Installing a Whole House Generator (Kohler 20kW)

[@leiferickson713]

As a Kohler generator installer, it’s always fun to watch some videos. You don’t need that specialty wire you just need a shielded two pair from the ATS to the generator for communications. Copper is the way to go. Aluminum is for beer, cans, and soda.

[@nspro931]

Copper is for those that have extra money they need to get rid of. We stopped using copper for these years ago, the price differential is extreme

[@eltonnoway7864]

I agree! Yes... its double the price but the difference for me when installing my generator and running 60 feet of copper vs aluminum was only 100 bucks more. Consider the price of the generator, all the physical labor in pouring the pad, digging the trenches etc I decided it was worth it. Besides, years ago I had a a house I was trying to sell fail inspection due to the feed being aluminum. Never again!

[@nspro931]

@@eltonnoway7864 That is ridiculous, an aluminum feeder is perfectly acceptable

[@eltonnoway7864]

@@nspro931 Yes it cost more... but in the scheme of things (like this whole house generator install) its a nit. Aluminum wiring expands when it gets hot and shrinks when it cools, resulting in loose wires that can potentially lead to a fire. Although its still in use today it requires careful maintenance. Granted its not a deal breaker and can be safe when installed correctly. That said I would have felt better if he had applied Noalox or some other form of antioxidant paste to the feed wires before he connected them.

[@nspro931]

@@eltonnoway7864 Nonsense, aluminum wire is installed everywhere and never looked at again for decades.

[@matthunter1424]

Good video over all! Man your utility feeders are crazy only 8" wow! Wires (in conduit) and gas must be 18" depth. Wires and gas CAN be in the same trench (we all hate digging!) and in a wet location (for sure underground) sheathed cable (wires with a jacket like you used) must not be in a conduit! Either use direct burial cable (no conduit required but deeper hole unlike your utility) or use THWN cable (individual conductors water resistant rated).

[@throckto]

Your warranty is not voided, you still get the five years if you register it. The only difference is that it starts from the date the generator was shipped, instead of the date it was installed. I did my own install also.

[@TurkeyLakePublicWorks]

That is interesting. The told me the warranty is void unless it was installed by an authorized person.

[@throckto]

@@TurkeyLakePublicWorksthey lied, there is a kohler forum on Facebook, I would suggest you join it. The problem you may have is your local dealers will put you at the bottom of the pile for warranty work since you didn’t buy from them. I would also suggest you go ahead and buy some of the maintenance kits for your model

[@arguedscarab7985]

​@@TurkeyLakePublicWorks sue em

[@bobbygene8274]

@@TurkeyLakePublicWorks They either lied, or they didn't know any better.

[@snaplash]

@@TurkeyLakePublicWorks If they really wanted to be nasty about it, they could have refused to supply the registration code unless you had one of their installers come out to inspect your work for the cost of their installation service.

[@crangel381]

For a first time you didn’t only did a great job you also did a fantastic video for DIY. 👍💯

[@jeffjones4006]

Your dogs are hilarious, great job too.

[@111macdruid111]

Wow that was a ton of work. Nice job. Sorry about the warranty BS. Thanks for sharing.

[@shopart1488]

I am impressed with all the digging very nice job!

[@ra7502]

Great job. Notes for next time. Tap your concrete forms to bring the cement to the board to reduce cavities/voids. Lugs in breaker boxes should be torqued to spec using a torque wrench. I got some great tips for when I do mine. T to catch debris and drip loop, something I wouldn't have thought of.

[@AlfredVogl]

Just an FYI thats the wrong way to install the drip leg. Run the supply into the bull of the tee drip leg on the bottom supply out top. The code changed a few years back.

[@EssGeeSee]

Your Inspectors are very thorough. 🐕

[@paulhammond7489]

Depending on the electrical code where you live, you may be required to apply an anti-oxidant coating to the aluminum electrical conductor terminations (Noalox is a popular brand). Even if it's not a code requirement, I would recommend applying it to the gen set and the changeover switch termination. It's a small cost, and will prevent oxidisation of those conductors and increase the service life of all the terminations, and the back-up system will work when it's needed..

