HOME STAND-BY GENERATOR....EVERYTHING you need to KNOW!

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Everything you need to know about home stand-by generators.. There will be more of these videos to come, so make sure you subscribe so you can follow along. Thanks for watching!
Email me with any questions... [e-mail]

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Check out the 20KW Kohler with transfer switch on Amazon: amzn.to/47YofWn

[@W4GHW]

I learned this MANY years ago from a friend who was a mechanic. Glue a piece of copper between the posts to act as a sacrificial anode. I used to use a penny but there isn't enough copper in them now so get you a copper washer. All of the corrosion will migrate to the copper and leave your posts clean. I've done this on my cars for 40 years and IT WORKS!

[@mfb6310]

Do what??? Heard of pennies in house plants, tomato plants. (pre 1972 for more copper, if I remember correctly). Just learned about the Hot Water heater anode & working on that (getting flex kind & driver next week), And just saw this comment. Thank you, Sir! I will need to look into this! LUV this old school knowledge, wish it was in a book!!!

[@khuston70]

Thanks! Not a DIY’er but did help me get through my 20-minute cycle ride.. (and I learned something)👍🏻

[@greencm7142]

Ran into this when doing research on stand-by generators. The video was excellent. The humor gems included were great.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the comment!

[@MrAeronca100]

Use caution when buying a Kohler, their dealer service network is nowhere to be found in many areas of the country and in areas where their might be one they can be a bit touchy if you didn't buy from the when it comes to service, I have a 12RESV unit 1/1/2 years old 100 hours running time that has failed and because I had a local electrician install it the local Kohler dealer told me they no longer will do service calls on units they did not sell and install, so basically no matter what Kohler offers as a warranty it's useless in my situation so I now own a nice Yard ornament....Choose wisely

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

The vertical shaft smaller units are junk. Wether its a kohler or generac. Your right, kohler is particular about theyre installers, unlike generac. We have always had good luck with warranty issues. I think a lot of that comes down to the installer.

[@rupe53]

@@SpicerDesignsLLC ... as a 25 year Generac tech, I have to say that many dealers (of various brands) are not all that experienced. Smaller dealers can't keep good help or pay a competitive wage.... and they just don't do enough to gain the experience because they don't focus on generators. (plumbers, power equipment sales, electricians, etc) your installation seems exceptionally nice, but service and troubleshooting of the unit is another game.

[@user-tj7vr7pg9u]

That makes sense. The dealer doesn’t want to be responsible for a handyman installing the generator when he could have done it in properly.

[@nomansland4811]

I don’t think that’s as insurmountable a problem as you make it out to be.

[@MrAeronca100]

@@nomansland4811 100 hours and brushes and rotor are toast are a big deal, although I did finally get them to repair under warranty, however brushes burning up shows a manufacturing.assembly problem which is a reliability problem hence forth I no longer leave it in Auto and only run it if the power company tells me the will be down for more than an hour, bottom line here is that the Alternator is Chinese and as it stand no more reliable than my 12000 dual fuel portable I have, next year will see if I can find a NON Chinese generator to replace the Kohler

[@williamsimpson7277]

Excellent down to earth explaining. Even a old dummy like me understands. Thankyou!

[@natelyons8327]

I had no idea to check with the utility company to ensure adequate fuel capacity to the generator but it makes perfect sense. Great tip! Thanks!

[@Threedog1963]

Agreed. When we put in our pool with hot tub, we had to pay the gas company to install an upgraded meter that could handle the influx of gas needed to heat the hot tub and pool.

[@RadThings]

That’s the cleanest electrical wiring I have seen. Nice job!

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Thank you! Im slightly OCD. I sold that house and my new one is a rats nest of romex. Bothers me. But ill fix it.

[@NjoyLife_01]

This is excellent sound advice! Really enjoyed your approach to simplicity and comedy, while giving home owners GREAT BACKUP information. And, it’s coming from a certified/experienced electrician! As a retired service member, we typically vet, research, and look things over with a fine tooth comb times 100, for overkill. 😂 Just to ensure there are no high risk liabilities. You my friend, have sold me on your setup! It’s clean, practical, and quite efficient! I have a 200amp 4000sqft home, and I was contemplating a mobile generator unit. Down here in TEXAS, we seem to go through unpredictable power outages during both winter and summer. Now, I’m researching and getting quotes to install a 20kw Koyler year! Thanks again for your informative video! YOU ROCK- From a veteran to an electrician, AIRBORNE!

