7 Backup Generator Mistakes. (Have You Made One?)

In this video I'll go over 7 Deadly Mistakes made when running portable generators and of course how to avoid them. Stay Safe.
👉 TAPDON IR Camera Used in Video -- amzn.to/45mYkaf
👉 Carbon Monoxide Alarms that I recommend -- amzn.to/3XntH2b
👉 Similar Generator to the one in the Video -- amzn.to/4bjoZGp
👉 30A Generator Power Cord -- amzn.to/3z1twzP
☑️ All links shared in this video description/comments are affiliate links that help support the channel with no extra cost to you.
⚡️ More Educational (Electrical Videos)
🔌 Wire stripper tips - • 9 out of 10 DIYers Don...
🔌 Electrical Pigtails - • Should you pigtail you...
🔌 Receptacle Orientation - • Are your outlets insta...
🔌 5 Electrical Code Lies - • 5 Electrical Code Lies...
🔌 Ground Breaking NEC Update - • This Ground Breaking N...
Subscribing is free! - It helps youtube recommend my content to you. Thanks for supporting the Channel. Subscribe Here 👉 kzbin.info...

[@BackyardMaine]

Be sure to Subscribe and Hit the Bell so you won't miss my upcoming video on installing a 30A generator connection to a home. And the video after that we'll be installing and testing a battery power station with an automatic transfer switch. Great stuff coming up my friends. Thanks so much for being here and helping me hit that 200k subscriber count by the end of the summer. YOU GUYS are Awesome..

[@iancameron198]

What gage wire you need for a 220 generator extension cord

[@BackyardMaine]

@@iancameron198 It depends on the amperage not the voltage. The most common size of portable generator connection is 30A which would require 10 gauge wire. Some people may have a larger generator with a 50A feed which would require 8 gauge or possibly 6 gauge depending on the wire insulation.

[@rontiemens2553]

There are some really good electrical channels out there but I really think yours is the best and I mean no disrespect to the others. Where you really really excel is CLARITY AND EFFICIENCY of presentation. I can tell you really plan out and rehearse what you are going to present and us viewers really benefit from your hard work and experience.

[@BackyardMaine]

Wow, thank you so much. I do put a lot of work into every video but I never get tired of hearing wonderful comments like yours. So happy to have you onboard.

[@dcole109]

Agree!

[@projectswithjw]

I added color dots to my interlocked panel so people know which breakers to use while on gen power. Red dot breakers stay off for being higher than the generator capacity to run. Yellow dots are 2 pole breakers than can be turned on but only 1 at a time like the water heater or kitchen stove. Green dots are all the single pole breakers needed during an outage. I made a step by step video too. Makes it easy for my family to understand when I'm not home to switch everything over.

[@BackyardMaine]

Good plan my friend.

[@Cybertruck_69]

your procedure is good, however whenever shutting down the generator, I prefer to turn off the load and let the generator run a few minutes longer to cool down before turning it off. I do this when running under high load conditions.

[@fredla7353]

I have been using a Champion 7000w [9000w start up] for about 10 years now. I paid $1,000 for an isolation circuit and 30amp plug in. My mom, passed now, had a Generac. Both systems work great. If I lived in a suburban or urban area I would probably have the Generac, just because of the maintenance system they incorporate. [Every month, at a time you choose, the generator self-isolates and starts up, runs a maintenance check, reports any issue to the service department, then shuts down and reengages the home to the Public Power Grid]. Pretty sweet for peace of mind, and it starts automatically in a power outage. I was happy mom had that. Me, I do not live where a Generac Service tech is going to come running. So, a multi-fuel generator with remote start is my answer. [I paid $570.00 for my generator at Costco] It has served us well for many years. [ps...I also bought another brand new Champion, as a back up in case this one fails]. Pretty cheap insurance, cost me about $2,000 TOTAL for iso-circuits and two Generators.

[@davenag957]

Whenever I need to run a portable generator, I'll take a box fan, plug it into the generator and set it right near the generator blowing fresh air directly on the engine. It really helps to dissipate the heat and it should prolong the life of the engine. And of course like you said, this would not be done in the rain.

[@joshm3342]

Great video! One extra thing we do: During a multiple day outage, we shut down the generator when we go to sleep. The fridge does not get opened, and we have flashlights if we need to get up before dawn for any reason. Saves fuel, and I feel better not leaving generator running unattended.

[@BackyardMaine]

Great tip! I do the same thing.

[@festerofest4374]

I shut mine off at night, IF, it’s not freezing out (New Hampshire winter outages are a thing) and I don’t need my furnace running. Otherwise it runs throughout the night which keeps me on edge a bit so I don’t tend to sleep as well.

