Generator Shed Modifications
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- Опубліковано 9 вер 2024
- I modified a Suncast Horizontal Shed to house my Champion portable generator. Most of the parts are off-the-shelf from home improvement stores. The unit will be situated about 25' from my house and will be connected when necessary by a 10/3 flexible cord. The cord will connect to my generator on one end, the other end will connect to an outlet that will lead to a 30 amp breaker in my electric panel. A lockout switch prevents any unsafe situations. Consult an electrician if you are not sure how to connect to your panel. If you have any questions or would like more detailed part number info, please leave comments below. Thanks for watching!
Hi Jim. I built a similar set up, using the virtual twin of your generator. I lined the whole shed with Hardi backer. The only other thing I did was to wrap the exhaust with a fireproof fibre batt. The Hardi backer did reduce the sound levels as well. Great video as well.
Great design. Lots of great ideas . Thanks for posting this video.
Looks like great weather protection for the generator. Where I live my neighbors are just a few feet away so I would have to also make the generator shed a sound proofing shed. I am thinking out of concrete instead of plastic.
Hello just starting mine this looks perfect for my needs your video is truly amazing thank you for what you did awesome job
Great video!! Simple and effective, nice design for the shed.
Thank you Rocky
It works well
Very nice retrofit Jim! One of the best that I have seen on YT. Me and my son are in the process of doing this exact shed build. Thanks for some great ideas! 👍👍😉😉
Well done! Thanks for sharing this excellent video.
A bunch of good ideas. Thanks!
Hint..... sound travels in a straight line.....airflow can however, "bend". For the inlet and outlets where you use screening/vent panels.....consider covering these with a small, nadd-on box that is closed on the tops and sides but is open on the "bottom" face....hard to describe without a pic. That way sound will not travel "straight-out" of the package. It will make your package CONSIDERABLY quieter.......
Can you please show us how to cover the vent panels, in my case sound is a concern. Thank you.
Well done sir
Thank you.
Really like your generator shed it’s excellent exactly what I plan to do myself like your vents very professional
Great video, just wish you would have showed the connection of the reducer attached to the champion exhaust area more !
It was hard to show on video, kind of a design-build as you go project. After I attached the magnets to the reducer it just connects over the exhaust pipe.
Nice job
Thank you Rik.
Nice! I'll be using your videos as a template to make an enclosure for my generator.
Thank you, please let me know if you have any questions. I used this set-up in February and it worked flawlessly for over 12 hours during a power outage due to ice storms in PA. I have another video that covers the hook up and how I connected it to my electric panel if you are interested.
Jim McGovern Thanks, I will check it out. My neighbour is an electrical contractor and he's going to guide me with the transfer switch installation.
I'm using your example as well I just found this shed on Walmart for a $220 everywhere else including Amazon prime was $250
Cathleen, I purchased a 4" x 3" vent reducer( used for not water heater venting) and screwed some "L" brackets to the vent. then I mounted magnets to the L brackets that that stick to the exhaust shroud.
@Jim, I am at this point on my own modifications. Which side of the 4"x3" was mated to the generator and which side was put out? Did you also use an extension on that because the 4"x3" reducer at Home Depot is not long at all. It is not clear from the video. Also, is the hole in the generator shed larger than the hole in the hardie backer because you said that it goes through the hardie backer but does not touch the shed. So, I take it that at least on the inner side hardie backer, the vent is not resting at all on any support? Is there any support to the vent anywhere? Thanks again for responding to these questions.
@@basu69 hello, glad to hear you are working on your project. I would place the reducer whichever way best covers your exhaust and mates to your generator housing. I did make the hole in the hardibacker about 1/2" larger than the exhaust duct. You can also get extension sections if you need to extend the exhaust through the enclosure.
I liked the video very much...You have built the best shed I have seen.....its quiet also.....thanks for the info, I will build the same.....TY....................Mike
Michael Moran Sr Thanks Mike. I made another video of it hooked up outside. Let me know if you have any questions. It works great. Jim
This is a Fine Job!!
Thank You!!
Fun!
Magnets....Pure genius
Thank you.