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Thanks for the nice comment and thank you for your service! Glad you found the video helpful. I figured it was a good overview of the system to help people with their decision. Good luck with you generator install and thanks for watching.

[@theMister07]

@@SpicerDesignsLLCcool video and I’m considering this setup when getting my house 🏠 built. Salute 🫡

[@wyldbill100]

Time Stamp: 9:59 was an EXCELLENT demonstration concerning raw Ng. Nicely done, Spicer Designs!

[@Chief351L]

The 6:00 minute mark in this video is one of the most important! Copper is expensive but you Buy Once & Cry Once… When you mess with the distance of a LNG or Propane line and have a heavy load to supply it will mean all the difference in the world to keep it running to peak!

[@richardleesparks6694]

"That system was frowned upon." lol. Thanks for the video. Really helped fill in some information gaps for me.🤙

[@jasondyson2932]

I build custom steel stands for those generators. Some of the cities around me wont allow wooden stands anymore. They also raised all the flood zone levels so I've built some pretty high stands. I think my highest stand so far has been a nine foot stand. I've been thinking about getting certified to service those generators. It never hurts to make extra money!

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Wow nine foot. I bet thats fun to service. Those stand by generators are almost standard on houses now. Everyone is getting them.

[@Asidebar]

I think 4 feet slab is good. That way water won't get in the generator during heavy rain or hurricane

[@electricalron]

This is a phenomenal video packed with GREAT information. Bravo Spicer!

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Thank you! Much appreciated

[@mikeduwe]

Man, I wish the inside of my breaker box was that neat! One perk of having new construction done by one person at one time....and I'm sure it helps if the homeowner is the electrician

[@kishka7]

Thanks a lot from Northern California - Sonoma County. Subbed 2/20/23. Our house has gas on one side and power panel on the entirely opposite side of the house! Something to think about!! Thanks a lot!

[@spraggerm]

So clean electrical boxes. My new house I'm building I elected to go with a portable backup from the meter. Great information on the setup. Keystones are safe from going warm yay. Cheers Kyle

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Thanks buddy. Congrats on the new house

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Loved it! Been waiting for a new video. Thanks for the “plug” on my video, the decal on your toolbox and the fart on the pillow! I’m still laughing at your daughter on the bike 😂😂😂 You sure know how to make what would normally be a boring video into something very entertaining! Nice job.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

I had to try hard on that one cause it would have been boring otherwise. Im sure most wont watch it all the way through though.

[@PFab]

I use a watering bottle next to my kids when they supply power to my home. Don't wanna have any cry babies who ran out of sweat.

[@GoHARD99]

Great job explaining and especially showing us not only how the generator works but how it gets its power very detailed video

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful for you.

[@mpezdirtz8220]

Super HELPFUL detailed information which is gonna make me a way more informed consumer. You're the archetype of why I go to youtube for information: expertise delivered in an understandable and practical way... and the humor is fun brother!

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Thanks I appreciate that. Im just trying to share what ive learned.

[@jameshales6958]

That is a beautiful looking service panel.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Thank you!

[@kaosbboi]

That was my same thought, his work speaks for itself. I don't mind paying for work like this

[@craigwarnke1715]

Good information today. Thanks for sharing

[@J_D_Rambro]

Another outstanding video! Gonna have to binge watch your previous videos!!

[@outdoorbill6271]

Thanks. Very informative! I also appreciate people who share the same sense of humor that I have! 😂

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@billyrock8305]

Excellent presentation ✅ (Less swearing. Thank you 🙏🏼).

[@lewf5685]

Thanks for the video! Very informative.

[@dsbennett]

Thanks for great video. Learned what I needed to know.

[@gabeaguilar9112]

Wait....if your talking freezing temps and your afraid of loosing your beer....just put it outside!

[@franksueraines8787]

Thanks for your knowledge, you my kind of guy very straight to the point. Thank you Sir.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Thanks! I appreciate that

[@MrSoulMonk]

Great video and well presented. Thank you. I agree with the others about the clean install and super clean electric panel. There is only so much one can do on retrofit but new construction is the time to do these things right.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Its tough to go back and clean up messes. Thats the situation im in now at our new place we bought.

