Whole Home Manual Backup Generator Setup For Less Than $1600
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- Опубліковано 24 лют 2024
- What’s up everybody. In today’s video I will be
going over my whole home manual generator setup that cost me less than $1600. This is an easy setup that works great and is inexpensive to install. If you experience occasional power outages but do not want to invest the typical $10-15k to install a full automatic system, I highly recommend a set up like this.
Generator Used: amzn.to/3TbFVbN
50amp RV Cord Used: amzn.to/42Q4le4 (May not be available anymore)
50amp RV Cord Option 2: amzn.to/3Tb8xSA
Similar Interlock Kit Used: amzn.to/49KvQYX
Panel Labels: amzn.to/42Rxh5r
Reliance 50amp Box: amzn.to/3UTF2pE
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www.amazon.com/shop/dieselleg...
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To protect the main breaker and minimize stress, it is recommended to first turn off all individual breakers before turning the main breaker on or off. Once the main breaker is on, you can then turn on the individual breakers one by one. This gradual application of load helps to avoid a sudden surge of current.
I did the very same thing, with that very same Generator after the Texas deep Freeze and it works just fine. I have used it twice, It is like an insurance, just in case, My is a 30Amp breaker set up and Why break the bank when you can have a simple set up like this for a thousand bucks, Excellent video from Diesel Legiance detailing step by step.. Quick note. I turn all the breakers off before connecting the Generator and once the Generator is running and connected to the house I turn the breakers on one by one as needed, that in my case is almost all of them.
Check your manuals please. Step one is take the generator OFF load. (Flip your breaker off first) never turn a generator off under load. Great video, but follow the manual please.
Why would you shut down the generator under load. Not good for it, or for anything in your house that's running, like a refrigerator compressor. The best practice would be to shut off the 50a generator breaker in the panel and run the generator unloaded a few minutes before shutting it down.
12:07 BAD BAD BAD SHUT OF THE GENERATOR BRAKER FIRST AND LET IT COOL DOWN THEN TURN OF THE GENERATOR
Yes indeed… to shut off generator you flip break off first to cleanly stop power to house… the method in this video… of just turning off generator allows the voltage to the house to drop as the generator spins down to a stop… super bad for any electrical or electronic components
@@jamesc8453 and the generator
Finally, somebody who made a video that doesn’t use a stupid transfer switch. That only allows you to use the so-called important things ,dummy switch .This is the way you do it if you want to be able to turn lights on and off in your house and be conservative and aware of the power you’re using. This is the way you do it if you wanna be able to use your whole house.
Transfer switch is the best way to go.. interlock is not safe and too complicated..
How do you kill the utility neutral? You can’t unless u use a 3 pole single throw transfer switch .. this is not safe !!!
We used the same generator Westinghouse 13,500 tri-fuel. Had to get one after having 8 power outages in North suburb of Houston in 26 months. The 9th power outage happened after tropical storm Beryl, one of the smallest storms I've ever seen coming from FL. Our power was out for 4 days but we didn't even notice since we hooked up our generator. Ran both A/C units.
I paid $1,244 for the Generator but saw that same unit online now for $2,400. I paid a skilled electrician $900 with parts and labor, I had it run further down by my pool equipment so I paid an extra $250-300 for supplies that weren't necesary. I could have done it myself since I have experience in electrical work. I just didn't want to chance ruining my brand new home so I didn't do it myself or hire a handyman.
Louisiana native here and we're in the same boat. Beryl messed us up big time in Kingwood and now I'm looking for a generator. Where did you buy yours from?
This is exactly what I plan on doing. Here in the South, these hurricanes are devastating. I've had the same generator for a couple of years, and haven't had to use it yet. Seeing how bad regular thunderstorms have been this year, I need to get this hookup fast! Great video!
oooo you re-labeled the breakers layout sheet on the breaker box panel door, very impressive LOL 😆
This setup is really nice, I have the same setup.
It also protects equipment/devices from times when the utility power flicks on and off repeatedly due to a damaged line somewhere which keeps making contact/no contact and during repair.
You just keep the generator running until the power is completely fixed.
And these Westinghouse units run very efficiently, you get a lot of run time off a full tank of gas..
The propane not so much if you're just running off an average small tank.
But if you have a larger stationary tank you're only limited to whatever the tank is rated for.
Personally I don't like propane, I've seen way too many things related to it in my lifetime
Thanks for explaining the method thoroughly step by step how to turn it on and off when power is restored. But at the same time you seem pretty excited too about your generator and the whole power system that u have because the way you were explaining .. nice lol
I have that same generator and it is a power house. Before purchasing it I came across thousands of great reviews. Thanks for sharing your setup!