[@arguedscarab7985]

Oxidation* just fyi

[@paulhammond7489]

@@arguedscarab7985 The spelling depends on the country. The British spelling is oxidisation. We may share a common language, but we spell many words in different ways🙂

[@arguedscarab7985]

@@paulhammond7489 Ohh that makes sense. I know theres different spelling for countries, just figured youtube algorithm would kinda keep in in the states? Thats cool none the less

[@paulhammond7489]

@@arguedscarab7985 This one was a recommended video by YT, it was shared half a world away :)

[@bobbygene8274]

Not a NEC code requirement, but not a bad idea either. So is torque verification from time to time.

[@gwharton68]

Great job. You are so lucky to have ground that you can dig in, My yard is nothing but rock.

[@sachadee.6104]

I came to say the same. That would NOT be a 1 day job in our soil. !

[@dougdiplacido2406]

I would definitely get rid of all that pine needle stuff up against the house. It is a real big fire hazard. Great job. I believe that Generac requires certified installation also.

[@bobbygene8274]

No, generac does not require a "certified" installation.

[@eggeater1251]

The Dog heard you were going to run a gas line and wires .. was wanting to dig the trench

[@Re5ist_ance]

Thanks for warning about the "reg code" .. I'll definitely look at getting the Generac instead! Very helpful video. Thanks for making it.

[@johnb9394]

I think the Kohlers are put together better than Generac. Just my opinion. I have installed both and I just like the Kohlers better.

[@nihongobenkyoshimasu3190]

Great Job Well done 38:38 When looking at the generator itself, I saw some people building a kind of dog house on top of if to decrease the noise when running it, especially overnight to keep the neighbour happy.

[@pinehollowboy]

Love your helpers!

[@andybonneau9209]

I had never heard of the vacuum trick. Good one!

[@OMGitzEDD]

works even better with a little bit of a plastic bag tied to the end it zips right on through

[@arguedscarab7985]

Good ol parachute

[@allenzackery1639]

The piece of pipe sticking down is called a drip leg ..! Nice job 👍

[@BNM0826]

Bro, you did great work for a DIY and dealing with gas....Too bad about the warranty. Btw, Kohler gens have great reviews (better then G-Rac). Hopefully no storms come ur way!

[@shingabiss]

Did you apply the antioxident gel to the aluminum #0 cables??

[@chipmiller9074]

You are still in good shape to do that digging !❤ how time changes things 😅😅

[@jessiestienstra6350]

At 22:02 For future reference, conduit does not need primer nor do you use regular PVC glue. You use the grey electrical cement and no primer. Primer is only needed in pressure applications. Some jurisdictions may require primer on DWV, however the manufacturer says if they don't require it, it's okay to go non primed. Also, you can use regular PVC glue but they make the dedicated electrical cement. Also, I'm surprised the inspector didn't tell you to add a union closer to the appliance. This is required in the FBC. The only thing I don't know is if that flex going into the generator is able to be freely spun as to allow you to disconnect it for servicing easily. If so, then you wouldn't need a union.

[@hascet]

Nice install! FYI there is a spot in the generator controller to switch from NG to propane as well.

[@bobbygene8274]

In the programming there is a setting for LP. It is generally only important to be changed (not that it shouldn't be changed to reflect the supplied fuel) if you have load shedding installed.

[@nw6gmp]

Tie a small strip of shopping bag to the surveyors line to help encourage the vacuum to pull the line faster.

[@kindnuguz]

exactly what I want to do, I have cheap natural gas so I would love that. Yeah Generac is what I would install even if I had someone install it. Isn't that crazy with the AC compressor? mine was the same way after 1 year after built. I dug down to put center blocks under it to level it. You're ready for hurricane season now

[@BakersfieldGuru]

You do damn good work. Could watch all day.

[@radio71373]

Great job man, and I love your helpers. I have two shepherds too

[@dislodgegarage9849]

Clean install! looks good!

[@bobm2331]

Did the install guide suggest a barrier between base and concrete pad. Unless the base is PVC, couldn't tell.

[@luiscruz-no3ib]

You should consider installing the battery on a battery box. My neighbor had a battery blowing, causing a lot of damage to the genset

[@TurkeyLakePublicWorks]

Interesting. I'll look into that. Thanks!

[@bobbygene8274]

Batteries when properly serviced and maintained will not "boil" dry, and therefore will not explode.

[@lesliechow6969]

Impressive! Thank you for the video.

