Building the Ultimate Hand Truck 6500w for Power Outages!!

[@ekbanjosworld4926]

I was a Pepsi man for for over a quarter of a century! The hard wheels are best indoors and on concrete or asphalt. The balloon tires knock it out of the park in gravel, dirt and grass! Albeit, the balloon wheels have a slight less ease of wheeling on the hard surfaces, so each individual can decide which best suits thier needs.

[@JeremyAkersInAustin]

If you're using a 15 amp outlet, the max amps you're supposed to pull for any "continuous load" *Defined as any load that will run for 3 hours or more) is 80% of the breaker rating, which would be 12 amps. So 12A * 120V = 1440W. And then the voltage you use to determine the amps into the battery is not the nominal voltage: It's the bulk charge voltage, because that's the voltage the charger is putting out, which would normally be around 57-58 volts for a 16S LFP battery. So 1440W / 58v = 24 amps

[@1EliPrice]

NEC 101.

[@davelamont]

Make sure you love your cat. Mine was almost 8 years old. She spent the last 3 years of her life in my tractor trailer seeing the country. She died Friday, April 14. I miss her terribly.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Sorry to hear that! We treat them like family! Have lost a few as well so I know what you are going through!🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛

[@maddeusdoggeus1]

Lost many dogs and cats… breaks my heart every time. I feel ya man. Give another rescue a good life with ya in that cab! 👍

[@amudlifecrisis]

Add the David Poz car alternator charger build and you’ve got everything covered!

[@AveRage_Joe]

I just watched that yesterday! Great build!!!😲💥🤘

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

Or, just put it in a tier 1 system with enough PV to run your whole house all year around and be done with all the mucking around with junk. No generator or power cart needed. Or do you like most people and spend it on an $80,000 pick up truck that sits in your driveway, because your garage is full of foreign junk.

[@Tiersmoke92555]

​@@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity we all don't get sun year round and everyone doesn't have a garage to park an EV.

[@andrewshowland]

I made a backup system a couple years ago and since then everything I got went up in price. I'm happy I didn't wait.

[@AveRage_Joe]

NICE!!!! Yeah it seems on some things prices have gone way up and some not so much. Kinda like this inverter, Its the same as MPP and there prices have stayed the same, this one is cheaper!💥🤘

[@chucktrotter9699]

4.2.23 Joe, great video. I have the Growatt grid tie MIN6000TL-X plugged into 3000 watts of solar panels. I use this to charge up my EG4 server rack (in an EG4 cabinet) 24 volt battery and a diy 24 volt battery that I built when the sun is out and producing extra watts. I have 2 120 volt to 24 volt battery chargers. One plugged into line 1 and the other line 2. I found two different circuits in the garage. The battery bank is hooked up to a 24 volt 1200 watt inverter that will power a few things inside the house. I also have a westinghouse 9500df generator and a yamaha 3800 generator if i need extra. My battery capacity is 5.12kw for the EG4 and 3.70kw for the diy battery. Will expand the server rack batteries as funds allow. The batteries are the most expensive.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks man! Hell Yeah! Sounds like you got this locked down! Yeah 100% the batteries are the expensive part! Even diy, batteries are $$$🙄💥🤘

[@jasonbroom7147]

Very clean and tight build. Lots of capability in a small, reasonably compact footprint. I built something with only 1/4 the capability using a rolling mechanic's toolbox. I put the battery and charge controller in the bottom, then put the inverter and 12v load panel in the middle, with tools and adapters in the top box. It's useful for off-grid, camping and small loads during an outage.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks Man! Yours sounds pretty sweet! A small portable power station would be cool to build! May have to do that!!!💥🤘

[@ModernOffGridDIY]

Thanks for sharing buddy.

[@ronroberts110]

Great video, thanks! I'm glad you mentioned the HVAC heater in a house. It may produce heat by burning natural gas/propane, but...the controller runs on 120V AC, and many people don't understand that until it's too late.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks! Yeah the controller runs on 120vac! There is also another mod that I did waaaaaaay back in the day like 2007ish (on our old gas furnace) when I first started with this power outage stuff. Our power went out the first winter we purchased our house and even tho we have fire places, we didnt have any wood to burn at the time. I remembered I had a small 12v inverter we would take camping/boating, I used the small inverter and the 2 boat batteries and made a plug (and outlet) on the gas furnace so I could plug into the inverter to power the furnace to keep warm. Worked great! Of course we have since replaced the old rickety furnace and would need to make a new plug.

[@ssoffshore5111]

Nice setup. I thought about building something similar for outages, it ended up being a full permanent hybrid system I can power the entire house with. If I wanted something similar for out in the field, I'd probably build something lower profile so it wasn't so top heavy... like build my own battery (cheaper and custom form factor) and place everything on a wheeled chest or cart for better mobility in the field.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks!! Yeah a complete custom diy build would be pretty cool to build!!🤘

[@loucinci3922]

That is a good looking setup. Strong with a lot of power. Only thing missing is an RV receptacle. Better than the new jackery. Thanks for sharing

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks and couldnt agree moar!!!💥🤘

[@SuperVstech]

Keep in mind also, your inverter is capable of drawing 150A from the battery, so #4 is a fairly small size for the battery cable… he manual recommends 4/0 but 2/0 is a safe size.