Is it able to power your entire house? I have all electric house so I was worried this generator would be underpowered.
Just lost power for 2+ days - first time in 20 years. So I'm getting a generator :)
A setup like mine in budget friendly enough to not feel guilty investing in something you may hardly every use. But when you need it, you’re glad you got it.
A must have in the summertime AC needs ... Micro-Air EasyStart 364 Soft Starter 😁
Totally agree, purchased one last year. Had a power outage for 24 hours a couple months ago and it was nice running my AC, Florida is hot.
I am getting one.
great video - make sure you make your generator a floating neutral as described in the manual. I know it runs fine without doing that but it is another one of many safety things you need to do. I made a project box using two LCD displays that show what each leg is doing. Displays Amps, Watts, kWh and Volts. Also an hour meter (not needed really since the generator has one). This is it on amazon
'DROK AC Power Meter, AC 80-300V 100A Voltage Current Color LCD Display Panel, Digital Voltmeter Ammeter Watt Active Power Energy Battery Monitor Multimeter Volt Amp Meter with Current Transformer CT'. You need two one for each leg. You have a power outlet right there that you would plug the project box up to. Simple wiring just need to put the amp rings around each leg coming from the generator. Easy peezy. Great video again!
I have the WGen9500DF.. awesome generator..
Keeps my heat running.. and everything else 😊👍
Same setup..
This is amazing. Thank you for the step by step process on this. Much appreciated.
I live in Canada and those Gens go for $2200 CAD here . I have one and I also bought a 40A generlink for $1500 Cad . It hooks directly in to the meter (Plug and play). I have a propane furnace but my primary source of heat is a wood stove . It cost me more then you but still worth every penny . I lived through the Ice storm of '98 and we went several weeks without power . I think it is part of our duty to protect our family .
My friend just bought a Pulsar 12kw (9500 running watts on gas or 8500 on propane) for $890 on Amazon. I've had mine for several years and this season it was keeping the lights on and everything else for a couple weeks during our big freeze and power outage.
He's right about the HOT WATER heater and Furnace. My ELETRIC water heater will pull 5KW Watts just by itself, the AC/HEAT PUMP uses about 2.5KW. So needless to say, I don't cut on the water heater unless my other 240VOLT Appliances are off so I can warm up the water.
I wish every electrician would label the breaker directory as neatly as your.
Thank you for this good and informative video.
Excellent video sir. Thank you for the information
Great video! 👍
Nice set up
Awesome information.
This sounds great, love the idea. I have a question about a 30amp plug that I use for my RV. Can I use this plug to put power back into my house somehow with this system?? That's without having to put another line to my electical box. You think it's possible? Anyway thanks for the video.
Great video.
I have the same generator. I recently bought a gen-tent so that I can run it in the rain. Have you considered rain issue?
Good realistic video. Peak load is the problem for all electric homes. Living in the South in an all electric home, AC is the primary need, I’m living it right now 4 days into a power outage with 100+ heat index in Houston. Because motors have a huge startup peak load, these little generators have a hard time keeping up. The power company can handle start-up surges for AC, dryers, fridges, etc with ease. These little units simply can’t handle it. A 3 ton AC unit that needs 3000 watts to run, may need 8000 watts at start-up. Couple that with the simultaneous blower motor start-up and you 15:30 may need a 10,000 watt generator just for the AC alone. Now add fridge and freezer motors, maybe a sump pump motor or well pump, and then add in all the other stuff and pretty soon peak power needs exceed even a 15,000 watt generator. Whole house is a misnomer, especially with all-electric homes. The fact that you are driving a 200amp service through a 50 amp plug pretty much sums it up. And such is the beauty of natural gas, it seldom fails! Keep this in mind as your gov wants to push us towards an all electric world. The generating capacity, grid capacity, and reliability just isn’t there! What happens when everybody plugs their electric vehicles into the grid ot when the grid hoes down. Think about it seriously and don’t blow it off as won’t happen. In these situations it may take a 25,000-30,000 watt generator for backup. Generac already sells 26,000 watt units so we are actually there now.
well im glad you said something because here i am also in houston and shopping generators
@@beeefcaike Purchase a 1,300 Watt generator and you'll be good. If you want to conserve power just buy a portable AC and they don't use much power. That is what I'm going to do.
Portable ACs are not as efficient as wall units though so beware the power consumption.
@@delta_tango_dt yes but easier for the average person to set up.
;on the small generator you should start the fridge and freezers up 1 at a time
great job
Man, we’ve been with out power since Monday morning 6 am. 😡 😔 😮 I live in North Houston.