[@jrhackman7414]

They are not cheap, but I have a 2000 W portable power station. It will easy run the refrigerator and a few other things so you don’t have to run the generator continuously. It works great in conjunction with a generator for long power outages. Run the generator when it needs to be charged.

[@BackyardMaine]

@@jrhackman7414 I just installed an 6000w portable power station with a automatic transfer switch to supply 12 circuits in my home. It also works as a UPS for clean power when utility power is on. Look for that video next week.

[@WagnerPD-b7n]

Thanks

[@James-qs3je]

This has to be one of the best safety briefing videos on KZbin today! I'm a retired military power production technician and have MANY years of experience and I will be sharing this video as part of my training program! Thanks for this excellent video!

[@George-mn4wf]

I just found this channel, and I am very happy that I did. Clear instruction on electric matters is not easy to find. Thank you!

[@BackyardMaine]

Awesome, thank you! I have some interesting videos coming up. I hope you like them.

[@tombriggman2875]

As learned in the Navy long, ALWAYS rig power from load to source. I follow this simple procedure with everything 50 years later.

[@BackyardMaine]

Ahh a Navy man.. Thanks for your service. 🇺🇸

[@johnclyne6350]

Great tips! I especially like that you focused on back feeding outlets & killer cords. I'm a power lineman & we find most generators are hooked up correctly. However a few have been improperly hooked up. When we enter a neighborhood during a power outage we always check our equipment with our test equipment anyway. Once we found a back feeding generator feeding a neighborhood & the wires on the ground were energized to 13,000 volts. People were walking amongst the wires & had no idea they were "HOT". I have a portable generator. I have the best of the best. Honda EU 7000is. I had a fabricator build a stainless steel enclosure Hiltied to a concrete poured in place pad with a ground rod. The enclosure is vented on two sides with a hinged lid. I had an electrician wire mine up with an interlock, hard wired remote start & trickle charger. I'm often at work already so I made it simple for my wife to start it when I'm not home. That way she can feel safe at home. Safety is paramount in my house. I have a 6 gallon auxiliary fuel tank that I can hook up for extended run times. I add my fuel to the auxiliary when the generator is running. The genny has fuel injection so there is nothing to prime. I get 42 hours of run time before I need to totally refuel. All together I'm in at $14,000. You can't put a price on safety. The money spent is like having an insurance policy you hope you never need it? But if I do? It's always ready. I look forward to your other videos! Great content!

[@BackyardMaine]

Wow. Sounds like a great setup. I need to do something like that to make things easier. Safety is number one for sure. My father and brother in-law both worked for the power company as lineman. Im retired now but I worked as an electrician and then an electrical engineer my whole career.

[@johnclyne6350]

@@BackyardMaine That’s awesome that your family is involved in the power industry! I applaud you & your family for the dedication & strong work ethic to succeed. I’m sure you have heard it many times before. Not many people can do our jobs. The long hours of commitment & the family that backs us up. I had help from the substation electricians at work. I was getting ready to pull the trigger on a more comprehensive set up & they stopped me. I purposely bought our home on a backbone. So we hardly ever lose power. We are on a loop scheme so in the event we lose the feed from one substation. Power can be restored quickly through reclosures in a manner of minutes. No lineman or electricians are involved. Unless the wire burns down in front of my house? We almost always stay on. In the unlikely event we lose both feeds do we lose power all together. That’s where the back up power comes into play at our house. As you know the last persons you want to be calling you at work is your family. I made my set up “lineman proof”. My wife can flip a few switches & push one button & power is restored quickly at our house. The only time I get a call is to check on how I’m doing after being at work for more than 24 hours. It’s peace of mind for me. You can’t put a price on that? Again thanks for the great tutorial & thank your father & brother in-law for being lineman .

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

I always keep an extinguisher about 5 feet away or so when adding fuel to the generator. Thanks for sharing!

[@fritzmiller9792]

Another great video, John! You are doing us Maine electricians very proud with your consistently excellent content.

[@BackyardMaine]

I appreciate that my friend. Thanks so much for watching and commenting.

[@lynheydt3304]

Totally agree about running inside , that said I have a storage where my generator is in with the hookup it’s 75 feet away from my home and the cable is underground. I never had a problem in 15 years. Got to use common sense.

[@frederickgrassie3383]

My system is 18 years old. Honda 4500, I think I have that suicide setup! Male into the generator, and male into a box on the wall. It was installed in 2005. I have used it many times with storms in Florida. I bet it's not code anymore! Might be time to have an electrician take a look. Just came across you channel, love it! Thanks, Rick.

