Whole Home Manual Backup Generator Setup For Less Than $1600

[@SgtRudySmith31bRet]

DO NOT LEAVE ALL YOUR BREAKERS ON WHEN SWITCHING TO GENERATOR POWER!! Proper order is- 1- turn off all breakers 2- turn on generator 3- plug in cord 4- turn on gen breaker (on gen) 5- tun on gen breaker (on panel) 6- turn on home breakers 1 at a time.

[@rspc6132]

And make sure the Genny is at least 20 feet away from the house! the exhaust can kill you silently.

[@James-sd4nj]

Plus don't turn off the generator without turning the breaker off on the generator or the breaker at the panel. Turning off the generator under power i might results in your devices being powered by it subject to weird voltages

[@AlexV-pf3io]

Too much bla-bla

[@nathanielsmith9046]

Thanks

[@georgeowens5253]

The most important thing is before you turn your generator on, make sure you have your main OFF!!🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@ramseywilliams5087]

I own an all electric home and do not have access to public utilities like city water and sewer. I did about the same setup as you have but I used a 12,000 watt Duromax dual fuel generator. Since I am also a licensed master auto tech with over 40 years experience, I know for a fact that running a generator on gasoline with ethanol will destroy the fuel lines, fuel pump diaphragm and generally destroy the carburetor, I chose to run on propane. I also have a 220 volt submersible 4 inch well, an electric hot water heater and a 4 ton central heat and A/C unit, 2 1700 watt microwaves and a standard as well as a convection oven and an electric range top and an in ground pool. I will admit that the central A/C is a 2 year old 22 seer system with an 3200 watt start load and a 1600 watt run load and the pool has a variable speed pump which cuts the power consumption tremendously compared with a standard 1Hp motor that pulled 1100 watts for 8 hours to a 60 watt load for 10 hours. . There is a standard 22 cu. ft. fridge and a 24 cubic foot chest freezer, and of course a washer and dryer. When I was wiring the breaker panel, I used an amp probe to determine the load on each circuit and the only thing that gave me pause was that if the hot water heater was running at the same time we were baking and cooking and the central HVAC cycled, the generator would lose about 50 to 60 rpm for about a half a second. So I added a 240 volt switch to the 40 gallon water heater and we just leave it turned off until we need it. problem solved. Now we can run anything at any time and make sure not to have the ovens, or stove and dryer running at the same time as the hot water heater. I also got 3 40 pound propane tanks which hold just under 30 gallons of propane and weigh about 220 pounds combined. So there's no running around filling three 5 gallon gas cans every day and a half. The three propane tanks will run for about 5 days, 24 hours a day. Cost wise, gasoline costs about $50 dollars per day, versus $24 per day for propane. And unless you are going to store fifteen 5 gallon cans of gas you will be searching for fuel every day versus once every 5 days for propane. And propane can be stored for over 20 years while gasoline has a shelf life of about 3 to 6 months. Running propane will cause a slight power loss and if I had a 15 kw duromax, I would be able to run everything at once, including the hot water heater, but at the time, the 12 kw was the largest dual fuel generator available, this side of a $12,000 dollar diesel powered Generac, which required multiple yearly oil and filter changes as well as yearly air filter, coolant and fuel injector filters and water separators and valve adjustments, which Generac said would cost an additional $500.00 a year. My total cost for everything was just over $2000 dollars and I'v had to use the system for at east ten times ranging from 1 to 10 day power outages

[@marcocal7915]

Would you recommend ethanol free gas to use

[@teotwawki00]

Great information. Thanks. That's where I'd have to be with my house in SWFL.🎉

[@akbychoice]

With all that why wouldn’t you have a propane stove and water heater?

[@DieselLegiance]

@akbychoice I have a gas hot water tank and gas furnace already.

[@OU_Grad]

Harbor Freight 9000 with similar set up. Works like a charm. Generator $698, cord $50, battery $40, but I didn’t have a friend $750 instal. General maintenance once a month (start up for 20 minutes). Cheaper than a Generac.

[@LarryeWhite61]

China made

[@EVMANVSGAS]

Isn't it way to loud? I'm sure it works, but the Westinghouse generators are much better because they are pretty quiet and they are still fairly inexpensive. I'm not sure whey the cheaper ones have to be so much louder. I had one before and it was so loud I had to build a wall around it lesson the noise. It was a piss off every time you had to go mess with it, you really needed ear plugs. One of my friends bought a Westinghouse igen 4500w and it was super quite (as in barely hear it running) and it sipped the gas in the econo mode. Now he sold that one and bought the same one this guy used. It is louder, but not bad at all.

[@hansenhansen8349]

I went with Harbor Freight, full fuel 16 hours run time.

[@daddski1]

@@EVMANVSGAS Happened to have both and the Westinghouse is just as loud. Your friends 4500 was a baby gen. it never ran a house. maybe a tiny home with no range. Comparing a 9000 watt to a 4500 is apples to oranges. As for building a box.. you should anyway, add two inch foam insulation and close it in, make sure it can breathe well and that also keeps it outa the weather. I do agree both are loud, but I would rather have that than no power after a major storm like the two we just had in Florida. I do also have a harbor freight 5000 watt inverter, now that thing is quiet... but it cannot run the entire home and we have 240 volt a/c. It can run it all without the a/c's and range, water heater... I use it off a power cord at times to charge laptops, phones and run our computers now and again but mostly we now run a 13000 watt duromax. IT has less than a 5 percent distortion and is fantastic.

[@AlexV-pf3io]

$750 to install?.. I gladly do for $100(for my friends - $75)

[@neilbrookins8428]

To protect the main breaker and minimize stress, it is recommended to first turn off all individual breakers before turning the main breaker on or off. Once the main breaker is on, you can then turn on the individual breakers one by one. This gradual application of load helps to avoid a sudden surge of current.