I love what you did, Looks amazing! I am definitely going to do the same thing! This was extremely helpful. Thank you for taking the time to make this video!
Thanks for the video, it helped alot
Wayne, thank you for the kind words. I did not install any screens and have not had any problems with bugs or critters
Jim: I just bought a Champion Gen from Costco and want to make the identical shed and mods. I could use more info on exhaust hookup since I could not see it that well in the video. Very happy to find this review since it is just what I wanted. I am going to do the interlock set up as well. Plus mount mine on a concrete pad with a lock on the genset. I will check out your other videos. Thanks for great presentation.
Looks good, but without you showing it running, no telling how good it is!!
Great video. Just put together a Suncast yesterday 71×44×50 inches its quite large and the same design as yours. Have a Champion 7500 running watt that we just bought. Price for shed was 600 plus shipping and generator was on sale $899 was $1300. Electrician to hardwire $1000. You gave me some great ideas for venting. Im from Nova Scotia winter's can be harsh. I like the way you have tubing for generator exhaust. Would you have pictures on how to do this please meaning how pipe stays on generator exhaust?Cheers
This was detailed
I really like what you made!! I see this video is a few years old and this may be a moot point by now, but did you put any screening on the vents to keep wasps and hornets out??? They love places like that.
Have you thought about , putting metal window screen on the vents. would keep out bugs and wind blown debris.
Good idea, thank you Michael.
The problem with using any box or shed for noise abatement is that you need large holes for sufficient intake and exhaust ventilation. Large holes leaves large openings for noise to escape. Sure, you'll get some attenuation, but not an appreciable amount. At least the ones I've seen and heard.
Sound travels in a straight line......airflow however can be "bent". You can add baffle boxes for the inlet and outlet screened areas shown, that would force the air flow through a few bends....I mention this poit elsewhere on these response pages.
sr if the generator is gasoline you can do the same. There is no risk that the base of the gas tank gets too hot and dangerous. until temperature can tolerate at most the base of the gas tank. Thank you
Hey Jim, I’m getting ready to start a build for my Champion generator. Just wanted to see how your shed held up and if there was anything you changed over the years? Thanks
Outstanding choice of materials and my question is how well has it been holding up after sustained running of the generator on load? Specifically what is the temperature based on the what you’re monitoring from the remote sensor? The Hardyback material where it mates with plastic does not show any signs of melting or distortion? No significant problems with weather or water intrusion in particular? I have the same generator from Costco lol but live in a little more crowded environment so I am investigating constructing a setup very similar to yours but with additional soundproofing/fire resistant materials. Any sticking points or things you found you might do differently after running the machine for a while? Again great affordable setup - finished product looks solid!
Stephen, thank you for the compliments. The set up has worked very well, nothing I would really do differently. While running under load with the fan on for extended periods of time the temp stays around 80 degrees. If it were the middle of August it may be higher, but our powered usually does not go out in summer. Good luck with your set up! I would reccomended higher octane gas and always add Stabil as you never know when you will use it. I added a trickle charger to the battery to keep it charged.
Jim McGovern thanks so much for the response and best of luck!
Hi Jim.
I love what you've done.
I bought the same Generator last year right before Sandy and It was a blessing that I did. I had my Mom and Dad, Sister and Brothers family over for 7 days with no problems. I already have the 30amp hookup and was searching last year a shed idea and thought about buying a suncast or rubbermaid.
Since then I picked up the same Suncast you got this November.
I just saw what you done and would love your idea for my unit.
Please respond with the details as to parts and schematics you know screws,nuts bolts ext.
Thanks so much for your post.
Richard,
I purchased just about everything from Lowe's. The air return vent and automatic shutter were all of the shelf, as well as the attic fan. I can get some of the measurements if you wish, but since it was a design/build, I don't have any schematics or plans. If you have specific questions, please let me know and I would be gald to assist you. I ordered the magnets and remote temperature monitor online at Amazon. It all works very well together. If you see my follow-up video I share a few more construction details. I did include some of the part/model numbers in the video. Thanks for watching!