[@1brasov]

So Well Done!!!!! It is a work of Art!!!!

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks!😀

[@Tech4UbyJames]

Very nice build.... That would also be a good setup for a beginner person getting into going off grid. They could always later mount it once a location is found. Or for the person living in a rental property this could work to keep from mounting it. Very nice!!! Keep up the Awesome work.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks Man and YES 100% on both first timer and Apartment power!!💥🤘

[@ahayahslove4557]

Awesome job! I appreciate your build and breakdown of how to.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@gvmiketodd]

You make that look so easy. Great looking result. Will be very handy, I'm sure.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks! I wanted to make it easy for anyone to build for there own use. Really any inverter and battery!🤘

[@butchwilliams7637]

Lots of power on two little bitty wheels. 👍

[@powerwall]

5kwh battery and 6.5kw inverter

[@AveRage_Joe]

Instruction manual said 500lb so we are GTG!!😆🤘

[@imag555]

Very nice build Joe! i have to admit that you are more then average! this is the best and powerful emergency system that can be build . great work!

[@Self.reliant]

Nice clean install the only thing i would change is using gfci breakers on the 2outputs. That would protect you if anything shorts out while not having a ground rod. Another thing is you want to use diox or similer product on all thexscrews and terminals contacting the aluminum to prevent corrosion.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks Man! Yeah gfci breakers would be a good addition! I wonder if they have them in this style breaker, I bet they do. Just never looked lol.

[@p.b.7861]

Last year, we had 2 outages five months apart, one was 19 hours and another 17 hours We have an old Goal Zero Yeti 1000, bought from Costco $850 in 2018. We used Goal Zero to power refrigerator, microwave oven and toaster Also, have 2 of 100W Renogy Solar panels and 2 golf batteries to charge Goal Zero thru 600watts inverter. Battery of Goal zero Power was down to 6% before Local power EPB in Chattanooga, TN back online. This year I have prepared better added EcoFlow Delta 2, 3 of 100Ah 12 V Lifepo4 batteries for backup and 200 watts more to solar panels total 400 Watts.

[@winstonsmiths2449]

I used the red hand truck but I added a platform that is wider in length and depth. I wanted the center of gravity to be moved forward. I also wanted to attache 4 caster wheels (5"). It makes moving it into position so much easier. In fact if I place it on an incline it will roll away LOL I have two locking caster wheels on the HT. I tilt the HT when moving distance, push it in the upright position for immediate area moves. So nice not to have to do 20-point maneuvers to get it into tight spots. I built the platform to have raised area to keep my battery from sliding off, but used 2" wide Velcro to hold it in place. The Velcro is attached the back of the upright wooden piece. It does not budge,

[@Zbee167]

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@tiborchren]

Thank you for this video.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks for watching!!💥🤘

[@awbean5254]

GREAT PROJECT JOE! I ENJOY WATCHING YOUR PROJECTS

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks and Appreciate the watch!!💥🤘

[@rebelyell1580]

Always nice to see the Kitty Inspector in the vids.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Its starting to get a little warmer out so the basement is getting warmer and he.....is starting to "inspect" more of my work!!!😆🐈🔬

[@Alex-gm2kt]

Great build, looking to do something similar, not many people add the breaker box but this is something i wanted to add.

[@deanhubbard4378]

Great project. I just scored 2 ecoflow delta pro for $2700 each. Not quite as powerful per unit but appears to be good value for portability. Earthtech products has them on special currently.

[@Chooseyouruniquehandlebyaddin]

Use the 240v voltager doubler. It will double your volts and watts.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Nice! Id Love to test out there stuff!

[@deanhubbard4378]

@@Chooseyouruniquehandlebyaddin I got it

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Nice build! 💥 I use my 24V DIY power wall off grid with a small generator as needed (not needed as much with panels now). The inverter can handle the inrush when the RV’s main AC kicks on, but the generator can’t (ya, I tested it 😂). Thinking about a separate charger (something like a chargevertor) the generator can handle so the inverter only draws from the battery vs going into bypass. Less efficient that way, but would be able to handle the short-term load without killing the generator. I’m aware, this is a very-specific use-case.

[@rcguymike]

You could get a Victron, their power assist feature limits the draw on the AC input and supplements it with battery/inverter power

[@ekbanjosworld4926]

Nice, clean build. I like it! I'm getting ready to do mine, but I'm opting for building my batteries and BMS

[@AveRage_Joe]

Sweet! What batteries and bms you planning on using?

