My Hurricane Generator Shed Project 🌀 - Florida Fish Hunter

[@FFHTV]

Would you consider buying me a cup of coffee if you find my work helpful in any way? if the answer is YES, then you can do that by clicking this link: bit.ly/LUV_COFFEE ☺👍

[@dsyukon]

@FFHTV Hello Sir, Hopefully you're having a pleasant day. The collar I'm interested in is attached to your shed. What size is it and isn't that just a piece of pvc and a cap ? This is really an ingenious waterproof way to feed fuel line and pwr. Thank you in advance Sir

[@FFHTV]

Hi dsyukon! It is a 3d printed structure that I designed to support a 2" pvc tube on both sides of my generator shed wall. The link to the stl file to make your own is located the video description. 😊👍

[@domfer2540]

Very nicely done. Looks good and functional. One looks almost like yours, same storage unit, same rubber pad, same vents and attic fans. When I cut my holes for the vents I sprayed expandable foam in between the walls of the shed. I also used insulation squares on the inside. (The ones with waffle shape). I run a 7200 wt for the whole house with a soft start on the a/c. Note: I have gas stove and hot water, makes a big difference. At night I run a 2000 wt , just for convince items. Both are inverters. I have another shed for propane and gas, and oil for normal maintenance. May should overboard, what till you need it. As my Family resident for over 100 years, we know what it like no power.

[@FFHTV]

Thanks domfer2540 for the comment and for dropping by to check out the video! 😊👍

[@PuffParka420]

Watched at least a dozen videos like this and this is by far the most elaborate and incredible gen shed I have seen yet, awesome job !

[@FFHTV]

Wow, thanks PuffParka420! I'm glad you enjoyed it! 😊👍

[@robdavis8307]

Well done. I live in North Florida outside Dowling Park. We caught Idalia right in the teeth, and we were devastated by tornados as well. Power was out 10 days. I set up my 8x10 shed with louvers for air flow and put a fan in the window, and another by fresh air intake similar to your setup. Since my generator isn't big enough to power the house and 4 ton AC, I'm installing the second generator in an enclosure similar to yours and wired directly to the AC disconnect. The unit has a soft start module, so the generator has no problem running it. Your idea of muffler on the outside is stellar, as is taking advantage of the frosting of the propane tank. These are very good ideas that nobody else has thought of that I've seen. I believe I'll borrow your ideas. Thank you.

[@FFHTV]

Thanks Rob! I'm really glad portions of the video has helped you out. I too plan on adding a soft start as well which is the last piece I need to do to finish off my setup. Hopefully this year those of us living here in Florida can get a break from the hurricanes! 😊👍

[@robdavis8307]

@FFHTV We bought the Micro Air easy start. Very well made, easy to install, and so far, reliable. I have it covered to keep the UV rays from destroying it. It has over 3500 starts with no issues. Unfortunately, the meteorologists are all predicting one of the worst Atlantic hurricane seasons ever. Hope they're wrong. Stay safe, and thank you for the video.

[@FFHTV]

I have been planning on installing a Micro-Air X72 unit once I had finished the generator shed build but just have not had the chance to do so yet. The reviews I have read while doing my research have been very good and so it was nice to see that yours has over 3500 starts with no issues. Having dealt with tornados most of my life while living in Oklahoma, I can honestly say that hurricanes, when compared to the destructive capability of tornados, are not that big of a deal to me. Now if I was living right on the coast of the Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico then that would be another matter all together. You too stay safe my friend and thank you for your comments. 😊👍

[@DennisDural]

That’s the best set up I’ve seen.

[@FFHTV]

Thank you! 😊👍

[@DennisDural]

@@FFHTV Yes Sir by far the BEST!!!!

[@xxRock81xx]

You guys aren't looking very hard, there is build after build with similar boxes all over youtube.

[@seunni]

One of the best set-up I've seen. Thanks

[@FFHTV]

Wow, thanks! Glad you liked it! 😊👍

[@OldLadyAngler]

Nice set up. We have the same generator and we had our house wired too. Haven't had to use it yet. YET.

