Harbor Freight Inverter Generator and DIY Generator Shed
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ย. 2024
- Original Generator Shed Video: • Predator 8750 Generato...
Plans for the generator shed are available on our website: outdoorsengine...
I built this generator shed to house the old version of the Predator 8750 non-inverter generator back in 2017. We finally need to use it and I didn't feel good that I was using the non-inverter generator to power all of the sensitive electronics in the house. Regular generators do now have a consistent power source and can burn out sensitive electronics. Found that Harbor Freight predator 8750 Inverter Open Frame Generator and decided to make the swap. A couple mods the generator shed and we were good. Follow along!
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Ripped 160 lb generator out of the box like a boss 💪
Dang King Kong- agree- my hernia jumped up like in Aliens!
That's the first thing I thought it's 165 f****** pounds Big boy I'm pushing 60 there was a day I could do that s*** I had to unload it with a couple of two by sixes off the back of my car still ended up struggling till I got the wheel kit on but yeah that's the first thing I thought of😅
Only once in my life. The last time. When up/down a two-story apt. 😮😓😮💨😮💨. I'm willing to go pick up somebody from home Depot next time.
I also connect smaller generators to my house using adapters to run just the freezer, fridge, ceiling fans, lights, TV, computers, phones and internet.
Awesome!
What about your monitors?
Great videos across your channel. This shed is a picture perfect fit for the cabin we just finished and your innovated use of fans for coming and forced intake and exhaust is great.
Is there any chance of getting a parts/items list for the intake/exhaust/cooling components? Or is that simply a standard attic exhaust with a built in temp sensor?
I just went to a big box store(Menard) and got the standard attic fan which comes with a temp sensor and then also for the intake a standard 6" round duct fan. Nothing out of the ordinary for this setup.
Thanks for watching and share it with your friends!
Great videos brother!
I have a question with regards to why you went with the Predator 8750 Inverter over as a replacement for the Predator 8750 non-inverter?
I have a non-inverter (7500 watt) generator, and when I am on generator power, the LED lighting in my house house flickers unless or until there is a reasonable load on the generator. For example, if I plug my 1500 watt heat gun into one of the 100v outlets on the generator, the house light flickering stops completely, but at 1500 watts, that is a 12amp load on my generator, which has a 30 amp max output, so I am sacrificing nearly half of the available output just to eliminate house light flickering. So, my question is, IF your house lights were flickering on the old non-inverter Predator, did switching to the inverter generator solve that problem for you?
The main reason I ask, is because I watched your other (previous) video, and you have an intake and an exhaust fan running directly off the (old) generator. Was that NOT enough of a load to "pre-load" the generator and stop flickering lights in the house? If you did NOT have flickering lights, why did you upgrade to an inverter generator?
Thanks man!
Yes, we had flickering of lights with the non-inverter generator. The non-inverter generators do not deliver a consistent power supply (in voltage and so I have read on the internet). This can be problematic for sensitive electronics (LED lights I presume would be included in this category).
The new inverter generator, the lights are consistent and do not flicker! It is also better for the sensitive electronics because it delivers a consistent power load.
I mainly upgraded due to the inverter generator being overall better for the electronics the generator would be powering: TVs, computers, internet routers, etc. And now that you remind me, the lights in the house didn't particularly like the regular generator.
The predator inverter power output voltage and frequency regulation is much closer to optimal as compared to non-inverter generators where they can vary much more.
Unloaded frequency might be around 61Hz and drop to 58Hz when fully loaded on a traditional generator.
I have that same generator for home back up as well.
So far so good!
So do I. But mine started leaking after the first storm.
Great video. Just downloaded the shed plans, do you have a parts list for the fan and other things that you used to set it up?
There should be one in the plan set you downloaded. Did you find it? I did not include electrical.
What are the interior dimensions of your shed?
Exterior dimensions of the wall studs are 4'x6'. I used 2x4 studs.
I’d like to get me one of those. I was hoping it would be quieter than a generator that was not an inverter. Is it quieter? If that makes sense.
Compared to my old non-inverter Predator 8750, the new one is about the same noise level as the old one. They are both open frame models. Harbor Freight does have a Predator 9000, which is a closed frame inverter generator, and I would expect to be much quieter. The shed I built turned it into a closed frame :) and also protects it from the elements!