[@boomermatic6035]

great build, the only thing I would add is ferrules on the wires, though that would add to the cost if you don't already have the crimpers.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks! I was going to add those but like you said it would add moar cost!💥🤘

[@mikefranks4528]

my favorite part is the tuxedo cat 😊

[@AveRage_Joe]

💥🤘🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛😄

[@stevenlane729]

This is fantastic, thanks for taking the time to build and share with us. I have built one similar with 16x105ah eve cells and a 5000w growatt inverter, it currently runs my pool pump from solar, but will be available for emergencies.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Awesome!!! That sounds like a great use for it! Save a little money and have it when you need it!💥🤘

[@marc111863]

​@@AveRage_Joe Hi average Joe!. U r more than average, ur a genius. I'm a food truck owner, I'm looking for a better source of powering the unit. Randomly, I think I would need a maximum of:14,000w. Would it be possible with a setup like the one u've just built?. Please, give your advice!. Thanks!. Marc

[@bruceeverett5372]

Nice build! Should probably should emphasize that this is a just 15amp system if set to USB mode (used as a pass thru UPS) , but more importantly the battery charging setting should be set no higher than 30amp@56v ( That's already 1680w)... with charging losses it will try to pull a bit more from the AC I would think, and if those settings aren't correct you'll get some thermal trips (hopefully).🙂 It's always good to see what you're up to! This would be a great project for a 6k Growatt, something with split-phase, but that would be a lot heavier! You'd have to wear a muscle T to move that upstairs!

[@warren7127]

What about an Air conditioner? Would this be enough power? In some states, during hurricane season, keeping cool is a top priority after a power outage. I would love to see what this unit could do or what it can not do. OR, what we would need to power a small window unit to a central air system. Thanks for the videos, there very educational 👍

[@AveRage_Joe]

A window aircon? Yeah it would power that. Depending on the wattage and how long. Think of systems and batteries like this, this battery is 5120 watt hours. If a window ac unit requires 1000 watts to run. Then this battery would power it for 5 hours. Thats the best/easiest way to help explain. Same thing when trying to figure out how long other things will run like a frig or tv ect on a battery. Just add up all the watts from the devices you would like to run, then find or build a battery or system.🤘

[@bbouc40254]

nicely done and no new intro video, thanks for sharing

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks! Wanted an easy to follow build if I could!💥🤘

[@maddeusdoggeus1]

Great Video Thank You!

[@samfish6938]

with pg&e high prices between 4pm and 9pm you could use that

[@SHUB_MetalZone]

interesting setup, maybe an idea to dig for orient power or others brands 🙂

[@SteveNoel]

Would you recommend wearing those type of gloves when working with wires/electricity? A see through waterproof cover might be a good addition if it doesn't mess with heat/ventilation.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Well......that depends lol. Ive been a mechanic for the last 25yrs or so, so I always wear gloves. Took me many years of knuckle busting, sharp objects etc before I learned to wear gloves. These are not electrical rated as far as I know but I do think its a good idea when working with electricity! For the clear cover, it could potentially mess with temp unless it also had some sort of vent.🤘

[@PeterLawton]

You said you could charge from a generator, as though it might seem odd or unlikely. The use case I think of is an extended power outage and letting the generator go quiet during the night, but still having power for normal stuff.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Yeah thats what I would use the generator for. Extended power outage with no sun or solar panels to charge with.

[@CajunCoding]

@@AveRage_Joe yep this is actually a very common scenario in the Gulf Coast where Hurricanes yield complete cloud cover for days. Solar isn't an option during these outages so Generators and even better Natural Gas hooked up Generators are needed to provide reasonable charging capability.

[@t3angling575]

I am looking for something like this run power my home office/tinker room. All I would be powering is laptops and desktop computer (sons gaming setup), charging batteries for battery operated power tools, a heat gun small set of desktop speaks, led tv, Roku, printer, led lights (desktop). This probably overkill for what I would need. But very cool setup. What solar panels are you using?

[@jeffbowers950]

Nice work Joe. Unrelated question for you ? When installing your growatt 12k unit, did you have to remove a ground/neutral bond screw in the unit when hooking up to grid power. I'm not even sure if there is one-cant find anything written in manual referring to it. Perhaps there is one that is relay controlled for grid power use. Getting ready to install ours here but want to avoid any angry pixies.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks! The 12kw does not have the ground and neutral bonded so no need to worry. The only bond will be in your main panel that supplies the inverter with the 240vac. Or if you are not supplying the inverter with 240vac for passthrough/UPS mode, and using all by it self. Your bond will be in the panel you want to power. Hope that makes since. Let me know if ya need help.

[@2beachwalkers]

Great build Joe - inspired me to do a copycat (nearly complete now sans panels). One thing I noted in your final pics, both the two negative and the two positive battery terminals were covered with insulation boots. Were you adding other batteries to the mix or some protective device over the unused terminals? So far my build has been a blast; however, I did have to do the extension of the 12 battery LCD wires so apparently they haven't yet set up the face panel with a 180 degree rotation ability.

[@niktak1114]

You should use the max battery voltage when doing the utility charging rate calculation. 35A charging at 90% efficiency could use nearly 2200W with a bulk charging voltage of 56V. That's technically more than you're supposed to pull continuously from a 20A breaker.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Another reason I chose the 15a cord with 12awg wire. Set it to 30a charge and your gtg. You can plug it in anywhere with those settings and have some fudge if needed.🤘

[@alexsimmons1803]

Nice rig. The battery charge settings only increment in 10 A steps (~500 W). That battery is rated at 100 A max continuous discharge and the BMS will trip off after 1 sec at 110 A, so more like a 5 kW max rig. Still very useful.

