Yet another generator shed

[@seen48]

Good set up for sure. As for keeping the noise down for what your neighborhood is doing, I would never worry about it.

[@5TR8FLV5H]

First shed design that I've seen with actual acoustic foam 👍🏾👍🏾

[@majorhavoc9693]

When you poured the concrete you should have laid a hardened steel chain in it with a foot or so sticking out. That way you could secure the generator to it with a heavy padlock. That's what I did where I store mine and plan to add another when I build my generator shed. No way is someone walking off with my generator!

[@shaynesabala]

That a nice setup. I have a Honda generator that is super quit. I couldn’t even hear it over the neighbors generator that was 100 feet away and separated by a fence and trees. Only problem is it won’t operate my whole house. Just a few lights a heater and my fridge. Still much better than a noisy one. I get why you installed that.

[@apb5866]

I like the build. You changed my mind about using rockwool.

[@bassdee10]

I think you did an excellent job 👏

[@AlxJrz401]

I like it! very effective! thank you for the upload! We get HEAVY winds down south so I need to incorporate that into the build.

[@kanebruno]

refreshingly common sense idea and simple construction... Great job!

[@sa3key]

Thank you

[@johnc5872]

Very nicely done. Quite impressed. I would have never thought about anything like that. I live in Spotsylvania Virginia so same state and I understand how Northern Virginia is we lost a lot of power here in the storm a couple years ago so I bought my first generator and I'm still learning a lot.

[@sa3key]

Dominion Power is terrible

[@danburch9989]

The biggest advantage of a shed is for protecting the generator from the weather and possibly thieves. Don't expect too much attenuation of generator noise. All the holes needed to keep the generator running comfortably (heat removal, air intake, exhaust) are avenues for sound to excape.

[@dennisjames9091]

Well, you can clearly hear that it works.

[@tomsmith5947]

Here in Charleston Generators are a must, I heard some war stories during a few hurricanes or whatever knocks our power out that thieves will bring a lawn mower into your yard or wherever the generator is and fire it up, cut your generator off and haul it away, most people don't realize it until they wake up that they have no power and their gen is missing. Mine will be behind a privacy fence, and well secured in the box.

[@n5syr01]

Build baffles on the air intake, and fan exhaust to block most of the noise. Like he said, sound doesn't like direction change. Air, however, doesn't mind. Air will move around corners, sound moves in a straight line.

[@tedsamuels3203]

Cool 😎 and I never thought about a fan . Thanks for sharing

[@longranger99]

That’s a well thought out design. I’ll have to copy it when I make one for my Onan. It runs at 1800 rpm which makes it even quieter that the 3600 rpm generators out there.

[@rexyoshimoto4278]

Great video! I'm subscribe! First used a generator in the Army back in '68. Learning the value of them is wisdom. I did a similar generator shed for a friend. It started out as a temporary shed till he could get a larger wooden shed made later on. The model was a Suncast BMS 4700. Rather than gas, we used propane. We stop working on it as winter hit (Montana) covered everything early November to the end of March. The snow was so heavy, it warped the roof. Upon opening the shed, the gas struts ripped off one side so we had to improvise and modify the hinges a bit. Also went with the larger generator. Thou we were fortunate electricity didn't fail us last winter, the forest fire the year before (down Hwy 35 near Polson, MT) cut all power for a week (Aug '21).

[@dontknowbrian]

My generator runs really quiet compared to my Smith & Wesson which keeps that little bugger left alone!(and me too).

[@jmackinjersey1]

Great job. I'm not sure if you are three feet from the house and five feet from any functioning windows/doors though. But the other issue is having the exhaust gases getting trapped under the soffit/eves and then seeping into the house. I'd suggest running the exhaust tube that you extended, up and over the top of the roofline at least one to three feet above the shingles. Also, have several carbon monoxide detectors in the house.

[@sa3key]

It is about 2 ft from the house right now. And no eves on this side of the house. I would have to run the exhaust up almost 30 ft against vinyl. I’m actively looking at ways to improve this and appreciate all input. Thank you

[@jmackinjersey1]

@@sa3key All you need is 4 inch stand-off brackets to secure them to the wall. Then when you get to the top, you use 2 45 deg fittings to get around/past the edge of the roof. But every house has some sort of overhang/eaves on the roof.

[@98f5]

Make sure its open when you run it. My house burned down 10 years ago because of one of these and an auto disconnect that auto started a generator somehow it caught the shed on fire. MUCH bigger shed i had.

[@sa3key]

Thank you for the information and I’m sorry for your losses.

[@allkindsofoutdooractivities]

Very nice setup and build

[@sa3key]

Thank you

[@jjslistofthebest]

Nice setup.