Me too
Also living hell in Houston centerpointle$$ ⚡ looking for best options in power. LTE internet😢 so straight to the point videos help
@@RobertTapia Centerpoint is trash!
I think you can add an auto start setup to that generator
Thank you very much for the detailed process. It helped a lot for a newbie like me. I am planning to invest in one. Q. How do you know if the power is back when the generator is running? How do you know the remaining fuel or the load to shutdown/power on equipment?
Well, that’s where it gets tricky with a manual set up. You’re going to have to keep an eye on the fuel. A full tank could easily run 12 hours. Some companies having an app or some type of notification system that notifies you when the power is on.
The same company that makes that power inlet box also makes a power back alarm. The model number is THP108. Using this alarm you will get an audible alert when the power from the street is restored so you know when to turn the generator off.
I keep in touch with neighbors. Look at the actual meter too in order to see if it is back on
Will this run my 50 gal. Electric water heater and my 2 horse power well at the same time. Great video, thanks
It should but just look up the running/peak watts of your water heater and power well to confirm. I don’t see why not though…
How does the power inlet on the house only have 3 prongs? You've got 2 hot phases plus neutral, plus ground. That should be 4.
Very good video this is exactly what I mean. I was wondering what state are you in just in case you might be close by I can set up an appointment with your buddy for this hook up.
Mount Pleasant PA
Question: what about the generator being out in the rain? Or if the water rises?
Does it matter what order the breaker is on the panel? I have a blank spot near the bottom and assuming that's ok.
Yes, it needs to be at the top for the interlock switch to work. Just move 2 single breakers from the top to the bottom to make space.
Appreciated 😂
What's the longest it will run on a full tank? The manual says 12 hours but I've heard some people claim much longer
I assume 12 hours max but luckily I have never had to push it that far as my power turned back on in less than 12 hours.
I pretty much have to same setup. I would like to have a device that would monitor the load on the generator. Have you looked into something like that?
Emporia Vue is what you need. It works when the grid is up and when the generator is supplying power.
i just posted a project box i made that does just that. Any sort of DIYer can make it
@@condor5635 Great! Where was it posted?
How many watts to run the average smaller nome split unit AC , PLEASE
Varies…AC Central Units can use 500-4000 watts. You would have to research your unit specific watts to be sure. In average 3000
I have a 4 ton ac unit. I bought a 6500 gp generac. I had an electrician install the inlet plug. But I was to afraid to try to run the ac on 6500 running watts. Is 6500 enough to power the ac and fridge?
The AC will not start and run without a soft start as the in rush current is 125 amps (at 240 volts) without it. My 4 ton with the soft start drops the in rush to less than 20 amps. You generator could start and run the AC with the soft start but it might get overloaded with too many other loads. It’s way big enough for most of your house and appliances without the AC. Just don’t try and run too many 1000 watt appliances at the same time like a toaster, coffee machine, microwave, hair dryer, etc.
The general rule of thumb is to not load the generator continuously with more than 50% of the generator capacity.
Get a soft start for the AC. Then it should work. Without soft start don’t even try it.
Will this run the AC?
Dumb question. I have this setup for my house. Could I plug my RV into my 50 amp receptacle amd block the main using my interlock to activate the generator breaker to get power to my RV without running a generator?
Maybe a dumb question but I am thinking of using the RV for company this fall and prevent the generator from constantly running. Thanks in advance
If you block the main power coming in, there will be no power to send to the RV. If you get creative to route the main power coming in to the home to power the RV then your home will not have power. Sounds a bit tricky and not recommended.
@@DieselLegiance I guess a better way for me to ask that question would have been if I plugged my RV directly into the 50 amp plug that I use for my backup generator and then activate the generator breaker in the fuse box it still would not work for it
The 50amp cable you shared the link to looks like it has a female connection on one side, but yours has two male connections? Am I seeing this right?
And is that a 240v plug installed on the exterior?
no he has a female and a male on that cord. Perfectly good. Yes they are 240V plugs used
Is it necessary to turn breakers off if you aren't going to be using the appliance anyways?
yes turn them off. appliances always draw some kind of power...you want to conserve all you can.
obviously not... but why leave your 50amp oven breaker on and rely on you or your family remembering not to use it when you can just throw the breaker??
You got it running man one thing you got you got some refrigerators 😂👍🏾
What size wiring did you use from the inlet box to the breaker box?
Depends on the length of the run from outlet to breaker
Used #10 wire on mine. About a foot run from outlet to breaker
#10 wire is typically rated for 30 amp. The setup shown in the video is 50 amps. I would expect he used #6 wire.
