DIY Generator Shed

[@jawadmajeedahmed6933]

The 2500 is for surge Watts. This machine puts out 1800 watts on gasoline, and 1600 Watts on propane kzbin.infoUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y . I purchased this and a manual generator transfer switch at the same time. On propane, I ran a window AC, refrigerator, and opened and closed my garage door at the same time without a hiccup. I ran the furnace and the refrigerator and garage door at the same time also without any problems. However, I had to run the microwave on medium in order to keep the generator from tripping. I have no idea what my wattage is on the microwave, so I would stick to something that's less than 1,000 watts. A week after I installed this setup, there was a power outage in my neighborhood. We have several houses with solar panels here, but I was the only person that was able to open and close their garage door and have morning coffee - oh yeah it ran a big Keurig with no problem. Also, the manual says it will run 34 hours on a 20 lb propane canister. My canister was still pretty heavy after leaving it running for 10 hours. This thing is not whisper quiet, so if you want to be stealthy about using something like this plan on building or buying a quiet box of some type.

[@joejones6968]

Piece of advice on your generator friend, When you want to shut it off, dont use the kill switch. Simply turn off the gas line valve, that way the generator will use all the gas in the carb. bowl assy, and you will not have to worry about the carb. getting all "varnished" up. Causing the needle and seat to stick. Causing you a hell of a time starting it up, next time you might need it. Thank you for making this video for all of us to see, and you did a fantastic job with your generator shed. Ill be doing that for my generator as well.

[@The_DC_Kid]

Excellent advice and I'm sure to keep it in mind. I just got a Predator 7kw that I haven't run it yet, but I've used gens a few times in the past and so I thought I "knew all about 'em", but I gotta admit I've learned a few things watching posts and reading comments on YT. You must have used the things plenty (unless someone told YOU about it). After hearing this noise-maker I've decided I'm going to make a big shed, and use wood and fiberglass insulation. Hard materials such as he used allow the sound to pass right through, plus the whole thing vibrates. But it DOES look nice.

[@goosecouple]

Nice trick. This should work for a push mower.

[@robertl.fallin7062]

@Robert Murrell Its good for a year they say but turning off the gas and running equipment out of fuel works best of all.

[@tupapisoyyo676]

OR,just use ethanol free gasoline and not worry about it

[@rjaj3276]

@@tupapisoyyo676 some generators don't like that lol

[@bobgray345]

I used this video to enclose my generator. A Walker flexible exhaust pipe from Amazon is the only difference. It turned out perfect! The sound dropped drastically!! Thanks so much for posting!!!

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

👍

[@steffiejoe]

I know this video is several years old but thank you for sharing how you store and protect your outdoor generator. Researching after hurricane Berly…

[@Embarq007]

I didn’t read all the comments. But living in Florida generators are a part of life. I only have two suggestions, the first one is to put a bug screen over the exhaust exit and the second one is to get a cheap solar 12 V battery charger from Harbor freight etc. Job well done enjoyed the video

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

I lived in Fort Lauderdale for 8 years and I know what it's like before and after a hurricane.😩 I did put a threaded plug in the exhaust when not in use to keep the wasps out. I also did a video on mounting a 12-volt solar panel for the battery. Here's the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXWlXpRuiK6hoJo

[@abrammatthew756]

What if where it is doesn’t get much sunlight? Or any at all? How would you keep it charged?… Assuming there was a power outage. How could you be prepared?

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

@abrammatthew756 You could just run a longer wire from the solar panel to the charger to make sure the solar panel is in the sun.

[@abrammatthew756]

@petebeasttexashomesteading thank you! I have been trying so hard to find something that will run on 240 V be a quiet inverter style and it’s seems like it’s impossible. I can’t find one. Why is that?

[@roadrunner8428]

That's a lot of work and still sounds loud. I surrounded mine ( baffled) with sheet rock, plenty of air flow and it is very quiet. The cheaper way around it all. Works for me.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Sounds good but like I said in the video, I wasn't worried about the sound since I live in the country and my neighbor is far enough away. I built it more to keep it out of the scorching sun and rain.

[@ItsAlive111]

The weight of the sheet rock would probably be better than the thermal insulation others have suggested!

[@MjrNiGhTmArE]

I put my generator, same model Firman, in a 8x10 metal shed and there’s something I need to point out. The heat generated by the generator is huge! I had 2, 6” vents on one side & a 300cfm shutter fan on the other. It wasn’t enough. So I ave a 2000cfm fan coming in to add more air flow. While running, some nearby plastic and foam curled from the heat. So plenty of air flow is a must. I just thought that you might want to have the generator shut off if the temp reaches a determined temperature, due to the fan failing. it will melt that little plastic shed in a heartbeat!

[@bryansonnet2454]

I think I found the idea for having a freezer outside in this type of Freezer shed, to help keep it dry and vent cool air in. Thanks

[@5714sqd]

I have a similar set up with a different generator. I lined the shed with Hardie backer board, about 12 bucks a sheet. It does a good job with both sound and heat control. I also used an auto opening shutter exhaust coupled with the attic fan. My engine exhaust goes out the back and has a magnet to hold the flapper open when running. I take it off when not running to keep critters out. These Suncast sheds are about the right size for most home generators.

