords reach) 3. Roll out your cord then plug female side in first to back feed plug, then male end to the generator side 4. Go to the electrical panel. turn on the generator back feed breaker. 5. One by one turn on critical circuits starting with the largest loads first. (if you are familiar with what the circuits draw) The size of the breakers don't reflect the actual load of each circuit. 6. Reverse this process when grid power is restored. 7. Be safe out there
@josemayor3223 Жыл бұрын
Perfectly said
@blueheelerservicedog11 ай бұрын
Hi, my suggestion is I would look at a dome tent that is designed for the Generator. I notice it is raining in the video and water and electric is never good to mix.
@lamarhope5580Ай бұрын
Great Job you really explained very well.I mean some people have no Idea about how electricity works and are scared and they feel so bad about their self.But you made them relax and feel comfortable with their self and say I can do this.Anyway thanks.Bo.
@photonic Жыл бұрын
It might be better to start the generator and let it stabilize before you turn on any of the breakers. Then turn the breakers on one at a time.
@daemoncan2364 Жыл бұрын
I was always told (by master electrician boss), to start the genset first, let it stabilize for a minute, then start adding loads. Also, avoid stopping the genset with a load attached.
@yulegurreau3346 Жыл бұрын
Excellent point
@whirlyblades Жыл бұрын
I believe that generator has a bonded neutral. If you're hooking it to the house, you need to unbond it. You can only have one bonded neutral, and that's at the main disconnect panel.
@HumbleWarrior7 Жыл бұрын
Yes I’m concerned that people don’t know this. It would create objectionable current in a ground fault situation
@sigcrazy7 Жыл бұрын
Yes, this is exactly what I was thinking as I watched the video. Right on the generator plate it states that the neutral is bonded to the frame. Using a generator in this fashion, where it is a non-separately derived system, requires the removal of the neutral/frame bond (floating neutral), and a ground rod for the generator frame. Of course, millions of people use a generator in this fashion without issue, but it is nevertheless an unsafe practice, as you create an unsafe condition during a fault. Generator manufacturers should make it more easy to bond/unbond the neutral from the frame. Note: If you have a transfer switch that interrupts the neutral as well as the phase connections to utility, then the generator SHOULD have its neutral bonded to the frame, this being a separately derived system.
@whirlyblades Жыл бұрын
@@sigcrazy7 I agree with everything you say except for the ground rod. If you're plugging it into the house, the entire system is grounded with a ground rod at the panel.
@sigcrazy7 Жыл бұрын
@@whirlyblades Yes, I get that. I believe it’s an OSHA requirement to drive a rod on a separately derived system. Maybe NEC as well. It’s a moot point anyway, since no homeowner does so. I’d bet that 99% of DIY portable generators powering houses have their frame bonded. People figure if it works, carry on.
@bubbatime Жыл бұрын
@@sigcrazy7the generator is grounded through the 4 prong cord, which connects to the houses grounding rod. Using a separate grounding rod can actually be dangerous in some rare instances. Don’t ground the generator just use the 4 prong cord- safe!
@jimneustadt2688 Жыл бұрын
You do a great job in explaining complicated issues.
@WJGoodman9 ай бұрын
Pretty sure that generator is NOT supposed to be out in the rain but perhaps it is. I bought the bigger (13,500) Westinghouse version that specifically calls out not exposing to rain or snow. I was initially bummed to learn that but decided to locate it inside an old unused concrete storm shelter a few steps out our back door. That will protect from the elements as well as deaden the sound while it is running.
@dan44666 ай бұрын
My manual says do not run in the rain. Which is what I've always believed. I wonder if it happened to be raining when he wanted to do the video.
@MaDGriZz7811 ай бұрын
Tip, dont run your generator directly in the rain like that it can damage electrical components try to cover it from the elements while still allowing it to "breathe" in all directions.
@gregorymark6014 Жыл бұрын
Start the generator first, then add the loads. Read the generator manual.