Jim
Jim McGovern Jim, I live in Hawaii and I am buidling the same enclosure using the same 7000 watt Champion Generator. Our avarage temp in Hawaii is about 84F would the enclosure keep it cool enough to run for about 4 to 6 hours a day?
If you add a large fan as I have with plenty of ventilation you should be ok. You could always prop the lid open for more air flow. If you are depending on this for daily power you may want something that is more suited for daily use.
Nice video, very instructional and imformative. I enjoyed it and will take note for my own use. Thanks
John Patterson thank you sir!
I would estimate total cost to be around $1,500, including the cost of the generator. the time spent was three weekends.
Great idea, making mine for inside 7" x &' shed, rubbermaid, more room for more things. I have a Briggs and Stratton generator with spark arrestor, the magnet idea may work tinplate the exhaust pipe over the arrestor, what kind of magnets did you use on the l brackets and where do to get them ? Thanks Gordon
Shouldn't The Fan Pull All Of The Exhaust out ?? Nice Job ..
Good job, looks good' I've seen some ha k jobs on here but that looks like a good job, I like the idea of the outdoor temp reading from inside
Thank you for the compliment. I have another video of the shed hooked up outside.
This shed is on sale now at Lowes for $139. 12/12/13.
Please check out my other video for the part numbers I used.
A little late to the party but how does your exhaust work for you with the magnets because I think that's a good idea not to alter the machine in any kind of way
Works fine, no issues at all with the exhaust
Hi can you show or explain a little more detail on attaching the vent to the generator?
Great video and enclosure. We have the Champion 7500 generator & were thinking of getting the larger Suncast shed. Do you think we could run the generator with the top up and the doors open, using some dryer duct to run the exhaust further away from the shed? Also, how wide is your generator? Thanks.
Generator is 27"W x 27"D x 26"H. Where I live the power usually goes out in a storm, so I did not want rain/snow getting into the generator. You could use dryer duct to extend the exhaust. I have found that a lot of the noise comes from the generator itself, not just from the exhaust. So if you are trying to quiet the generator, it may not make much difference. Good luck!
Hi Jim, great work! What is the maximum interior box temperature you feel comfortable with while operating the generator? Are you concerned about overheating? What are the exterior temperatures that you’ve run the unit? Thanks
Gerard, I have the fan thermostat set at 80 degrees, which I feel is a comfortable temp. I have run it when it was 90 degrees out and it maintained the 80 degree set point no problem. I would not run a generator in an enclosed she'd without a fan. Thanks for the compliment. Jim
Good video. I know this is several years old but I am just viewing it now. Can you elaborate a little detail on how you built the wooden mount for the fan and fixed it to the plastic wall? Thanks.
Sure, I just bought a few 2" x 3" s and built a basic frame to hold the fan. I screwed it into the plastic box. Hope this helps.
@@jdmac62That is indeed helpful. Did you screw it into the plastic from the outside? Or did you use some kind of brackets?
Mel, mine does not have any indication about clearance. with the fan and the vents mine runs cool. I would suspect it has to do with the flammability of the propane or natural gas .
Hi, Which is more efficient, pushing fresh air in to the shelter or pulling hot air from inside the shelter?
I am not sure. I wanted the fan to be enclosed in the box so this is the only way I could set it up and it works fine.
I was at Lowes today, they do not stock the 20"X20" vent, I had to buy a smaller plastic one.
I have the Champion 4000/3500 watt generator.
What did the exhaust fan cost you?
I have seen them over $100, maybe I will use a window box fan on mine.
Connecting the pipe to the muffler is my biggest challange.
The fan was around $70.00 at Lowes. It was the smallest gable vent fan they had. It works great.
Thanks for the info on the fan, the cheapest one I did see at Lowes was around $100
OK. You may want to check Home Depot also.
I did that, HD is not far from my house.
Nice Project. I am also building same but I have both intake and exhaust are powered. What is the part number for Temperature sensor ? Appreciate if you let me know.
Hi Jim, great video. Do you remember what fan did you buy?