[@5714sqd]

@@The_Happy_Aviation_Enthusiast I am fully aware of generator safety, being an engineer by profession. In my case, I lined the shed with fire-retardant cement board. It has a fire-suppressant system installed along with a host of other safety features. I am not sure of the purpose of you posting this long explanation to those of us who are aware of the dangers. And, instead of posting on my post, why not post it as a general comment so everyone can see it?

[@deejaybustab]

After watching your video it finally motivated me to do the same thing. For years I always had to roll my generator out of the shed and hook up everything to my house. Plus every time my power went out it was snowing or some kind of heavy rain from storms or hurricanes. I would always have to wait till the next day to hook up everything. So this past Saturday I purchased everything from Lowe's you used...the shed, attic fan, same air vents, power cord inlet cover for shed and a few small parts for my exhaust like the duct work and hardy backer board since my Champion generator muffler is on the side. Got it all built and ran some temperature test for 30 min 2 different times with a wireless thermometer in the shed and everything closed up. So far everything works excellent!!! No over heating in the shed and our outside temp was 90F. My Inside only got to 100F and it held it there but again it was 90F outside. If it's a hot day I'll just open the doors and roof and run it and if it's a rainy day most likely the outside temp will not be in the 90s as cold fronts from rain usually mean temps are in the low 80s or 70s or lower. If it's a snowstorm then I know the inside will be cooler than that lol That attic fan pulls a lot of air too. Thanks again for a great video. I'll do the solar panel project you did next to keep my battery charged.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Awesome 👍

[@deejaybustab]

Just wanted to give a great update...This past Thursday evening we had Hurricane/tropical storm Michael roll through VA and of course 170,000 lost power in a few hours including me. Well the shed performed excellent!!! I started the generator when the blowing rain slacked up and ran on on backup power for 13 hours in the shed. Saved me from the big task or rolling everything out like I normally did in the past. Nothing overheated and the attic fan did a great job!! Yesterday I installed a thermal switch in the shed that ties into the low oil shutdown wire. I got a switch that is rated for 120F. I ran a test yesterday with the fan on for about 20min for everything to warm up to normal temps. Then I unplugged the fan to simulate a fan failure. It took the shed about 4 min to get to 117F and at that time the switch kicked in and shut off the generator. Switch was $5 on ebay and a cheap way to have a fail safe just in case. My solar panel and charger comes in tomorrow so that will be the next hook up. Thanks again for the detailed video.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

@@deejaybustab Wow that's awesome. You should do a video on the switch and how it all worked for you after the storm.

[@deejaybustab]

I was thinking about making a video on what I did for that and to show how simple it really is. I got the idea from another video on KZbin. I only had to pick a good place where it could pickup a good temperature reading. 1st spot I picked was close to the air intake and that spot wouldn't get up past 110F but may have gotten hotter if it was a hot day outside. I ended up picking a place that was close to the attic fan area and that seemed to work great. Here is the original video I saw on the switch. He has 2 parts. 1 showing how to determine if you need N.O. or N.C. type of switch and the 2nd part is showing how he mounted it. It is a very simple hookup. Mine was a normal open switch like most generators use for low oil shutdown. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eImZpIaCisR9aqM

[@deejaybustab]

Here is part 2 showing how he spliced it into the low oil shutdown wire. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYS3epWsdr-fq5I

[@Forevertrue]

Also on the exhaust I would go to 2 or 3 inch, no more than 3 inches from the exit on the motor To do away with the back pressure which you should be concerned with.

[@mike93lx]

Lol. A 5 liter v8 can breathe through 15' of 2.25" piping. Why in the world would a little single cylinder 13hp engine need anywhere near that?

[@jamesybarra6229]

I think he was saying that long muffler is gonna ruin that generator cause of to much back pressure. It only needs 2 to 3 inches long .. lol not 2" -3" diameter exhaust 🤯

[@cayrick]

If I had one comment to make, move the gen closer to the exhaust wall so you have less "hot" pipe radiating inside the compartment. Consider wrapping the exhaust pipe with exhaust wrap.

[@davidmarquardt2445]

Another thing you need to do is put high temperature never seize lube on the exhaust flange bolts. I have had them seize up on lawn mowers and they are no fun to get out, plus you run the risk of the bolts snapping off, or worse yet the casting breaking. Just a little insurance for the future.

[@tuneman59]

Ive seen a bunch of these videos and Im trying to put something together. My generator is a 12000w and its big and heavy. My shed therefore had to be big enough to house it so it alone was over $300. I was hoping I wouldn't have to cut holes in it but I know I can't really leave it open in inclement weather. Piping in that exhaust like that worries me. Between the vibration and the back pressure I see nothing but bad things happening. One would think that having that kind of air flow would draw out the heat and fumes. I've been trying to take a little bit from each video to determine which idea I think would work best. Adding the sound deadening insulation and fireproofing the shed which is not fireproof is a good idea, but now this simple inexpensive idea took on a whole new life. Between the cost of my shed and my generator and I don't have any of the parts yet, I probably could have built one. Which was my first idea and thought buying this resin shed would be in a cheaper way out. Now I'm not so sure!