@@neilbrookins8428 great reply... nosure1872 is definitely not sure. #6 is needed for 50 amp as you said
Everyone seems to have a generator but how many have enough fuel to run it. When I ask people how much gasoline they have for their generator the most common answer is 2 five Gallon cans. If the outage lasts over a day they could be in trouble. Larger generators use 10 to 20 gallons a day.
A full tank on mine can last 12 hours so as long as I have two 5 gallon fuel cans in stock it buys me time. I don’t want to store much more than that in my garage because stored gasoline over a long period of time (say 6 months) can break down unless you’re using additives every 30 days. I just try to keep enough gas on hand to get me through at least one to two days max. If I have to drive somewhere to buy more gas, I can.
Long gas lines in Houston after Hurricane Beryl and many stations shut down due to no electricity. Be prepared with enough fuel ahead of time. Natural gas or propane would be better than gasoline in this regard.
Just store several tanks of propane. It doesn’t go bad like gasoline and works great with the generator.
@@neilbrookins8428 no propane is the same issue. Unless you have a main propane tank of 100+ gallons you will be in the same boat as with gasoline. If you want to run for several days you need to fork over the cash and have 40-50 gallons ready to go. 10 gallons isnt going to cut it. I don't store that much gas until a storm arrives so dont have to worry about it going bad
IMO - your 10 feet long RV cord is about 15 feet too short to be close to the house.
True but I went 10’ for flexibility in different scenarios. But I have considered buying a 5’ cord too.
I think the 10’ cord is too short given the advice below:
When using a manual generator to supply power to an entire house through a generator inlet box, it is important to ensure that the generator is placed at a safe distance from the house to avoid hazards such as fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. For safety reasons, the minimum recommended distance is generally:
1. **Carbon Monoxide Safety**: Generators should be placed at least 20 feet away from the house. This helps prevent carbon monoxide from entering the home, which can be deadly.
2. **Fire Safety**: While 20 feet is recommended for carbon monoxide safety, to further minimize the risk of fire spreading to the house, keeping the generator at least 20-25 feet away from the house is advisable.
Additionally, ensure the generator is placed on a stable, non-combustible surface, away from any flammable materials, and has proper ventilation around it. This placement helps reduce the risk of fire and ensures that exhaust fumes are adequately dispersed away from the living areas.
By maintaining these distances, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with generator operation, including carbon monoxide poisoning and fire hazards.
👍👍👍👍
Were any of the breakers that you had on GFCI?
The Generator outlets are all GFCI with breakers. The outdoor house outlet installed went to a 50 amp breaker inside my basement.
@@DieselLegiance Yea I’m aware of the GFCI’s on the generator what I meant were any in your selected group that you flipped on in your panel? Was wondering how the WGen9500 played along with GFCI or other type of ground fault breakers in a panel.
@MrBritrider I flip a few breakers off that I don’t need in an emergency but I can run a good bit of the home. No issues.
@@DieselLegiance Ok, any of them GFCI?
A manual transfer switch will trip the GFCI breakers so you will have to manually reset them after you go back to grid, but the interlock approach with the generator does not trip my GFCI’s
I did all this for 100$. 😂😂 I already had at 1000$ generator though
Good for you
Your buddy you say! You should just supply the hardware.
Man, we’ve been with out power since Monday morning 6 am. 😡 😔 😮 I live in North Houston. Can I have my AC running ?? I have this same generator. It’s in the high 90’s right now. 🥵 😮
yes...or just buy a portable AC or window unit they use less energy
@@moblack5883 I have a portable AC unit that was lended. But it will cost me the same or more to buy one. Rather just connect mine to my house. Thanks though.
@@moblack5883 My cousin lent me his smaller generator to run the portable AC unit because my bigger generator was tripping with the AC unit connected.
If you add a soft start to your AC it will work fine with this generator. Many people don’t know about soft starts.
You can run your AC, just one. Also turn off any breakers you don't absolutely need
Can you simply unplug the appliances you do not need?
Hooked up this way, you can just turn the breakers off to whatever you don’t plan on running. But yes, you could also unplug these items too.
@@DieselLegiance I have to check as I have never physically done so by turning the breakers off. I believe if I remember correctly, one breaker turned off everything in the kitchen...but I have to double check as this was done years ago. That is why I asked about the unplugging.
I paid 400 for the generator I have and it’s the exact same one as you have.
Is it the same 9500 series? If yes where did you buy it for that price? I'm very interested in getting myself one and would prefer that price deal 😊
Can I charge my Tesla eith this? or do I need an inverter generator?