[@AskTheAdjutant]

🎯

[@wetrock2766]

​@@AskTheAdjutant...also, when the power comes back on, work with your breakers to isolate your generator and only then you can turn it off. If the generator is connected and running and you stop the engine the voltage will drop and this could damage some motors, like in a fridge. Do a clean shut on an off.

[@MACE1-1]

This applies to his genset also. He should have engaged genset breaker after starting and disengaged genset breaker prior to shutdown. Curious if this genset has a true sinewave output...?

[@neilbrookins8428]

@@MACE1-1according to chatgpt: The **Westinghouse WGen9500DF** (9500-DFC) generator does not have a pure or true sine wave output. It is a **conventional generator** with a standard alternator design, which produces **modified sine wave** or **distorted sine wave** power. This type of power is generally suitable for running most household appliances, power tools, and basic electronics, but it may not be ideal for sensitive electronics like computers, televisions, or medical devices. If you need a generator that outputs true sine wave power, you would typically want to look for an **inverter generator**, which provides cleaner power more suitable for sensitive equipment.

[@daddski1]

@@wetrock2766 what difference is the from shutting down the generator abruptly or flipping a switch /breaker off? Both do the same identical thing. Power goes away immediately?

[@michaelpaulmcdaniel8870]

Check your manuals please. Step one is take the generator OFF load. (Flip your breaker off first) never turn a generator off under load. Great video, but follow the manual please.

[@johncuriale7085]

Living on Floridas east coast, i will never forget the hurricanes of 04, francis and jean, they hit us in the same exact location, only two weeks apart, it was like a very bad joke, the sounds of generators everywhere during the night, only to be drowned out by the sound of chainsaws during the day, i'll never forget this one Gentleman standing online, at the gas station, waiting are turn to fill up our gas tanks, hopefully before the gas ran out,for our generators, he said in a somber voice,, you'll never hear me complain about my FPL bill again, we all had a little laugh, which was good, because we all needed it, at the time. Well I recently switched to solar generators, sunshine is one thing we have here in florida that will never run out, and the technology in solar panels, and battery technology, has advanced greatly in just the past, 3 to 5 years, stay safe guys,👍🙏🇺🇲

[@danwagner4760]

I have this very generator. I am a retired engineer and did my research and this is the one to buy. I purchased through Menards for their 11% off and got $150 to use for other things at Menards.

[@rdhudon7469]

I live in Canada and those Gens go for $2200 CAD here . I have one and I also bought a 40A generlink for $1500 Cad . It hooks directly in to the meter (Plug and play). I have a propane furnace but my primary source of heat is a wood stove . It cost me more then you but still worth every penny . I lived through the Ice storm of '98 and we went several weeks without power . I think it is part of our duty to protect our family .

[@frandunigan5835]

Like so many of the other comments I've done something similar. First and foremost, wanted to say Great Video! Thanks for documenting and sharing this. Here in the Upstate of SC, we just went through Hurricane Helene and it was sad to see how many of my friends and work colleagues lost power and everything in their refrigerators over the extended power outage. We've had the same 5kw Generac generator for almost 30 years (since Hurricane Fran in 1995) and have used it in a similar manner as you described for about 5 long term outages since then. In my past 2 homes I installed a manual transfer switch that powers "only certain breakers" that can be switched from utility power to generator power and they included 220V circuits to power our well pumps. Finally in this home, we installed an interlock similar to yours, and since we have city water and a propane hot water heater, we can get by without any need for 220v circuits, so we are able to power all of the 110v circuits in our 2500 sq. ft. home during the recent outage. The only suggestion I have is don't bother switching breakers on and off. Leave them all on BUT... 1. make sure you have LED lights as they use MUCH less power and: 2. only turn on lights and appliances "as needed." This way, as you navigate your home during the outage, everything will work when you need it, as long as you don't try to use everything at the same time. Thanks for sharing! 👍

[@clayshinn6953]

This is exactly what I plan on doing. Here in the South, these hurricanes are devastating. I've had the same generator for a couple of years, and haven't had to use it yet. Seeing how bad regular thunderstorms have been this year, I need to get this hookup fast! Great video!

[@nodak81]

I own nine generators and live in New England. Never have I lived anywhere with a less reliable power grid. For ten years I lived in rural Kentucky which somehow had a vastly superior grid. I think we only lost power a handful of times for a few hours in that entire ten years. Here in Massachusetts is a different story. If we get the slightest breeze the power goes out for at least a day, sometimes a couple of weeks, and it happens multiple times every year.

[@scottpeters4360]

Yeah, you'll be so relieved and a hero when the lights go out. Lost power for 2 weeks a few years back near Crystal River, FL. Had (3) 7500 gasers. Covered 2 small houses like a charm. Freezers. Fridges, Cable, Wifi. Will definitely be upgrading to the bi-fuel 12k or better. Lot's of the new or newer 6500-7500's will be cheap on FB and what not. Many bought w/recent and didn't need now want cash.. Be dropping fast b4 xmas.

[@dblomvo7732]

I added a soft start to my AC condenser to be able to use the system with the generator, and it helps extend the life of the compressor, conserve power, and runs better. That will add another few hundred dollars, worth it. God bless you all, God bless the United States of America 🇺🇸 peace ✌️ stay safe 🙏

[@maxwellcrazycat9204]

I am waiting for my soft start unit to arrive. Micro-Air Flex. Looks fairly easy to install. How did your install go? Any problems?