[@isaachonor6142]

After viewing dozens of shed videos, yours was the best!!! Thanks so much for the details. After building a platform for my shed, I fashioned my shed after yours making some changes. To keep the rain from coming through the vents, I used the magnetic floor vent covers which does a nice job keeping the shed floor dry. Thanks for a great video...

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thank you

[@imaslowlerner]

My neighbor has one of those plastic containers that he ordered from some open box deal, well it didn't come with any hardware now he doesn't want it. He offered it to me for free, I looked it over and thought 💭 the same thing, didn't feel like looking for the hardware. Now watching your video I might check ✔ to see if he still has it.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

👍

[@billonthehill9984]

Great idea here as it definitely got the gears turning in my head now! Have my eyes on the Champion dual/fuel 9375/7500 - 8400/6750 generator... I will eventually go with a manual transfer switch inside my b/ment next to my mains. I don't think the unit has 50 amp. but will install a 30 amp power inlet box on the outside of basement wall. The beauty of this arrangement is the cost factor as in pennies on the dollar compared to the ALL-HOUSE units. I simply will turn off the breakers I don't need at any given time so as not to over-load the generator... The shed I have in mind I will build from scratch beginning with a pressure treated 4x4 floor frame sitting on pea stone topped with 1/2" plywood. I will build it large enough to accommodate a portable LPG tank, i.e. 20 or 30 Lb. tank... The interior walls will have a minimum air space 1 to 1.5' away from the unit & the LPG tank. The roof can be built with a two pitch or a single pitch, depends on my ambition or lack thereof! :) I will build two swing out doors with a padlock. When running the generator, I will simply leave the doors open. If necessary I will install vents at the roof peaks... The key here is keeping it simple & cost effective as I do admire your approach to this as well... Thanks for sharing... Bill Farr...

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Sounds like a plan.......👍

[@paulguidone829]

Nice job. One thing you may consider to reduce the sound further is by gluing acoustic tiles to the inside of the shed, and wrap the exhaust pipe.

[@Gdavis135]

After coming thru Irma. This is on my to do list.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Yes it feels good to be ready for a power outage.

[@terrysimmons4671]

@@petebeasttexashomesteading Yeah this is pretty neat. Dorian is 90 miles off the coast of Florida right now around Daytona Beach. I'm about 20 miles inland. I bought a generator for this hurricane. We are blessed that the worst of it stayed offshore. Now I have to do something like this. Good video.

[@ivygate101]

Just an idea to help quiet the gen set just a bit more you could take the black iron fitting at the end of the exhaust and turn it upward and mount a muffler that fits a small tractor for an additional benefit of exhaust gas control and a marginally more quieting capability. Great set up though.

[@TheSabine2005]

Hello, just need to appreciate for your wonderful woodwork ideas kzbin.infoUgkxe81Bz076USDt6sYU1rDcNa2LwCIKADgB Previously, I was looking for a few unique and most cases I get puzzled on what to do! This is the least demanding and most straightforward plans ever.

[@ksoriano9766]

Great setup. I just would add a grounding rod next to the box for safety

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

👍

[@doddgarger6806]

Probably has one for all the telephone lines right there

[@firstandlast8674]

I Just finished putting together my set up. I would like to thank you for your post and some great tips. Looking forward to ERCOT dropping the ball again this winter. 👍😜

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@thomaswisniewski5380]

Great idea. Would recommend you add twenty more bucks and put a remote temp sensor in the shed with the display in the house in the event of fan failure. Northern sells one with an alarm you adjust the temp on.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

👍

[@doddgarger6806]

Could even wire it in with the low oil sensor for overtemp cutoff

[@daveb7663]

I had a piece of 2" exhaust pipe welded to the muffler around the outlet, then clamped on a short length of flexible pipe and a generic car muffler. That will fit in you shed and drop the noise a bit more while reducing the back pressure from your current setup. Just my $.02.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

👍

[@QuantumRift]

You could line that shed with sound-deadening foam panels as well. And put areal muffler on that exhaust as well.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

👍

[@texasproud3332]

I don’t understand the fan are you trying to dissipate the heat cause the exhaust is vented

[@LukeRT]

@@texasproud3332 but the motor isn't it will heat up really fast in a box, fan will help make negative air pressure and draw cooler air across it

[@doddgarger6806]

Majority of the noise is from the engine not the exhaust

[@fishroombum3771]

@Gman 2060 Exactly, the heat needs to leave that enclosed space around the motor. 😉

[@yamahog7997]

I pretty much did the same setup with my shed....except it is about 20' from he house. I don't think I would have a generator running that close to my house. I used Hardie Board where the exhaust comes through the shed and painted the Hardie Board with Drylock waterproof paint on the outside piece. Also used an aluminum dryer vent to help cover the exhaust.