[@AveRage_Joe]

All true statements!🤘

[@offgridwanabe]

Nice as usual. I think with that huge inverter I would have went with 30 amps and split off 2 15 amp circuit so I could run the saw and the compressor at the same time. Cheers

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks Man! Only reason I used the 50a(should use a 60a) is because the inverter is capable of SENDING 60a. That was recommended by my Electrician friend. I originally was going to go with a 30a and 2 15a like you mention. Also you could run one of those from the power strip if the cord is long enough to reach💥🤘

[@thedabbler2753]

Boom! Mission accomplished 👍🏻💥

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks! BOOOOOM!😆💥🤘

[@bobjones-xc9fp]

Not a cat guy, but cool channel, new sub. I let the ads run so you get paid.

[@webdev217]

How sweet

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks for the sub and Mucho Appreciated!!💥🤘

[@AveRage_Joe]

😆

[@hmarc417]

Hello Joe : Just a quick question. The Ryno battery cell that you put through it's paces , is it still functioning after all this time??? If it is, could you bring it back for a short segment sometime showing that it really does take a licking and keeps on ticking... I just want to know that what you did to it still does not matter or it really did die...with time passing like it has...If it is still alive today everybody should have at least one, and nothing else. Thank you in advance. am still planning on getting several, so keep checkin to see when my order comes in. Theirs only a few more ticks on the clock, then i can cut loose and place an order. EXCELLENT Build, BTW

[@AveRage_Joe]

Yep still in service! Its been running my house ever since I did the video minus a few days here and there testing other batteries. Just check the ticker and we have done 174 cycles so far. We didnt cycle as much during the winter tho due to no sun lol. Yeah I have been thinking of doin an update video with it for sure!💥🤘

[@joey86bu1]

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeet Thank God that you have an OSHA certified feline helper there.

[@AveRage_Joe]

🤣🤣100% OSHA Certified🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛🫣🤣

[@korishan]

Something else you could add to the hand truck is a 3rd leg prop. That way you could just tip the unit back slightly and rest it on the 3rd leg and not worry about it tipping over; especially considering that it's a little top heavy.

[@thebogan364]

Above average bro ... Great video . Clean , quality build ..

[@peterking1134]

Hello there nice presentation! On your connection to the subpanel, is it correct for me to assume that you can only power half the panel with the hot connected to either L1 or L2?

[@AveRage_Joe]

This inverter by it self only produces 120v so yes BUT I would never tell you what you can and cannot do. Having said that, you could power both L1 and L2 with the same hot(or L1) from the inverter. Few ways you could do that. 1- by using a jumper at the double pole circuit breaker in your panel. 2- running 2 wires from the inverter to the double pole circuit breaker in you panel. 3- combining L1 and L2 in a generator cord and then connecting to breaker. Of course have labels either on the modified generator cord, breaker or fill in the blank so if someone else(not you) trys to use the cord ect knows. Only things that would not work obvi would be your 240v items like AC, stove and dryer.

[@peterking1134]

@@AveRage_Joe - thanks for the comprehensive response!

[@christophergoth1517]

Love you, Joe ♥️♥️💕

[@AveRage_Joe]

Love You too Brother!💋💋💥🤘

[@shelley131]

Great explanation and first time viewer of your channel.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks and hope you stick around for all the other videos!🤘

[@SarahStuff-p5u]

From my experience if you want to run an inverter over 3kw...you should have 200amps of 48v batteries. You push things to the max, they will last much less time overall.

[@SarahStuff-p5u]

For your ac out....with that inverter....you should have at least 10 guage wire.

[@clarencewiles963]

Hay After a year I came back to relook Thumbs up 👍 ✅

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks! I still have it😆

[@ooglek]

Nice video! 35:00 just make sure you communicate to people that this build is 120v only, and that it can only run HALF of their split 240v house electrical panel.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks! Yeah 100% 120v only on a single inverter!🤘

[@dalltex]

That's assuming you're not using a splitter to feed both legs. I run a self made splitter when I don't need 240V but don't want to run extension cords.

[@ooglek]

@@dalltex The two legs need to be 180º out of phase with each other in order to do 240v. The inverter specified in this video is 120V ONLY, not 240V with a tap in the middle to do split 120V. I think it is ill-advised to run the same phase of 120V to both legs of your panel. I'm not sure what your 240V devices will experience, but it is a code violation to do so even in a temporary manner. The problem can arise that you can overload the neutral of a multi wire circuit only feeding it 120v to both poles of a panel. Can you do it? Yes. Should you? No. What should you do instead? Move all the circuits that you want to power in a power outage a single bus of your two-bus panel. Then you can just put the generator on one side and you're golden.