[@appleseed8375]

Never was

[@robertbass9032]

Looking forward to your assessment of the Anker Solix. Recently, we got rid of Honda gasoline powered generator due to gasoline storage issues (going bad over time). Replaced it with an 2 Anker Solix units and 5 200 W solar panels. We monthly decharge and recharge the batteries on an alternating schedule. So far, very happy with setup. Note, it's for emergency use only, not as a power source replacement.

[@ElectricRob]

Great video John - glad you covered the "refueling" issue as well, since I'm sure many people hate to disrupt the generator power in the middle of using it, but definitely a hazard if you don't. I'd also add that it is wise to write down the step-by-step procedures in a clear fashion and post by the panel - not only for yourself (could be years in between uses, or at least months) - but also for other maybe less-technical members of the family if you are not around to perform the switchover!

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you and Great Point. Even with my decades of experience I still have a procedure at the panel. I have actually written them for friends and family as well. Thanks so much for you comment.

[@steveurbach3093]

I also suggest using a (D)battery fuel transfer stick pump to avoid spills (we have all fought those fill spouts) . Places like Harbor Freight have them for under $15

[@Foofrarf23]

Surprisingly my science teacher actually taught us to never backfeed or use an electric suicide cord. It is common sense not to use one but it really depends on who you're talking to!

[@BackyardMaine]

I'll bet half the people in Maine use them. lol

[@catfish500mark9]

While this video is very helpful and make some really good talking points its amazing that you left out an extremely important safety point. You're only allowed to have the neutral and ground bonded at the main disconnect of your home.If you simply power your home with a bonded generator your running the risk of electrical shock.Anytime you power your home with a generator you should always make sure your generator is UNBONDED.Its a simple process to add a switch to the generator so you can go back and forth between bonded and unbonded.Tons of videos on here explaining in more detail and how to instructions to accomplish this.Not trying to criticize your video because like I said it make great and valid points.Just thought your viewers might also like to understand the difference between using a bonded vs unbonded generator.All the best.

[@thomasassim-ita1787]

I watching your channel first just subscribed too. I love your content it's great to stay safe and be alive. Your detailed analysis is topnotch thanks for bringing these mistakes to light

[@BackyardMaine]

Awesome, thank you! I appreciate comments like yours. Welcome to the channel. I have another video going live tomorrow.

[@mr.salisbury2435]

I spent more money and have a tri fuel portable generator and with more money have one of those plug in natural gas connections . I’d recommend people consider it although I realize outside city/urban areas it may not be an option. I think it’s so much safer from both not storing gasoline, having to refuel and also driving around trying to find more after a storm. If it’s so bad that natural gas is out we’re out of here but can run on a propane tank /gasoline if needed

[@BackyardMaine]

I would love to have that option.

[@MCOult]

Great video, John! Clear and on-the-point(s). I hope you'll make a similar video that addresses those (the majority, I think) who don't connect their gens to breaker panels, but simply use extension cords to power individual appliances during outages. -- Old Matt

[@BackyardMaine]

Thanks you Matt and Great suggestion! I'll add that to my content list.

[@ChaJ67]