[@clairewalker7855]

​@@SpicerDesignsLLCm

[@casiopea1953]

Very impressive explanation,very helpful with deep information. Thank you

[@bens3641]

This is something I want to do....great video, thanks! It was nice of the Keystone girl to teach you how to do all that.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Thanks! Ya shes the mastermind. I just do what im told.

[@schmidtyyt]

"I've got, at least, 25 to 35 dollars worth of beer in my fridge at all times." This is how you prep, folks.

[@LeonardCooperman]

Kohler is the best of the units by far.

[@grapejape3688]

The wife should have pink eye at the end.😂

[@RobertKohut]

Informative and entertaining... 🙂

[@thangknowa3288]

Try using a non conductive pointer to identify live connections in the future. Getting close to live leads get my teeth a little edgy! Thanks for the video, my generator is just like yours, love it. Tip: go wired ethernet instead of wifi to the generator for use of the app and information - eliminates connection issues. Installers will try to talk you into wireless - don't do it!

[@JSAFIXIT]

Great info AND comedy? I like thus guy lol

[@JasonLee-fc2ot]

You need to create Kohler vs. Generac video and your views will skyrocket!!!

[@reng5760]

funny and informative! thanks!

[@markthompson4099]

I am very impressed with your clean and workmanlike installation. Your sense of humor will get you in trouble in Blue Snowflake states. I suffer this delima. LOL great video.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Hah. Thanks. I gotta ween them out somehow

[@jasongrinnell1986]

I say off grid is the way to go. At the end of the day all we are looking for is reliable energy. In Texas our power goes out when we need it the most.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Off grid would be great

[@ThePdxster]

I'm having a Kohler standby until installed. The Kohler dealer quote was nearly double the price over what a good electrician would charge. And the dealer's price didn't include gas piping or trenching (for buried gas/electrical) just the electrical work. So you might save thousands of dollars by comparing authorized dealers to qualified electricians if considering a standby generator. Definitely worth a few extra phone calls.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Ideally, go with the electrician. Youll typically get a better install

[@DanielDavis-jk2su]

Like the humor, love the content

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Glad your enjoying it. Thanks for the comment!

[@johnterpack3940]

How does a solar system complicate the issue? We just had solar installed, so we already have a transfer switch and whatnot for that. But we want to add a generator for backup because batteries are absurdly expensive. Pro tip-- solar does not give you power when the grid is down. There's a remote kill switch that turns off your array because they can't have your panels dumping power into the grid while their guys are working on the lines. You need batteries or a generator to keep power during a blackout even with solar.

[@JavierArellano]

Thanks for this video. This is the video that I was looking for! Much appreciated!

[@Inno94709]

Thanks! Nice Keystone jokes ... fridge with 115 cans of Keystone, value $20. 😉

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Thanks Jay! We like our Keystone around here

[@thegoodsheperd1189]

Great video

[@MurseTech64]

Living off grid and switched to an Franklin Whole Home. Havent missed the noisy gas generator at all.

[@use-1018]

subscribed. I gotta have a little humor with the content. Lol y`all did a great job.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Glad you enjoyed it! I have more coming

[@m.sggs_9789]

Great vid 👏👏👏

[@natejmedia]

Great video!!

[@wminglam]

❤ your kid is awesome

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Thanks you! Shes a great kid. She loves being in the videos.

[@franklinbittner4683]

Great video thanks

[@rupe53]

overall good and informative video. (with my sense of humor) I must add that local codes will be different. Here in Ct that unit must be 5 feet from both the electric meter (utility co rules) and gas meter. (NFPA code) NFPA is national code. Something else to consider (you touched on this) is gas meter size AND gas pipe size... from the street. People need to know if upsizing is even possible without spending $10k to go all the way to the street main. Also, some gas companies will upsize the meter free of charge, while others have a hefty fee. As I recall, that 20Kw unit will need 300 - 400 CFH additional flow above other demands in the house. It must be figured in advance and there are no short cuts. BTW, the Kohler units do offer slightly better fuel economy and are slightly quieter that the Generac. BTW, I just retired after 25 years with the local Generac / Kohler dealer. Yes, we sold both, but probably 10 to 1 in favor or Generac. We are one of the larger servicing dealers east of the Mississippi.