Great shed! I do have a question and I'm not seeing videos of people talking about it. If it rains, do you have issues with water getting inside your shed (water coming through the intake vent)?
Thank you Jared. I have had no issues with rain getting into the shed.
Do you need the wood frame for the exhaust fan?
how much did this cost total please with all parts ? then the time you put into it ?
Jim, I've been using your video to make my own shed. I am ready to cut the holes for the vents. I noticed you have one located low towards the floor of the shed. What is your reasoning? I was thinking of placing mine more in the the center between the top and bottom, solely for keeping the wall from flopping over. I have a sheet of the hardie backer as well, any issues with rain on the exterior piece? Thanks for the video!
The vent just fit better in this location based on the design of the suncast shed that I used. I think wherever you place your vent is fine, as long as it is large enough. The hardibacker is holding up great outside, no issues whatsoever. It is very stable. Good luck with your generator shed project!
Awesome!! Thanks for the info!
Hi Jim, I finished my shed. I gave you a shout out in my video. Thanks again for the info.
@@snapjamwoodworks710 congratulations! I hope it works well for you. I will look for your video.
What temperature do you have the cooling fan thermostat set at?
Hi, what temperature is expected inside? Thank
How did you attach your exhaust vent to the generator? what size and where did you find it?
I purchased a 4" by 3" heating vent reducer and mounted 3 - 2" angle brackets. I then attached 3 rare earth magnets to attach it to the generator. On the video at 3:55 it shows a brief image of it. Hope that helps in your project. I got the vent and brackets at Lowe's, the magnets I ordered online at Amazon.
Jim McGovern
Jim, I am still unable to see how you actually attached the exhaust ducting onto the generator manifold exhaust port. Is it actually the spark arrester assembly you are covering on the generator? Where and how are you placing the magnets.
Also, could you assist me in how to obtain the appropriate magnets necessary to make the proper hook-up? I understand almost everything you show in the video, but have a real mental block on how to hook up the exhaust tubing and attach it directly onto the generator body. (Note: I have also purchased a Champion 7500 Unit...Just a more basic one.
Thanks
I made up an adapter with the 4" x 3" dryer vent and the L brackets. I fastened the magnets to the L brackets and it attaches to the muffler housing. It is only connected by the magnets so it is not permanent. I can't really take a picture without removing my generator. Try to look up some other videos on UA-cam showing generator exhaust ideas. That is where I got my idea. You will just have to adapt it to your situation.
Jim McGovern
Thanks for all your assistance. It's great to have the help
No problem. Let me know if you have any other questions. Good luck with your project. You can do it!
Hey, nice work on the enclosure .Everything seems to work just right.
Im in the process of building my own, but cant find a decent fan.
Theyre either too big or too expensive. Would you happen to have the part number for the fan you used. You said it was 14 ".All im finding is 18"
Thanks in advance. Again , well done.
www.lowes.com/pd/Air-Vent-18-in-Dia-Electric-Gable-Vent-Fan/3143421. Thank you and good luck with your project. It was pricey but I figured it was protecting the generator from overheating so it was worth it. Not sure if mine is 14” or 18”, but this is the brand I used.
Thanks alot for the fast reply . I appreciate the help. The use of the hardiebacker is a GREAT idea. Seen a few videos where the exhaust is burning the enclosure .!! Well done. Good luck in your future projects .
What he has for a fan is extreme over kill. Save yourself a lot of money and get one not built for 1900 sqf
Why does a manufacturer try to make something like this? Seems to be a good demand after watching numerous self made versions. I saw the Zombie Box and looks well made, but quite expensive.
Hi, what tempetature is expected inside? Maximun?
The fan is set to go on at 80 degrees.
My new Champion DuelFuel 9000 has a sticker on the top that indicates a 5' on all sides clearance, does yours? If yours does how did you take that into consideration. I've not a clue as to why the setback is called for but suspect it is for heat.
That is probably to be adhered to when you don't have good vents and a big fan like he does. I have one too.
NO, 2 male plugs is illegal and dangerous .The box on the house should be male and one end of the cord female the same as an extension cord. Two male ends presents the risk of electrocution as if someone unplugs the connection at the house you now have a live male end.