@@BackyardMaine If you are interested on the thoughts I have come up with on this matter: 1. Focus on small 120V inverter based propane generators - Propane lasts forever, so no worries about it going bad. Burns cleaner, so less crudding up of your generator. Something like a TT-30 or NEMA L5-30 extension cord can usually power the basics and even a 120V window or portable air conditioner. (Having a cool room to go to in a summer time power outage is a lot better than it is just sizzling anywhere you go inside. Even on normal days, it can save a lot of power to have the room you spend the most time in cooler than the other rooms that you then let float a little high so that say you whole home HVAC is not cranking away so hard at running up your power bill.) 2. For the kitchen in particular, have some sort of battery - inverter setup that can be charged off of the generator. The problem I have hit with my small generator testing is most everything in the kitchen, at least my kitchen, hard starts / suddenly draws a big load. This doesn't work out too well with small generators that have a relatively low amount of spinning mass to absorb those hits until the engine can ramp up. Also for piece of mind, it is much nicer to have the fridge powered all the time while it is a big gas guzzler to run the generator all the time. Granted most fridges should be able to make it up to 10 hours before things thaw out and start expiring, I think most would be more comfortable with a constant or near constant supply and especially not have to micromanage power to their fridge and hope they don't screw up and then have to dump a bunch of food into the trash. If the generator is hooked up to automatically charge the battery when it is running, maybe you just run the generator a handful of hours throughout the day on ECO mode (as the charger will more or less draw constant power) or at least shut it off overnight to save fuel and make less noise. Plus if it is still super stormy outside as you mention weather in this video, you may only be able to use the battery - inverter setup at first until the storm passes. (Maybe if it is not too bad out, you put a table over the inverter-generator as these fully enclosed units just suck in air in the front and spit out exhaust and hot cooling air out the back.) Then you may have a long power outage time as cleanup happens after the storm that you run the generator in and charge this back up. Personally, I am a bit of a fan of having separate components for inverter, battery, and charger so you can customize each component to your needs on the cheap, but all in one boxes are also common these days as you briefly mention in this video. 3. There are some ways to do extension cords right and ways to make for a dangerous setup. For one, most of these small inverter generators are floating neutral. It is important to setup a ground-neutral bond. I did the "easy button" of building a TT-30 adapter cable only for use with the generator that has this ground-neutral bond. Then I have a separate long TT-30 extension cord to pull into the house so the generator can be setup out in the open. In case I want to use this long extension cord for something besides the generator, it is still in its stock configuration and so will be fine. Only the specially built adapter cable can only be used with the generator. I have found without this ground-neutral bond, inverter generator power can become 'dirty' and cause my electronics to glitch up. So in addition to safety, it is actually rather important for your electronics to function properly on generator power. The UPSes I use also complain if the bond is missing as now their surge protection function cannot work. With a generator backup solution like this, you have to have a UPS capable of riding through a power outage long enough for you to get the generator power coming into the house and to the electronics or else they will lose power. In real power outages, my main UPS has reported ~30% of its battery capacity used by the time I got it onto generator power when I have been home during the outage. Another thing that I did was to build a special adapter cable to hook generator ground into house ground using lighted plugs so I can see when generator power is present and I can see when house power comes back. There is only a ground wire going between ground prongs, so power cannot pass, it is NOT a suicide cable without these additional wires. This way everything, including all of my electronics that often have conducting copper Ethernet cables running between them are tied to the same ground voltage reference potential. I have noticed with analog audio cables running between devices that without this common ground, it will pickup a significant electronic hum for my speaker output. So yeah, a good common ground can help things out right away with your audio equipment if you still have analog stuff in the loop. In the worst case scenario, it will prevent static discharge between devices, which with electronics can lead to equipment that no longer works.

[@williamjones9662]

Good thinking John

[@joef1159]

Great advice video thanks 🙏👍

[@clintstevenson1214]

You touched on this, but I NEVER start or turn off a generator under load. (it will last longer) 🙂 AVR's are expensive these days

[@simspawn]

Thanks for the solid info and no nonsense video.liked and subscribed. Looking forward to it.

[@BackyardMaine]

Awesome, thank you!

[@simspawn]

@@BackyardMaine if future videos are even half as informative, no. Thank you. That was a great video. I'm hoping towards saving up for an under an acre to live on. I'llhave to check back on these if they teach me anything. Again, thx, and sorry I need your help.

[@jefflocke9029]

Great info. Thanks

[@BackyardMaine]

You bet! Thanks for watching. If you know someone who will benefit from this info please pass it along..

[@RG-wy1ol]

Thank you for making this video it was very helpful and educational.

[@BackyardMaine]

My pleasure, thanks for watching.

[@Forest_Actual]

Sage advice.

[@user-em6ie2be7x]

Thanks for the tips john.

[@BackyardMaine]

You bet. Thanks so much for watching and commenting.

[@thomaskingsbury6560]

Maybe you could talk about soft start systems for central air conditioning systems.

[@raymond3722]

Informative and very vital information, you definitely deliver your infos with clarity.

[@BackyardMaine]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sjpropertyservices3987]

Thank you for this posting. I am going to post it on my Facebook business page.

[@BackyardMaine]

Awesome, thank you!

[@jacklabloom635]

Excellent video.

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you very much! If you know someone that would benefit from this information please share it with them. Maybe we can save a life..

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Great Tips, John!

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you Ed..

[@dirtydon8661]

Excellent video!

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you very much!

[@masonbeveridge]

Thanks for sharing sir.

[@BackyardMaine]

My pleasure. Please share it if you know someone who could benefit from the information.

[@petruse8893]

good advice,but as you mentioned yourself some things can be a challenge.If one is in the middle of a hurricane, to run a generator in dry "conditions"would require a sturdy,dedicated structure,meant for the generator only use.This requires extra real estate area,building permit and construction of it with possible inspection.Anything can be done provided one pumps enough money into the enterprise,which ,alas is not the case for a lot of people

[@marktrotter1329]

Very good info. Thank you..

[@BackyardMaine]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@Amaloyz]

thank you n salute

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Really good tips! Well done.

[@BackyardMaine]

Thanks so much!

[@asbestosfiber]

Good stuff. Especially about carbon monoxide and windows or doors. Also storing gas inside is not a good idea.