[@thomassemich4627]

You and/or your customers are in favor of Generac 10 to 1? And why is that? Thank you.

[@rupe53]

@@thomassemich4627 ... I didn't say I was in favor, I said Generac sold more in our market by a heavy margin. My best guess is mostly due to price advantage and number of dealers. There's also the fact that Generac's transfer switch has had load shedding available for near 10 years, which makes it easier to wire in AC units on a smaller gen set. Other companies offer it, but as an add-on item. (last I looked before I retired)

[@xTHExJACKALx]

Good video, looking to get a generator and this was a very well put together video and informative one at that, good looking Heidi lol.

[@jimjensen1414]

I'm too poor, for wannuh those, but I have a portable Briggs and Stratton generator, 8500 watts, for in case of a hurry-cane hitting Jacksonville, FLA, my home.....I would like to eventually run a transfer switch to the main breaker, some day...... THANKS for the info !!!!

[@briandemers2401]

Used to drink a lot of keystone, now a lot of Busch lite! Great vid. Building a house and will install a backup gen. Thank you!!

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Both good beer. Thanks for watching!

[@user-mt4wd6zx7w]

Great, informative video

[@MEGASNEAK]

Awesome video funny too

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Thanks. I try to have provide good info and some humor in all my videos. Thanks for watching!

[@79kevinjj]

lovin the wife content. good times :)

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Hah. Ya that was a funny one.

[@franklinbittner4683]

Wow this is a nice wiring

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Thank you!

[@j1st633]

Your humor while presenting information is delightful. Informative and entertaining.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Thanks! I try to keep it entertaining

[@boblynn1881]

I have just got one of these units about a year ago. I did not install it myself, I hired an electrical company to buy it and install it. I guess the place I choose for it's placement may have added a lot of extra work. They had to install about 40 ft of gas line to reach the generator. I really like knowing that if I do loose power this unit will start automatically and everything continues as normal. My installer actually offers that they do the yearly maintenance for a small fee. I would recommend this unit.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

The Kohlers are very nice units.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Hey Bob, not sure if Doug told you or not. We are coming out again to visit in February. I know you subscribe so id like to meet you if your around. Feel free to email me if its easier. [e-mail]

[@boblynn1881]

@@SpicerDesignsLLC Kyle, Doug did not mention that you were coming back to PA. Glad you a coming back this way. It would be great to meet you. When you get here, Doug or yourself can contact me. Thanks, Bob.

[@augr3324]

How much did it cost for labor and permit.

[@mannyp812000]

Awesome video… after 3 days without power(including Xmas eve and Xmas)in the middle of an upstate NY winter storm monkeying around with a portable was not fun at all!… I went with the Cummins, the rep gave high praise to the Koehler and Cummins but he was not as much of a fan of the generacs( but my neighbor has a Generac with no complaints)either way.. if you can afford to get a standby Genny then do it!… the peace of mind is well worth it and you’ll be waiting for the next outage .

[@Asidebar]

Anything is better than Generac

[@mannyp812000]

@@Asidebar yikes… sounds like you have a great story behind that statement lol.

[@XionUnjust]

Neighbor has one across the street and had it used three times in a year .. I'm tired of running extension cords and using a gas Duramax to power certain appliances and having two kids is cumbersome. Getting a generac soon

[@rebeccaoliver7977]

City code in my area requires the 5' set-back from a window or door that opens so one is taking the risk of being required to move it if they "fudge." The cost is less than I was expecting. I thought just these generators were running 5-6K; I'd not realized that might be all-inclusive. I'm about to have a transfer switch put as I was going to just get that step out of the way. Because my house is 30 years old, the electrician recommended replacing the box when the transfer switch is added. I'll also have expenses for a plumber to run a line along the side of the house about 15', my electrical box isn't on the same side of my house as the gas meter so will have to have electric run across the house in attic. Will also need to move part of my irrigation system and any material I decide to put around the pad. Seems like it might be better to use a larger pad and just let the grass grow up to the larger pad. Hauling in gravel that has further maintenance seems like another pain.

[@jessie9192]

Great video 👍🏼

[@justonnsmith1987]

I love this video. Thanks bro. You and your wife remind me of me and mines 😂😂😂

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Thanks buddy. We try to keep it entertaining on the channel

[@paulie2tanks175]

Funny Bastard! Great video!!

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Hah. Thanks! I try to keep our videos entertaining.

