Is My Generator Box Dangerous? Mods & Safety Protocols

[@peterking1134]

Modify the PVC intake to face to the side or down so that rain stays out!!!

[@DiegoTriesHard]

Good point 🫡 I'll stick a 90 on there.

[@anthonytanzi]

amen

[@johnpauly5524]

…and you might want to install a round piece of window screen on the inside of your PVC cap to prevent bugs from living in it

[@vandalorian8777]

Both the length of pipe and the elbows will restrict air flow

[@brettthompson332]

I was going to say the same !! because of rain and snow. then seen your comment

[@johnmontoya9656]

I think that you did one hell of a job on the generator box and I’m a perfectionist.

[@jdowenssan]

I discovered your channel several days ago. I rarely comment but on the outside chance you could use this, folks with “keyboard courage” should never be given the time or energy that takes away from your purpose. Your problem solving and perseverance is refreshing and admirable. Just be focused on your journey! Great work!!!

[@jimbo5056]

You have some points jd. But the piping and fittings feeding gas/ propane are an accident waiting to happen! NEVER do you have a fitting, let alone many from his flex line feed, to copper to galvanized fittings before it comes out of the wall cavity into the garage. The cavity turns into a storage space from a leaky fitting and instantly he has unknowingly built a bomb. Water heater flame, generator,electricity, bunch of components on top of the new box. C'mon, you figure it out! We do comment at times to help out and inform those that do not know better. 👍

[@Deraco1]

Since this video is like 7 months ago, I'm sure you've done some upgrades on this since. Three things I would of possibly done 1. Install a transfer switch so you don't have to keep unplug and plugging in your battery backup to power. Transfer switch would be the man in the middle from your battery and generator to your garage circuitry 2. Hard wire in that fan to the outlet receiptical you installed so its one less plug you have to plug into the generator 3. Put a 180 on that black pipe, otherwise water could get in and start getting your box wet when its raining Other than that, awesome setup! Like your thought process and intuition

[@mmanut]

Not only its safe but very quiet. Great Job. Vinny

[@What2B]

Came for the sound proof box stayed for your skill and perseverence. 👍👍

[@bmwcubs42]

Hey there.... nice work. only comment... and this is coming from my HVAC guy.... reverse the in and out vents. (he just did my water heater) Cold in should ALWAYS be at the bottom. Hot Out should always be at the top. If you test the air at your intake, you will find exhaust fumes because the hot exhaust is coming out directly below the intake and the hot air will rise and flow right back into the inlet. The exhaust should have the tall stack (consider to roof line because its fuel exhaust like the hot water heater exhaust [thats code in most states]) and the cold are intake should be sucking from as far down as possible. If snow is an issue for intake make a small "lean to" cover over the intake to keep snow about 1' from intake to keep it from getting clogged.

[@swirlgalaxy]

Howdy Diego!! Just a small piece of advise, the black pipe inlet might want an elbow so it doesn't draw rain into it. I think you've made a very special place for yourself! You will always have the nay sayers & the super critics. Jealousies & prejudice will always be present in the world. Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!! Big hugs from Kenny in Ohio!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@raten2791]

Is it Krylon Kenny on the street racing channel?

[@Jayda08]

He no longer needs the black inlet pipe.

[@anthonywilson2346]

Nice to see you are the ‘listen and learn’ type of guy, not the ‘my way is right’.

[@SteveHughes-w1z]

You may not be reading the comments on this old post anymore but I will say it anyway. You are my kind of people. I started doing things like this as a kid. I have learned way more from my mistakes than I ever learned from success. Don’t let the trolls get you down. Safety is a good thing but these people today always think the sky is always falling. Some of the greatest things we have today came from making mistakes. At least you have the guts to show everything, not just the good. You keep doing you.

[@jotunofficial]

Diego, I discovered your channel recently, and I just wanted to say I value your attitude and desire to figure things out. It would be sad if negative people crushed that spirit you have. My favorite thing about your "box" video was that you weren't satisfied with the current iteration of your idea, and you wanted to keep improving it. You knew it could get better, and you tried different stuff to get there. That mentality will carry you far in life. I wish you the best!