@deankay4434 Жыл бұрын
Would recommend brand products but the interlock is the best. 34' boats and larger w/Gen sets do this at the service box. The on switch for "GEN" is off and shore current is on. The slide will not let you switch anything unless outside power is off. They slide moves only with one on. Write a draft of procedures and type & print. Place in a page protector and simply note; #1, #2 and so on. It has been 6 or 7 years since we had a power failure of 15 minutes or more. We are not spending Buick money to have a stationary generator hooked to natural gas and no one has propane. We honestly don't have room for all of this and besides an electrician, you will need a gas contractor to calculate max fuel to get pipe size because that changes just like a longer cord or higher load, needs larger wire. Luckily, almost 25 years ago I bought cable to run my 150 Amp welder and by the foot, it was an expense then but today, multiply that times 10+. Yes, now fifty foot later, I can do drive-by mail box welding! Yeh! On and off items like a sump pump also have a current in-rush. This means to start when at room temperature, it may draw 15-20 amps more to start up. This can cause a brown out if at the max and damage some older electronics. So keep things off, use the marker or paper dots all the same color, say green. The fade is nothing and a magic marker will make them new. Gas generators like a car, need maintenance. Add a fuel stabilizer for long term storage, start and run for 15 minutes while checking voltage. Change the fuel with fresh. Mine runs 16 hrs on full with 1" room of air. Change oil every two years, but some do not use detergent oil. These are long term investments. Read, ask what kind of oil pump the engine used, warranty card, etc. ASE Master Since 1978. I chain mine to concrete pocket hook that is 12 ton, 10 ton chain and two pad locks inside thru the door. Yes, auto repair shops vent exhaust thru round doors installed in the overhead door. Make a few calls.
@Zkpe0211 ай бұрын
I just got a 18kw Generac, auto start in case of a power outage if I’m away out of town and monitored 24/7. Starts up every Monday and runs for 10 minutes without cutting power to the house to run diagnostics to insure operation status…I had a 10kw/9kw dual fuel but got tired of having to maintaining and switching during a storm and worrying about fuel storage of propane and pure gasoline…It worked and did the job but I don’t want or need the hassle….
@donrichitt Жыл бұрын
I am in the early stages of planning to do this. My biggest concern is whether I should go with an inverter generator. I am concerned about the quality of the power being supplied to run modern day appliances and electronics. I know inverters are more expensive.
@grantw5939 Жыл бұрын
Excellent video and setup! My only suggestion would be to consider converting the generator to run on natural gas, if you have gas on your property and if your meter location is workable. It's a straightforward conversion on this generator (basically - replace the existing regulator with a larger one). You'll have an endless fuel supply and won't have to worry about old gasoline fouling your carburetor or fuel lines.
@ryanvandy1615 Жыл бұрын
Those whole home generators are temping but a little pricy
@wildbill23c Жыл бұрын
@@ryanvandy1615 My thoughts as well. I don't have very many power issues where I live, hardly anything over an hour without power, so one of those standby generators is way out of my budget for the use it would ever seem to get....honestly it would do its weekly or monthly test and that would probably be the highlight of its career LOL. Usually the outages we get here in southern Idaho are just enough to need to reset all the clocks in the house and wait for the satellite receiver to initialize LOL. One of those generators would, however be much more critical to someone that relies on any sort of electrical medical equipment that needs 24/7 power, and you really wouldn't be wanting or be able to drag out a generator, and cord, and all that mess. I'd love to have one of those standby generators, but yep, they're expensive, and it wouldn't be utilized nearly as often as it would need to be in order to gain anything from it.
@avflyguy Жыл бұрын
The one thing on using a large wattage/amp generator is the size of the engine to drive it. If running gasoline, and at high load, that's a *lot* of gasoline. Assumption is not only you have no power, but neither does anybody else closeby. Gas stations nearby cant pump and what kind of container are you going to put all that gasoline in? A 5 gallon container isn't going to get you much run time, especially under load... If you have natural gas, maybe look for a dual fuel generator. Hauling gasoline in the back of you car stinks - back and forth to wherever you find a working gas station. Or, go small, like a 2000-2500 watt inverter type. and conserve or alternate what you choose to run and when. I had a 5500 watt open frame generator and at 60-70% load, 7 gal of gas ran about 7-8 hours. Be thoughtful in what you spend your money on... I survived no AC as a kid just fine.