[@paulie2tanks175]

You're doing a GREAT Job, Buddy!!@@SpicerDesignsLLC

[@harajukujay1]

Gotta make sure we keep all beer ice cold

[@anthonydooley3616]

Level is best, but the generator isn't affected as long as it isn't more than 15 degrees off level.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Just comes down to craftsmanship. Theres no reason that should be installed out of level for what they cost. I understand what your saying though. It could settle too. Especially on a newer homesite.

[@TripleMachine]

I still think portable inverter generators have more pros than these stand by gens. Cheaper, more flexible, consume less fuel and you can always upgrade to newer ones down the road and still come up ahead.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Ya just comes down to preference and convenience. The stand by units are expensive.

[@johnnyblaze9217]

Not at all, a portable generator has a fraction of the power of this

[@hphillips7425]

Thanks for the info. I never had a backup generator and you answered a lot of the questions. In the 200 amp service range what is a couple of the units you would recommend? Have a good one from west Tennessee

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

The Kohler and Generac are the two most popular. I know Cummins offers an air cooled unit as well.

[@1vester1]

that's on the cheap I was looking at one for a 20 kw diesel

[@MegaGsizzle]

GOOD STUFF!

[@oopiestevie4131]

Great video…and entertaining. I recently had an 18kw Generac installed at my house. Curious why you think Kohler is a better unit…hope I didn’t make a mistake. I looked at both brands. I’m useless when it comes to working with electricity, so I had to pay full price.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Generacs arent bad units. There are some things about them i dont like. If you get a good installer thats an actual electrician and not just a generator tech youll be fine. Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for the comment!

[@jamespastore3597]

I got a quote from a Kohler dealer for a 14kw backup generator for my home and it was $12,000-$15,000! What a ripoff!

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Wow thats a lot. We are a union shop in a high wage area and we were at 11k for the 20kw. That is a rip off.

[@eightballsidepocket]

Somewhere on Generac's site they state install could be "around $1500". This is pure horse shit. That cost is impossible unless you are replacing a previously installed identical model with zero added wiring or plumbing, or YOU are doing all the work. My inquiries are coming back the same as yours, $12k minimum, in a fairly cheap labor state.

[@imstelios]

Early November? The rut is going on, why are you at home? #Priorities 😉

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

I never got into hunting. Love guns though

[@boby115]

As a gas fitter, that has piped in 100s of these units,I will agree with you ,Kohler is better than the Generac and the water cooled/antifreeze units are better than the air cooled units. Commenting on your gas pipe work your pipefitter/plumber did a pretty good job, there’s only two things I would’ve done different (I would have ran a dedicated line from the meter to the generator, unless you don’t have any other gas appliances in the house & the shut off valve should go before the sediment trap ) but these are no real big deals , your guy did a very good job. Living in the St. Louis Metropolitan area, I cannot agree with you on the beer, if it’s not made by Anheuser Busch it’s not real beer.🍻

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Thanks for the comment. I did all my own plumbing and gas lines when I built my house. I typically do come right out of the gas meter when we do installs. Since I was setting this up while I built the house I ran an 1-1/4 inside and stubbed out with a 1' just so it would look cleaner. I know what you mean though. I bumped my meter up two sizes too. I usually have the sediment trap right out of the generator too. I understand that as well. so you can isolate the unit and empty the trap if needed I'm guessing. Thanks for the pointers!

[@MrMajeed7]

That was great info and hilarious 😂

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Thank you!

[@Brad.W]

Now here goes a good question is that power transfer switch outdoor weather rated? For example my home my breaker box is outside by the meter which is not attached to my home and is put on a 8x8 post about 50 ft away from my home. I don't have a breaker box inside my home they're all outside on the pole. Real hard part about it is figure out how to tie it into a solar system as a backup power source for it.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Its sure is. Its an aluminum enclosure. Most installs are on the exterior. I was able to install it inside since i did it when i built the house.

[@CybersecProf]

Thanks for sharing this. Getting a custom home done and the builder has made a rough in plus kept a natural gas line. Most likely will go Kohler up here in Canada (Ontario). That being said, there are other homes. I’m guessing there’s not much we can do regarding noise?

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

No way to get around the noise. You can look up the db readings for the different models. Kohler is one of the quieter units.