[@joshwilcox8008]

I watch your channel because you do things your way. You’re smart! Don’t respond to comments from “negative nancys”. Remember, no response, is a response. 👍😊 Just be yourself. No need for perfection! We also live in Washington. Nice to have like minded people here! Keep it up!

[@adriannamunoz4699]

Diego just be safe we care about you, I love that you do everything yourself young men like you are hard to find now.

[@cmh-re]

Actually you want to have a negative air pressure where your engine is, so that if the exhaust leaks it doesn't intoxicate you in your garage. Your fan was oriented correctly at the beginning, just needed a bigger inlet.

[@impetus444]

If he reversed the fan to suck the air out, I think it would be a good idea to extend the 2" inlet pipe further into the box so it didn't just go straight up into the fan without cooling the box much.

[@myronmarcotte7072]

FYI I was a safety director for a mine, the Threshold limit Value for carbon monoxide is 50 PPM for workers for 8 hours. so they can work 8 hours a day every day at 50 PPM. so your safe

[@genevaberry5130]

You are a smart hard working young man!!

[@suttonbogedain5874]

YOU KEEP GOING YOUNG MAN. I'm 72, grew up without a lot of the safety concerns, son of a doctor, have my BA. Became an electrician after grad school. Even in residential electricals there are so many extreme precautions - good ideas for niche situations - but to have them as everyday requirements are rediculous and expensive. And the local governments are not interested in your safety. They are interested in preventing lawsuits and keeping control. Keep your level head, think it through and ignore the naysayers. Even if you have to move out to unregulated land, by the time you are my age, it will be well populated because you made it possible.! You are the true American spirit.

[@Rusty_Nickle]

At the risk of giving unwanted advice. I would probably switch that fan back around so that way it keeps negative pressure inside the box so that way if you got any CO2 that leaks out it'll draw it out instead of allowing it to get pushed into your shop. Just a thought. I'm sure there's many theories.

[@bladi-senpai9398]

There’s still negative pressure, the fan on the generator is way more powerful than the other fan plus the combustion itself is creating a negative pressure.

[@findingpeaceofficial963]

Keep up the amazing work, Diego. I am so proud of you. You can do anything; never quit trying. I look forward to the videos of you building your own house. Have the greatest day ever, love and peace. And so it is.

[@randystover3285]

Diego, I watched your previous video and I saw absolutely nothing wrong with your installation with the exception of a couple of improvements, which you did. I have built two houses and remodeled one. Your technique and the depth of thought that goes into your projects is very impressive. Most people become overly concerned if they do not understand something. You took precautions and also measured any potential threat. We must always remember, certain things are put in place to protect property, the public, and ourselves. It can get to the point where over-regulation becomes burdensome and cost prohibitive. You were taking correct steps to ensure your safety, you are fine. BTW.. This video is known by the state of California to cause cancer. 😊

[@sergeantgunny]

Awesome creativity!

[@JhunM69]

After watching the first video on this, I was gonna suggest you reverse the mini fan you've installed inside the case to draw in cool air from the outside. If you force a cool air in, not only it will reduce the temperature inside the box but it should also help (I think) the generator engine itself to run better. But before I could write my comment, good thing I noticed that you've posted an updated video... good job!

[@tooshieg2059]

If enough people used creativity and pushed the rules to show new ways, maybe we can come up with new rules. Good on you dude!! I'm proud of you.

[@nemanjalukanovic4918]

Well thought out, I would just add one "Normal Close" bimetal switch and when the temperature is over 60f it turns off the contact and you connect it to the switch that turns off the generator (everything is mechanical).

[@jkulstad]

Alternate observation: when doing projects, I don't think about my safety, since I understand the usage limits and dangers. I think about my family members that may attempt to use my equipment if I am not around (for any reason). I wouldn't recommend building something that could be mis-used and cause injury. I appreciate the idea, but would recommend that you build a structure outside that can still meet your goals of safety, sound abatement, and security.