@rev-mikemckay9750 Жыл бұрын
We bought a 12K (Duramax 1200) dual-fuel gen (on Gas, 10+K on propane) on Amazon when they had the Prime sale last year (~$1400 regular price)...
@EverydayHomeRepairs Жыл бұрын
That is a great setup and for a great price. Thanks for sharing.
@InTexasMatt27 күн бұрын
Why wouldn't you start the generator after it's been plugged in before turning on the generator breaker? I'd want the generator to stabilize before turning on any circuits.
@dukebeach17 ай бұрын
Thank you for this video. I subscribed to your channel about 3 months ago, and you are a very good communicator and teacher. I've learned lots. In reference to whole house, stand alone generators like a Generac or Kohler, they are very expensive. I have 2 ea., 200 amp panels and 1 ea., 100 amp sub-panel for my barn so I guess my power needs are greater than most? I was quoted anywhere from $14-17K last year for a 22 kWh unit from Generac. That's not doable for me. I found this video in looking at other options like a large portable unit that I can roll into my drive like yours. I need to get a clamp meter and determine my needs for critical circuits, but like most it's a deep well, boiler for heat, air handlers for heat, food prep, food storage, communications, and some lights and outlets. I can't imagine my current draw is higher than typical. I contacted my power company and they said my highest peak demand over 18 months was 15KWH. That was in August where I'm sure it was one of those 105 degree days. I have natural gas and I am wondering if I can find a portable generator that has a temporary hose that I can directly connect to my main gas line for the house? This would be better than handling gasoline every 5 or 6 hours to refuel your generator. Have you actually used yours for an outage? If so, how did it work out and did you have to refuel? We don't have outages often, but it seems like when we do they can last all day. Thanks again for the lessons.
@petecoventry685810 ай бұрын
Running a generator in the rain. Brave man
@jean-marcfiliatrault2662 ай бұрын
I thought that was a no-no…
@cflott12 ай бұрын
I was wondering about that too
@cocoawithmilk Жыл бұрын
Quick tip! You should not start or stop a generator if it is under load, meaning if it is running anything.
@EverydayHomeRepairs Жыл бұрын
Thanks for calling that out and thanks for the feedback.
@dwmcever11 ай бұрын
My push button start 3.5KW 120v Pure Sign Wave Inverter Gas Generator WILL cold start under full load; and shut down under full load.... Done it dozens of times. My Solar Battery driven 3.5KW PSW Inverter will too. Can switch from Grid to Solar Inverter fast enough my big PC's never skip a beat. Make sure you but a Pure Sign Wave Inverter Generator. I don't even touch my Main Panel.
@patiencezero-xc9zl10 ай бұрын
@dwmcever It is not the generator that can be harmed it is electric motors and appliances that can be harmed. You always should cut power to the house using the generator's main breaker (unless you have a transfer switch) and then stop the generator. Likewise, start the generator with the breaker off and then, once it is up to speed, send power to the house.
@mustaprox Жыл бұрын
I guess you can also invest on an automatic transfer switch if you happen to do a permanent generator install, that’s the case for bigger buildings.
@KITTER298 Жыл бұрын
I rearranged my breaker box so the ones I turn off are next to the generator breaker, that makes it a very easy changeover. That is the things that are high draw items I can't run, a large air compressor, the water heater, and I simply don't use the dryer.
@williamwallace8994Ай бұрын
I noticed the Westinghouse generator you have has a bonded neutral. In general, for running your house, you would want a generator with a floating ground.
@danburch99892 ай бұрын
I would go with a transfer switch. That way, the non-critical circuts stay connected to the grid. When the grid comes back up, those non-critical circuits will let you know that power has been restored and you can turn off the generator (saves gas, wear and tear). Otherwise, you have to find a way to let you know the status of grid power. Have a supply of gasoline stored in a separate shed. Rotate that supply into your vehicle to keep fressh gas available. I have two 5 gal containers that I rotate every two months to keep my supply from going stale.
@lordnetsplits31924 ай бұрын
Did it develop any rust from rain exposure?