[@luigivincent3369]

That low voltage wire looks like it was direct burial, UV shielded we use the same in the sprinkler industry underground. Sprinklers probably didn’t need to put in conduit,

[@carlosberrioselectrician777]

Very clean!! Work ❤️👌😎✌️

[@rudyrivera7426]

Great job! Thanks for sharing! 👌👍

[@user-mp9to3qz9e]

You could have pulled the wire in the conduit prior to glueing the joints and save the string pulling.

[@tedddddddddddddddddm]

the square shovel is super helpful when digging trenches

[@orinmangar2333]

Great job. I don't understand why you did not ask Kohler about the warranty, if you installed it yourself. However I would get a Kohler installer at your local Hvac company to check your connections. Then get a letter from them that the installation was done correctly. You also have the city inspectors reports. Everything was done to code. Kohler is full of malarky.

[@bobbygene8274]

No, just an awful lot of not understanding. Letters that say a unit passed an inspection have nothing to do (literally) with whether a machine was ACTUALLY properly installed.

[@TexasScout]

You are so lucky, all I’ve got here where I live in South Texas is Black hardpan Clay. I need a trencher to do what you just did by hand. By the way, your dogs are hilarious !

[@JohnSimpich]

Thanks for the channel! Just found you and your content has me glued. Yeah, this work is all over KZbin, but your style and editing rank up there with any professional. The number of shot setups alone are mind-boggling. And you really go above and beyond to make sure we have a view...from the tightest spots! I was really surprised finding myself literally laughing out loud, when you ripped your vise off of the bench. ( Thanks, A. Camarata!) The B-Roll with the dogs are gold. If I had one suggestion, please balance music to voice. Turkey Lake Public Works is destined to grow to YT success. When subscribers increase, AdSense, sponsorship and Patreon kick in; your gonna be buying more equipment. And a lot more work. I see really compelling videos ahead. "Keep up the Good Work."

[@johnbeattie5765]

You know how the old saying goes - " Call before you Dig " ! !

[@grumpyguard]

I had a neighbor that called before planting a tree. He hit the gas main and ruptured the line. PG&E was going to charge him for the repair, but he showed them that he called 811 and they were off by 36 inches.

[@johnbeattie5765]

Always keep the Utilities paperwork , even after the work is completed . ✌ out

[@Chris_In_Texas]

Make sure you do the maintenance, I had Kohler's in my boats and they were a pain, but regular maintenance will for sure help.

[@douglasjackson4263]

I applaud you first for your work and for your knowledge.

[@jcr9307]

Kohler indeed makes a very find product. Yes Kohler VOIDS ALL Warranty if it is not inspected by a Kohler authorized representative prior to the very first startup of the unit. A Kohler authorized representative MUST do an installation inspection and the actual initial startup of the unit to get the Kohler warranty. So you can DIY but if you want the Kohler’s warranty, it must be inspected. I found this out after the purchase of the same unit about a year ago. The best price I could find for a Kohler authorized representative to do this was $500. My friend for whom I install it for chose not to do the inspection. I think for a couple of hundred he would have. Each to his own. He put the $500 into accessories for cold winter startups. It came out beautiful… By the way your installation would have passed Kohler's inspection, nice work…

[@bobbygene8274]

All of that depends on the Kohler Dealer-I wouldn't have passed the ATS install, but not for code reason. Your warranty is only voided if improperly installed-which is subjective to a large degree-not necessarily by who installed it. A "startup" performed by a Kohler dealer sets the warranty start date, and verifies proper installation. Otherwise, if not verified by a dealer, the warranty begins on the ship date, (when it leave the factory REGARDLESS of who does the install). The individual dealer can decide not to honor a warranty if they didn't perform or if the install isn't properly done, but that is kind of chickens^^t IMHO-highly subjective. The company KOHLER, doesn't void warranties, it is typically the responding dealer, but again, however, if it is something that can be corrected, just correct it, charge if necessary-why punish the customer. 15 year Kohler dealer.

[@lesliechow6969]

Going Generac

[@jcr9307]

@@lesliechow6969 I'm sure you'll like it, Generac is also a excellent product.

[@thomasbonse]

SER isn't for burial. You should be using individual conductors rated USE-2 (underground service entrance) in the conduit. This is because the insulation and jacket on SER will absorb moisture when subjected to a wet environment.