[@seansysig]

The mod turning the fan around is a very good change! The fresh air will benefit the generator in both improving combustion efficiency and improve engine cooling. The only thing that could benefit your generator box would be a chimney for the exhaust to get the fumes up and away from where you walk as well as quiet the generator noise a bit more. The carbon monoxide detector is a good move. Get a infared temperature reader and check generator exhaust pipe. Also the exhaust pipe should be a pipe inside a pipe so the hot pipe isn’t in contact with insulation and wood sheathing.

[@jamesmoore7095]

I think your doing a great job with what you have. Only suggestion since your running propane why not a dual fuel generator. Forget the haters you do you!

[@agenttex7831]

Watching this video was very satisfying! The build was neat and super fun to watch come together. Cant wait to see you build a house on your land someday for your epic family.

[@suezaple4950]

Improvements look great to me, Your chat near the end is very very true, I am sure you would not jeopardize your safety or anyone else's, You have a good head on your shoulders you think it out , I feel if you have to change what you do you will. epic video.

[@RoySmith-wg1kv]

I am with you all the way !!!

[@joebailey7361]

. Diego, well said. Keep doing what you're doing. We live off grid for years now. A LOT of people have a setup close to yours and it's been working. Good luck on your future plans. 👍🏼

[@jeffthompson1882]

You need a 90 sweep ell on the black abs pipe to prevent water from intruding. Look at what they do for direct vent and air supply furnaces.

[@SnowRaver-p2v]

Looks great. First episode was great and i totally understand having to kinda deal with your viewers. I'd totally do a box to keep my generator quiet and safe from theft!

[@heatxfer3662]

I've watched both videos & read all the comments for both. Your improvements are spot-on: sealed exhaust extension, larger air intake away from exhaust, and the new box latches. The original PVC air pipe is probably unnecessary with a fan-powered 4" outside air intake, but if you're feeling more air flow through the 2" pvc pipe then the 4" duct, then there's something inhibiting air flow in the 4" Also that booster fan in the 4" is probably rated at 100cfm, so you should feel air coming out of the 2" pvc even when the generator is running. That Honda EU2000i has 6cu inch displacement, so it uses just over 8.5cfm at its max operating speed of 5000rpm. And yes, I used to figure this stuff out for a living. 😊

[@itsa67]

Great videos - I am bit older than you, but have used the same method as you my whole life. We have all benefited from the many iterations you have made! I think what you have is excellent. I will agree with some of the others, I think the using the fan as an exhaust is better because of the benefit of negative pressure in the box. I think the improvement you got in the temperature was primarily from moving the intake away from the exhaust - that was a great move for sure! Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@AKing99]

I love how you do this, something i would want, but I think I would have put it outside on raised concrete pad, and enclosed and water proofed. #DTriesHard

[@gpo746]

Hey Diego, You are a trier for sure . Good for you for doing things , discovering and adapting to get the best result. Great videos Thanks for sharing !

[@jonathanhines6746]

As a fellow Washingtonian, I look forward to seeing your videos. I am with you regarding fees and permits to force you to conform to what they want rather than the freedom to live life your way. I am now getting to the point that it's my land, and I am going to do what I want. Love seeing your projects, and they give me ideas as we tackle building our cabin on the coast. Romans 12:2 ‭‭ Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

[@eleanorturner4651]

I thank you are doing a great job!!And I don't know anything about off grid living!! So just trust in God 🙏🙏🙏 And do your best!! There will always be Naysayer!! Let no one discourage you!!

[@FalconWing1813]

This is a great idea, Having the generator in stealth mode gives you peace of mind. Keep it up man!

[@garymacknofsky244]

Just subscribed, I wish I could do 1% of what you do… amazing that you didn’t give up and kept making it bulletproof. Just awesome sir. Keep up the great work ✊🏻

[@jaygun43]

Good job! Way to take the good advice and sort out the noise. Enjoy yourself.

[@DanniD-s2e]

You’re a good man Diego. Wise above your years. 😊

[@robertt8273]

You are awesome. I laughed when you sit and think a lot. That definitely comes out in your videos. You are very methodical. That is a awesome trait to have. Just don't over think. I do that. You need to do what you need to do. Rules are made to be broken. They are guidelines. I never understand why people have to be nasty. My comments are here to help, not to degrade you. Great talk.