@berndm97439 ай бұрын
I use a 4000W dual fuel generator/inverter that will power my entire 2000 sq ft house with the exception of the 5 ton AC unit. as well as the Microwave and dishwasher. All my cooking and house heating is gas so no issues there at all. The fridge and all lighting and electronics run perfectly. I obviously have my main breaker off to prevent backfeeding into the grid and my gen-inverter is plugged into my unused 240v dryer receptacle in th garage.
@Dmiller72398 ай бұрын
A battery back up for the sump pump is a nice choice
@5959Mikee11 ай бұрын
Interesting option. Pros: The savings (A Big Pro) Cons: Setup before running, can't run that much, but you can get by. Biggest fear: Power outage, loud generator next to a lit up house, is that thing going to be there in the morning?
@MRTLEW0111 ай бұрын
why not? i have plenty of firearms!! and im not scared to use them either!
@johnf626711 ай бұрын
In real trouble neighbors need to cooperate and not to get political but firearms will be critical.
@xmiller76917 ай бұрын
I have a smaller Champion dual fuel inverter/generator that I keep connected to a battery tender in a storage box on the back deck - a much more secure location. It's way quieter than any gasoline generator and can run all night on just one bbq tank. From the street you can't even tell it's there running as it is placed under a table with a tarp draped over the table and the table is under a gazebo. It's safe from rain and passers by. It is only capable of 110 volts, but it's plenty of power for the furnace, refrigerator, freezer etc. Plus, full propane tanks can be kept for years as long as you keep them out of the rain.
@nancyrea3863 Жыл бұрын
I have used a generator a lot. I have never put it 20 feet from my house. At one house it was in my attached garage with the back garage door open. In the house I’m in now it goes out side my garage (which is under my house) about six feet under a car port. Sometimes I have used it for several DAYS. I have a 5000 Honda. And u are right if u put it where he put it you better chain it to a telephone pole.
@TexasScout29 күн бұрын
I have a slightly different problem at my house, I have a 200 amp box outside where the power comes in and the main power pole that also controls my water will so I would have to hook up out there and then go into the house to do this. My house panel is in the garage. So hooking up there, I would not be able to power the well.
@chelo35103 ай бұрын
How are ppl not worried of these getting stolen from your driveway? Ppl literally steal Amazon packages 😂
@mridge012 ай бұрын
Right? I just leave mine in the garage with the garage door open 1/4 of the way. All the way in the driveway seems extreme.
@Jon-kg6hm2 ай бұрын
I was thinking the same. You gonna need to chain it to something
@hardymichael533 Жыл бұрын
Great idea BLUETTI AC500 + B300S | Home 6 Battery Backup Whole power house 25,8 ( KWH
@EverydayHomeRepairs Жыл бұрын
Yeah, I am been looking at Bluetti and thinking about comparing to the EcoFlow.
@godmode3359 Жыл бұрын
Where I live, that thing would have been stolen before you got it plugged in. If you plan to run one of these for a more than an hour and live in a place like I do, find a way to bolt it to the ground.
@rexmonarch29 ай бұрын
A wealth of useful information -- thank you.
@condor5635 Жыл бұрын
Great overview. Need to remove the bonded neutral and make the generator have a floating neutral for the majority of installs using the interlock approach. Not sure how hard it is to do on the Westinghouse generators. Nice video. Thank you I would not turn on the gen main circuit breaker after all the house breakers are already on. Turn on gen then it’s breaker then the desired house breakers one by one
@188jan22 күн бұрын
Can you make video for Patriot generator ? How to make and hook to inlet?
@HumbleWarrior7 Жыл бұрын
Really important people realize that most portable generators have bonded neutrals. So by hooking into your main service panel, where the neutral and ground are also bonded, you’ve now created two paths back to the source (objectionable current) and that’s a code violation. You’d either have to unbond the generator when you hook into your home, or add a transfer switch that isn’t bonded. If you take the jumper out that bonds your generator, just realize that if you go to use it portable it now has no path back to the source in a ground fault situation. That’s why portable generators are usually bonded, they are assumed to be used in the field apart from a main panel. Edit: I went with the same setup as you with a portable and an interlock kit. I just pulled the jumper and made sure to keep it with the generator in case I need to use it on the go.