[@thomasbonse]

@@bobfrancis6456 THHN isn't actually rated for wet environments either. That being said, most THHN is dual rated as THWN-2, which is suitable for wet environments.

[@user-mp9to3qz9e]

gas line tee is called a sediment trap

[@jhardy0786]

I have had two kohl genorators best thing I ever bought for my house

[@JNHEscapes]

I believe i would have shown the inspector the kohler manual and told him to shove it with the drip loop. There is more functional reason for that. Also, add an inverter and some eg4 outdoor batteries and you’ll have no downtime between cutover. Also the hvac condenser manual will tell you in bold to make sure it’s level or premature fan failure will occur. Nobody ever levels them. Good job and welcome to the world of inspectors!

[@JNHEscapes]

I meant there is “no” functional reason for him to require that.

[@networkcrasher]

@@JNHEscapes I've been considering adding some batteries to act as a whole house UPS, and maybe one day even put up some solar, but if I have 2 ATS because of 400a service, can you point me in the right direction of some docs to read on how to bolt in some batteries between the generator and the house/ats/panels? Seems like a totally normal use case to me but I can't find a lot of info about it

[@JNHEscapes]

@@networkcrasher the 2 ats’s increase the complexity and since you’re running 400a service my only recommendation would be to hire an electrical engineer to draw the schematic on how to properly connect / install.

[@networkcrasher]

@@JNHEscapes Oh absolutely I'd work with an eng to draw it up - I was mostly wanting to try and decypher what systems on the market would even work in such a situation. It seems to be that having the batteries be charged by the UPS to put them on a duty cycle would be better than just bridging them and then letting the generator take over, cutting out the batteries.

[@sweetkellymay]

Drip loops are only needed for electrical wires..

[@JD9RX830]

Awesome job! I really want to do this one of these days!

[@ds61821]

You answered my question about why Kohler. Do you have an idea how much it cost for a pro to install this Kohler? I think you did a great job as I consider having one installed. Thanks for this video! I love your dogs and wonder if your ability to dig holes makes them appreciate you all the more!

[@swi9945]

You can attach your power cable to the side of your house it just has to be attached to the house per code

[@123him456789]

Hey guy, thanks for the Generac advise!!! I was going to go with Kohler for the slightly lower price, but Generac it is!!

[@joeybleu66]

Kohler engine is a great choice .with proper maintenance should give good service for many years. we just had to shim the valves the electrician said. i have replaced the control panel. Generac is very tough about thier warranty. they told me they would not warrant a part installed by a non approved Generac dealer. i had to wait three months. i called my buddy we ordered the part i picked it up he installed it no worries. i have a problem with small rodents. i put poison pellets inside the generator. hopefully to prevent any misfortune.

[@robertrowland1569]

Great video. A completely random question, which company installed your gutters? We've been trying to find that exact style here in North Florida.

[@grandpamike5336]

great job

[@dudeduderinoduderino9689]

Every bend is a resistor in pulling....open the pipe and bends till you have reach end "THEN" seal the bends.

[@jdw2150]

Very well done sir! First time? Impressive.

[@OMGitzEDD]

nice job bud .. and as for the transfer switch taking 2-5 mins to switch back to the grid is because its trying to match the AC sign wave (frequency) so it doesn't blow any sensitive electronics up

[@m9ovich785]

Nope, it is a delay to make sure the Grid is stable before switching back. Automatic Grid circuit breakers will try 3 times to reconnect and if the Fault is still present they will stay off. that on/off switching is what will kill equipment. Over the Years I have built box's with continuous duty relays that stay latched. When power is lost the Relays stay off to protect My equipment that I do not need on a UPS I manually press a Button to latch the Relay when I know power is stable .

[@mixdupjoe]

Nah, you're never connected to both the generator and the grid, so frequency matching doesn't matter

[@EssGeeSee]

Wire Pulling Lube = Dawn.

[@yathishp4859]

Nice work awesome super🎉

[@kieshawnhollis3238]

awesome job

[@surferjoehangten]

Well done !!!