[@markmoore856]

I was thinking of doing something like this myself, but you gave me some additional ideas and things to consider...... GREAT JOB!!

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thank you

[@ronhaskinsjr3711]

Great ideas and implementation. I suggest buying a dual fuel generator, and never put gas in it, as it is in standby for many months at a time. Buy a large propane cylinder (100lb), set it beside the enclosure, and make up a hose that will run into the enclosure. Run it on propane only, because gasoline may go bad after many months, and you are not likely to be taking the generator out. With propane, you would never have the chance of the gas going bad, carb gumming up, etc. Thank you for taking the time to make the video and share it with us! :)

[@johnapplianceguy9317]

Great thought processes, lots of thinking here. I love these type videos for sharing info. Your work helps countless people improve their generator enclosures. Thank you.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thank you 🙂

[@carlcapello9956]

Nice job with that generator shed it looks like it will never get overheated and possibly never get wet inside.

[@hguilford]

Love this idea, Pete. I bought a shed and all the parts (except exhaust pipe) after seeing your video. I think I will position the exhaust fan low enough to take care of the exhaust. Everyone adding comments don't take into consideration this is for emergency power only and must be monitored at all times. Mine will be set up far enough away from my home that should anything go wrong the house would be safe. And no, it will not be operated at night. Day operation only! Thanks for posting!

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thank you, actually you really don't need an exhaust pipe, the attic fan will pull all the exhaust out. But I would keep the air inlet low so it goes through the generator and the exhaust fan up hi like mine because heat rises.

[@b1pig]

We finally bought a generator this year. We have several uses for it to include backing up our house a little. Last year when Irma hit us, we were out for several days in my little town. Half way through day four, a friend called me to come pick up his jobsite welder to use. It got it us through the last couple days. If there is anything loud, its that welder... and it sat right beside the wall to our bedroom outside. Didn't care. Music to our ears to have warm water to shower in, cold sweet tea and food to eat. Our new generator doesn't carry as much power, but enough that it will do about the same as we did with the welder/generator we were loaned the last few days till power was restored. I'm thinking of getting a little shelter like yours to keep ours in when NOT in use, though.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

👍

[@doddgarger6806]

One vent high and one low would likely suffice for airflow and the draft volume will increase with temp rise Majority of the heat is pumping out the exhaust

[@dottorb7054]

Passive cooling!

[@Daddymouse-ny9cz]

I built this exact set up several years ago, but with a smaller Honda generator. No fans, but several vents that open when running. Also, I never run with the top completely closed. Works great and looks nice. I shoulda made a video.....

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

👍

[@MrScoresby]

Pete: If you want to increase your sound attenuation. Here are a couple idea's: 1. Glue a 1" high density Rock Sil board to the plastic wall for mass and high frequency absorption. 2. Glue regular R15 RocSil insulation from the paper side to the board; low frequency absorption. 3. Add an external plywood air inlet duct 12" x the width of the enclosure x the height of the enclosure. With a inlet grill at the top 1/2 the area of the lower one. ( this will increase the air velocity through the higher inlet and develop two 90 degree bends in the air flow). Line the duct with the 1" RocSil. 4. Do the same on the exhaust side but make the air exhaust larger than the air inlet, again at the top. The bends in the air flow reduce the sound waves escape as they travel in a straight line and are absorbed partially by the insulation and converted to heat. 5. Increase the size of the exhaust pipe and point the elbow up and out through the duct top ( point the trumpet to the sky ) as long as possible with out increasing the back pressure to much for the engine. You could use a universal coupling for easy removal of the generator, for use outside the enclosure. You appear to have room to move the generator 5" to the right. This will not reduce the sound as much as those I worked on and had built for the motion picture mobile generators during my career. But the design principles are the same as I used for the 22 - 100 KW, truck mounted; air cooled generators we used. For the record the best temporary enclosure I ever built was: a room of straw bales 12' high with 'U' shaped entrance and exit halls, with a straw bale roof on 2x8's on the flat covered with a tarp. Bert

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thanks for all the info, it looks like you have quite a bit of experience with sound deadening.

[@delekham1863]

Lets make it easier....use egg cartons.

[@mattduane7239]

bert skelton I bet you’ve got some amazing stories and have worked on some interesting stuff. I grew up around a bunch of old timers that I use to really enjoy listening to and as I was reading your comment it kind of reminded me of those guys. One was a retired civil engineer, and old union iron worker, a diesel mechanic and a couple cattle ranchers. I worked with all of them as often as I could after I got of work and weekends I would help them out with various projects and I learned more from those men in a handful of years than I think I learned altogether through school. I spent 23 years as a plumber got my master license and all that and I owe it to all those guys because between em they knew darn near anything you could throw at em. Anyway I enjoyed your comment and thanks for shaken loose the memories I have trouble remembering where I’m at most the time so when I think of something good it makes for a good day haha.