[@stephengreen2898]

good for you AND ALL US TOO! SO GLAD YOU DID THIS EXPERIMENT and broke rules to show that NANNY STATE CONTROL is not necessary!

[@elmerkilred159]

One of the ways to make the enclosed box more quiet is to use egg crate foam like they have in sound studios. The metal on concrete reflects sound, so a thin piece of rubber or carpet could be slipped under the metal tray. A complete cushioned box would probably deaden the sound so much that you would only hear the generator through the exhaust and vent holes.

[@Wezly]

After watching your log store construction you'd make v. light work of a beautiful small external generator box. any reason not to isolate it further in this way incase of the worst? 🔥 Also i'm sure it's been said but further isolating from the floor could make it quieter still, really nice work! more thoughts - remote cut off for the gen? and or some fire suppressant? also - the gen is in it's self a closed box 😆just not a v. sound proof one.

[@vladio123]

Interesting Perspective on building your own home on your own land. I agree that the process is way too long and way too costly. I live in the country and building anything is a pain in the butt like you mentioned. Why do they make it so difficult? Is it for our safety? Is it to control us? Why is the process so costly? Just the paperwork alone can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. For what? To fix our housing crisis these processes need to be leaned out and improved. With so many online resources, building anything has been so much easier. I think what you are doing for the community is great. It gives people like me the confidence to go out and build stuff on my homestead as well. Keep up the good work and making the great content. Amazing.

[@BrainStormAcres]

Nice job. We differ in why some of the regs. I believe that many generator regs were prompted by the manufacturers. These regs pretty much cut off your relatives ability to successfully sue if you die from CO, a fire, cross fed sources, or pretty much anything else. We built our place ourselves. Plumbing, wiring, and permits met the then current requirements. Funny how NEC changed in the middle of our build!

[@rongray4118]

Kick Ass, Diego!! Keep Breaking all Da-Rules! Thanks for the training video!! Cheers from Reno, Nevada!!

[@ghmichel72]

That's a great design on your generator box ✊🏾 I was thinking about doing something like that for an air compressor system I will be putting inside of my shed. I do not want to be an annoying neighbor since their bedroom window is about 15' away. I look forward to see your results during the summer.

[@Jetiexperte]

Nice work. With the fan blowing into the box the "air intake" is not gonna function as such anymore. The box has enough fresh air from the fan and the intake will function more like a blow out pipe as part of the circulation of the fan. It's a good setup now. Make sure to give the black pipe outside a rain cover.

[@shawnseaward6190]

RUSH is the best, and nice work young maN. Just started watching your channel. Looking forward to watching you deal with all the challenges living in the country. All the best I figuring it all out.

[@Payne247]

Cool idea. I have been thinking of doing something similar for my generator but outside under a deck. Also, Was the temp testing done at the loaded high rpms? May want to monitor temps in that scenario if not.

[@eyeone2]

You're right Diego...you're very analytical and creative ...this is a great trait ...those that had ideas for betterment worked on and refined them or fine tuned them always succeed in the long run. So keep your creativity alive and above all sometimes criticism if it is meant well can be a good thing 👍👍 I personally would have loved to doing things like you but circumstance don't always allow it...keep at it

[@DobyxRC]

Love your channel Diego. I found these videos on your generator enclosure very interesting. I think I might do something similar, but I might add a few automation features (easy to do) 1. have a high temp warning on the thermostat, so you hear an audible "beep" if it goes above a predetermined point i.e. 90 degrees. 2. Have a relay to turn on the generator to charge the batteries if they go below 12.3 volts. Just to name a couple :-) Again, love the videos !

[@timmylittle2406]

Been following for a bit. I like your ideas. My brother-in-law is a building inspector. And from the stories from him….most of your “pros” or contractors are complete and absolute HACKS! They have no idea what a level or a tape measure is. They will try to hide everything they did wrong just to save 10 cents. These codes are in place BECAUSE of them! They would put a generator in a bath tub with bare connections, vent the exhaust to the bedroom, and charge the old lady 20k for the work.

[@cabinman]

Rules are made for a reasons. And one rule is that you can engineer out the risk…which is what you’re doing. Problem solved. Great job! Keep chasing those dreams.