@whirlyblades Жыл бұрын
I'm glad someone else said this besides me. Mine has a floating neutral so, if I ever run it as a standalone, I'm gonna need a jumper, which I don't have. But I don't really see where I'd need it that way, but you never know.
@HumbleWarrior7 Жыл бұрын
@@whirlyblades same here. I’ve never really had need for a generator on the go but doing it this way saves a lot of money over a permanent install. I just hope people do the research on properly doing this
@josephknapick5307 Жыл бұрын
I fashioned a bonding jumper using a 240 volt 30 amp plug with the neutral and ground prongs jumpered, which I keep tethered to the Gen. The retores the generator's neutral-to-ground bonding. If I ever do run the generator stand alone I'll just be using its 120 volt receptacles anyway. Note: Jumpering at the 120 volt receptacle will likely trip its built-in GFCI.
@whirlyblades Жыл бұрын
@josephknapick5307 Thanks for the tip. I just made a 30 amp 240v plug myslef. Good call!!
@jerryking36674 күн бұрын
Would you actually leave your generator connected down your driveway and cable under garbage door?
@myopinionpal88809 ай бұрын
I've been looking online at the same Westinghouse generator that you have it's large enough to run my home the only problem is all of the bad reviews on that generator. Some customers have stated that right out of the box their generator would not start and some had said that when it did start it ran for a few minutes and shut off and would not restart. And some have said customer service is a nightmare when trying to return their Westinghouse generator. So I'm a little weary about spending a lot of money on junk.
@DIYBillАй бұрын
We used to have Westinghouse microwave oven in the 90s 😅
@dave_mac Жыл бұрын
Our generator sits just outside the garage door. The ground cable the electrician wired in is only about 1ft. That has to be connected, along with a plug, for my generator to work. I don't know anything about this so I have a step-by-step on: 1. How to turn generator on 2. How to turn generator off It's a pain and alot of work. My recommendation is to pay the extra $1500 to have it hard wired so you never have to touch it. Just set & forget. We also were told we had to buy something to cover the generator because it, or anything plugged in (power cable), shouldn't get wet. I notice that yours was wet. Can you confirm if the generator and plugs needs to be completely covered?
@jordanniagara31315 ай бұрын
Great video. No nonsense, just useful info from somebody that knows what they are talking about
@jimpie231 Жыл бұрын
Great video, as always! Happy Easter and God bless!
@caroleemoreno80862 ай бұрын
I put glow in the dark dots on my circuits for the generator loads
7 ай бұрын
That caulk idea is priceless. Can't describe how frustrating it is to try to make out those stamped numbers.
@EverydayHomeRepairs7 ай бұрын
Super handy 👍
@dontblameme63283 ай бұрын
You do NOT need to have the generator 20ft from the house. That is overkill and likely detrimental to the power delivery due to a too long genset cord.
@leodanryan9665 ай бұрын
Okay, so you have a gasoline powered generator. How much gasoline do you have on hand to run the generator? In a power outage, it's possible that you won't be able to get gasoline because it takes electricity to run a gasoline station. You stated that you have a gas furnace, shouldn't you be using a tri fuel generator so you can utilize your natural gas supply?
@marct95872 ай бұрын
Yes, I should have bought a tri-fuel generator yesterday, but I needed one quick and Lowes only had the dual-fuel.
@jvazquez53 Жыл бұрын
Hope your neighbors don't mind the noise. LOL!!! I have a similar one for daytime and a quiet one for night. We suffer for quite constant and extended power outages. Longest one? 4 months! 24/7 running on generators.
@EverydayHomeRepairs Жыл бұрын
Our area just had a pretty large power outage and we used a combination of the generator to charge a EcoFlow Delta Pro and then use that battery (which doesn't produce noise). That resulted in only needing to run the generator about 2 hours per day. 👍
@kennethswann6458 Жыл бұрын
I have the Westinghouse as well if you were standing here I would kiss you I went through a thousand different videos trying to find out whether or not I could power my house even though the 30 amp breaker would have to be on only one side and it would appear based off what you've done in the first part of this video that I can so now thank you I am going to go wire up my stuff I guess first I'm going to figure out how to wire up a 50 amp though
@jorge10928Ай бұрын
How can you tell when power is restored and you can switch the system back to the grid?