[@n5syr01]

Is the power feed physically connected to the first disconnect panel in/on the house? And, if so, is the genset a bonded neutral, or floating neutral? If connected to 1st disconnect, it should be a floating neutral as there should only be one bonding point. And, since you are using the house ground, you really don't need the ground connection at the generator. I think the only time you would need the ground is if you are running extension cords, in which case you also would need the neutral to be bonded at the genset.

[@stevesugulas9941]

Good job! Will duplicate. Thanks from Texas

[@jamesclark7248]

Please explain why the grounding rod/wire are necessary or desireable.

[@sa3key]

@@jamesclark7248 the grounding rods are only if I have run the generator to power something other than the house. When I do more work on that side of the house, there are no outlets, so the generator will be used.

[@spacecoastz4026]

If you are feeding the generator power into your main panel, then according to all the research I've done, the generator should not be grounded (and thus unbonded). Your panel should already be neutral/ground bonded, and thus the power cord is by default using that system. Grounding the generator interferes with that setup. Might want to do more research on this subject. Generator should be unbonded. Now...if you are using only independent extension cords and not feeding your house panel, the the generator should be grounded and bonded.

[@troy3456789]

Could you bond the generator it to your power multi neutral? (thick bare copper cable that goes from the meter to the ground)

[@spacecoastz4026]

@@troy3456789 Your statement doesn't make any sense to me. Your panel should be already bonded at the meter. Plugging in your generator into a properly wired inlet box bonds the generator...as long as the generator has a floating neutral.

[@troy3456789]

@@spacecoastz4026 From the meter on the outside of my house, there is a thick, stiff, exposed, copper wire rope that goes straight down. The telephone subscriber network box is right there too, and it is bonded to that same ground wire. That wire is the power multi-neutral wire. Ask me how I know.

[@spacecoastz4026]

@@troy3456789 Sounds like it's your ground wire. The question is...where does it run to. If its the ground, then it runs to a ground rod. If its a neutral, then it should run back to the pole which means it runs back to the utility company.

[@troy3456789]

@@spacecoastz4026 our power is underground. Our power comes into town on poles, but in this neighborhood there are no utility poles. So it gets a ground/neutral from the power company, then at my meter they tie it to ground rod beneath the meter. It's important to note that ground and neutral are the exact same at the meter, and going back to the utility company. On poles, they ground the neutral at every pole with a single strand copper wire that goes down to the bottom and swirl on the very bottom of the pole. This is how they look: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5eYomNmpLd0sJY

[@tist203]

Thanks for the video, looks great. I was thinking of putting my gen in one but i want a way to easily remove the exhaust extension if i want to maintenqnce it. Any idea?

[@sa3key]

This way is pretty easy. Just slide the generator back about then the exhaust pulls right out.

[@jimw8795]

Do you have specs on your build listed so I can build that too?? Amazing !!! And it looks great!!

[@sa3key]

Yes. I will be doing a follow up video soon with all of the measurements of everything and links to everything used in the shed. Thank you

[@jimw8795]

Awesome!!! I will be looking forward to seeing it

[@unclebill5170]

If you put a soft start on your ac you could prob run your ac

[@sa3key]

I might have to look into that

[@Cenlalowell]

​@@sa3keyI had a hard start installed on mine by an AC tech. My 10k generator powers everything but the stove

[@jamesclark7248]

Makes sense! Thank you!

[@George-vv7vi]

I like it! Nice.

[@jasona4881]

How big of a concrete pad did you pour for the generator shed?

[@Cenlalowell]

I poured 4x6 for mine. It's similar to this one

[@Honestandtruth007]

For the Generator, is it a Neutral bonded or a Floating Neutral ❓❓

[@sa3key]

This is a bonded neutral.

[@austindonini1233]

I think even if it was a floating neutral that plugging in the attic fan to one of the 120v outlets would rebond the neutral, or am I incorrect?

[@billdavis3957]

I am surprised that after all the work you did that you did not insulate the lid. How expensive is the sound insulation?

[@sa3key]

It’s $40 for a 24 pack on Amazon right now. I used 48 total panels. Some were cut up to fill in small spaces make space for the vents and wheels and what not. Link for these panels is in the description

[@mikeJennings-k9m]

Sound pretty quite way have it. I have done mine yet. I. Get ideals . seem usr. Fire proof inslation. 1/2 thick heat noise ratted. I like usen. Galvanized pipe. Ideal flange exhause pip. Im need ground ring around it i slide pipe on. I drill screw lock nut.not standard. Vibration come off lock flage made. Vibration. Clamp metal. Not alumni. Has band clamp type .yall video give inf .i needed ty everyone has own thoughts. I learn alot from yall.im run old house use National gas. Never out fuel. Regardless unless damge pop. Other powervout never out natural gas! Propane faster burn! Better out put liquid gas. Natural gas. Moorecrun use power im have all way set up 50amp. Over heavy best long run instead of 30amp... Once hook up leave fo not unplug . then plug lode up connection. Im get 40ft long 50amp plug box breaker i have ideal do it! Sence age im be smart election do it. Besafe interlock. I got great deal 12000 out put online lowes .