I do have the Predator 3500 which is closed frame and it is very quiet. We use it for camping.
⚠️Portable Generator Safety Tips:
1) KEEPING OTHERS SAFE: Please do not allow an unqualified person or your children to operate and service the portable generator. Just because some manuals don’t say that doesn’t mean it’s safe. That is important against the generator safety rules. We also need to be keeping an eye on our children too. You need to make sure that your children are not playing near the portable generator especially when it’s running so they won’t get electrocuted. Generators pose electrical risks and they can be hot during an operation. Please keep your children away from the portable generator at all times. It is important to keep our children safe especially our little ones. Please be aware of all the hazards.
2) WHERE TO RUN YOUR GENERATOR: Some people use their portable generators indoors which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s important to have carbon monoxide detectors if you have a gas generator. Never ever use your generator indoors even if your doors and windows are open and even in the garage is not safe to use a portable generator. Also please never use your generator in your deck or balcony. It is never safe to use your generator indoors and in enclosed areas of your home. Your generator needs to be 15-20 feet away from your house. There are some people doing that which may not be safe.
3)FIRE HAZARDS: Never refuel your generator while it’s running. You need to let your generator cool off before refueling it and before storing your generator. Never overload your generator too. Never ever back feed your generator. You should never plug your generator into a wall outlet. Also never store propane tanks indoors. Please keep flammable things away from the generator as well such as cigarettes. Having a fire extinguisher next to the generator is also important against the generator safety rules. It’s also not safe to move your generator while it’s running.
4) GENERATOR OPERATION: make sure your hands are dry before touching the generator. Never use your generator in wet conditions. Don’t let your generator get wet. You need a generator tent if you need to use your generator during wet weather. Please don’t wear loose clothes when operating the generator. Turn on your generator before plugging in appliances. Use the right cord for your generator. Please do not use worn out cords.
It is always important to follow the safety rules when using a portable generator.
Hope this helps.
I have bought both the regular Predator generator and the Predator INVERTER GENERATOR..I got many years use out of the regular 8750 generator. It got me through that horrible Texas freeze we had a couple years ago. When it came time to replace it harbor freight was out of the same 8750 generators and only had the 8750 inverter generators. The salesman told me it was actually a better generator. It WAS NOT..To use it I had to cut off my electric water heater, and not use the electric clothes dryer or electric stove. It would stop producing power and show a code on the screen. It only lasted me two uses and the inverter module went OUT. A replacement inverter module is $400..So here I was with a generator inverter that was useless and still looked brand new! If you do decide to buy the inverter generator bite the bullet and buy the extended warranty because the Harbor Freight repair people told me it was very common for those $400 inverter modules to go OUT and they don't repare them.
Very good generator. Way more fuel ⛽️ efficient than the 9000 👍🏼
Great to hear!
You’re saying 8750 is more efficient? Not sure which one to go with
@@marte1a256 the 8750 will be more efficient on lower wattage use… but if you are running it at higher watts they probably use about the same amount of fuel
Just a heads up!!!! You must drive a ground rod and ground the gen set. The. You need a 3 pole manual transfer switch so that you are isolating the generator neutral from the power provider neutral. This gen set has a bonded neutral and will not work if you end up connecting power provider neutral to the generator neutral. Not to mention the potential damage and danger if not done properly. Please do you research if connecting to a home that is not in the back country.
I've watched every generator shed video on youtube and although I would have used rockwool on the inside I must say this is the best looking shed I have seen. I went with a lifetime plastic shed for my Generac 17500 with a dual fuel kit but given the THD I'm either going to get the Westinghouse 15000DF or just get a 26KW installed. I have serious money invested since I did 10 100lb tanks and have them filled just incase. In Texas this thing gets so hot it's scary.
Question about having to have the battery connected to use the rope pull start. I read a WEN 875i has to have a good battery even to pull start. That defeats an emergency situation, my batteries died all the time. Amazon messed up my 8750 champion delivery so I ordered a WEN 875i, and that's delayed now. You and others show predator better than I expected and I can get one tomorrow. Just wondering about the battery being required. Enjoyed your video and set up. Beyond anything I can do. Oh, and does it just have a 90 day warranty?