[@StaleFiddleFaddle]

Got the Wgen 9500c earlier this year , many days over the last 10 years with no power has gotten more frequent in Florida for us. Running generator now as Milton really tore stuff up . We could not afford an inverter style generator setup and needed a generator large enough to run 3.5 ton a/c , fridge, freezer , lights , internet and couple pc's . Things I have learned over the last 130 hours running generator. It uses 1 gallon per hour running a/c on top of all the other stuff. 6 hours per tank. No a/c lasts about 12 hours . Some of my UPS power supplies and appliances do not like the high frequency preset output. 61.8 Hz with no a/c and 60.8 Hz with a/c load. It is a balancing act to adjust governor speed to get 59.1 to 60.5 hz depending on load so stuff is happy. Using Hz reading on generator itself, do not know how accurate it is but stuff is happy with range adjustments stated above. A/C is off and running dishwasher and adjusted to 59 to 60 Hz so it is happy, after dishwasher is done, readjust governor speed for a/c load . Set a/c to lowest temp so it does not cycle , when it is cold in house shut it off manually until it gets unbearable in house again . Rinse and repeat adjusting governor speed. This is purely mechanical generator speed control, so be prepared to fiddle with governor engine rpm/speed settings. Use UPS power supplies on everything you can for extra layer of protection. 8mm wrench and phillips screw driver to adjust governor speed, small adjustments is all that is needed. My prayers are out to all affected by the hurricanes.

[@eleonorrodriguez5741]

Hi there! Thanks for answering so many of my questions I had about generators. I’m in the Tampa Bay area & although Milton did a number on us….honestly, Tampa has dodged plenty of direct hits. I have a 3.5 ton a/c unit as well. Always wanted to know about how much wattage would I actually need for my household (11,000 or 13,000) while running everything else. I came to realize we should be alright with a few box fans. Even thinking about trying out a portable a/c unit if anything because of our Florida heat. But just as long as we have power to the fridge & freezers we should be good. With Mother Nature we can prepare our butts off, but she’ll ALWAYS show us where there’s more holes to fill in our preparations.

[@scott5747]

My friend just bought a Pulsar 12kw (9500 running watts on gas or 8500 on propane) for $890 on Amazon. I've had mine for several years and this season it was keeping the lights on and everything else for a couple weeks during our big freeze and power outage.

[@mercorey]

You should never turn off your generator under load. And you should turn all of your breakers off before introducing it to power. And never do what he did when he shut off the generator and unplugged the male end and rested it on the metal part of the generator and without unplugging it at the box. All it takes is his generator breaker to not full engage where it allows the interlock to still slide and then he turns on the main breaker and that will send power right to the exposed male plug and blow up his generator or one of his kids touching outside while he is in the basement. So when the power goes out these are the step you take. 1. Turn on your generator and let it warm up. (You can plug in your plug at this time too) 2. Turn off all of your breakers in the house. 3. Turn off the main breaker. 4. Slide the interlock switch in position and turn on the generator breaker. 5. Turn on the breakers you plan on using one at a time starting with the largest Amp breaker you plan on using. Steps to take once power is back on from the utility company. 1. Turn off all of your breakers in your panel you turned on. 2. Turn off the generator breaker. 3. Go outside and turn off your generator and unplug it at both ends. 4. Go back inside and turn on the main panel breaker. 5. Slowly turn on 1 breaker at a time staring with the largest amp breakers first.

[@cyberlight22]

12:07 BAD BAD BAD SHUT OF THE GENERATOR BRAKER FIRST AND LET IT COOL DOWN THEN TURN OF THE GENERATOR

[@jamesc8453]

Yes indeed… to shut off generator you flip break off first to cleanly stop power to house… the method in this video… of just turning off generator allows the voltage to the house to drop as the generator spins down to a stop… super bad for any electrical or electronic components

[@cyberlight22]

@@jamesc8453 and the generator

[@RimfireAddicted70]

Bought the same gen a couple years back for house back up. I have a transfer switch setup in my garage for mine. I also only run propane as I found it much easier to store over the long term and remain stable and keeps the unit cleaner. It's a bit less power but we're never near max load anyways as we plan out what runs so as to keep the load moderate. As others commented, never flip the power over with all the breakers open for the house as it can place a overload on the generator. You should be flipping breakers individually as it's running to allow it to build up for the demand. If you do the wiring yourself be aware if it violates your home owners insurance, you'd hate to have something go wrong and find out trying to save a few $100 bucks you burned the house and the ins. was cancelled.

[@wildwolvespack]

I did the very same thing, with that very same Generator after the Texas deep Freeze and it works just fine. I have used it twice, It is like an insurance, just in case, My is a 30Amp breaker set up and Why break the bank when you can have a simple set up like this for a thousand bucks, Excellent video from Diesel Legiance detailing step by step.. Quick note. I turn all the breakers off before connecting the Generator and once the Generator is running and connected to the house I turn the breakers on one by one as needed, that in my case is almost all of them.

[@robertalvarez8128]

I just purchased this exact generator. Ordered it on Amazon $1049 and it was delivered yesterday. It took about 12 days to receive it. I just took it out of the box so haven’t fired it up yet. I plan on having the 50amp plug installed by a licensed electrician too. I’m getting estimates in the $600 plus range. Thanks for the video.

[@sisiraliyanage8290]

Can you send me the info about the switch which you installed in the breaker panal.Thanks lot .I really like the video and wish you all the best.

[@robertalvarez8128]

I haven’t gotten around to having it installed yet but I lost power the other day and used the generator via the old power cord method. A good reminder on the need to hire the electrician.

[@smarkssucks8573]

Why some ppl said 1600 hundreds

[@DieselLegiance]

@smarkssucks8573 I can’t speak for others but I paid around $1000 for the generator, $500 for the electrical work, and $100 for the power cable.

[@theMister07]

@@DieselLegianceplease get a longer cord from the generator to your home so you and the family won’t be exposed to carbon monoxide fumes. Otherwise nice setup

[@shenmisheshou7002]

I have seen KZbin comments where people said that electricians wanted thousands of dollars to put in the interlock. My own setup was about $1400 and that included the professional inlet install. My house has gas heat, and I am able to run pretty much everything except the central AC off of a 5000 watt inverter generator.

[@pr1smYT]

We used the same generator Westinghouse 13,500 tri-fuel. Had to get one after having 8 power outages in North suburb of Houston in 26 months. The 9th power outage happened after tropical storm Beryl, one of the smallest storms I've ever seen coming from FL. Our power was out for 4 days but we didn't even notice since we hooked up our generator. Ran both A/C units. I paid $1,244 for the Generator but saw that same unit online now for $2,400. I paid a skilled electrician $900 with parts and labor, I had it run further down by my pool equipment so I paid an extra $250-300 for supplies that weren't necesary. I could have done it myself since I have experience in electrical work. I just didn't want to chance ruining my brand new home so I didn't do it myself or hire a handyman.