[@BrainDamagedBob]

I built a doghouse for my generator out of exterior paneling and gave it a sloped shingle roof. It isn't as pretty as your's but mine cost only a fraction of your cost. I think the heavier material kills more sound than that thin plastic too. But hey, you've got a brick house and your neighbors are far away, so what do you care about how noisy it is? Very attractive build.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Awesome thank you

[@rrs26a]

Still sounded loud to me. Maybe line the inside with ridged insulation board, you can buy it at HD or Lowes for like $4.00 for 4x8 sheet.

[@Tron-Jockey]

Using the Suncast or Rubbermaid shed is relatively cheap, quick and easy but won't significantly reduce dB levels. The best one I saw was where the owner bought a large wooden dog house and modified it. Amazon sells a few that are already insulated for under $250

[@lonniematherne1046]

@@The_Happy_Aviation_Enthusiast What kind of nutcase runs a an electric gas generator indoors?

[@ItsAlive111]

@@The_Happy_Aviation_Enthusiast I don’t think he plans to live inside the generator shed, with the generator running or not lol

[@grajasekar]

@@Tron-Jockey Any chance you've got a link to one of those?

[@scrubsz]

Mine is very similar. I will say exhaust extension is unnecessary. The attic fan will exhaust the emissions and heat. Plus, adding that extension will definitely make it a pain in the a$$ to mobilize the generator for routine /annual maintenance. I added lights to the hood of my shelter so I could see what I was doing if it was dark out. Make sure your shed is LEVEL to the ground so it doesn’t warp. These enclosures allow mice to get in ill fitting sides and doors. They will chew your cords and plastic sides! Every few months I throw some dryer sheets in the shed to ward off pests.

[@stevekopcial129]

Excellent video, I did the same thing with my 17,500 Generac , Im not sure how you charge your battery, I have Insteon technology with Alexa I just plug the Insteon box into a outlet and plug the charger into the box and ask Alexa to turn on the battery charger or you can put it on a monthly timer to automatically come on for charging of the battery, I also added a LED lamp on top of the box to verify the charger is on. I found myself plugging in the charger, a real hassle...

[@STREETSTANG07]

Thank you for the fast reply. I have built the same setup just a couple modifications but I noticed how close the wheels sit to the edge of the shed. My plug kit is coming in today just was a little concerned. Thanks again you really made my job easy. I did order a stick on insulation to see if that helps with sound . Also on the exhaust Walker makes a stainless flex exhaust pipe comes in 25’ length and ID comes from 1” up also made life easy plus I wrapped it with high temp exhaust wrap.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

👍

[@dougm1985]

i did get some ideas, the fan and the plug opening i will use. but mine is wood 4x6 x8, almost complete.

[@kerry4951]

I have 4 of those large Suncast storage boxes and they work great and hold up well.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

👍

[@fredmcg9442]

Awesome job! You've taken a lot of the guess work out of the project, thanks for the idea.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thank you

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

Good job! To prevent it from being stolen, I'd maybe chain it to the floor, as well. You did a fine job for a reasonable cost.

[@GHOSTMAATVs]

With the plastic walls being hollow, I wonder if you could drill a hole and spray foam in between for sound deadener

[@davidjudd951]

Good idea. Definitely want to use the low expansion type.

[@gregorysmith3302]

i like that setup...I have a 8000 watt northern tool gen with honda engine.. I did the same thing but my gen exhaust comes out the back so I turned gen around plugs in the back... I can't close my box running. I have no fan or the exhaust extension. I like your setup..great idea. my stuff is pluged all the time 30 amp plug comes out of the box thru the house to panel its on a 50 amp breaker..ele goes out. start gen go to the panel turn main off some 220 breakers turn 50 amp breaker on to feed panel. I set this up about 15 years ago..i started back feeding thru dryer plug years ago switched to 50 amp ...your setup gives me something to think about...my plastic box came from sears.. this system ran my house 10 days in a row...thanks

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

👍

[@GROGU123]

You should put some Rockwool insulation on the inside to help with sound. It's also fireproof.

[@michealadams1206]

Excellent ideas & choice of large Costco generator, fan, vents, anchoring etc.! 👍

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thanks 👍

[@clarkkent4991]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. I would have loved to know what the decibel level was before and after. If anyone wants to tweak your design please do so but do share your findings with the community. We all have the same goal in mind.

[@graphiccreek]

I love the design, curious for an update video of pros and cons lessons learned. My concerns for my own needs (everyone’s is different) is more sound proofing and exhaust muffler and the security against theft (in my area theft of generators isn’t uncommon)

[@moodberry]

Got some ideas. Thanks. But I think I will make my enclosure out of masonry for sound deadening. I am a little concerned that vibration will eventually break the exhaust pipe, since that seems to be the only thing keeping your generator held in one place. Too much stress on that one anchor point.