[@wmcrown400]

Enjoyed your video & was curious if you could do a basic break down of the installation costs & would $ be saved by finding an independent like yourself to do the work? I imagine some costs are baked in but wondering if there's much room to maneuver to save money.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Sorry, i missed this comment. If you want to email me i can fill you in on some more specific numbers.

[@dereksellars]

Hell Yeah!!! I just jumped on board when you took the sign over to Doug. I'm Loving this, Shit!!!! Thanks :):) And Up Yours LMFAO!!!!

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Glad to have you buddy. Hope you enjoy the channel

[@tojo3507]

She’s gonna get pink eye from that pillow!!….😮

[@Aaron-xu1gz]

Nice video, good details and I felt like I learned something new. Definitely not going to do this myself. I'm located in the South and my home doesn't have natrual gas. Do you have a video on how to set up a Kohler or Generac in this case? If this includes having to rely on liquid propane, what does the cost look like for that? Would you recommend a portable solution in this scenario vs setting up a home backup generator?

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

LP would be the other option for these units. Not sure what the cost it for that. As far as a portable, there are tons of choices. Would have to install a small manual transfer switch and a generator plug. Or just back feed the house and kill the main.

[@Piecentheworld2gether]

I just had an quote for a 22kw Generac f for my 2220sqft home. $13,867 they have lost there damn mind! It’s literally next to my gas meter and electrical meter. He didn’t even give a detailed quote just a price.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Ya thats way to high. They like to stick it to people after big storms it seems like.

[@tfildaed]

That's about right for the Central Texas area. They are off the charts and there is a long delivery time too.

[@Gabber44906]

My filter is not right there. What size oil filter do you need?

[@TOURMANBOB]

Bottom line, a great albeit expensive solution to home backup power provided 1- you have the physical space to install it and 2- provided you are willing to put up with a lot of noise. Personally, I chose the Generlink and Honda EU6500 as a solution at half the price and for it's being a LOT quieter in my congested neighbourhood. But this doesn't take away from the home standby generator solution at all if this is best for you, plus you get the option to connect to natural gas if it's available and the power output of these generators is huge

[@gilbertosullivan283]

Installed one of these but can’t turn off main breaker in existing panel to test it ? Is this normal

[@captainquint25]

Keystone; you ain't chargin' enough bro.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Thats how i afforded the generator… saved money on beer.

[@garny3766]

Kyle, what’s your thoughts on Generlink and interlock kits? Do you run into power companies that want a physical exterior disconnect between service or generator? Do you do any PV solar hookups?

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

The interlock kits are nice. Definitely more cost effective. The automatic transfer switch with the home stand by system is just convenient. Ive only installed one battery back up system. I dont know a ton about them. The more batteries you have the better. They are costly too.

[@condor5635]

I got an estimate for a 22kw generac. Little surprised they recommended that large of one. 2300 sq ft but all gas house - water heater, furnace, dryer, stove top. Only big electrical draws is 4 ton AC and a double oven. Don’t you think 22kw is way overboard?

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Ya not necessary. They should load shed the ac and the double oven. Ac will still work but if the gen gets to loaded up it will drop it. 20kw is all you need.

[@briancurry8514]

Great video! Very informative with some good humor. I'm going to have one installed where my pool heater used to be. Gas connection is all set and ready to go. Going to need to run about 75 feet of wire to get to where the meter and transfer switch will be. Do you anticipate any issues? I was glad to hear you say running wire was better than gas. Figure it will save me some money on the install.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Sounds like you should be good to go. Hopefully you get a good installer and it all goes smooth for you.

[@briancurry8514]

@@SpicerDesignsLLC thank you. Going through that process now. Any thoughts on the Kohler versus a Briggs & Stratton? Kohler dealer support is very limited in my area. There is much more Briggs support in my area.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

@@briancurry8514 ive worked on many Briggs. They are good units. Im not familiar with they’re newer units. Not sure if they’ve changed much. I was doing services on Briggs that were 15 years old.