[@poopa718]

Louisiana native here and we're in the same boat. Beryl messed us up big time in Kingwood and now I'm looking for a generator. Where did you buy yours from?

[@KB-ke3fi]

Beryl didn't come from Florida. It was projected to hit Brownsville and northern Mexico. It hit matagorda Island near Corpus Christie and went straight to Houston, and it wasn't a cat 1...it was a cat 2 on the outer bands on the east side of Houston. Leveled thousands of 120 foot pine trees all over the power lines in a area the size of France.

[@pr1smYT]

@@KB-ke3fi it's max wind gust was a Cat 2, not sustained winds. I've gotten category 1 gusts before when it's a tropical storm.

[@johnathongarcia564]

@@poopa718bro this dude is talking out his ass. They are about $1,600 at Home Depot. He’s full of shit. They’re not hard to set up either, a monkey could do it.

[@wetrock2766]

​@@KB-ke3fiFyi, the size of France is nearly the same as the size of Texas, that makes for a lot of trees😮

[@xxSURExxSHOTxx]

I have that same generator and it is a power house. Before purchasing it I came across thousands of great reviews. Thanks for sharing your setup! One thing to add, it operates at >90dB though.

[@xxcarlosxx16]

Is it able to power your entire house? I have all electric house so I was worried this generator would be underpowered.

[@andysmyvette78]

Why would you shut down the generator under load. Not good for it, or for anything in your house that's running, like a refrigerator compressor. The best practice would be to shut off the 50a generator breaker in the panel and run the generator unloaded a few minutes before shutting it down.

[@SgtRudySmith31bRet]

He also left all the breakers on when he flipped the gen breaker on.

[@WynwoodT0rit0]

Also turn off the Gens breaker before unplugging it at the generator. Live cord.

[@AlexV-pf3io]

Amen

[@seanvanwie6415]

All if this is good info as we live in Florida and understand these things. Great video example brother. We learn as we go in life

[@ALL_For_His_Kingdom3224]

Thanks for your comments as I'm learning and hoping to have this system installed by a professional electrician. Be safe and prepared.

[@jjay718]

Im sure someone has said it but you can get an alarm to connect to the main. It will sound when the power is back on. You can also get power monitors so you can see how many amps or watts each leg is using.

[@AlexV-pf3io]

Yes

[@freeyesmaybe]

A must have in the summertime AC needs ... Micro-Air EasyStart 364 Soft Starter 😁

[@reginaldwatson7182]

Totally agree, purchased one last year. Had a power outage for 24 hours a couple months ago and it was nice running my AC, Florida is hot.

[@tibzig1]

I am getting one.

[@FDRGREG]

I installed one too! The easy start is worth every penny!

[@FDRGREG]

Great video presentation! I added a micro air easy start to my outside heat pump unit. I added a gen tent to my generator to keep it dry outside running in bad weather. I also added watt meters mounted below my breaker box inside with current clamps to the 2 120v inputs for the 50 amp generator breaker. They do a great job to view and monitor the total (and individual) load(s) being drawn on the generator’s output capacity.

[@Joshuathessjg]

Nice, I just installed ICM870-32A soft start to my A/C. Wish I'ld known sooner.

[@joemc111]

Nice job, I helped put this system in the problem is you can’t tell when you get grid power back, you have to check your meter to see if its showing numbers,if the meter is blank then you don’t have power.

[@markseifried3959]

This should be a standard option on the construction of all new homes. When you watch the news you'll see thousand's of homes without power across the usa every month.

[@pbjae8140]

13:14 The only thing different I would do...is turn on the main circuit breaker then turn back on the oven, and A/C and other switches you turned off, that way your master is returning to load with much less draw. Not a big deal, but, is better.

[@jimfournier9065]

That was an excellent description of the whole house portable set up! I did it to my house and I love it, I don’t have to worry about it pipes freezing during the winter or us dying of heat during the summer if we lose power! Again, great video! Jim

[@jim4621]

I did the same set up but also added a Reliance Wattmeter (MB125) and a Reliance PowerBack (to alert that street power is back on). I use a Champion dual fuel 10,000.

[@romankokoszka7892]

You don't have to disconnect any C.B, as long you don't use them accept main. You have plenty power to do what you want to do. If you check Amps on your panel in normal condition you are not using more than 35 Amps max. One thing i would add is bell when your power come back so you know to switch power back as was .

[@tjlingram]

You can also flip the generator breaker off before you shut down the generator and turn your mains service back on. It won't hurt anything. That's what the interlock is for. Only one active at a time.

[@Ezq95]

I purchased a Westinghouse 10500 trifuel and its coming soon 10 31 24 . I am using a generac 6500 thet was working with 30amp transfer switch breaker box. Now i need a 50 amp switch box. I gave the generac 6500 to my son to use it at his house. I have natural gas.

[@TimHancock-h6e]

He's right about the HOT WATER heater and Furnace. My ELETRIC water heater will pull 5KW Watts just by itself, the AC/HEAT PUMP uses about 2.5KW. So needless to say, I don't cut on the water heater unless my other 240VOLT Appliances are off so I can warm up the water.

[@HarveyWallbanger-ho2cq]

I've heard of a water heater but not a hot water heater

[@DieselLegiance]

@HarveyWallbanger-ho2cq Ha Ha good catch

[@kevinm234]

Adding a generator is a great idea for a short outage but very expensive and loud for longer durations. I added an 18000 watt battery backup that the generator can charge up in just two hours a day saving a lot of money in fuel costs and noise. Now starts the snowball effect. I am installing 7000 watts of solar which should supply most of my electrical needs for the majority of the time. In winter I expect to have enough left over to suppliment part of my gas bill. All told, I am now looking towards a 7.5 year payback for my whole system.