[@FFHTV]

Thanks! It's seems to be a good generator. Time will tell. Last year I decided to upgrade my trusty BlackMax 8750 Honda powered generator that I've owned and has been my go to since 2007 only because of this project and the ability of the Westinghouse unit to start up remotely. A couple of years ago I converted the BlackMax to run on propane so I'm good with it as a backup secondary generator if the Westinghouse decides to fail. Hopefully, actual use of these generators won't be happening anytime in the close foreseeable future 🤞😊:wishful thinking:

[@ihus9950]

Great work Bud, Thanks for sharing 👍🏻

[@FFHTV]

You bet and thanks for dropping by to check out the video and leaving a comment! 😊👍

[@patrickbass3542]

We are at the beginning of our generator install and I have found your video to be the most complete and informative yet online. Thanks and good fishing!

[@FFHTV]

Awesome, thank you patrickbass3542! 😊👍

[@patrickbass3542]

@@FFHTV What is the black device you are using to run the gen output cable thru at the back of the enclosure? I have looked far and wide and cannot even identify it, much less locate one!

[@FFHTV]

It is a 3d printed structure that I designed to support the pvc tube (inside and out) of my generator shed wall where the power chord runs through. Here is the link to the stl file: www.thingiverse.com/thing:6657917

[@patrickbass3542]

@@FFHTV What did you place under the photo voltaic panel for its suction cups to stick too?

[@FFHTV]

I did not use the suction cups that came with the solar panet. It is screwed down to a 3d printed custom mount that I designed.

[@abqcleve]

Outstanding! I don't need hurricane protection and I'm inclined to do a little more to reduce noise; but this is a beautifully executed version of what I had in mind for my new upgraded genset arriving in a few days. Fantastic design, execution, and instruction. Best video on ANY TOPIC I've seen this year. Thank you!!

[@FFHTV]

It's heartwarming to receive such positive feedback! Thank you! 😊👍

[@jeffreypinder9398]

Excellent setup you have there. I have the same generator and have been trying to figure out an enclosure system and this fits the requirements. Well done.

[@FFHTV]

Thanks jeffreypinder9398! I appreciate you checking out the video! 😊👍

[@jafo4u508]

I keep my guardian 150000 watt portable in my closet, used it a couple of times for hurricanes. I just plug it into the transfer case, throw a pop up tent around it and call it a day. I haven't had a problem with it ever. The pop up tent just keeps the elements and the sun off my unit, all four sides are open to fresh air. Never thought of such an elaborate setup even though I live in Hurrricane Alley. Liked your build but I would be worried one of those sensors don't trip and the machine just burns itself up from the heat. I've seen my portable generator suspended from craines in my area at job sites, so I'm pretty sure she can put up with my occasional use😂. I also have two backups, 5000 predators, and a Honda 2200I. The Honda is for when I want to go to sleep and turn the lights outside off and not let anyone know I have a generator.

[@FFHTV]

Thanks jafo4u508! I do have another generator which is stored inside my garage now which had always been my primary unit for years but I wanted a setup that would always ready to go at a seconds notice and could also be easily started by my wife or any other family member should I not be around. I try to minimize risk as much as possible which is why I run two heat sensors just in case one fails but like everything in life, you just never know what could ultimately fail and I'm at peace with that realization... 😊👍

[@Ezq95]

Who in the right mind keeps a big generator in their closet? Inside the house closet? A Shed or garage,barn storage, or just special storage space built for it like yours is nice. Great job

[@elKOY0]

This is a clean and well thought out set up. Great job and thanks for sharing.

[@FFHTV]

Thank you elKOY0! 😊👍

[@michaelhenderson5098]

Nice video. Thanks for sharing it. I have a Wgen7500Df that ran for 8 days after Beryl blew through. I am modifying my storage building (10x12) to store (or run) it. New vent for fresh air and new 12 inch exhaust fan. And a zombie box for the exhaust. Since the cooling medium is the ambient air, there isn't much cooling when it 95+ here in Houston. :( Might need a 2nd exhaust fan. I also have a floor fan like yours to blow on the generator. Dual propane tanks and gasoline. I'm ready for the next storm (Francine) in a day or so.