[@FastBowtie388]

I have a 22kw Generac and I have noticed even running the engine longer doesn't evaporate the water from the oil. I change mine every 6 months (cheaper oil is better than contaminated 13.00/qt. amsoil!). I noticed yoy have a square meter socket with buried lines, do they no longer mandate the larger meter sockets? They never said anything with mine either. Also, do you recommend whole home surge protection? I didn't see one on your panel. I have been looking into them to shunt any surges to protect my home. Thank you and keep up the videos, you are onto something with this KZbin thing :-)

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Ive only seen that milky oil in the Generacs. Not sure how theyre getting that much moisture in the engine. We typically install pedestals meters for new residential but the county i was in required a meter can verse the pedestal. They actually provided it when I installed that service. And yes its always smart to have surge protection. I never got around to installing one at my old house thats jn that video. We sold that house about 8 months ago.

[@FastBowtie388]

@@SpicerDesignsLLC The engines definitely get hot enough to evaporate water. If they still can't cook off condensate after that it has to be a breather issue not allowing moisture to escape. At any rate, I'm just going to be on a spring/fall plan for oil changes. Plugs and filter every 2 years is fine. Natural gas burns clean and unless I lose power for days should have less than 25 hours on an air filter :-) 30.00 for an oil change with a wix filter and 2qts of amsoil small engine 10w-30 (compatible with 5w30 also). That's reasonable twice a year. I noticed all those decals on your toolbox. What have you built that requires cometic gaskets? I have a 71 C10 with a roller 388.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

@@FastBowtie388 i built a LQ4 6.0 iron block that i was going to put into a 64 C10. I ended up building my last house and decided to sell the project because i didnt have the time with all the new house projects. Was fun to build though. Learned a lot.

[@FastBowtie388]

@@SpicerDesignsLLC I was at Martin 131 draway a few years back and someone had a single turbo on a 6 liter in a jeep. Damn thing couldn't keep the front tires on the ground. Looked like fun. I can only imagine how squirrely that would be on the big end lol. Better be wearing depends lmao

[@allenbaxley8412]

Great video for a guy like me who's considering a whole home generator. Unfortunately our house is on a slab and I have the natural gas meter on one side of the house and the electrical panel on the other. How much of a problem is that going to be, if I place the generator on the side with the gas meter to get to the other side of the house where all of the electrical is? Can that even be done??? Thanks.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Thanks! It can be. Youll probably have to bury a line around the back of the house to the transfer switch. Youll want the switch next to the electrical meter. Generator by the gas meter. Hard to say if that is realistic for your situation being you may have some landscaping or other obstacles. Theres always a way. Just more time and money. Depends if its worth it to you or not.

[@allenbaxley8412]

@@SpicerDesignsLLC Thanks so much for the quick reply. I think it's realistic that we can bury the electrical line around the back of the house to the transfer switch. It's a new house with very little landscaping at this point.

[@jonohoffman5034]

Lol cold beer is necessary 😂 Is natural gas a better option than diesel?

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

It all depends. As far as a residential setup i would say yes. Gives you the convenience of not having to worry about refueling. Probably more cost effective too. Im guessing a diesel unit costs more.

[@tonyjordan1320]

Love your humor in this video-I'm in the process of getting a Generac standby gen. installed, my biggest obstacle was getting a propane tank installed ( it looks like you are way out in the country how did you get so luck to have natural gas available?) still waiting for the first fill up and then get a plumber to run the line and get the co. inspector out. I live in NC and its hurricane season down South and they still come thru here and wreak havoc on the power lines. Did you wire up your main 200amp box, that wiring is a thing of beauty....

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Thank you! Ya the lot we built on had natural gas available. Was expensive to run to the house. Ive since sold that house and bought another with propane. Not as convenient but it works. Yes im an electrician by trade. I build that house. Did all the wiring and plumbing and a whole lot more.

[@tonyjordan1320]

A jack of all trades that takes pride in his work-that's pretty rare these days. Best of luck to you and your family....@@SpicerDesignsLLC

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

@@tonyjordan1320 thanks Tony! We have a bunch more videos on the new property you might enjoy.

[@ranman7729]

Hopefully this is a serious question. I'm going to assume that it is but most pump stations have standby generators so even if they lose power they are still able to pump natural gas. No problems at all

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Yes, any pump stations should have back generators along with the ability to connect a temp generator if the primary one fails. Thats typically how they are set up but im not able to give you a for sure answer being i cant speak for them. You’d have to contact your natural gas supplier to confirm

[@HowIviewtheworld]

Be careful installing a dog on a generator. Lol! Great video brother! It’s always good adding a little humor in with knowledge. Neat and clean panel.