[@EVMANVSGAS]

Nice video showing how to do it. The only thing I would do differently is I'd kill the breaker to the generator before turning it off like that. I would think the voltage would sag down to an unsafe level before completely shutting down and possibly damage electronics. Something else to think about, don't buy a larger generator than you really need. The larger it can handle the more fuel it uses per hour. I'm going to run on a 4200w Westinghouse. It is enough to run my lights, TV, fan, and 2 refrigerators and really sips the gas in econo mode. Last power outage for 4 days, I ran the generator while I was awake approx. 16 hrs a day, and used about 15 gallons. I would turn if off at night since I wouldn't be opening the refrigerators, they stayed cool enough being off while I slept. I made a "suicide" 120v cord (20A wire with 2 male plugs) and jack that into the outlet that is also wired to my sump pump so the toilets will flush. With how little power lights and tv's take anymore it can easily run all the normal stuff except for range, hvac, and hot water heater. I manually go kill the main before I plug it in and turn off all the 2 pole breakers. Going this route is energizes every other single breaker in the panel. Most of my lights are luckily on the leg where the sump is connected. I do you have run an internal cord or 2 to power some devices that happened to not be on the same leg, but it's much better than the spider web of cords I was running though the door to power the important appliances. I did my setup with my own time making a cord out of saved heavy duty cords from old appliances and a Westinghouse igen 4200 for $500 off from amazon. About ready to be hit by hurricane Milton tonight so I was prepping my generator since I'm sure I'm going to lose power in Central Florida tonight for multiple days. I always do and this hurricane looks extremely bad. I hope all I lose is power....

[@TM-nu5vd]

Have the same generator but have a transfer switch. Worked perfectly during Milton!

[@GardenDocSC]

Great video. Nearly my same setup. Two things. Turn off ALL breakers and flip them back on one at at a time, to avoid power surge. Second, don't run any high end electronics unless your generator has a THD less than 5%. Inverter generators do, but few standard generators do.

[@Blakehenry11]

I've done this, it does work well. A couple of things I'd like to add. If you live in a subdivision be aware when there is a power outage your house will stick out like a sore thumb and everyone will hear your generator. Anything you can do to make it run quieter will help, and you may wanna figure out how to secure that generator depending on where you live. It will become a very sought after piece of equipment depending on how long the power is out. Be prepared to have fuel on hand. The beauty of a natural gas generator, not only is it quieter you won't have to run out and get more fuel. Depending on the power outage the local gas station might be out of power which means no fuel. The larger the generator the more fuel it will use and the more cumbersome+ it is to move it around when you need to. We lost power for a week, imagine the fuel trips I had to make. Make sure you have large capacity gas cans on standby if your gonna go this route. This is a good setup if you only have a couple of short duration power outages a year. If losing power is common and it takes a long time for them to turn your power back on you may need a more permanent solution like a natural gas setup.

[@linuxsurfer2002]

Great tips. I wanted to add that they do make natural gas portable generators, but I don't think those run any quieter (not sure about the whole house kind). I'm looking at a Westinghouse tri fuel for my setup - but have not bought anything yet. Not sure if this guy has natural gas or not - we do so that's what I'm targeting.

[@maxwellcrazycat9204]

I also had a friend who is a professional electrician install the wiring for my generator. Works great. I run my electronics through a UPS and an additional surge protector.

[@AlexV-pf3io]

How much your electrician charge for labor?

[@niceguy4421]

That's a real nice setup man, got a litte 4700w inverter for my place and im just running two extension cords through my kitchen window, it works ok. Maybe someday I'll have something like yours. Cool basement btw!!😊

[@moekamdak111]

YOU ARE A GREAT PROFFETIONAL GUY. LEARNED A LOT FROM YOU. THANKS

[@lukequigley121]

Great info, I put a 6 outlet circuit in.. Plug on outside for gen.. 12/2 ..Outlets painted red , All gfci ..Pull out plugs and plug in red.. 120.00 in gear and a ton of hours but some wire fishing , boxes in and done till the juice stops.. Great..

[@tommaxwell429]

Good realistic video. Peak load is the problem for all electric homes. Living in the South in an all electric home, AC is the primary need, I’m living it right now 4 days into a power outage with 100+ heat index in Houston. Because motors have a huge startup peak load, these little generators have a hard time keeping up. The power company can handle start-up surges for AC, dryers, fridges, etc with ease. These little units simply can’t handle it. A 3 ton AC unit that needs 3000 watts to run, may need 8000 watts at start-up. Couple that with the simultaneous blower motor start-up and you 15:30 may need a 10,000 watt generator just for the AC alone. Now add fridge and freezer motors, maybe a sump pump motor or well pump, and then add in all the other stuff and pretty soon peak power needs exceed even a 15,000 watt generator. Whole house is a misnomer, especially with all-electric homes. The fact that you are driving a 200amp service through a 50 amp plug pretty much sums it up. And such is the beauty of natural gas, it seldom fails! Keep this in mind as your gov wants to push us towards an all electric world. The generating capacity, grid capacity, and reliability just isn’t there! What happens when everybody plugs their electric vehicles into the grid ot when the grid hoes down. Think about it seriously and don’t blow it off as won’t happen. In these situations it may take a 25,000-30,000 watt generator for backup. Generac already sells 26,000 watt units so we are actually there now.

[@beeefcaike]

well im glad you said something because here i am also in houston and shopping generators

[@moblack5883]

@@beeefcaike Purchase a 1,300 Watt generator and you'll be good. If you want to conserve power just buy a portable AC and they don't use much power. That is what I'm going to do.

[@delta_tango_dt]

Portable ACs are not as efficient as wall units though so beware the power consumption.

[@moblack5883]

@@delta_tango_dt yes but easier for the average person to set up.