[@yoolito25]

Exactly

[@JP-lb1wq]

Awesome idea, well done! If the walls and top are hollow you can drill holes and shoot Great Stuff in , this might help with the noise. I've seen videos of that being done to cheap coolers for more insulation.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

👍

[@bradmolsen]

Nice, thanks for taking the time to share. Nice job putting it all together. Your list is a bonus.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thank you

[@MikeyB_1972]

Very nice. I just bought the same storage shed from Lowe's up here in Grand Rapids, Michigan on clearance for $78. I recently purchased a Generac XD5000E portable diesel generator to replace the Honda EB12D I sold a few years ago. We haven't lost power in about 4 years and after we lost power here for 4 days a few weeks ago when the weather was -30F, I will never be w/out a generator again. Anyhoo, I bought the same attic fan, too, and 4 soffit vents with screens on them. I plan on putting 2 of them on each side in the same location where you have your vents. I just have to use two of them side by side. I am thinking about buying the vents that you have an just installing some metal window screen behind them to keep the bugs/bees out of the enclosure. I suspect if they get in there, the fan would chew them up and spit them out, but I like bees, so if I can keep them from being decimated, then I'll try. Not sure if I'll make one giant hole or two smaller holes with maybe an inch between them on the intake side. I'll locate the other two on the fan side so they are in close contact to eliminate any blockage of airflow in front of the fan. I don't plan on doing all of this until it's much warmer. But I'll work on the assembling the sides with the vents in the meantime. Question: What did you use to cut your vent holes? I haven't touched the plastic, yet, to know how thick it is but I imagine that the sides are not solid. I just want to make sure I don't hack it up too bad when I start cutting into it. I'd rather do it right the first time and use a proper tool for the type of plastic that it is. If I have to go and buy something more appropriate than the blades that I have, then I'll do that sooner rather than later.Thanks for the video. It inspired me to get off of my duff and build something that I hope the neighbors will appreciate.Mike in Michigan

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Hey Mike, I used a jig saw or a sawzall to cut the plastic, just drill a hole in the side and put the sawzall/jigsaw blade through.

[@MikeyB_1972]

Sounds like a plan! Thanks again for making the video.

[@GusFromDaysPast]

Pretty sweet man. I'll probably copy that for my generator. Pay no attention to the complainers.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thank you 👍

[@leoleonel6234]

me too looks great thanks

[@ericteipen]

Those things have to breath!!! Yeah pay no attention to anyone that has common sense and knows that if you put a running generator in a sealed box it'll fry the windings.. Yeah you guys are brilliant SMH!!!

[@GusFromDaysPast]

I have had mine all together for a year. Vents for inlet air and an attic fan for removing heat. The attic fan also sucks air into the shed. If anything it has more airflow than being outside in the elements.

[@TheCharleseye]

Fill the plastic with spray foam and you've got decent sound deadening. Just be sure to drill plenty of holes for it to exit, so it doesn't warp the panels while it's expanding.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

👍

[@dondiego124]

nice clean residential look.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

👍

[@monmixer]

Hard to steel that generator piped direct. lol Gotta thin about that today buddy. thanks for the sharing what you did. I'm going to be putting a plug out side for a generator soon. Power outages have been getting much worse the last few years. I'm certainly putting a shed up similar to this so life is easy when I need to use it. Gas and go, plug the fan in. I'll use treated 4x4. to get it off the ground. Maybe vent in the bottom also for air draw. Great job and pretty simple.

[@kgdies]

Good job, only thing I would add is a flexible exhaust coupling to isolate vibration from the box.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thank you

[@WeAreNotAlone69]

Re: "Flexible Exhaust Coupling" I would think if you don't do so any weight you add, is going to cause damage to the generator's muffler mounting points.

[@controlfreq9346]

Very nice work. Remarkable how much noise was reduced. I have a neighbor only 100 ft away from my proposed location, I may put sound absorbing foam on my doors at minimum. My I suggest you replace your intake vent with one that holds filters? With that 500cfm fan, you will get a lot of dirt inside which ultimately won't help with the engine air filter. I've done work on industrial control panels, we vent and cool the same but with intake filters which also ensures incoming air is clean vs a filter on the fan. Hardy board was a great solution for the exhaust, I was thinking oversizing the hole for the pipe but unsupported would cause muffler damage over time.

[@charlesburton4461]

You can not hard mount the exhaust pipe..., it will crack at the flange. Use 1 inch flex instead.

[@Cenlalowell]

Do you have a link to buy this 1 inch flex

[@timsteinkamp2245]

Two suggestions. Put the generator on blocks to make oil changes easier and other maintenance. Have a power cord going to the shed for a battery maintainer, trickle charger so that issue is covered in power failures. Of course a power cord going into the house with a remote start would make it sweet.