[@FFHTV]

Thanks michaelhenderson5098! I appreciate you checking out the video! Wishing you the best against (Francine) 😊👍

[@sinner-saint361]

That's the best set up I've seen so far. Only thing I would add for thought is the fact of how much propane that gen will take to run. It will run threw that cylinder pretty fast. Way faster than gas.

[@FFHTV]

Thanks sinner-saint361! I currently have 4 tanks for my setup and only keep 1 tank with the generator when running. The way I have done it these past few years that has worked out for me is to refill when two tanks become empty while one tank is in use and the other is waiting its turn. 😊👍

[@damian_the_mando_apprentice]

Very nice. Moved to Tampa 2 years, first lost of power during the recent hurricane so getting a generator (ordered Westinghouse WGen10500TFc from Walmart). I was planning to put it on the pool deck when needed but this seems like a more practical solution for permanent storage. Listing all the parts used is really helpful.

[@FFHTV]

Hi damian_the_mando_apprentice! Thank you for dropping by to check out the video and leaving a comment! I'm glad the video was able to help inspire some ideas for managing a more permanent storage solution for your generator setup 😊👍Now that hurricane Helene has left its path of destruction, another one seems to be forming and possibly heading our way again. Time to get ready for this one just in case... 😩

[@darryljones6678]

Great setup! Loved the video!

[@FFHTV]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it! 😊👍

[@emileHD]

Great video! Using your shed video as an inspiration to start building my gen shed.

[@FFHTV]

That is awesome! Thanks emileHD! 😊👍

[@emileHD]

How did you secure your cement board in place?

[@FFHTV]

I used short deck screws

[@Ezq95]

Nice job . I want to build one for mine when it gets here

[@FFHTV]

Hi Ezq95! Go for it! I just went thru my first hurricane (Milton) with this shed setup and it did great. Lost power for 3 days and I could not be more pleased on how well it all functioned.😊👍

[@AntonioSantos-qk7bn]

great video... I've seen ALL the generator shed videos. You are the only one that I have seen that has a Thermal switch. VEry few people consider temp as an issue. I am building up my shed at the moment. I live in Canada so the temp is cooler that FLA. Can you provide more detail on the thermal switch and the wiring.... Thx again. Very informative!!

[@FFHTV]

Thanks Antonio! I added a link to the video description showing where you can view a very simple schematic that I drew up for you showing how the thermal switch is wired to the Low oil sensor of the generator. I hope that helps you out and thanks for watching! 😊👍

[@AntonioSantos-qk7bn]

@@FFHTV Much appreciated... I'm trying to learn how to program and Arduino Controller to take care of the Thermal management including airflow and now shutdown if it over heats!! I can see what you did... very smart an no one else on the internet added the High temp shutdown to protect the generator.

[@FFHTV]

Thanks Antonio! 😊👍

[@TTURocketDoc]

104 F ambient temperature is the limit with just natural convection, your fan increases the max allowable ambient temp significantly, but probably good to use a 105f fuse just in case the fan quits

[@FFHTV]

Hi TTURocketDoc! I can relate to that but I prefer not to take any chances with an overheat scenario so my thermal switch is set for 104F 😊👍

[@NatellaNagapetova]

Thank you so much 🙏🏼👍🏻👏

[@FFHTV]

Hi NatellaNagapetova! You are very welcome! Thank you for dropping by to check out the video and leave a comment! 😊👍

[@jaysonstebbins2539]

Nice job! Just an FYI. The reason the tank frosts is because it's not quite enough big enough. Lp tank will freeze up if there isn't enough (size) to allow the liquid to turn into a gas. Great job on the setup. Thinking of the same setup. Saving video :) 2 20# tank would do better or 2 30# tanks. Those refills are only 3/4 full to 80%. More like 3 gallons each.