[@michaelphillips8055]

;on the small generator you should start the fridge and freezers up 1 at a time

[@mattnichols9614]

I have the Same set up, I can Run 2 Mini Splits a Home AC 2 Freeezers,2 refrigerators and a Pool pump plus TV and lights inside the house

[@williamreveron1792]

Great video! I didn't want to break the bank and feel the same way, if I only need it a couple times a year this will work for me. Thank you

[@teotwawki00]

What a great video. SWFL guy here, and we all know what I've been through this year. 😂 I've been watching those Generac commercials and thinking about doing something like this instead. Thanks for the absolutely great video. I have a buddy that's an electrician/ handyman, and I get wholesale prices on generators through work. A/C in SWFl is a top priority in Florida in the summer so if have to do some math and configuring to get that to work for sure. Fans don't do it. Lol. Thanks for taking the time. 🎉

[@daveerrington5166]

Finally, somebody who made a video that doesn’t use a stupid transfer switch. That only allows you to use the so-called important things ,dummy switch .This is the way you do it if you want to be able to turn lights on and off in your house and be conservative and aware of the power you’re using. This is the way you do it if you wanna be able to use your whole house.

[@anthonymyers4482]

Transfer switch is the best way to go.. interlock is not safe and too complicated..

[@johnburnett6060]

How do you kill the utility neutral? You can’t unless u use a 3 pole single throw transfer switch .. this is not safe !!!

[@oneofmanyte3321]

You clearly don’t know what a transfer switch is

[@johnburnett6060]

@@oneofmanyte3321 I know exactly what it is .. my only thought that when u shut off power from transfer switch if neutrals are bonded together that does not kill utility neutral. That’s why we use a 3 pole single throw transfer switch ( manually) when I’m hooking up a portable generator. Now when it’s automatic/ Generac ( stationary) that is different. They are separated in that transfer switch..

[@anthonymyers4482]

@@johnburnett6060 a generator purpose is to provide back up power not supplying to your entire circuit breaker box transfer switch is use to isolate your main box and provides power to important circuits that you pick.. interlock you have to constantly turn breakers off. which can cause overload..

[@PastorOverall]

I love this hook up and I have one on my home. Works like a charm. Just plug in hit the on switch and go.

[@sbs8179]

Thanks for explaining the method thoroughly step by step how to turn it on and off when power is restored. But at the same time you seem pretty excited too about your generator and the whole power system that u have because the way you were explaining .. nice lol

[@macplus3339]

No, no, no! Never shut a generator off under load! If you RTFM it warns you that doing so can damage the generator. When commercial power returns (You can tell with the newer meters because the led numbers start to flash) you switch it at the breaker box inside the house first. Then you go outside and turn off the generator. This allows the generator to cool down a bit before shutting it down as per the manual.

[@stevusbeavus720]

My 23 year old briggs &stratton generator doesn't care

[@macplus3339]

@@stevusbeavus720 Built with more robust components of course.

[@genedees]

I think this is just the solution I need! Glad I ran across your video.

[@best5-4-u-2-c4]

I'm considering doing a similar set up too. But instead of turning off oven and other stuff I'll just make sure to tell everyone not to use dryers/ovens....etc...when we are on generator power.

[@michaelcowan6254]

You would also need cover protection for your outside generator. You can not have rain or snow falling on the generator.

[@what_is_even_that]

yeh you can

[@AlexV-pf3io]

Why not?

[@condor5635]

great video - make sure you make your generator a floating neutral as described in the manual. I know it runs fine without doing that but it is another one of many safety things you need to do. I made a project box using two LCD displays that show what each leg is doing. Displays Amps, Watts, kWh and Volts. Also an hour meter (not needed really since the generator has one). This is it on amazon 'DROK AC Power Meter, AC 80-300V 100A Voltage Current Color LCD Display Panel, Digital Voltmeter Ammeter Watt Active Power Energy Battery Monitor Multimeter Volt Amp Meter with Current Transformer CT'. You need two one for each leg. You have a power outlet right there that you would plug the project box up to. Simple wiring just need to put the amp rings around each leg coming from the generator. Easy peezy. Great video again!

[@tedm4932]

Thank you for all the info that I got from you while reading all these replies & incorrect replies from several. I learned much and had questions myself , but reading your replies correcting people was great ! Thank you much !!!! 👌

[@maneevent1508]

@condor5635 sounds fine, until trump makes everything solar soon. Get what you vote for

[@donthate76]

I love this thank you so much we just got Hit by Helene in Asheville and this looks like a perfect Idea for our home now I need to find something for water storage thanks

[@robharper2078]

Good video -- pretty much the same system I put together. I particularly like that little plate that prevents backfeeding.

[@Amicaner]

Great, easy-to-understand description of your home generator system. Thanks for sharing.

[@neilbrookins8428]

I have the same generator. I recently bought a gen-tent so that I can run it in the rain. Have you considered rain issue?

[@RenegadesGarage]

Diesel Legiance... I need to get a setup like that. Our power was off for 4 days with hurricane Helene and now we have hurricane Milton headed our way. I was on one of the big box stores websites looking at generators and they had a calculator to find out how much of a generator you need. It says for a refrigerator/freezer ya need 700 running watts to run it and an additional 2200 starting watts for a total of 2900 watts just to run one refrigerator. We lost all of our food when the power went off with hurricane Helene so I don't want that to happen again especially this soon after Helene. LOL Unfortunately generators and gas cans are hard to find in stock at stores around here now so it may be too late.

[@DieselLegiance]

Just try to fine a good generator with enough watts needed to run what is needed. You can also get dual fuel for gas or propane. I did this setup on a budget as I only use it once or twice a year. I didn’t need a $15k setup.

[@RenegadesGarage]

@@DieselLegiance Cheapest way possible is what I want. For the same reason, only using it maybe once or twice a year.

[@robbyers7614]

Thank you for this video With all the details that we need to know. I may hire somebody to wire it into the house.