[@16B9]

Informative and creative. I viewed a This Old House video where they said you needed to be five feet from the house or window/door opening for carbon monoxide gas safety. You may want to check your local code requirements. More important is you and your families safety. Thanks for the video.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

👍

[@frankcardenas7515]

I noticed that also, the location of the fan with the louvers pointed down will most likely disperse the exhaust (CO) far away ... maybe? the inlet vent is also supplying fresh air. Propane burns cleaner, probably lasts longer than gasoline, should you forget to run the bowl dry and the carb become gummed up I still give this man a 10, excellent job; lots of us will learn from him

[@Lambert_Life]

I'm going to do something similar & also for the battery I'm gonna add either a plug in trickle charger or solar trickle charger. Good video ! Everyone will do theirs a little different but yours is functional & that's all that matters.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thanks, here's a video of the solar battery charger I installed. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXWlXpRuiK6hoJo

[@westtexasprepper]

Great project, Will be doing the same soon. Love the Idea

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

West Texas Prepper Cool thank you.

[@johnsutton4996]

West Texas Prepper u

[@rayplaag5665]

clever idea..not bad at all..I can't understand why anyone would thumbs down this

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thank you

[@sylviaisgod6947]

See Guy's Pest Solutions comment below.

[@charlesseawell6563]

Great video. I'm in the process of finishing my basement and adding a whole house generator with transfer switch. This gave me a great idea on how to store, protect and run the generator all from one place. Thank you.

[@richardmarte293]

Great video. I added a light switch to the fan so as to not having to plug and unplug everytime I run it. Also insulated the doors, top hatch and backwall Reduces the noise quite down.

[@mediacave6935]

Sound proofing mine a bit more works great. Great idea bro!!!!

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

👍

[@GH-wv2sg]

I lined my unit with a foam mattress topper. Big difference.

[@peterdubro]

That sounds like a fire hazard. Perhaps using Rock Wool insulation would be better.

[@MrSTOUT73]

Just cut the pipe, thread both pieces, and connect with a 3/4" coupling.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

That's exactly what I did.

[@cali-uc4xm]

Take about 6" of the pipe and replace with flex pipe and some band clamps.

[@loridyson569]

Looks good & easy to assemble, but does not do much on cutting down on the sound. Might want to line the inside with some soundproofing boards & lay down a thick rubber work mat to cover the floor. Also outside do not put a brick or gravel under the exhaust pipe, but lay down a couple inches of sand a foot wide to absorb the sound. May also want to invest in some great exterior paint to help it hold up to the sun.

[@Jetski270]

Still sounds loud. You should cut out and glue fire resistant foam on the inside walls to help absorb the sound better

[@MrWesleymoon]

Or for a fraction of the price is use 1x2 frame and plywood adding 2 vents and get all from hardware store with a total cost under 80.00 and superior to deadening the sound

[@phyllishorton6812]

Was concerned about how to ensure there was sufficient air flow. I like your plan. Well done.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thank you

[@powegayletaylor9590]

Pete B. Is there a reason why wouldn’t you put in additional venting in the back wall.

[@henrylewis7953]

@@petebeasttexashomesteading kikiw

[@fearlesssldr]

nice work. gotta be prepared for rain when the power is out. nicely thought out and executed! thanks for the video

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thank you

[@lappieslabuschagne2428]

Larger exhaust diameter pipe and you need a flex connection. The vibration wil probably break the welding .....

[@DRILL-SGT.HARTMAN]

With the fan and vents, I don’t think he needs to pipe the exhaust out at all. Fan will pull it out.

[@SgtBooker44]

Nice set up. I added a $20 trickle charger on the battery. First time I had to use it, I had to jump it.

[@jackharvest1]

Slap a little solar panel on the top of this thing, free trickle.

[@juliewoods6534]

Very nice inexpensive way to store your generator. Did you consider adding an external muffler to help abate the noise? Also I put my generator on a "horse pad" I got from Tractor Supply. I welded a soup can lid on my external muffler, like what you see on big rig mufflers to keep the rail out. It stays shut when the generator is not running and flops up and down when running. The external muffler took an additional 10 decibels off the noise.

[@jonathandelpozo5407]

Not a bad idea. May use it in the future but I'd agree with some of the others regarding the exhaust. Use same diameter exhaust pipe as the exhaust, run it up above the roof and stick a rain cap on it . Unless there are no windows or other access points on that side of the house. Overall its a good idea for all weather protection which is what it's intended to provide. Awesome job!

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

👍

[@Forevertrue]

Your fan is also letting out the noise of the generator put a weather cover( a hood) over your exit vent.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Ineluctable Smith Good idea, someone else mentioned to put baffles on the inlet and outlets.

[@dbcooper7326]

Nice job. In some places though that generator would be gone walkabout overnight. You must be in a good neighbourhood!

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thanks, I live out in the country far from the city.

[@markfeldhaus3693]

Exhaust pipe should be at least 2x the size. Way too much back pressure. Even though the muffler flange is small, it is meant to exhaust straight out... adding length causes back pressure and horrible on any small engine.

[@dontblameme6328]

Agree... Gonna burn out the exhaust valve.