[@Texacehousaton]

Just found your channel!! Glad I did! 👍 Have you posted the one about installing the back up generator feed??

[@BackyardMaine]

I working on the power station first which is out of order from what I said. I'll have that video up in a few days and up next will be the generator feed. Sorry for the delay.

[@Mike-ox3bv]

Some great advice thank you

[@BackyardMaine]

My pleasure!

[@wherami]

Excellent points

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you!

[@CyberDocUSA]

@3:40 the trash can with the name _Casella_ on it reminded me of Tony Casella in Maine, who owned a number of development properties. These are solid tips, John, and your videos make me miss living Downeast.

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you my friend. Much appreciated. Where are you living now?

[@CyberDocUSA]

@@BackyardMaine Richmond, VA. Lived in ME for 20 years. Maybe I'll make it back. Take care.

[@trustbuster23]

It is not hard to make a "carport" for your generator. Basically a big scrap piece of plywood, with 2x4s for legs. Just make it big enough that the legs and the plywood sheet are well away from the generator/hot exhaust, and make one side lower than the other by an inch or two so it sheds water easily. Bonus points if you paint or seal it, but you really don't need to given that it only sits out in the weather for a day or two normally. If it is very windy I put a cinder block on top of it. If you want to get fancy, put the legs on hinges. Or just screw the legs to the top and remove the screws when you need to store it. Your battery powered drill will still work when the power is out so no big deal to reassemble it.

[@OrangeismyNewGreen]

Great tips John 👍🏻🙋🏼‍♂️🙂

[@BackyardMaine]

Thanks Luc.. Hope all is well up north my friend. 👍

[@rohnbb991]

Great Video, Thanks

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you..

[@wk7060]

Very good video!

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you very much!

[@maxwellcrazycat9204]

I setup my portable generator in my detached two car garage which is over thirty feet away from my house. It feeds the panel through under ground PVC conduit. It has a remote start/stop fob. I installed an exhaust fan and fresh air intake. Plus run a fan to blow cooling air onto the generator while running. Also leave the garage door open slightly. And I do use carbon monoxide detectors inside the house. Have only used it in cold weather so the house doors and windows remain closed.

[@victorarcos6178]

Thank you kind sir

[@BackyardMaine]

My pleasure.

[@ldero9520]

Very well done sir 👍

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you

[@avflyguy]

When running mine, I will always use one of the spare 120v recepticles and plug in a high velocity fan, so it constantly blows air over the generator and forces any air to pass over the exhaust blowing it well clear and any hazards of CO coming anywhere near the house.. Plus it will help keep the generator from overheating.

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? Life saving tips here John!! Thanks! Take 'er easy!!

[@BackyardMaine]

Thanks Mike.. Doing well here. I hope all is well for you and your wife in the wild and wonderful north.

[@ctwaldman006]

I like your style and content

[@BackyardMaine]

Thank you.. Much appreciated.

[@Taras-Nabad]

Finally someone that does not recommend backfeeding an electrical panel. I have even had electricians recommend this.

[@BackyardMaine]

Yes, for sure. Back feeds are not a good idea.

[@parkerholden7140]

Back feeds are asking for trouble unless managed by a skilled electrician. All critical loads should be from a panel board supplied by a transfer switch. More expensive but much less risk

[@davesmith5270]

What about adding a power vent (from a hot water tank) mounted above where the engine exhaust is for draft and plumbing an exhaust stack out a garage window?

[@BackyardMaine]

Check you local codes.. I wouldn't trust it myself. A small leak could be deadly.

[@Taras-Nabad]

The other mistake most people make is they think a $150 Harbor Freight generator that is meant to be used outdoors on a construction site will work to power their home with 100 foot extension cords.

[@viewer2277]

I will add myself to the list of people interested in more details on grounding. I have seen advice to use ground rods and not to use ground rods. This also interacts with locating the generator away from standing water and the home. I hope KZbin alerts me if you post such a video since I would be very interested.

[@BackyardMaine]

If you subscribe and hit the bell you will get notified. I have a couple of videos to come first but I will get that video out this summer for sure.

[@toukoaozaki]

For an interlocked backfeed breaker setup, neutral is not switched. This means you must use a floating neutral generator (must not bond neutral and ground on the generator). No additional ground rod is needed; it is grounded at the service entrance. If you have a transfer switch with switching neutrals, you need to set up the generator as if it’s another service. It is called “separately derived system” and you will need to add a separate grounding source & bond it with the neutral at the generator.

[@stardust-rv7mr]

One thing you forgot to mention was a grounding issue, the basics of a bonded neutral vs floating neutral!