I am not sure if the battery is actually required to pull start on the new Predator 8750. It comes with a battery, so I just installed it. I then make sure to run it every month.
I am a little worried with it being lithium about it working in cold weather. (It can get really cold here (0 to -20 for lows). So we will see how it handles the cold weather.
2 year warranty on the engine and 90 day warranty on the entire unit. I do know at checkout, you can purchase a replacement plan. I don't know the terms, but it might be $1-200 for a no questions asked replacement.
Hello thank you for this, Can u tell me the diameter of the exhaust trying find that pipe to put on it
I just used a 3" class b vent. I don't know the actual diamter of the exhaust pipe.
@@OutdoorsEngineer ok np thank you
I am a relatively decent carpenter but work better with plans. Do you have plans to your generator shed that you are willing to sell. I am in Texas and would love to have this before the hard winter hits. If you desire you can reach me at the email attached to TH-cam. Thanks
Hello, sorry for the delay: Plans are now available: in-the-northwoods.com/product/genshedplan/
Voltage, hertz, runtime since it was started for that time and total runtime.
I have a dumbass newbie question that is bothering me PRIOR to purchase [I have not yet installed 30/50 amp box connecting to home panel]: Using this 30 amp plug 120/240 from the generator into my 30 amp box connected to my house panel - Can my home use the FULL 7200 watts with all my 120 volt applications [most of the home]? Thank you for your time!
It is my understanding that each hot leg coming out of the generator is a max of 30 amps (actually 3500 watts) on each. So there are two hot legs of 3500 watts each, totaling 7000 watts, max running. Typically, breaker panels in a house are two hot legs, the breakers as you go down the left or right side alternate from hot 1 to hot 2. So the load is approximately split among the twolegs.
Get your plans for the generator shed here: in-the-northwoods.com/products/generator-shed-plans
Check out the Generator Shed overview video here: th-cam.com/video/VbqZQoE6frQ/w-d-xo.html
I definitely have to make a set up like this. I am a new homeowner and just experienced my first hurricane. Ian. It was scary and power went out for 3 days. I’m going to try to build the shed before getting the generator. What’s the smallest dimensions I can get away with for the shed?
I guess you don't have a lot of high-starting current motors you are trying to run?
Watched a video of someone using one of these to run AC units and an Air Compressor.
It was UNABLE to start the big shop compressor due to the high inrush current draw!
Ran nearly all the other stuff fine.
I have a bunch of high current motors. Large air compressor, heat guns, AC, etc. I just don't attempt to use them while the generator is being used.
What did your dog think when you evicted him from his dog's house?
He didn't care because he got to sleep in the human house!
THD
Thanks for the video! I just bought this generator and I’m hoping to build the generator shed for it soon ;)
Hope you enjoy it! Send me an email if you have any questions, or follow the Facebook Page as well.!
Wtf that noise..
Convert to floating neutral?
I haven't. Not sure it is needed.
Very nice. Love the setup. Can you still pull the manual starter if you needed to, from where it's currently mounted? Thanks. I "liked"
Yes you can! With me being able to lift the roof, I can access all the components.
Have you looked into a propane conversion kit so you could run longer with out the need for filling up gasoline ? I like that generator house set.
I have, but with the location of the generator shed vs both of my large propane tanks, it would be a big undertaking to bury a line. It probably would be better to get a 3rd propane tank, but not desirable. I haven't found the need to do that yet. Maybe, someday. I just make sure I have the tank on the generator full and I now have capacity for 20 gallons of gas on hand. So if I know there may be a bad chance of storms, I make sure everything is full.
This is interesting. My propane line is right next to my panel!
Best gen she’d I’ve seen yet great job
Thanks!
@@OutdoorsEngineer Same here. Got the Gen set but need to get building one of these.
Awesome 🤩 generator shed!!!
Thanks!
The only change I would make would be to replace the exhaust Tee with a simple elbow pointed away from the intake.
One other potential improvement to make if it is not already present would be to add a make up air vent from a louvered vent (1’ x 1’) with a bug screen to allow the attic fan to move more air.
How about that heated Milwaukee jacket.. Very pleased with mine.
That seems way too loud to be an inverter is in it ??
It is an open frame inverter. So, yes it is loud. The Predator 9000 is closed frame and is quiet.