[@dalltex]

@@ooglek I said I use a splitter when I don’t need 240v. If I left the 240v breakers on it wouldn’t do anything as both legs would be on the same waveform . Neutral argument is pointless since my panel has a neutral AWG far exceeding the amperage of my generators max output. You are correct in code compliance but it’s not due to neutral overload. A splitter is safer vs what most people do which is to run a few ext cords and then split them into many other runs which could overload of the first ext cord. If you’re not fully educated in electrical then I would recommend using home run cords to each load - That will keep you safe since the gen outlet will have the appropriate NEMA rating to handle the load with a backup breaker in case of any issues.

[@ooglek]

@@dalltex Right on. Personally I'd rather run an interlock on my panel with a breaker and connect my 240V inverter or generator in a code-compliant way that doesn't risk backfeeding due to the physical lockout. I don't want to put utility workers at risk if I forget to turn off my main breaker. Either that or a line-load transfer switch for important circuits. But I like the interlock better. Plugging into outlets or backfeeding the grid is, IMHO, wildly irresponsible.

[@clarencewiles963]

Thumbs up 👍 well done ✅

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thank Man! Appreciate that!!!💥🤘

[@Sylvan_dB]

The battery can provide 100amp continuous? So a 6500w (plus surge) inverter, but a 5200 watt (plus surge?) battery. Nice setup, but seems battery limited.

[@tonylozano8574]

great video, love the link to buy everything, but the gloves you are wearing. I'm assuming they are good protection from electricity.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks! The gloves are not rated for electricity but I use them for it and everything else🤷‍♂️🤗

[@dadge2500]

In the beginning you mentioned gas furnace. Would you be able to run the gas furnace?

[@davidbailey3289]

Nice build. How good is the inverter?

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks! The inverter is a lv6548 and works great!🤘

[@offgridbydesign3826]

Very good!

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks!!💥🤘

[@GapRecordingsNamibia]

MEOW!!! THAT! WAS NOICE!!! 😁

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks Man!!🐈😆💥

[@goodcitizen4587]

Anyone know how this compares to a blueitti / ecoflow type of system? pricewise.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thats a great question! From just a quick look I did(just now), the BLUETTI EP500Pro Solar Power Station is a "comparable" power station but is $5400, Ecoflow does not have a comparable one unless you add a few together for around $4-6k. I would say the bluetti and ecoflow are nice because they are more compact. If one wanted they could build a system more compact.

[@bkanegson]

Depends which model, but overall much more battery capacity than you could get in a single box for the money IMHO. Plus infinitely serviceable and upgradeable. The closest Bluetti to this capacity and output is the EP500Pro at $5,400. He prices the total components for this build at $3,113.

[@goodcitizen4587]

@@bkanegson Thanks!

[@tiborchren]

@@AveRage_Joe This is probably the simplest possible off-grid system. The most compact option would be a DIY welded inverted T-shaped cart with 4 wheels at the bottom, where the battery and all in one inverter would be side by side. The battery cover would not be flipped and the cable connections between the two units would be down of the cart.

[@jeffflanagan2814]

Nice!

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks Man!💥🤘

[@davidwilker4795]

Is it just me, or do you have the speed a tiny bit fast on the video? Love the hand-truck videos. I want to build a few of them, ad have them for different ares, like one for the stove that has 120VA input and 240VAC out put

[@AveRage_Joe]

Some parts of the video were sped up for sure but most was just meeeeee! I did also try to talk faster since I knew I wanted to add everything. Yeah I may do a 24v version but again it be 120v. Ill have to get a 240v split phase inverter for an Ultimaterrrrr Build!!😆💥🤘

[@eliotmansfield]

did you consider what you call a gfi in the states (or rcd/rcbo in the eu) to protect the outputs?

[@AveRage_Joe]

I did consider it but didnt because my entire house was wired before GFCI and does not have anything gfci and all is good.🤘

[@hartleyhubbard3827]

lol... that was hilarious! "alright, no explosions?.... Power button for the battery? (ka-boom!!).... that was funny! Greg (garden grove, CA). and later, "let me plug this into the grid..." (ka-boom!!) lol

[@t3angling575]

Do you have a video on how to hardwire this to a home, using grid as backup, also having a generator installed, so could charge battery that way as well.

[@AveRage_Joe]

I do have a video showing how my inverter is connected.

[@korishan]

Great video and guide of the project. Just curious, how come you didn't put the wire strands in ferrules? You mentioned about making sure that all strands stay together. Using the ferrules would of been more secure. Altho, I do agree that not everyone has a ferrule crimper.

[@AveRage_Joe]

100% almost added them but didnt only because some might not have the ferrules and crimper! I could make it moar Ultimate....er. Hmmmm me thinking of additions meow!!!😏😆💥🤘

[@mueckenhoeffer]

That's a pretty substantial rig. Carefully managed, it should get you through a few days of no power.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Yeah it is! I agree, if managed you could easily last for days!💥🤘

[@giovanniperez8313]

I like ❤

[@wd3908]

Nice setup, I have 2 of those batteries. What wire and gauge did you use to extend them? I would like to rotate the covers on mine. I took the cover off of one and it doesn’t have the longer wires. Hence why I am asking. lol

[@AveRage_Joe]

Nice! I just used some ethernet cable I had cut up from another project. I think its around 24-26awg. Length I added was less then 2ft😄

[@wd3908]

Well I have plenty of that Ethernet cable laying around. A little chop chop here a little chop chop there and hope I don’t pass out from the Arizona heat. 😂 Does anyone have some orange slices!! Thank you so much for the reply!!