[@BackyardMaine]

I'm going to dedicate a video to generator grounding. There is a lot of confusion around that and many get it wrong. It depends on the bonding of the neutral at the generator and at the main panel. Is the generator a separately derived system or not. Stay tuned for a video on that subject.

[@alankeller8204]

I circumvent several of those issues by using propane instead of gas. Also, safer and easier to store. Doesn't go bad like gas does, either.

[@StanleyMcCoy-yc2lo]

Me too

[@Mb-vz3ze]

I have a Durostar ds4400e generator that makes 3500w. I plan to use it for the moment just to run my freezer and 2 fridges in case of an outage. Do you have any video content that covers grounding rods for backyard use?

[@BackyardMaine]

Not yet bit I am getting a lot of requests for that so I will make one very soon

[@1a1u0g9t4s2u]

Would really like to know your thoughts on a propane generator vs the gasoline generator. My thought is the propane does not go bad like gasoline stored in a storage container after a long period of time. I have lived in Iowa and Arizona and both utility companies have provided reliable power so the need of portable generator power has been minimal. Thanks for sharing some valuable tips on generator safety.

[@BackyardMaine]

I have never owned a propane powered generator but I do certainly like the idea. I think they are safer, and you can probably get through most outages without needing to fill the tank. I also like the idea of inverter generators which use less fuel and provide much cleaner power allowing you to confidently use your computers and other electronic devices.

[@joeybullock5875]

Propane is ok and convenient, but you I don't think you'll get any more run time from a 20 lb. propane bottle than 5 gallons of gas. You'll need multiple 20 lb. propane bottles for a longer term outage. A larger 100 lb. propane bottle can be hard to handle. On the other hand, if you already use propane at your house, have a connection piped in for long term use.

[@jameslovett2802]

All of the things that you said are true and correct But when it's an instance of a power grid down I'm sorry I'm just gonna shut the main breaker off and back feed through my shed

[@BackyardMaine]

Or you could plan ahead and build a safe setup.

[@sluggonotnancy6178]

@@BackyardMaine Well, yeah....but what fun is that?

[@HighCountryRambler]

If your going through the trouble of adding a receptacle on the side of your panel, just also add a manual transfer switch. This passes code in case you sell your home, plus isolates your home from the grid when using Gen.

[@BackyardMaine]

A manual transfer switch works fine but so does using an interlock kit which also passes code.

[@n8wrl]

Good stuff. Could you comment on the "floating neutral" issue?

[@BackyardMaine]

I'm getting a lot of questions about that and grounding requirements. I will make a video to discuss this in detail in the near future. Stay tuned.

[@stangxx2199]

I dig that Air Force hat, Aim High!

[@GreyRockOne]

Yep, all comes down to common sense and smarts, the people that do not possess these qualities will always attempt things they shouldn't. This is why the world is full of Lawyers, doctors, hospitals and sadly, funeral homes.

[@mdunbar008]

Unless you have an interlock or a transfer switch, I see the "legal" generator connector to be MORE dangerous than the "suicide cord". Unless it is configured properly, the "safe" generator port can remain energized so any child could just open the cover and stick their fingers in it. The "suicide cord" is only dangerous if you plug it in while the generator is running. If you are trying to connect your generator to a load while it is running and supply power to the outlet.... well, survival of the fittest.

[@jerrydemas2020]

John, could you please elaborate on the installation of a ground rod for the generator?. There are several opinions depending on the manufacture. Jerry in S.E. Pa. Sorry, I just read a prior request on the same subject.

[@BackyardMaine]

Hi Jerry.. It depends on whether the neutral is bonded to ground or you have a floating neutral. If the generator is connected as a separately derived system then a ground rod or other bond to ground would be required. I will add that to my content list.

[@Hannelore7]

What about a cover for rain with the exhaust end open when there is rain? Will that cover I intend to buy for a generator be safe?

[@BackyardMaine]

I have seen a few home made generator housings with the exhaust piped out.

[@benbohannon]

As a neighborhood kid mowing yards for money, I once tried to save an electric weed eater cord by cutting out a bad end and splicing two good ones together; but they were both male. Plugged it into the garage, and then got the shock of my life. Now I learn this is called a “suicide cord”… and I’ll never do that again!

[@jasonphilbrook4332]

As you demonstrate, a vintage gas can seems a lot safer for not spilling gasoline during refueling compared to newer "approved" ones.

[@clintstevenson1214]

Are those universal lockout kits? My Eaton panel had one, but would like another one. Thanks! Fantastic Video

[@BackyardMaine]

They are designed for specific panels. You will want you panel model number to find the right one. The spacing has to be perfect.