😂😂😂😂😂are you serious
i am sure you can charge the Tesla with a 120V plug - obviously take a while. Not sure about the amperage required for the 240V cord on a Tesla
Those Generac systems are $10,000.00 and up!
$500 is a lot for an interlock kit, even with installation cost. But the one thing is, I thought you shouldn't turn off or let a generator run out of gas under load.
When I run it, I keep enough fuel on hand and don’t let it run out.
@DieselLegiance but didn't you shut it off while the load from the house was still on it as part of your shut down sequence to reconnect to the grid
Turn Main circuit breaker “OFF”
Turn “OFF” all branch circuit breakers
Slide interlock plate
Turn GENERATOR breaker “ON”
Connect and start
Turn “ON” essential circuits
Engage circuits one at a time, allow time for large loads to start.
Reverse procedure to return to MAIN power
Not tring to be a pain. Just making sure i understand correctly for my sake. Look at your video staring at 11:50 your house is running off of the generator and you just cut it off. At this point i turn my generator breaker off first l, shut down all breakers. Then disconnect the line at the house, shut the fuel off to clear the carb. Then i turn my main back on and all breakers. So i never turn mine off under load@DieselLegiance
Is that generator too close to the house?
NFPA requires 1.5’ away from the house. My generator was around 4-5’ away.
I thought it was suppose to be 20 feet away
@@Dragonballzgtvegeta I keep mine 20 feet away as well. I also put carbon monoxide detector (portable) in the rooms
need to be aware of soffits and windows but 5-7 feet should be fine in absence of those
$500 for an Interlock. Your buddy ripped you off.
I agree, it’s not cheap, probably have $200 in total parts with the interlock kit, wire, double breaker, and outdoor plug/box but I’d rather pay a licensed electrician a little more in labor so the liability is on them.
My
30' 6 gauge whip w/ connectors , not Amazon crap $210
#6/3 8/1 wire from breaker to box , 10' , $75
Get my drift!
Your buddy did you right. I prefer Cummins or generac as Westinghouse sold out out in 90s.
Amazon is screwing our country up. Buy local.
Great video though. Everyone should have something brother.
My cost for 20k set up $4400.
Breaker 50amp breaker $35
$500 is a fair price for an electrician your just a cheapskate like Kevin's uncle in home alone😂
@@gilsplumbing8743 I am an electrician my self and I recently bought one for an old customer of mine and paid $150 for it. $500.00 is way too much.
$500 is not bad. An electrician quoted me $750 to install, everything included except and a 50 amp generator cord.
While he was inside someone stole the genarator
Yeah he needs a long cord or different placement
But the generator is outside how about the rain
This generator works with the gen-tent for use in rain.
you don't want to be messing with it in the rain. Wait till the rain stops (after the hurricane) or devise a tarp to cover broadly
I bet that labor fee coated both arms and legs.
wow he ripped you off big time!! it only costs $200.00 to have an electrician do it. i did mine in 30 minutes.
1600 you got ripped off bud
Should of bought generlink at that cost
It looks like you didn't watch the video? LOL
yeh $1,700 versus $13,000 - good comparison
u ppl use soooo much power it's cringe
What people is that you are referring to?
@@DieselLegiance u
@user-jt5vm3mi1w Oh you mean normal every day people that works hard, has kids, pays taxes, and is a good member of society, gotcha 👍🏼
8500 watts is barely enough to start your refrigerator compressor, little alone power your whole house. It is better than nothing, but be realistic about what you have. Reverse feeding a panel is scary shit.
8500w is plenty. I have a 1500sqft with a 2 ton AC unit, and my 6875w peak generator could handle all of it, including my microwave and server rack. And there's nothing unsafe about backfeeding a panel as long as you have an interlock, and the cover on the panel. Everything is done to code including the right sized breakers, gauge wire, and listed electrical devices
Exactly 👍🏼
Seems you need to do more research what 8500 generators will run. 8500 is plenty and never had an issue running stuff in my house. Very safe with an interlock system. You must be the one who bought a 15,000 system and believed what the salesman told you. What's funny is he actually showing it running couple fridges and stuff in his house.
The average fridge runs at 800 watts times that by 3 that's 2400 start up watts you have no clue what your talking about
@jessenoble1399 Wvery fridge is different. Pulled off the internet…A home refrigerator's power consumption is typically between 300 to 800 watts of electricity, or between 3 and 6 amps and about 120 volts. Importantly, refrigerators generally have a much lower "running" wattage than their stated average wattage - this is because they cycle on and off throughout the day.