Bought this model a couple of months ago. Just now messing around with it, building cords and stocking up on fuel. Got a hurricane coming in a couple of days here in the gulf side of Florida. Seems to be a good machine so far. Love the video, one day I'll build a generator shed.
Hope the hurricane treated you ok!
What needs power for your six inch inline ducts ? Really admire your shed !
I have a duct fan in the 6" duct to force cool air to be blown over the engine.
@@OutdoorsEngineer Again, Thanks
Does it run a hot water heater and or AC
It certainly is possible. Depends on the load of the appliance. Max of 3500 watts per hot leg coming out of the generator. Take a look at HF's website, it lists possible appliance loads. www.harborfreight.com/generators-engines/generators/8750-watt-inverter-generator-with-co-secure-technology-57480.html
Are you selling your used generator?
Not anymore. Sold it within a week!
I am having a problem with the 8750 I just purchased. The digital display will not climb beyond 121 volts to 240. Notice that others are having the same problem with their 8750. Did these people have drain the unit and take it back to HF, or is there a fix? Thanks
Why would it put out 240 volts? Typically 240 actually is two lines that are 120 each.
See th-cam.com/video/g7WRtq_jSi8/w-d-xo.html@@OutdoorsEngineerat 5:27
does this gen maintain 60 hz?
Are you still offering the plans for your shed?
I will be! I am working to fine tune the plans and setting up a website for them. Stay tuned.
Plans are now available: in-the-northwoods.com/product/genshedplan/
what is an inverter generator? Never heard of it?
Look them up. Much better for sensitive electronics. A quick google search led me to this answer:
Conventional generators use a mechanical alternator to produce alternating current (or AC) power that’s ready to use.
Inverter generators also use an alternator to produce AC power, but this current is converted into direct current (or DC), before a microprocessor inverts it back into cleaner AC power. This three-phase process produces much higher quality, more consistent and reliable AC power - similar to the power you might otherwise get from the grid.
@@OutdoorsEngineer Thanks. I was looking for it too. 🙂
We purchased 2 of these generators to power our RVs charging and air conditioning needs. The generators keep tripping the 30 amp plug. My old 4000 watt Honda powered the same RVs with no problems. I think they are off on their wattage ratings. We also tried another 7200 watt generator that could run both RVs air-condition without any problems from costco. Before this we had the harbor freight 3500 and we ran that guy well over 2000 hours without any problems except for the pull start breaking just after a couple uses.
Are you using soft starts on the AC's?
@@OutdoorsEngineer no we are not using them. I know that would help, but those suckers are expensive. We returned both harbor units and purchased a unit from COSTCO $699 bucks and she'll run both units... plus it's gas, propane or natural gas. It doesn't have the idle down feature that this unit has, and that is good for saving fuel, but we'll see. It looks like even Honda generators are made in China now.
@@joeydonaldson4054 The new Harbor Freight 5000 generator looks intriguing. 5000 startup watts. Remote start, dual fuel.
Is the new one any quieter?
Not really, but I wasn't necessarily looking quieter for my case as I had the generator shed. They do make the 9000 watt inverter which is enclosed and quieter if you are looking to go that route, but double the price I believe.
I purchased this generator about a week after their 4th of July sale ended using a discount code Harbor Freight texted to me for 25% off any one item with no exclusions.
I paid $1,004 for the Predator 8750 Inverter Generator before tax.
Can you use a regular car battery for a generator and what other kinds of batteries you can use for a generator ?
Yes, but you would want to use a deep cycle battery or a Lifepo4, which is preferable. You would need to connect DC alternators (like the car kind) to a charge controller to charge it using an engine. On the output, you would need a 120v or 240v inverter to concert the DC battery power to something your house can use. Look up solar charge controller/inverter combos, there are many on the market now. This would be a great setup and you could even power the engine off for hours with the correctly sized batteries.
@@2mYgR @JPG23 It's you-tube videos that shows how you can use a car as a generator.Can a 1000cc car battery with a 1,000w power inverter power a electric oven that's 800w or even a 800cc car battery ?
How did the co monitor system handle being in that shed?
No problems! It was worked great! I have even let it run for a few hours too. It helps that I have the fresh air intake, I think, and the exhaust going directly out the building.