[@lorrainewilkins9248]

Great I need to do this with my generator for my rv

[@DiscoveryDrops]

How bout ditching the plastic and consider a flex pipe on the exhaust becauseause vibration ... Bro physics

[@peterhawryluk8430]

I have 1 of the Dewalt 7000 and I keep it inside during the winter if electric goes out mine wheels and the stoppers but it moves around a little. no big deal I can wheel it out quickly . if the gene sits outside during the winter it could be harder to start. I find keep it out gas and keep the gas outside. it helped us get through 7 days of no electric . worked great, but buy thick cords if it got to run more the 50 feet. better safe then sorry. their loud. but kept away from your doors . I love mine it saved my families life.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Awesome 👍

[@nearpar]

For you guys concerned about the " noise " It's not like you run the generator all the time, and If your power is out I don't know why it would be inconvenient to have a little noise given the situation at hand. There will be plenty of noise around you with other generators running, chainsaws etc.

[@Shanchelle]

Some people think of a more severe emergency and the risk of someone hearing it and trying to come steal it.

[@CharlesLScofieldJr]

@@Shanchelle You beat me to this issue. My sister lives in Louisiana and recently went through these last two hurricanes (Laura and Delta). She had neighbors that had their generators stolen. One couple the thieves stole the generator while they were sleeping in the house. The other neighbor they weren't home when theirs was stolen.

[@paulg444]

Great info , great exhaust design and ideas. im going to build mine below grade, just for extra sound dampening.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thanks

[@shortribslongbow5312]

Looks very nice, good job.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thank you

[@wildbill1726]

I like this. Just bought this exact generator. Good job

[@fred00111]

Nice job, Pete! Have you thought of lining the inside with some insulation batting to lower the sound even more? Fireproof batting probably better for sound-proofing than styrofoam sheets.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Yes I have but I live out in the country and no nieghbors around pulse I can barely hear it once I'm inside the house.

[@sergiogarcia4347]

@@petebeasttexashomesteading You can sound blankets as well acousticalsolutions.com/product-category/sound-blankets/?Sound_Blankets_-_Google&_vsrefdom=p.4382&keyword=p.4382._k_EAIaIQobChMIuJi3vua65QIV5B-tBh2TVwbcEAAYASAAEgIpoPD_BwE_k_.cr22385&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuJi3vua65QIV5B-tBh2TVwbcEAAYASAAEgIpoPD_BwE

[@jamesrobinson5672]

Thank you, the pipe looked small In the vid. It did sound like it ran fine. Thanks for the vid.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Yeah it does look small but it's a 3/4 inch pipe.

[@barrb6134]

Instead of cutting the black iron pipe and welding, just use a black iron gas union, mush easier.

[@acoustic4037]

My thoughts exactly. What's the purpose of exhausting outside anyhow? Got a fan big enough for a big attic, it can move the air in a small plastic box.

[@DarkpawTheWolf]

This is a very good idea. One thing you may want to upgrade is install an L14-30 receptacle in place of the hole you made, and just plug the cable into there. Hard-wire the other side of the receptacle to the L14-30 on the generator (use 10 gauge wire, and you can get the plug at Lowes or Home Depot). That way you don't need to feed the cable through the box, and have a nice looking plate there instead of a hole. I bought an 11kW Champion and was planning on pouring a pad and building a permanent box with 6x6s beams and 1x6 interlaced sides, but this Suncast shed version may seem like an interesting idea. May not be any cheaper to build, but would certainly look less like "oh, that dude has a generator on his house" to reduce the attempts of theft. And to the people quoting "do not place in a shed" from the manual -- it's heavily vented. CO is not an issue here. It may be a bit close to that window for my liking, though. Would be worth running some long-term tests with a CO meter in that room, to see how much seepage there is after say 6 or 12 hours.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

👍

[@peckshadow]

Why did you use the muffler extension if you have the box vented?

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Because the fan in time would get all nasty and black from the exhaust fumes but yeah not absolutely necessary.

[@walter2670]

Keeps the generator out of the garage and still out of the weather. Great

[@millermiller3050]

Point exhaust away from home with another pipe! Again exhaust fumes!

[@unclejamesx9808]

That’s a nice build

[@henrycruz45cal]

Is the exhaust pipe needed since you have an exhaust fan running? I'd have it running all the time and a smaller one at that

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Yeah I thought about that too, but decided to do it this way to keep the fan from getting black and nasty over time. But I'm sure it would work just fine without the pipe.

[@henrycruz45cal]

Pete B. Humm, makes since. Thanks

[@davidgagnon2849]

even with the air flow it would have generated a LOT of heat. Possibly to the point of vapor lock in the fuel system.

[@SolGuy42]

Good job. I will use larger flex pipe and heat wrap it. FYI: The dents in the base at the 4 corners are for anchors but the base should stick out more to anchor this way. I have this shed sitting on 2x12x12 blocks with a layer of the same inside. Might consider window screen at the vents to reduce small bugs getting into things. The fan is large and will use significant amount of gas. Maybe use a smaller watt one? Maybe swing open panels with sides for venting? My likely use is during storms with high wind and rain. Possibly a dog door would work for sides? My gen is the Honda eu type so noise is not at issue.