[@AveRage_Joe]

Yeah man just a little chopy chopy and 💥 your done😄 The heat here has been redic as well. Need a Bluemoon with those orange slices!🤘

[@rolandleyco573]

Can this unit send power to grid? also, can you build 2 of these units to make a split phase system in parallel to run a complete 240v ac to your house?

[@AveRage_Joe]

No power back to the grid and yes you can parallel 2 inverters for 240vac splitphase to power your house.🤘

[@jackdohurty517]

Now you have to do a Schneider system 😊

[@AveRage_Joe]

Schneider on a hand truck or off grid system mounted on the wall🤔😲💥🤘

[@jackdohurty517]

With the big heavy transformer I would say on the wall. It would be too heavy for a hand cart.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Yeah wall 100%😆

[@TC-dk6do]

Joe can you do a video about a temporary solar setup that you don't have to permanently mount to a roof...

[@AveRage_Joe]

Well....a temp setup would be just finding something to basically lean the panels on. I am setting up a ground mount that I guess could be used as a temp setup. I am setting up as a permeant install tho.

[@Self.reliant]

One other question do you usually power your house as off grid orxdo you end up switching it back and forth?

[@AveRage_Joe]

Great question! In spring to fall its off grid, winter is back and forth. Only time I go back and forth in spring to fall is when there are clouds/rain for days on end. At least at this time until I get my other bank done. Will need moar solar for those cloudy and winter days.

[@DAWB65]

I think you should have Titaned it more! 😂 Great Job.

[@AveRage_Joe]

With a capital T's and N!!!😜💥

[@raymondmemolandes5937]

Nice....great job 🎉

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks Mate!!💥🤘

[@MiniLuv-1984]

Tell us about the ground stake again..in detail. When do you need to put that in? My primary interest is for RV's. Do I need to pound in a ground stake every time I want to use the AC?

[@JeremyAkersInAustin]

No, you only need "earth ground" when connected to a "structure" or to the grid. Think about how many RVs have on board generators which can operate while driving. They are obviously not earth grounded while moving. They are "grounded", but not "earth grounded". Earth ground is only needed to dissipate energy from things like lightning strikes. So this is important for permanent structures. But adding earth ground actually *increases* your risk of getting shocked if there's a fault because it creates a return path to the inverter through the earth (Which you're standing on) Without Earth ground you can literally grab the hot wire on the inverter and nothing will happen, because in order for electricity needs to complete a circuit. So it can't flow through you unless it can flow through you and back to the inverter. Adding an earth ground connection adds this return path as energy can now flow through your feet into the ground back to the inverter. "Ground" and "Earth Ground" are commonly conflated but they are two separate and distinct things: "Ground" is meant to provide a "low impedance" return path to the circuit breaker in the event of a fault to cause the circuit breaker to trip. "Earth ground" is meant to dissipate any voltage build up from external voltages sources, like lightning or static, to earth so potential can't build up in a large building or structure. There's a good explanation here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYmqpGaHgauSqck and here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJqxi4lmod6FjLM

[@diyrenewableenergyelectron4996]

You need a ground fault path so that in the event of a fault, over current protection devices will break the circuit and shut off the source. KZbin Mike Holt grounding. The videos are long but you will not find better content on grounding.

[@diyrenewableenergyelectron4996]

Mike Holt video titled “grounding - safety fundamentals”

[@MiniLuv-1984]

@@diyrenewableenergyelectron4996 Thanks for that!

[@AveRage_Joe]

It kinda depends on how you use it.... If you are out in the middle of no where with zero shore power the yes, technically you should have a ground rod in the ground. If you are in a location that has shore power then no cause you could plug in your RV cord, use the SBU (offgrid) option on the inverter. You would be connected to the shore power ground via the RV cable. Also same goes for the USB (grid) option. Ground would be connected via RV cable. Having said that, I dont no many that actually use a ground rod while out boondocking/camping. As Diyrenewable commented, Mike Holt is a wealth of information on anything electrical and code related.

[@cliodTirxe]

You forget the ferrules 😊

[@AveRage_Joe]

I thought about using them lol.😃🤘

[@toolate6971]

Ah, why didn't you use the communication port from the Inverter to the Battery?

[@AveRage_Joe]

I talked about it but removed it from video due to length of video🙄😆

[@oneshot_onekill4618]

Joe the reason you did not run outlets of your breaker box was that for demonstration purposes only?

[@AveRage_Joe]

Yeah this build was suggested buy subscribers. The outputs I just did an easy "cheap" way. You can 100% add outlets!

[@oneshot_onekill4618]

@@AveRage_Joe Makes sense and thank you for the quick response sir!

[@michaelhinton8608]

Can you use a second battery with this setup?