[@capitalpreservationservice241]

I'm confused you ran a dad line in the trench to run it against the wall? What did I miss? I see it better at the end 38:41. Great work

[@jerrysmith3515]

Btw Noalox should be used at all lugs when using aluminum wire. 🤔🤔🤔

[@Chris_In_Texas]

7:18 wow sandy soil without large rocks. Can't do that in North Texas, about 4" below grade you hit rocks (not little rocks either) and then 5" down you into clay and rocks... 👍😁

[@spex357]

Cool indeed.

[@georgehigdon4974]

Call before you dig, is a free utility locater service in my area. It's very convenient and usually is next day service after you call.

[@leesummers6979]

FYI that SER cable cannot be used underground, regardless of the fact that it's in conduit.

[@jamess1787]

Bang up job. 🤜🤛

[@jorgeluisgarcia1800s]

Always install the gas valve before the union

[@johnsmith-p9n]

You're THE MAN !!!!👍👍👍

[@douglasmiller1467]

Outstanding installation.

[@bigchew3149]

It sucks that Copper is so much more costly But Copper Is So Much Easier to work with in tight spots + Its Just way Better..IMHO I Just hate the cost..lol.

[@GregsShop]

Consider hiring an electrician to inspect your work and register the unit if that’s still an option. Otherwise great job! Not sure what part of Florida you’re in, I’m in Manatee county. Great video!

[@TurkeyLakePublicWorks]

Thanks! I'm in Lake County.

[@bobbygene8274]

He had an electrician inspect it. The inspector.

[@jhardy0786]

I live in sc and had my generator put in by kohler and they attached everything to the wall and mine is about as far as yours they did not bury anything I guess it is a code difference

[@woodbeefarmtn]

Everything looks good and clean. The only thing I have to question is ,when I use aluminum wire your supposed to use contact lube at all contact point s?

[@williamkhatchell620]

Nice install, thanks.

[@vicpetrishak7705]

Mounting it on a 30 inch tall steel table would make easier to service . A 5 gallon bucket to sit on .

[@tubeDude48]

So glad to see you putting in a Kohler, rather than those CRAPPY Gererac's! 👍 I believe they fudged on the electrical ! Good job- your going to be fighting those dogs though!

[@bstiger6482]

The reason you were having a lot of trouble bending the wire and working them into place, is because they are aluminum. It does not bend or flex like copper. A good old saying is ' you can always tell a good electrician by the type of wire he uses--good ones use copper'. BTW, with all aluminum wire connections you must use Nolox per Code. I think you forgot that, but double check, or a good inspector will fail it. Also, all WH gensets require a startup procedure that you failed to do, which includes the registration code, along with your cycle schedule and some other features. Seek a professional for things like that. The tee the inspector wanted is a drip leg and is for collecting condensate, not debri, in the natural gas. A drip leg is required at all vertical CODs. I represented Generac, and they are the best. Installed a number of large municipal size [100KW above] ones and toured all their factories twice in WI, and was very impressed.

[@networkcrasher]

noalox is not code. 110.3b stipulates you must follow the manufacturer's installation instructions, and there aren't any al wire manufacturers that stipulate noalox anymore - but obviously read the instructions that come with your wire to verify, but modern al alloys don't require it as they don't corrode like old al wire did.

[@bobbygene8274]

There is no NEC requirement for Nolox. Generac does not "require" a start up inspection for warranty, programming the controller is a "forced" option, it steps you through it during the power up process on the controller-just read the owners manual. Both Generac and Kohler will allow individuals to do an on-line registration.

[@bstiger6482]

@@networkcrasher The manufacturer states that if you don't scrape the coating off of the Al after you peal the jacket off, then use Noalox to seal and prevent the air from oxidizing the wire. Read them again. But more specifically, you need to refer to your local Electrical Code requirements, for the State/County you are working in, especially in Florida, where there is high humidity. The requirement is specific per each State and County Bld Code Dept.

[@bstiger6482]

@@bobbygene8274 You are totally wrong about Generac. I was a dealer for years. Yes they do offer consumers to purchase their gensets, but the start up procedures are still necessary, whether by dealer or individual. You can get the code and info directly from Generac, but most people do not understand the critical items or procedures.