Thanks for pointing that out. I will certainly look into that.
Do you have a problem with the exhaust not venting properly? I can't get mine to vent enough
No, I did not have any problems with the exhaust. Whatever doesn't vent through the vent will get sucked out through the exhaust fan. I went larger on the fan to assist with ventilation.
Like some of your ideas....get some help for your cough. (Hope you are doing better...nervousness I think?....maybe diptherial magnazese?)
the purpose of my box was not noise abatement but from protection from the elements. unless you buy a specific generator made to run as a whole house unit it will be noisy.
I have not done a sound test since my exhaust faces the woods.
Ar 7:41 you said your going to have 2 male plugs. You should be using 1 male and 1 female.
Thanks Tim, I will look into that and try to change it.
Sound Test?
BMS-2500 Shed
Jim did you move the shed assembled from your garage to your platform ???
Joe, Yes, I did and it worked great. You can search under my videos and find the final video showing it up on the platform and how I hooked it into my main panel.
Jim McGovern Thanks Jim, I watched your second video and you have been a great help. I copied your shed to a TEE. Now that I know it is sturdy enough to move assembled life just got easier. Thanks again
You are welcome!
Great job! What is that Suncast model #?
jim ohara45 model number is BMS2500, $199 at Lowe's. Hope that helps and good luck with your project.
Thanks for the quick reply. Good luck on your next venture as well.
You need 10/4 not 10/3 wire to run 110 off your generator using your L14-30 plug
Any heat or exhaust issues after you started using it?
John Lawrence no issues.
What the DB rating on this
jcr65566 I don’t know the DB level, sorry. It is fairly loud. You can check my other video and hear it running outside.
JIM McGovern Thank for posting I like what you have done to get the sound down. My area getting built up with blackouts I bought Generators And they failed so I went and bought another one Then I retired I had nothing to do so I look into fixing them the thing is there so cheap But though There surprising easy to fix. to fix them is time-consuming it why shops won't touch them it cost more in labour then it would be to replace the whole generator Most time with the brush generators it the AVR if it is not then it usually the stator coil If it a brushless generator it the capacitors if not it the diodes in the rotor. Very rarely dosa winding burns out the problem is to get at the burnout winding on the rotor or stator you just got to take it out but to get at it you got to practically tale the others windings out as well there all just coils set at 120 c from one another but if you have the time an patience is fixable. But it a DIY With the node I have the same problem with my three Generators I have an old 1980 600-watt camp Yamaha Generator that a bit loud But The old Chinese generator knock-off nosy but the worse is with The 11hp honda welder generator I got to wair ear muff just to get near it
Little extreme for that one major power outage you might have in a lifetime. Power goes out hookup generator and you don’t have to look at the shit all the time.
Great idea BUT your lip smacking before speaking drove me crazy.
John Ganz Really????
John Ganz I think it is the microphone on the camera, BTW, I don’t do this for a living.
Thank you DJ. It works great. I have another video of it set up outside if you want to see the finished set up.
Brian,. Thanks, good luck with your set-up. Sounds like a great plan! min works great when I need it.
Thank you for the suggestion. Expensive.
Thank you Anthony. There is another video after I got it all set up and how I connected it to my panel.
Thank you James, appreciate your feedback.
Thank you Paul.
You are welcome, good luck!
Thank you, good idea.
What temperature do you have the cooling fan thermostat set at?
It is set fairly low, I think around 80 degrees.
@@jimmcgovern8783 Thanks..I figured around 80°..Mine is finished and I am just waiting for the thermostat to be delivered. My setup is pretty similar to yours. I have transfer switch for mine..Anyway, thanks for the quick reply...
No problem, best of luck with your project, I hope you never have to use it! Had to use mine a few weeks ago for a few hours, worked flawlessly.
@@jimmcgovern8783 I use mine a lot, well several times a year anyway....Last year it ran for 4 days during a winter storm..
This is a new dual fuel I bought and I built the new shed for it... Same Champion, 3500 watts..Good generator...
Thanks..
Thank you Alex.