[@FFHTV]

Thanks for the info! I currently have four 20# tanks. I just need to purchase the splitter hose. 😊👍

[@jaysonstebbins2539]

@FFHTV you can always pick up a 2 stage regulator with auto changeover like you see on an rv. If you leave both tanks open then when the generator is needing a little extra it can pull from the other tank. The autochangeover regulator are made to sense low pressure. I'm an rv tech and find alot of people trying to leave 1 tank off and not realizing what the other tank does with both are connected in the wintertime trying to run a 40,000 btu furnace. That little 20# will freeze up and eventually burn something out. If your running the generator under a light load then it's ok. But if your putting a decent to heavy load with a 20# tank then you'll get a freeze up. I bet the manufacturer requires a minimum of a 30# tank but recommends a 100# for heavier loads. 2 30# tanks together ok a splitter probably wouldn't even freeze up until about 30°F with a heavy load. Temperature is a big factor on this as well. The hotter the better for propane sense propane boils at -44°F :) up north we add butane to lower this number. 40# tanks on a splitter would be rocking for you. And in the long run you would spend less in filling them because you can fill at tractor supply and hardware stores much cheaper than a exchange and plus use them for numerous things like grilling. :)

[@Hannelore7]

Nice. I have the same Generator. Mine keeps surging and will have to figure out how to fix. Nice set up have.

[@FFHTV]

Thanks! Did you ever figure out your surging issue?

[@Hannelore7]

@@FFHTV lol..no..draining the gas today..it started to backfire after I cleaned the idle jet.Called a service to fix this for me ..I give up.

[@FFHTV]

Did you try running off of propane before calling a service? I own another generator that has a messed up carb and won't run but will run just fine off of propane. Never went back to gas after that. You should really consider just strictly running your generator off of propane if possible.

[@Hannelore7]

@@FFHTV Good idea...prob a lot more efficient as well with all these gas issues. I ended up calling a repair shop to come get it. But will look into propane.Thank you.

[@pipeliner345]

I built the exact same set up last year almost. However i did not have the high heat cut off. My two fans, wall and floor quit, the circuit was not tripped, so not sure what happened there. The box overheated therfore so did the generator, duro max 13k, brand new first use. I used the exact shed, melted it severely but still usable. I'm most not sure of relying on fans after this very expensive disaster.

[@FFHTV]

Hi pipeliner345! I can only speculate that the heat inside your enclosure was high enough to cause your fans to fail first while your generator continued to run and then eventually shut down due to this high heat. A overheat sensor would have definitely saved your generator in this case until you could solve the heat issue. Also having a way to read the temperature inside the shed while the generator is running is a game changer to help you determine how to go about solving these heat issues. I use a wireless thermometer, linked in the video description, to keep tabs on the temperature inside my shed. Having an overheat sensor is priority number 1, a must in my opinion, if you are going to run a air cooled generator inside any enclosure. I also truly believe that placing the generators muffler outside of the enclosure should be a requirement with these plastc shed setups. Prior to this when my generator was in its original configuration with its muffler inside the shed I would always trip the overheat sensor within 15 to 20 minutes of the generator running which made the whole setup absolutely useless. Once I routed my muffler to the outside, everything changed for the best. Also having a large enough shed to help with air circulation must always be considered. My first shed that I purchased was just big enough to contain my generator and felt it would absolutely not help with air circulation so I returned it and purchased the next size up which is the one shown in the video and am very happy with the size and amount of air circulation available to help with moving the heat that is created inside the enclosure to the outside with the aid of the fans. I hope this info helps. 😊👍

[@randyn5397]

Have you had any issues with critters getting under the shed?

[@FFHTV]

None at all. 😊👍

[@dsyukon]

Please elaborate on what you use for the gen plug outlet. Black collar what is it ? What size? Thanks in advance

[@FFHTV]

Hi dsyukon ! It is a Nema L14-30R, 30 Amp 4-Prong industrial grade locking female generator plug. amzn.to/46T59Ba 😊👍

[@LindaGonzalez-kv3vi]

how do you connect the fans in parallel? thanks

[@FFHTV]

Hi LindaGonzalez-kv3vi! Thank you for dropping by to check out the video and leaving a comment! 😊👍 The following image may help: floridafishhunter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/parallel.jpg

[@Quaght]

That's the same model I'm looking at getting. I have a couple of questions about your build: 1. What is the purpose of that black box that your exhaust goes into? 2. About how long would expect the generator to run on that tank of propane?