[@greggcarlson9823]

its all about the money for county ! $$$$$$

[@jeffreyplumber1975]

nice install

[@nspro931]

Pretty good job for DIY. Some violations I observed: 1. Inspector was wrong about the trap, it also needs a change of direction in the tee to the trap. 2. Your new second stage regulator needs to be 5 feet from both the generator and the AC unit. I prefer to just run larger low pressure pipe from the existing regulator over to the generator. Also that homeflex pipe and fittings are junk. Kohler is way better in quality than Generac, that may be why they are not DIY friendly, because they care more about their equipment than just selling masses at Costco. Who knows. Most DIYers make a hash of the whole thing.

[@JoeFeser]

I ran a 1 plus inch line to the backyard, it may have been overkill

[@sellC1964]

Great job! Did you use the special grease for aluminum wire?

[@Prowler1963]

Clean install

[@Jonathan_O]

Must have been a nightmare getting that wire through the 1-1/2” PVC.

[@TurkeyLakePublicWorks]

It was pushing it, but not too bad. I pulled it through the longest straight segment of conduit before adding the elbows. That helped a lot.

[@arguedscarab7985]

Well having 2 90° definitely makes it hard. Not to mention not having another person there to push from the other end.

[@willwipf7030]

Nice job

[@Guywithcrazyideas]

my neighbor installed one and then the real power went out and nothing happened because that little start up batter got too low = now he has to check the battery monthly and recharge if necessary

[@jrmilchling9215]

do you know how long Kohler will have part support for your generator?

[@JNHEscapes]

Man getting that 3/0 through the 1.5” must have been impossible. I just did 6 gauge in 1.5” and i like to have never gotten it through. By the way we used to tie a piece of plastic bag or paper towel to the end of the string to take up the pipe gap and it would shoot through like a bullet. Also it’s sometimes easier to blow it through than suck it.

[@TurkeyLakePublicWorks]

It was borderline too large for the conduit. I had bought the 1.5" thinking I was going to buy copper, but I ended up buying aluminum because of the price, and it had to be upsized. I pulled it through the longest straight segment of conduit before adding the elbows, which helped a lot.

[@JNHEscapes]

@@TurkeyLakePublicWorks I figured you had to do some pulling before the corners. I believe in conduit you can run individual conductors instead of sheathed but that may be different in FL. Regardless, you did an amazing job!

[@TurkeyLakePublicWorks]

@@JNHEscapes I don't think I needed the sheath either. They direct bury that same cable with no conduit - only the sheath protecting it.

[@JNHEscapes]

@@TurkeyLakePublicWorks that was my thought. In fact, when you didn’t show pulling it through the conduit i figured you killed the conduit and just buried it at 24” since you dug that trench. I’ve dug many a trench by hand and yes, i know exactly why excavators were invented 😂 the little cat 300.9 is nothing more than a powered shovel, but it can save a man.

[@dalejones2108]

The only low voltage on generac is battery charger. I have never run in separate pipe. Never had a issue. But for Kohler not sure

[@bobbygene8274]

The inspector was wrong on the flexible (rubber) gas line. (surprise) It does not need to be in a bind, or bent as It is a vibration isolation device, primarily, so if you kink it, it is more stiff, and transfers vibration more readily, which kinds of defeats the purpose of having the flexible line.

[@leesummers6979]

Inspector is wrong about the flex. It needs to be straight. Its there to absorb vibration.

[@RH-cv1rg]

Do they allow you to put dirt on the sidewall of the house? In our area that is an invitation for termites.

[@OriginalJetForMe]

Why did you dig two trenches? Do they have to be separate? Could you have gone behind the AC?

[@TurkeyLakePublicWorks]

I believe code requires gas and electrical to be in separate trenches. I thought it would be too hard to dig along the wall of the house with the foundation and other buried conduit already there

[@sitechca70]

Nice clean professional quality install. The picky inspector needs to be aware that UL listings are only valid when "installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions".

[@craigrethorn1234]

where is your moisture trap on your gas line

[@djbessette76]

EGD generator company told me on the phone that the trickle charger gets its juice off the low voltage wires

[@bobbygene8274]

Some do, some don't. Generac does, so do some GE machines and others. Kohler requires, (ideally a dedicated) 120 volt circuit which is also powered by the generator in case of an outage so to maintain charge.

[@arguedscarab7985]

29:17 Dude you gotta be more careful when making a hole like that in a box with wires in it. That last hole you made, ya almost hit one of those wires. I cannot tell you how important it is not to hit those wires at all, wires being dead or not.

[@swi9945]

Precast pad?