[@stevenpyle8747]

A little RUSH never hurt anyone👍

[@obiwanjacobi]

Putting that tray (the generator is on) on top of some foam will further dampen the low frequency noise.

[@jeffg.679]

Keep up the good work and to stay teachable. You’re on it.

[@B-raddDaily]

Keep doing what you are doing. Forget the hater trolls and you do you. Your channel is fantastic and a lot of people of living vicariously through you. F the low esteem trolls.😎

[@Jayda08]

I read the same comments about air flow. What is your plan to keep the bugs from crawling inside the inlet cooing pipe?? Yes the fan will kill them but over time you will have a large pile of bugs to deal with. Since you are pushing fresh air from outside with a fan, you no longer need the small black pipe to feed the engine with air.

[@american_musclecarclub3312]

That's a nice idea I might use that idea for my off grid cabin

[@stretchnutts00]

Interesting setup i did something similar for my noisy gas generator in the garage using old chiller since its already insulated and gutted the compressor, just cut the holes similar to what you did and reduced noise drastically and can run 24 hours straight till next refuel. The only thing i didn't see in your setup is to install a Manual Transfer Switch instead of having to plug and move wires around which will wear out the sockets over time and the ease of just flipping the switch from one power source the other, then this project would be complete. and black pvc into a upside down J setup to prevent any rain or moisture. I'm a DIY guy all the way from the Philippines watching your videos.

[@choiceblade]

OK, what about the pilot light on the water heater igniting the gas fumes? Presumably the fumes are being expelled out of the box to the outside… Except when you’re filling the tank?

[@marcocoppelo6543]

Let the inlets breathe and place the exhaust further away. and avoid condensation traps on intake.

[@toshkonya1419]

Don't listen to all the naysayers! You're doing what you need to do and your generator box is plenty safe!

[@cstew8355]

Sometimes safety has to take back seat to necessity!! (Though I did blow my house up) maybe I’m not the best person to ask.. great job mate and I love your life style maybe one day we could all be capable of being this smart and live free. Respect to you mate for helping out at that (I’ve forgot the man’s name sorry but the old fella who has that amazing house too) you are a gentleman

[@michaelboom7704]

Ya I had thought all looked good but the changes make sense! You last part rant sounds so familiar!

[@williekeener9604]

I only saw the first video today and after writing a book, I found this one. I’m glad you are receptive to advice. I say that because 80% or better of the commenters would try this with no research. That would expose about 20% to being victims of their not understanding. I wish you success as this project will likely evolve. I believe in the spirit of innovation, but I also lean to the Darwin principles too! I felt compelled to offer some observations, because I have seen many unsanitary applications of gasoline fired equipment that resulted in a dangerous condition. I’ve seen it with fuel gas equipment too, but there are so many accessories easily available that accidents are generally avoided.

[@lordkestlerful]

Nice setup! Good job

[@lithgowlights859]

My only issue with the fan blowing in, which is what I initially thought would be best, is you could possibly pressurise the box a little bit, leading to fumes leaking into the shed over time. Because you left the black original inlet pipe that should stop the issue as long as it remains unplugged.

[@maebeck6856]

I am so impressed with how meticulous you are. I also agree with your viewpoint. 10 out of 10. Thank you. Please come to Canada and build me a home. lol

[@danielhoffman7576]

One thing I see is, With your fan blowing in to your box, the ABS pipe would be blowing out? on need to relocate it? But looks good, I'm thinking about the same thing?? Thanks

[@gaz-dan5430]

got some good ideas from the generator box have you thought of external fuel tank ? and you can buy kits for hooking up external fuel tank, some work buy removing fuel cap and screwing another cap on with fuel line

[@ms.mowens2988]

Thanks for keeping it real!

[@heribertogomez7]

Can people just like the great job this guy made, maybe you should learn from it instead of hate or negativity come on guys if he did something wrong tell him he did if not at least give him credit I think he did an amazing job on this box and you know what I'm watching all of his videos I learned a lot just watching this thank you sir you did an amazing job

[@svgal1382]

BOOM! 🎯 My sentiments exactly! You do you!