[@sumner407]

Thanks for making these videos of your generator. I have one on order and plan to use it pretty much the same way you are. The videos give me a good idea on how to proceed. 👍👍

[@jeffreypinder9398]

Great tutorial. I have the same generator but the area where my outside hook-up is on a hill. I have to get a longer 50-amp cord. My cousin is an electrician so I will pay him to do the install.

[@mr.boniato6402]

On my 10,000/8,000 I can run my 3 ton HVAC unit with no problem. I can also run my well pump, coffee maker and air fryer and all my lights. I have all LEDs though.

[@paulaxton72]

I would hook it up to city gas or propane as ethanol partially fueled gasoline destroys seals. All the small bits that are a pain to get to and hard to find, some of them connected to the actual fuel tank so in an emergency you go to use your generator and then find it empty because the gasoline seal corroded . Just an FYI

[@airborneranger-ret]

Just lost power for 2+ days - first time in 20 years. So I'm getting a generator :)

[@DieselLegiance]

A setup like mine in budget friendly enough to not feel guilty investing in something you may hardly every use. But when you need it, you’re glad you got it.

[@bbhoustontx]

sux don't it.

[@rp28]

Every breaker should be off when you flip the generator breaker on. Then starting with the highest amp breaker, flip on each one. 40 amp first, wait a few seconds, 30 amp, wait a few seconds, 15 amp. That gives your generator time to stabilize. Then flip off the generator breaker first before shutting down the generator.

[@33LEAD]

Great video. Informative and explained well. You’re a good instructor. Thank you.

[@MichaelA-j6k]

I did the same setup in my home a couple of years ago… very inexpensive!

[@Not_the_stig33]

For safety please get a longer cord.. it should be 20 to 30 feet away from the house. I also have a sub panel for my emergency power with a double pull between the panels. No need flip switches in a panel.

[@wpelfeta]

Saw someone use a generator interlock setup to power their house using their F150 Lightning. Definitely makes owning an EV more practical. I don't own one, but if I ever did, this looks interesting.

[@JJ-gd7gf]

If you're not using the appliances or whatever your load is on a breaker, you don't have to leave it off. It's only going to pull a load if you use the appliance or light, ceiling fan, etc.

[@RobertYonng]

Ok I have the same generator first it takes 12,000 watts to produce 50amps so you’ll overload before you trip the 50amp breaker. Second the main breaker on the generator is 40amps now then I can run a 2,000 square foot house all 120v lines a refrigerator and a full size freezer central ac and the cook top on the stove. I’ll turn off all the 240v breakers to run hot water heater only takes about 30 to 45 minutes then you’ll hear the load on the generator drop and switch back to stove and ac.

[@warthogA10]

This setup is really nice, I have the same setup. It also protects equipment/devices from times when the utility power flicks on and off repeatedly due to a damaged line somewhere which keeps making contact/no contact and during repair. You just keep the generator running until the power is completely fixed. And these Westinghouse units run very efficiently, you get a lot of run time off a full tank of gas.. The propane not so much if you're just running off an average small tank. But if you have a larger stationary tank you're only limited to whatever the tank is rated for. Personally I don't like propane, I've seen way too many things related to it in my lifetime

[@h.sinclair]

oooo you re-labeled the breakers layout sheet on the breaker box panel door, very impressive LOL 😆

[@mlad9640]

Thanks for taking the time to create this video! Great option if you can’t afford a whole house auto generator setup!

[@jeffblalock4630]

What about the well pump? No one ever mentions a key essential, water?

[@Crush-v2e]

I'm two months late to this discussion, but I'd like to point out that city water doesn't require power, so that's probably what the person in the video has. However, if you have a well, you can power it with a generator, but you'll need a high-wattage generator to power everything without having to turn off appliances. I know some people who turn off some appliances and then turn on the well until it reaches the desired pressure, and then turn it off again. But its defiantly possible just like central air.

[@brianmartinez7530]

​@@Crush-v2eWhen the water towers empty, they require power

[@Crush-v2e]

@@brianmartinez7530 if we are talking about city water they usually have there own generator.

[@warthogA10]

I have the WGen9500DF.. awesome generator.. Keeps my heat running.. and everything else 😊👍 Same setup..

[@AlexV-pf3io]

Ones grid power comes first step is to turn Gen breaker off, Main - on, then allow generator to idle(to cool down) for 1-2 minutes, and turn it off

What you also need to do is add soft start

[@RK-nr8qf]

Just purchased a Westinghouse 15000/12000 watt gen, with an interlock kit. Only thing left is to unbond it and she'll be ready to go.

[@markseifried3959]

Thx. It's a Circuit Breaker box and they trip occasionally. Why don't electricians try to sell this setup to everyone? I priced a whole house years ago in SW Florida. Generac was about $4K but whole house connection over ten thousand.

[@lorvin5673]

I'm sure you know this, but to figure out what watts your appliances use, look at the label. For example, if the label says 120v (voltage) and 2a (amperage), simply multiply the two values. This would mean that appliance uses 240 watts. Add about 10 percent for wiring...

[@Wannagobackto1980]

Electrician here. If you bought this house new, you got jipped. With a basement you should've had a 400 amp service. That 200 amp is almost maxed out. We always did a 400 amp with a basement. Also whoever did the service slopped it up outside with running the 4/0 like they did. I wouldve raise HELL with them doing it like that. Just a pet peave of mine. I power my house the same way as you though. Works fine. Word to the wise. DO NOT TRY to power your well pump like this. I burnt up my pump and luckily it was still under warranty so I got a new one free. But its always enjoyable puttin one in!! Only reason I tried runnin my pump was it is only a double 20 amp. It ran but it burnt up the pump where it wouldnt work right after.

[@DieselLegiance]

Yeah I build this home about 11 years ago and 200amp was the standard at the time but I wish I had 400amp. I may have a sub panel put in someday. I don’t have a well pump as I have a natural drain. I only have this setup for emergencies which only happen once or twice a year for a day or two.

[@darryldavis436]

How would you reccomend hooking up the deep well being water is the single most important thing needed, except keeping your food from spoiling.