[@clintstevenson1214]

@@BackyardMaine thank you! Love your channel

[@martineakes5143]

If it time to add fuel, it time to check the oil...fact.

[@TheOne-ofMany]

I'm surprised there was no mention of grounding the generator during #6.

[@BackyardMaine]

I'm going to dedicate a video to generator grounding. There is a lot of confusion around that and many get it wrong. It depends on the bonding of the neutral at the generator and at the main panel. Is the generator a separately derived system or not. Stay tuned for a video on that subject.

[@FMX8100]

I could be wrong, but I don’t see the interlock in the panel effective if you’re able to switch the generator breaker on and off without touching either the interlock or the mains breaker!

[@BackyardMaine]

I think you missed something there. The generator breaker can only be cycled with the main breaker off. The main breaker can only cycled with the generator breaker off. The point is the two cannot be turned on at the same time.

[@mr.salisbury2435]

I really like these videos. Minor rant :-). These videos always talk about licensed qualified electricians and imply all the dumb stuff is done by us DIYers. I have no doubt on average dumber stuff is done by DIYers. However I have had several issues with licensed electricians over the years so it pays to be knowleadgeable yourself if you can. Im fortunate to be an engineer and so "code" doesnt intimidate me. One case in point I procured an appripriate male-female generator cord and had an electrican install a change over panel at home. Came home to find he had changed one end to a male because he claimed the one I had didnt have a ground . It did -just was on the circumfrence. Was adamant and started using "by code" etc without explanation. Anyway I let him leave , took some pictures of the device I had proposed showing the grounding and sent it to his manager. His manager was very apologetic and came to fix the thing up that day. This was a reputable licensed regional chain.

[@BackyardMaine]

I'm sorry I had no intension of implying such a thing. I have seen many dumb electricians doing dumb things as well. I have had to fire several of them over the years. Now I'm retired so my days of dealing with them are in the past. I'm also an engineer and we know how to read codes.

[@mr.salisbury2435]

No offense taken and as I said for most DIYers I would say be very cautious about what you take on and default to a professional if in doubt. I had the good fortune to have my early work checked out as I was going by an experienced electrician. I also try to really plan out and give myself plenty of time and an out. Really my point is that it pays for us all to have some knowledge and ask questions even if the work is being done by someone else

[@thebeachguy6697]

Dumb question here. Can I plug my RV into that 50 amp plug on the house and then block the main breaker to use the generator breaker to power the RV sitting in my driveway? I have a 50 amp plug and generator I use for backup power now. Just curiois to know if tje RV would draw power from that breaker

[@BackyardMaine]

You could but you would need a cord with two male ends which is dangerous. You would also need a mechanical interlock between the RV circuit breaker and the main breaker in the panel so that only one breaker can be turned on at the same time. The interlock would not allow you to power your RV when utility power is on.

[@mj625]

Just curious....have you ever heard of people connecting the portable generator frame to a ground rod? If so, under what circumstances would you do this?

[@BackyardMaine]

Yes but most of the time that's not required. I plan on make a video on ground connections to the generator and most importantly the importance of knowing whether you need a bonded neutral at the generator or a separation between neutral and ground. Some electricians still don't understand this clearly enough to make the proper determination. I will try to get that video made this summer. It's more than I can cover in the comments. Stay tuned.

[@intergalacticchicano]

You know what, my goofy ass didn't even think about the carbon monoxide, i had it out, on my what i thought was far enough from my window, i had a bad headache these past 2 days ( since Beryl) i thought it was from not eating/drinking enough, nope it was not far away from my house. Till i saw your video i might not have put one and one together

[@joesauer8068]

Could you please cover bonded and unbonded neutral generators?

[@BackyardMaine]

I'll make a video on that subject soon..

[@ScottDLR]

Last week we (Seattle) had a guy that ran his gen with it sitting directly against his house with the exhaust pointing at the cedar siding. It burned the house down.

[@BackyardMaine]

Scary stuff.. I'm sure it happens a lot.

[@papafour3115]

I run a heavy duty extension cord from my generator into my house and plug in our refrigerator a light and TV. My generation has a ground lug on it and I was wanting to know if I need to hook it up to a grounding rod?

[@BackyardMaine]

It depends on whether the neutral is bonded. I have been seeing this question a lot so I'll make a video going into the details very soon.

[@papafour3115]

@@BackyardMaine Thank you!

[@miaminarc]

Good video but, I'm not an electrician and I don't know what opening a circuit breaker means ? Maybe in the future you could just say "turn off or turn on" for us simple minded people. Other wise good information.