[@FFHTV]

Hi Quaght! The black box is actually the generators muffler that was removed and relocated outside to reduce heat inside the shed. This was shown in the video. I would expect the generator to run anywhere from 6 to eight hours depending on load. 😊👍

[@earlbates6574]

Thanks, you video helped me a lot. But how did you add the brace for the wall at the doors to keep the walls from leaning out with the doors wide open?

[@FFHTV]

Hi earlbates6574! There is a metal angle support on the upper side of each side wall. I layed a 1" x 2", pressure treated lumber, between these two metal angle supports to brace the walls. I removed the screw holding the angle support where the 1" x 2" lumber is going to lay in and drilled thru that screw hole to the outside. Then I used a long deck screw with a washer thru the drilled hole to screw into the end of the wood brace from the outside. You can get the correct measurement for the wood brace with the doors closed and the top open. Easy peasy. Thanks for dropping by to check out the video and leaving a comment. 😊👍

[@earlbates6574]

@@FFHTV Thanks for the information!!!!!!

[@Z33Garage]

Would adding insulation to the walls aid in keeping that box from becoming an oven ?

[@FFHTV]

Hi Z33Garage! I personally don't believe it would. I live in Florida where it is hot year round especially in the summer months. My shed is located where it has no shade and is in direct contact with the sun for roughly eight hours of the day. I monitor the temperature in my box using wireless temp sensors which read outside and inside air temps for comparison purposes and typically for me the inside air temp ranges about 3 to 4 degrees warmer than the outside air temperature in the middle of the day when the sun is at its hottest. For me that is perfectly fine and normal.

[@Z33Garage]

@@FFHTV I live in CFL as well and I thought this would also be the case but wanted to hear your opinion on this. Thanks !

[@FFHTV]

Awesome! 😊👍

[@xxRock81xx]

Well done, I've done similar to you with mine. Do you have natural gas?

[@FFHTV]

Thanks xxRock81xx! Sadly no natural gas where I live which is why I'm using propane.

[@xxRock81xx]

@@FFHTV my neighbor was using 20lbs propane tanks until I helped him setup the gas line. He said he was getting 4hrs out of a 20lbs tank that takes $18 to refill here on the tx coast.

[@kimbanyc]

Did you weigh the cost of all this versus buying portable solar that you can set up out back after the storm passes?

[@FFHTV]

Hi kimbanyc! I will have to say "no" as I have no personal interest in solar for this situation but thanks for dropping by to check out the video and leaving a comment! 😊👍

[@jmaklary]

With having in a shed with vent openings, are you not worried about humidity in the shed ultimately shorting the life of the generator?

[@FFHTV]

Hi jmaklary! Honestly with having the vents I have no worries or concerns with humidity. I'm no expert on this subject so my thoughts on humidity are that if I did not have the vents then it could possibly be a future issue since the shed would not be able to fully "breathe" on its own thereby possibly trapping moisture when the conditions are right for it. 😊👍

[@michiganadventures2784]

Awesome unit. How did you make the piece you put the power cord through. Looks like PVC pipe and a couple flanges?

[@FFHTV]

Thanks michiganadventures2784! Yes, I used PVC pipe and the flanges are 3d printed. Both sides of the PVC tube is supported by the flange. The STL file is linked in the video description. 😊👍

[@RogerKnowsTech]

Great build and video. Question? I noticed you have two thermal switches. Are they wired together to the same cable to ground out the spark?

[@FFHTV]

Thanks Roger! Only one thermal switch is wired on mine. The other I just keep there as a spare. You can technically run multiple thermal switches. Each one wired individually from the low oil shutdown wire to ground. Hope that info helps! 😊👍

[@RogerKnowsTech]

@@FFHTV ok great. Yes this helps a lot. Thanks

[@us2tohell]

Question... Why do 2x exhaust fans? Why not just get one 20" or 24" fan instead?