@rohanblues Жыл бұрын
Awesome generator for our camper!
@ebtube1of9Ай бұрын
On your power consumption estimate, I think you take the Amps on one leg x 120V + Amps in second leg x 120 V, no?
@steveasher9239 Жыл бұрын
it certainly doesn't appear that the generator is an "inverter" generator. Is it? And what about your sensitive power using appliances., computer maybe. Something I've always wondered about.
@ncooty Жыл бұрын
@6:30: Just because the circuits are on doesn't mean they're pulling loads. You say you were at 11 amps and that you have more capacity, but was that with full expected loads on the circuits (e.g., range on, kettle on, TV on, etc.)?
@ncooty Жыл бұрын
@Kevin : Try again. At the time stamp you noted, he specifically said he's running the circuits, not that he's pulling loads on those circuits. There's a difference between a live circuit and a load. He says he's pulling 11 amps, but it's not clear what's live. E.g., a kettle alone would pull 10+ amps.
@smittyone66 Жыл бұрын
I purchased a duromax 12000 W generator and a 50 amp inlet box and breaker I tested it out it it runs the whole house
@lettea.437Ай бұрын
But for how long? Is it still working?
@Honestandtruth007 Жыл бұрын
I Really Want to SEE you do Generator modification in Reducing Noise Level....🤣👍😅
@jake9705 Жыл бұрын
This video's premise is powering your house in case of natural disaster. That said, given the lessons we learned from Hurricane Katrina and the various riots from that, you should also discuss how to *secure* your critical, valuable, life-supporting generator. Consider tethering it to a pole or your car with a chain or heavy rope so it does not get stolen by the desperate and unprepared.
@splat4111 ай бұрын
Heavy rope? Seriously?
@EnthusiastsGarage8 ай бұрын
This is a good option for someone on a limited budget but there are a lot of downsides to using a portable generator. I went with an emergency standby generator and the only downside is the cost.
@EverydayHomeRepairs8 ай бұрын
Those are nice 💯
@prusaudisisill5644 Жыл бұрын
Please do a video where you show how to install the power inlet box to plug it in
@clistowent803411 ай бұрын
That is clean AF!!! Beautiful!
@ddc2343dАй бұрын
Question, why would you choose to go with a 30amp plug if you 9500W generate can produce 39amps?
@marks2091 Жыл бұрын
Have same set up with 50 amp hook up.
@Eightball2516 Жыл бұрын
I did this to my moms house over 20 years ago but I installed a transfer switch.
@airplanenut62427 ай бұрын
“Well labeled circuits…” *laughs in old house* Today I learned the circuit labeled “furnace” does not control power to the the furnace in my house. Who knew? I’m just glad I checked for voltage before working on it!
@wildbill23c Жыл бұрын
In a perfect world you'd want a dedicated standby generator that is hardwired, all you gotta do is wait for the generator to fire up after it detects an outage, then either flip the transfer switch, or they make automated systems where you do nothing but wait for the generator to fire up and all is well....those systems are expensive, but if you have a lot of outages it might be the best method, and more trouble free and you don't have to lug around a generator. Something else to consider, if anyone in your house is on any sort of electrical medical equipment, you'd certainly want an extremely quick power restoration, and probably don't want to be dragging out a generator, running a cord, etc. I live in southern Idaho, we don't get very many outages, and the ones we do get are typically just enough to have to reset the clocks....very rare to have an outage more than an hour...so it really doesn't pay to have a $20k+ generator sitting around...would be nice sometimes, but not often enough to justify that kind of cost.
@chucktrotter9699 Жыл бұрын
3.4.23 Scott, great video and thanks for making it. I have the Westinghouse dual fuel 9500df running watts and 12500 peak watts. It has the 50amp plug and a 30amp plug. I have installed a 50amp box. This is my question: If you are running electronics inside the house what would the THD (total harmonic distortion) be and is it going to cause any damage?
@EverydayHomeRepairs Жыл бұрын
I’m no pro but I think for most electronics you would want THD under 5% and Westinghouse claims 3%, so if that holds true should be good.