[@SuperVstech]

The manual for my 6500’s stated to use #4awg copper wire, since the unit is capable of nearly 60A…

[@EatingWild]

Can I hookup normal 15amp outlets to a 16 amp Breaker?

[@AveRage_Joe]

On these type breakers yes, shouldnt be an issue at all.

[@MattLesak]

Nice build Joe! Personally, I wouldn’t risk $3k worth of equipment on a hand cart/dolly. I would use a tool cart with four wheels. One minor mistake and that hand cart falls/tips over. That would be painful.

[@meilyn22]

So the inverter and battery don't have breakers?

[@jeffmccrea9347]

. I lived in Florida, within 2 miles of the Gulf of Mexico, in 2 different counties, for 27 years from 1974 to 2001. In this time, we never had a direct hit from a hurricane and never had the power go out for more than a few hours at a time mostly because most of the power lines were buried. When a hurricane actually threatened us once, I went to Sam's club and bought a 5Kw Coleman generator along with a 2 year warrantee. The hurricane veered away from us and, after 20 months, I told my wife that maybe we should pull the unit out of the box, gas it up to see if it works before the warrantee runs out. It worked. In 2001, we moved to West Virginia where there is LOTS of timber around the overhead power lines. After we had our house set on the property, we used that generator, 24/7 for 3 weeks until the power company came out and hooked us up. Gas was 69c a gallon then so it didn't break the bank. We had a detached garage built and I knew that I was going to wire it. I got tired real quick of tripping over extension cords for 3 weeks so I installed an 8 circuit breaker box in the garage. I used 6 circuits for lights, outlets, garage door opener and a workshop that I built in the garage for my radio / electronics hobby and a small work area for my kids to join me. The last 2 circuits were occupied by a double 30 amp breaker. I replaced the 30 amp twistlock outlet on the generator with a heavy duty 50 amp unit. The in house breaker box is full so I used 8 X 3 with ground cable and wired the garage breaker box to the outside meter disconnect box which has 8 blank knockouts for circuit breakers. I installed a double 40 amp breaker there and wired in the 8 gauge cable. Back in the garage, I installed a 4 prong X 50 amp outlet on the wall with the same 8 gauge cable to the aforementioned double 30 amp breaker. I made a "suicide cord", again, with 8 gauge cable with a 50 amp twistlock male for the generator and a 50 amp 4 prong male for the wall outlet. The suicide cord isn't a hazard because the wall outlet is dedicated to the generator and is only unplugged once a year to inspect the prongs for corrosion. All this is at the walk in door so that the generator exhaust blows out the door. When I start the generator, I open the main door about a foot and prop the walk in door open for ventilation. I have a 20 inch box fan plugged into the generator and blowing across the engine to keep it cool in the summer and to keep it from choking on it's own exhaust on windless days. When the power goes off here, it is usually for a day or more as there is a lot of mileage to search for a downed line through woods and forests and the power company isn't exactly Johnny--on--the--spot for keeping tree limbs away from the lines. One time, we had an ice storm and the power was out for 9 days. We put a lot of hours on that old Coleman. Aside from oil changes, spark plug changes and gas, it left me hanging only twice and both were my fault. Once, the carb got gummed up because I didn't shut off the gas valve and gas sat in it for 6 or 7 months and once, I didn't torque the spark plug correctly. It worked itself lose, blew itself out of the aluminum cylinder head taking the threads with it. $5.oo to have a helicoil installed, $8.00 for a new head gasket and a half hour of my labor and it was back on line. Two years ago, my wife's father passed on and we inherited his 6Kw TroyBilt. I kept the Coleman as backup incase my TroyBilt went down giving us power while I fixed it. (Never happened) Now we have his newer unit so I sold that 1999 Coleman to a guy for his weekend camp. It still started on the first pull and didn't burn an ounce of oil. That's either a testament to keeping up with maintenance or the quality of Tecumseh engines. Too bad they went out of business. After my 6th spine surgery in 2012, (#11 was this July), I couldn't whip that 10 horse Tecumseh engine awake with the pull rope anymore so I went and bought a 7Kw TroyBilt electric start. A lot less backache that way. It's much easier to go out and flip the main breaker, turn on the gas tank shutoff, push a button and flip the 30 amp breakers. The only problem is I can't get natural gas where I live and that 7Kw unit won't feed a hungry 4 ton heater / A/C unit. For the summer, we have a window A/C unit in the bedroom and for the winter, we have 40,000 BTU propane logs in the fireplace that are connected to 2) 20 pound tanks with gas grill regulators on a "T" in the back yard. If we are careful, we can be comfortable for 6 days at 20 degrees F. Before we start it up, we shut off the heat / A/C and the 4,500 watt hot water tank breakers to save gas. If unused, the water tank will stay hot enough for 2 or 3 days and, if we need it, we can shut off the fridge and both freezers and turn the tank back on for an hour. This drinks about a gallon of gas but I refuse to take a cold shower only to have my back cramp up. If it's nice out late at night and the wife is sleeping, I'll shut down the generator. If I'm still up on my laptop, I have a 12 AH gel cell battery on an inverter that runs my modem while I coast on my laptop battery for 2 or 3 hours before bed time.