[@FFHTV]

Hi us2tohell! I went with two exhaust fans in case of a failure. If one fan was to fail then I would at least have the other fan still working. Thanks for dropping by to check out the video and leaving a comment. 😊👍

[@taylorcampbell985]

What kinda temps do you see inside the shed with and with running it?

[@FFHTV]

Hi taylorcampbell985! Static air temps inside the shed are normally 6 to 7 degrees above the outside air temp when the sun is out. It's been a while so I honestly don't remember temps inside the shed when running but what I can tell you is that prior to relocating the muffler to the out side of the shed the heat would reach 40C / 104F triggering the overheat sensor that I installed which would shut down the generator to keep it from overheating. After relocating the muffler to the outside of the shed I've had no more issues concerning the temperature. Hope this info helps. 😊👍

[@iamdave10318]

What size is your shed?

[@FFHTV]

Hi iamdave10318! The size of my shed is 5.9 ft. x 3.7 ft 😊👍 → amzn.to/4assuur

[@jimandmimivanhorn9649]

I used the same exhaust flanges for the modification. The threads are definitely not NPT. Did you have to rethread yours to fit the black pipe? I did, luckily I had a 1” pipe thread die.

[@FFHTV]

Hi jimandmimivanhorn9649! The exact exhaust flanges that I used are indeed NPT threads and are linked in the video description. In the product description it states the following: (Flange is CNC cut from heavy 1/4" steel plate to prevent warping, outlet pipe is SS NPT 1" pipe thread). My assembly required no rethreading of any kind. I hope this helped answer your question. 😊👍

[@jimandmimivanhorn9649]

Yes sir, I had purchased the same exact flanges from Amazon and they would not thread on to any black pipe or galvanized fittings. No big deal since I was able to rethread them. I was just wondering if you had the same problem. I was in the process of making my enclosure when I saw your video. Mine in a little different but I did like the temperature sensor you installed for over temp shutdown. I did include that on mine. Great video! Thanks

[@FFHTV]

Wow... That is a major failure on behalf of the vendor! If it was me I would have prompty returned them. I'm glad you were able to work around that situation. Thank you for checking out the video and am happy to see that it inspired some mods to your generator shed build! 😊👍

[@taylorcampbell985]

What are the highest temps inside the shed?

[@FFHTV]

Hi taylorcampbell985! According to my wireless temp sensors the display has shown the temps inside the shed to be around 6 to 7 degrees above the outside air temp when the sun is out.

[@bladengutz2042]

Did you put a soft start on your AC unit?

[@FFHTV]

Hi bladengutz2042! Sadly I have not yet installed a soft start as I'm still in the process of trying to determine which soft start company to go with. 🤔

[@bladengutz2042]

@@FFHTV I called my AC man and had him put one in I don’t know what size generator I need yet and the soft start has been installed about 2 years 🤣

[@ThruDaLenz]

Looks like it might melt

[@FFHTV]

Hi ThruDaLenz! Nope... No issues with melting lol. I ran this setup for 3 days continuos when I lost power due to hurricane Milton and my setup ran flawlessly. Thanks for dropping by to check out the video and leaving a comment. 😊👍

[@peterbertoncini5159]

What kind of hand saw is that? Looks like it cuts through the plastic pretty easily

[@FFHTV]

Hi Peter! It’s an oscillating Multi-tool. A very handy tool to own. amzn.to/3Wh1CZN

[@peterbertoncini5159]

Thank you, your shed looks amazing

[@philliphall5198]

I could care less about noise, it’s just keeping it covered is all I care about and having a fan blowing on it

[@FFHTV]

I totally agree! 😊👍

[@chiefjoseph8154]

I can’t hear you, my generator is too loud.

[@FFHTV]

😂😂😂👍

[@jackhawkins4056]

That tank won’t last long.

[@FFHTV]

Hi jackhawkins4056! I ran this setup for 3 days when I lost power due to hurricane Milton and each 20lb propane tank that I used gave me a run time of just under 8 hours which I think is great. Thanks for dropping by to check out the video and leaving a comment. 😊👍