[@jasonnakai4700]

I have the same model geni and i can verify that it is extremely loud.

[@danielc8037]

Excellent!!!

[@wooddawg4868]

That’s crazy. A generator has to cool no matter what. I just bought a 50 foot 30 amp cord to get unit away from the house and turned muffler away from the house. Generator is just for emergency power so it not that serious.

[@apb5866]

How did the insulation hold up?

[@sa3key]

It’s still holding strong. Update video coming soon.

[@genemontano432]

What glue you used Ben for pyramid sound proof

[@sa3key]

Gorilla Glue spray adhesive that I bought at Home Depot

[@ericallen7200]

Single 8' ground rod would be better than 2 4' rods. But tied into panel, you don't need the ground. Only is running extension cords to appliances. The second fan is a great idea (at air intake) but I would suggest multi angle air shafts lined with insulation for air in/out. I saw one just the other day where the metal pipe (exhaust extension) fed into a car muffler (sealed at it's input point) and it was much quieter. His lid was also insulated. I have yet to build mine, and had to use it 3 times in 3 weeks. Neighbors don't have generators...not only could we not sleep all night, none of the neighbors could either, and they let me know the next day. My next door neighbor had it the worst, because he had me on his right with an open 11kw generator, and the neighbor to his left just installed a NG 24kw Generac. Even in it's little hut, it was louder than mine.

[@troy3456789]

I was thinking that too, that you could connect it to a large car muffler which would quieten it down quite a bit with minimal back pressure.

[@rickl6697]

Great job. Sounds much quieter with the doors closed. Is that fan spark proof/explosion proof? Is it a home depot or Lowes fan. Thanks for posting.

[@sa3key]

This is the fan I used. Got it off Amazon. Didn’t even think/know to look for spark/explosion proof. iLiving ILG8SF12V - 12" Wall Mounted Exhaust Fan - Automatic Shutter - Variable Speed - Vent Fan For Home Attic, Shed, or Garage Ventilation, 960 CFM, 1400 SQF Coverage Area (Power Cord Not Included) a.co/d/d7ZN1N2

[@cayrick]

You do not want the inside temp to be more than 10-15F above ambient. That fan is too small. Install a remote interior thermometer and measure the temp after 1/2 hr. It will be more than 80F. Running too hot will damage the head in the motor and the windings in the generator. If it is seldom used then you buy yourself time. Remember failures are progressive. I have a smaller gen and started with a 12" fan and migrated up to 16: fan pumping through 3,000 cfm. Also suggest buying a bimetallic temp controlled normally open switch (cheap) and tie it into your low oil circuit. There are videos on youtube showing how to do this. If your fan fails this will protect you.

[@sa3key]

Awesome! Thank you for the information! I actually do have a small metal fan that I am going to put in there near the lower vent to help accelerate air through the shed.

[@rickl6697]

Fan is not too small. It's a 960 cfm fan. The shed is around 60 cu. Ft. It changes the air 15 times every minute or every 4 seconds.

[@cayrick]

@@rickl6697 My first iteration was a 12" fan (840 CFM). I installed a remote thermostat inside the compartment and the bi-metallic switch I previously described. Temps rose very quickly inside the compartment. My gen is a Honda 5 kw. With the 12" fan the compartment quickly overheated and the switch shut it down. I migrated up to a 14" fan not knowing the mfr. changed the ratings on the fan from 2500 cfm down to 960 cfm. That too tripped the bimetallic switch. I then installed a 3,000 cfm AC Infinity S16 fan and in a one hour period the inside temp rose to approx. 90F with an outside ambient of 78F; far below the 125f with the previous fan. The components most heat sensitive are the engine head(s) and the generator windings. I did a lot of research on this topic and there is very little info available on permissible heat rise because the mfrs. do not want you installing generators in compartments. I did an endless amount of research finding tid bits here and there from other similar applications as electrical utility generator rooms etc. The saving grace on your side is that generators for these applications seldom operate so they can go for years before failure. I would draw your attention to my install which you can find by searching on "eng-tips". Open it up and do a search on "generator temperature in an enclosed compartment". There is a lengthy discussion on this very topic. Still not convinced, then install a remote thermostat (sensor push - Amzn ) or any other and test it before discounting my comments. Good luck.