[@AveRage_Joe]

I hear yeah with the back issues!!! Mine is all messed up. Its good to hear you still get around ok. For your AC and running the generator, I installed a soft start on my 4ton AC unit and WHOA....what a difference. I can run it off battery backup, 2 eco flow delta pro's or a 5kw diesel generator.

[@jeffmccrea9347]

@@AveRage_Joe My unit is 22 years old. Too old to invest in. When I replace it, I'll look into it. Thanks.

[@AveRage_Joe]

@jeffmccrea9347 Oh ok gotcha. Yeah if you do ever replace it, you would for sure want to get one.

[@jeffmccrea9347]

@@AveRage_Joe Do you have a guess what it cost if you don't mind me asking?

[@AveRage_Joe]

@jeffmccrea9347 I got this one off amazon earlier this year but it was cheaper ( affiliate link amzn.to/46Hvwsv ). I might have paid $280. I didnt really need the bluetooth stuff. There is another brand that does not have bluetooth and is much cheaper. Cant think of the name at the moment. Very easy to install.

[@MaxGoddur]

Is this possible to do using AC power from the solar panels?

[@AveRage_Joe]

You would feed inverter with DC voltage from solar and then you can either charge battery OR charge and use excess solar to power your loads. You can also power loads with just solar.🤘

[@JamesSmith-ye7pc]

This one is off the wall, I'm wondering if the hand truck mobile setup could be plugged into my 30amp generator plug at my main panel providing 110 to the main? I like the idea being able to use on jobsites for temp power, with that said could I build a second setup and add another 30amp set to my main to enable 220 volt to my main panel for powering heavy loads to the home? I know this maybe outside the box but want the option to not be permanent setup on the home.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Yeah I mention adding a generator cable and plug later in the vid for connecting up to your house so you could do that. You can also setup a 2nd and connect the inverters together in parallel(with supplied cables) for 240v split phase just like the grid supplies your house!💥🤘

[@JamesSmith-ye7pc]

Would the 50 amp generator connection to the panel handle the 240? I was thinking adding another generator plug in to feed the other inverter to keep both dolly units separated for use when needed supplying the panel a total 240v. Maybe it wouldn't work like this, I'm not a electrician. 2- 110 inverter =240v connected to 2-50amp breakers.?

[@AveRage_Joe]

You would want to use the supplied parallel wires to parallel the inverter together(there small communication cables) that way you get 240v split phase. If you do it that way you would be able to run your 240v items like stove, dryer, AC ect... I would recommend it since the carts would be sitting right next to each other. Then when you want to use elsewhere, just remove the parallel cables and off you go. If you use the 2 inverters with 2 seperate generator cables, like L1 from one inverter and L2 from 2nd inverter and not use the parallel cables, you wont be able to use your 240v items since the phases will be outa wack. IF.....you dont want to use 240v items then you could do it like you want. I hope that made since, let me know.

[@JamesSmith-ye7pc]

Thanks for your clarification, would you suggest upping the single generator plug to a 60amp to handle the 240 load from the inverters to the home panel?

[@AveRage_Joe]

Meh....I think a 50a would be fine. If I did a diy cord Id use #6 wire but thats me cause I dont think Id use that much with 2 batteries. Actually yeah the batteries can output 100a each so a 50a cord would be good

[@andycanfixit]

Dude, compared to what that would cost for an already built "solar generator" that is a killer price and it'll probably last a lot longer. Nice build. Nice price for the output of that inverter too.

[@AveRage_Joe]

100% agree! The Bluetti and the other are like 5k+ for a similar output but this you could build to suite!🤘

[@andycanfixit]

@@AveRage_Joe And that Bluetti system isn't going to be much lighter, won't be able to cool itself under heavy load like this and definitely isn't as user serviceable. :)

[@AveRage_Joe]

Again 100% agree!💥🤘

[@DiyintheGhetto]

No boom no good. Okay fine great video i loved it. Now I need to build one. And I'm the 100 like person. :-P

[@AveRage_Joe]

No actual booms is a good thing on projects you wanna use lol!!! Thanks Man appreciate the Watch!💥🤘

[@lnxpro]

BOOM! :D

[@AveRage_Joe]

💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥🤣🤘

[@jordanpack5571]

Is the wire stranded or solid copper? Thanks!

[@AveRage_Joe]

I used stranded.

[@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369]

HOWdy A-R-J, ... Thanks my Harbor-Freight pneumatic TIRES are always Soft & MUSHY NOTE: those FOUR (4) Bolts holding the WHEELS together should be loosened & LOCK-TIghted & re-torqued as they come LOOSE at the LEAST Opportune times COOP the WiSeNhEiMeR from Richmond, INDIANA ...

[@SuperVstech]

Home Depot has #10 extension cords with the 15A cord end…

[@AveRage_Joe]

Really? Ill have to look them up online!

[@tm510a]

Your kitty wants some loving....

[@AveRage_Joe]

He just wants to be on Camera. Believe me, there was a lot moar of him just tooling around but couldnt show it all LOL😆🐈❤🤘