[@Wannagobackto1980]

@darryldavis436 You need something that will pull the pump and wont bog down. My generator wasnt strong enough.

[@darryldavis436]

@@Wannagobackto1980 OK, Thanks, As long as the Gen is supplying the power without difficulty and alot of load, it will be Ok.

[@Wannagobackto1980]

I mean I really would risk it unless you study really hard and ask alot of questions. Call a well company and ask them and just really look into it before you try it. Pumps arent cheap these days. The one I have is at least 600 dollars. It doubled in 2 years. Used to be about 300.

[@Oakleyshooter]

Will that generator run your central ac without a soft start kit?

[@johnc3225]

I’ve been thinking of doing this. My concern and question is how well does this run in pouring rain or a snow storm? When Sandy hit NY, I wired my gen into my furnace and ran a few outlets. I stuck the generator under one of those lifetime tables with a tarp covering it about 3/4 of the way allowing for ventilation, cooling etc… I got soaked doing it, and filling was a PiTA! So I would love to build an outdoor shed with ventilation and keep it secure. What do y’all think of these concerns and ideas? Also now that I’m retired, I spend half the year in FL. So I would never use gasoline, I would stick with LP, but LP runs much hotter than gas!

[@THEFIRSTTIMEGARDENER-mp9vv]

Thank you for this video. This is the exact information I was looking for I purchased a generator last year which we never used. Thankfully, but I wanna try to set it up and this just gave me a good iyeah. I'm proud to do that mine my only suggestion. Is your 50 amp cord says? You should be 20 feet from your home with the exhaust facing the opposite way from your home.

[@Prezdog]

Wow so many knowledgeable people. I always heard you could run a cord from a generate to your dryer outlet and run everything off of that…not true?

[@syedraza6189]

This is amazing. Thank you for the step by step process on this. Much appreciated.

[@ptcclatlptcclatl1683]

You don’t need to turn off your breakers. Just don’t use the stove/oven or any other appliance you don’t need. I keep my well pump and hot water heater and fridge/freezers powered up. The generator can handle it.

[@DeeeWWW25]

I upgraded my input to 50 amp from the 30amp using the whole power of the generator. Larger thick wire!

[@AlexV-pf3io]

Twist on plug is rated 30 A. Range “shaped” plug is for 50 A

[@DeeeWWW25]

@@AlexV-pf3io whatever i upgraded too is a 50 amp if thats ok with you SA

[@mobius6772]

We live in SW florida and I have a similar setup for life after hurricanes. I am trying to figure out a way to avoid gas stations and storing fuel cans in my garage. Solar is just too expensive and I use around 1000 to 1200 watts keeping a fridge, outside freezer, fans and portable AC unit running. If I run these for 8 hours I use around 5-7 gallons of fuel. So to run them continually I would need 15-21 gallons of gas per day. I just can't store that much fuel. I would love a more efficient way of keeping my family out of the stone age if anyone has a reasonable alternative without breaking the bank. The longest we were without power was 11 days after hurricane ian in 2022.

[@DieselLegiance]

Yeah storing that much fuel can be tough. You can get a larger fuel tank such as this 35 gallon container amzn.to/4dLEoQW or something similar to store at your property but yes, storing enough fuel can be a challenge.

[@dbfcrell8300]

I have the cheap version; HFT 4000w ($239. on sale) and a Hubble Y cord to 2 long extension cords that run to each floor.. So far, so good. Great on gas. Can always siphon from car if my stored gas runs out. Wife happy.

[@condor5635]

No you can’t always siphon from your car. That ain’t happening like you think it does.

[@dbfcrell8300]

@@condor5635 Sure I can. I have a siphon pump whichI use all the time.

[@condor5635]

@@dbfcrell8300 - almost all cars in the last 10 years, have a screen as well as other features that make it almost impossible to siphon like they did in the 70s and 80s. Have you actually siphon from your car?

[@dbfcrell8300]

@@condor5635 99 camry

[@maneevent1508]

@condor5635 trump will siphon consumer wallets. You voted it in. Don't cry wolf

[@MrKenstar2]

Awesome im gonna do it, best video on this subject

[@johnc2590]

You might want to install solar panel with battery system so that you are it’s a lot quieter and safer in air also storage of the excessive electricity when you are running the generator but not using as much. And to top it off save your electric bill every single day.

[@HansZarkovPhD]

What do you do when it is pouring rain? Generator sitting out in it running?

[@redryder1312]

Maybe add a lamp, connected to the incoming power lines before the 200 amp breaker? alligator clipped?

[@RandomUser2024]

Not judging or being a smart guy but isn’t it better to open the breaker (turn off) in the panel before turning off the generator when you get line power back on? The generator is under a load and just turning it off like that might damage the motor or gen end. Im curious, great video by the way, well detailed.

[@DieselLegiance]

I’ve heard many different opinions and I’m sure they are all correct just different. From what I’ve found these are the common steps. Step 1: Plug your portable generator into the outdoor receptacle. Step 2: Turn off all the breakers in your main electrical panel, including the main breaker. Step 3: Slide the interlock plate into the generator position. Step 4: Turn on the generator breaker. Step 5: Turn on your portable generator. Step 6: Wait one or two minutes for the generator to fully power up, then slowly turn on each circuit breaker you wish to use.

[@fredurble4128]

Great video! I am thinking of doing exactly this. This westinghouse generator is not an inverter type. I'm told that inverter types are needed to avoid damaging electronic devices like computers or other appliances that have circuit boards. Does your type of generator protect electronic devices?

[@miltonhunter6515]

My Westinghouse wgen 9500 handles my sub panel and my electric water heater also my water heater pulls about 4500 watts

[@zippy2641]

I think you may be overestimating your wattage requirement for your frig/freezers. I would guess each frig would be pulling about 100w +/- normal. (The surge requirement is much higher of course) My refrigerator is pulling 90w when the compressor is on...that's it. Also...what are you doing to protect the generator from rain? (nice gen BTW)