[@bayouslots3143]

@@cayrick Agree: I worked on generators from 900w to 125KW. They want to be cool. I live in the South "Hurricanes". They have 1000's of home stand by air cool generators engineered to run in enclosures but I still think they need more air. I run portables on my house when needed, and have a dedicated squirrel cage fan to help keep it cool in the open air.

[@rickchrist1949]

Any suggestions as to what to do when running the generator all day, 8 hours, and it's 113 degrees outside? Thanks.

[@toddswenson]

This is the guy you don't want to park anywhere near when you RV. He can be on the other side of a nice lake and his cheap ass open frame generator will ruin a great evening of camping. Made only worse by the fact that if we're not retired we don't get too many days to get away. Dude for camping get a quiet inverter gen set and show the rest of humanity that you care. TBH, just because he said he originally bought this genny for the RV doesn't mean he didn't change his mind and get something more appropriate after repurposing this one. So to be fair, People don't use a fricking open frame gen set to camp with. It's selfish and inconsiderate to others. Be a good citizen even though others aren't.

[@sa3key]

Already on it. This generator has become solely for home back up use. My truck is too tall to lug that heavy thing in and out of it while boon docking.

[@toddswenson]

@@sa3key A big thanks! I hope more can get the message. It's just a real let down to get set up and then hear that neighbor.

[@jeffreyvanderklip6769]

Why did you cut the ground rod in half.? the only way you can check the ground is with a meter called a megger. you want 25 ohms or less to ground. You may need to replace those 4' rods with 8' rods. I've had to add 3 sometimes 4 10' rods to get below 25 ohms. Just saying to be safe.

[@sa3key]

Have you tried using salt to get the ground lower? I’ve grounded lots of generators in the military using multiple types of grounding techniques. From star grounds to single 3 ft rods driven into the ground and have gotten them below the required 10 ohm standard for the military. You are right though, I need to test it though.

[@fauxque5057]

If your generator is tied into your electrical panel you don't need a separate ground rod. Normally the owners manual will have grounding instructions, but that is a Harbor Freight genset so who knows if they bother with explaining the ground

[@raiitaly]

You should sell theses

[@gordd7348]

To be honest it does not seem to make much difference. I really don't know how I can be standing next to my Mazda car and barely hear the motor running and these generators make so much noise. They are not practical in the city.

[@tist203]

It does at a distance. It could be the difference of hearing it inside vs not hearing it. Cars have coolant and better exhaust systems than small air cooled engines.

[@Beamin-vt7jm]

Not much of a sound difference at least from sitting right next to it. If you’re inside your house, it might make a huge difference.

[@sa3key]

So there is a noticeable difference. But I’m too cheap to buy a sound meter and check it. And I don’t trust the downloadable apps. But you are correct. Inside is the biggest difference.

[@subman719]

Harbor Freight sells a 9500 watt QUIET 🤫 generator for not much more than the time and money invested in this “quiet” shed! Plus they’re MUCH better quality than these noisy 9000’s!

[@richarda996]

Note, the less noise a generator puts out is best. During Katrina we could tell who was using a generator, so did the thief’s. Out of sight out of mind. Some thief’s would fire up a lawn mower and pull it next to the generator. Unplug the generator and steal it. That’s why we had a night watch.

[@Cenlalowell]

I'm a transplant from Katrina and now I chain my generator down to the cement anchor

[@floridaorbust5038]

Need a better microphone so you can be heard better

[@sa3key]

Thank you. This was one of my first videos. I have a mic now.

[@michaelscott7963]

Do yourself a favor. Forget the TV and tablets and make your kids into kids. Fridge, freezer , a couple of fans and lights. If you can hear your neighbors generator you live to close to them. Get out of the slavery of your wants and learn the freedom of taking a wizz off your porch. Ask yourself a question? Can I send my kids outside for hours and them not being in harm's way of cars and strangers with minimal supervision? If you can't you need to move. Your generator noise is not a problem? Then why bother with sound proofing anyway. Waste of money and time. Electronics are not a parental replacement and the time you wasted on the shed could have been used playing with your kids. Did your kids help you build the shed? This seems a bit harsh but the cage needs to be rattled sometimes.

[@BrianD-ds4dx]

Did you drop your homeowners insurance and save the premium money? If not I absolutely would ! It’s not just you partner don’t worry. Most people don’t realize that if they start a fire with something like this…their homeowners insurance will dent coverage. Is the risk minor? Sure… until it’s not. Tell your wife that next time she rides your butt for the gen being so loud ! Let’s face it most of us men don’t care and only do things like this so we aren’t hearing complaints along with gen noise

[@2404693296]

To much work and expense for a few hours of being offline. Neighbors will understand and in same situation as you.

[@Cenlalowell]

It's definitely not