[@user-ie3fl1uy7v]

In summer outages I'll also put a fan to blow on the generator itself to help cool the engine

[@EBFNOQMAGNO]

This is confusing. I had a licensed electrician, install a dedicated inlet near the panel box which is in the laundry room leading to the garage, a dedicated 30 amp breaker in the panel box that only addresses the generator, and have a series of start up and shut down procedures to include shutting down the main power box which is on the opposite side of the house and outside that get's padlocked and never opened or turned back on until after we are ready to return to main power and all generator power has been terminated. But I have the same heavy grade commercial cord (Maybe even thicker (100ft)) you are using that i bought from the electrical company. but it is wired with 2 male ends. Are the codes different codes different from state to state. Did they shortcut?

[@BackyardMaine]

Actually that is an illegal connection. The reason is it depends on you cycling the breaker in the correct order rather than a mechanical interlock. I'm sure you know how to do it correctly but it's risky and illegal in all 50 states.

[@keithfrank1303]

Best bet is a sub panel . 3 positions on the switches - off - line - generator no messing with breakers in the mail box .

[@BackyardMaine]

Thats a great option as well but its also nice to be able to cycle a load on occasionally thats not in the sub-panel.

[@sbornot2b]

What all do you run with that generator?

[@jefflocke9029]

Aim High!!!

[@BackyardMaine]

Yes thank you.. 🇺🇸

[@mae2759]

Can you talk about in your next video when you are supposed to ground your generator?

[@BackyardMaine]

I have had that request many times now so I will plan a video on that subject in the near future.

[@michaelhardy195]

EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station on KZbin videos and please show more test it out

[@AlfredNewman-ec6zj]

Excellent video. I went one step further by attaching, to the panel, a very detailed, simple set of instructions to follow in case I am not home when the generator is needed. I also had a training session for everybody who "may" have to use the generator. But one question I have: I made a device that is mounted on the distribution panel that will absolutely prevent both street power and generator power to energize the distribution panel at the same time. Since the device is not UL approved, is it legal???

[@BackyardMaine]

As long as you have a mechanical device that prevent the generator breaker and the main from being turned on at the same time I think you're fine. The one I bought for my panel is not uL listed.

[@siscokid55]

I added a grounding cable attached to a 3 ft rod.

[@jwfmechanical9864]

You may have saved some lives

[@keithnoneya]

I use a suicide cord and I'm the only one allowed to use it at my house. However I do teach my family about it and why it's dangerous. I also have a check list to ensure nothing is turned on until the main it tripped 1st. Then the generator circuit breakers are turned off, then all the cords are connected, checked and then only then is the generator even turned on and it's circuit breakers turned on. And of course until everything is disconnected then and only then is the Main allowed to be turned on. Until I can afford to have a Emergency Panel is Connected to my house, a Check List is crucial and mandatory in my family. So far in the 10 years I've owned it. I've only had to use the back generator twice. After Hurricane IDA for 10 hours and a really bad rain storm last year when the power was out for 6 hours. That suicide cord is 12 awg that goes to a three prong dryer plug. I also use a separate 110v cord that only has the ground connected inside the plug for an additional safety ground, the 110vac wires are capped and not used. Thanks for the tip I found I had broken two of them. 1. Suicide Cord. 2. I run it outside under the porch and the cord runs runs through the door that is cracked open just enough to let the cord pass. I do stuff towels in the open parts of the door to keep the smell out though. So I may be good on the 2. one. It's a 7KW with a 8KW surge. It runs the whole house except the Central AC and the Electric Stove. it will even run two small window AC Units for the bedrooms. Thanks for sharing. Best Wishes & Blessings. Keith Noneya

[@THEL0G1CAL1]

I am guilty of number seven. I know I shouldnt do it, but I do.

[@BackyardMaine]

I have been guilty of that one as well....

[@McGiver1340]

Carbon monoxide is a sneaky gas. I was doing a job in upper New York and it placed the generator outside the garage door 2 or 3 feet. The cold air from the night when I open the garage door had flowed out of the bottom area of the opening of the garage door and the carbon monoxide was drawn in above the garage door along the ceiling into the basement where I was succumbed. For whatever reason in this universe a neighbor kindly decided to bring me a cup of coffee that morning not even knowing me. He found me unconscious on the floor and pulled me out of the house and saved my life. Do not fuck with carbon monoxide, it will kill you when you won't even know it.

[@BackyardMaine]

Wow!! That is a scary story. I guess the angles were looking over you on that day. I worked in large industry most of my career and there are plenty of cases where people were not and fortunate. Thanks for sharing.

[@loganv0410]

Your techniques in #6 cause a lot of extra walking BUT That's better than riding to a funeral (especially yous)

[@BackyardMaine]

You've got that right.

[@TheGlobalTravelr]

I’ll take the extra walk rain or shine.