[@rhondaritchey521]

Rock on, Diego ! You're awesome ❤

[@southerncharm2023]

Man i just discovered your channel , love the videos. keep up the good work.

[@LloydFreeman-n9l]

Keep improving, you are doing great!!!

[@timfogel-rb2cy]

use DC off gen to charge batteries , cover fresh air intake for rain, extended run fuel tank added . really nice job quiet and safe !

[@stevenclaflin]

Are you sure the co detector works? Also hot exhaust gasses rise so I would have put the exhaust outlet above the intakes. 😊

[@michaellang8065]

Is there a reason you don't just use your battery full time to power your garage? And use the generator to charge you battery when needed.

[@jd24bdc72]

Anytime we go on social media, etc.NEGATIVE comments are expected, more people like what did n I'm 1 of them, AWSOME VIDEO,stay safe be bless🤙☝️👊👍👍👍🇵🇭

[@usmcgunz1066]

New subscriber here. Great commentary during the last 7 minutes of this video. I agree with you about the bureaucratic BS. It can definitely suck the wind out of your sails. Regardless, keep on keeping on and make your dreams a reality. Peace!

[@richardthiessens6367]

Cool project. You could add an auto transfer switch so you don't have to keep swapping the plugs and hard wire it, or even a manual transfer switch.

[@annwithaplan9766]

I watched your previous video and subbed. I was going to ask if that pipe was too close to the exhaust, but what do I know. Glad of the changes. You kind of think like I do on some things. Also glad to see another awakened individual. It seems the powers that (should not) be are trying to speed things up.

[@grumpyuncle.]

It might worth a look at how we got these "codes." National Electric Code exists for real world reasons. Most of those reasons are rooted in real safety concerns, especially with regard to living close enough to another house that your neighbor's poor building decisions could lead to negative consequence for your home and family. Makers and inventors tend to exist on the outer edge of the building and manufacturer safety boundaries, as they try to make something unique to solve a problem. This is also where "codes" are sometimes developed or modified. Someone finds a new way to do something, and the rules are modified to include the new method. Sometimes someone burns their shop down a few times, and the rules are modified to limit people creating the same hazard in a commercial building with innocent lives at risk. Personally, I think your inside generator idea has some real potential. Certainly worth continued development over the years.

[@ricktimmons5438]

You made that just right. The National Electric Code says many things geared at SAFETY and FIRE prevention. Not sure it covers home projects that are a emergency state use.

[@marktinkler6897]

Diego mentions the main reason he built the box inside. To prevent theft of his $1000 generator!

[@rkeantube]

Get a Dual Power Transfer Switch, gen as the main and the battery as the backup. Eliminate plunging and switching of cables. Awesome job , and people put generators in buildings all the time, you just need proper ventilation which you considered and made. Those rules were made for people who didn't consider proper ventilation.

[@PinnacIeSaint]

I live in a mobile home and have thought about doing this many times only for emergency purposes. I do think it might be worthwhile to look into the natural gas conversion. My thought on that topic is simply cost efficiency natural gas versus actual gas. Of course if natural gas is even an option for you.

[@ronb6182]

I would chimney the exhaust. I saw the back up generator at my jr high school boiler room. They had a small brig's engine and used a galvanized pipe on the hole where the muffler went and ran it up and outside the building. 73 P. S. I would build an out building for the generator. Then the legal is not broken for the home. 73

[@mariajennings5129]

Diego, u r doing great stuff and really like ur channel!

[@JoaoVinicius95]

Nice opinion about the rule makers! keep doing your things, break rules is too much responsibility to take, some people are not prepared for it! Great video!

[@SarahLeeSouth]

I just skipped to the talk at the end (sorry 🤣) but it was great! Live free! 💪

[@jimo2665]

I agree that many rules and regulations are about control. I think building codes and regulations started with good intentions, but it's well beyond that now, in my opinion. Independent, self-sufficient citizens can't be controlled by the government, and they don't like that. We see in some places that they want people to register their backyard gardens, and it's illegal to collect rainwater. They recently said backyard gardens are bad for the environment. It's all about control. Just my opinion.

[@luisvelasquez6933]

Is always a answer , you can put the box Out side, behind the wall