Do not use Teflon tape or pipe sealant on any flare ends because you will not obtain a leak-free seal. Keep flare end of fitting free of grease, oil and thread sealant. Use a wrench only on the hex surfaces of the fittings. Using Teflon tape on flared fittings can prevent the metal to metal seal from working.
As a rule of thumb you are correct; but many plumbers still use teflon tape/dope on threads. I pointed out to leave exposed thread so no tape will go between the two mating surfaces. The seal is from the metal to metal contact and not the threads. The tape does not hinder a seal, a leak is because the connection is not tighten enough or if it is over tighten causing nut deformation. If the connection is torqued correctly, there will be no leaks; tape or no tape. Some argue the lubricating nature of the teflon tape may lead to overtighen. Just tighten til snug and check for leaks. For a permant install, no need for the tape. For a temporary/short duration usage install like a generator, the tape probably used as more as anti seize lubricating the threads for easier on/off the hose. Also, the generator is outdoors in open air. Technically the fitting and hose should be a one time use. Replacing the hose everytime you hook up the generator is too costly. Just inspect the flare mating parts for any damage or scratches when removing the hose. Regardless, always check for leaks during install and periodically while running because of vibrations. I called Firman and they said ok to use the tape on the flare fitting.
@rossishima Not only is tape not required on that type of fitting... tape SHOULD NOT BE USED on this type of fitting. It will actually make it harder to tighten and may prevent a seal. Someone could also damage and Crack the fittings of the tape is applied thick enough. Do Not Use It.
I'm super happy with my generator. Have over 250hr of run time with 2 different weather events that have occurred in Houston. I Connect my generator to my house power panel with a 50A plug.
I have the T07571 tri-fuel. The 1/2" hose I bought had a 3/8" Female by 1/2" Male brass adapter to connect to the generator. It was too long (deep) on the female end and I had to sand it down so the flange in the adapter would seal against the LP gas fitting on the generator. The other end is a 1/2" male quick disconnect fitting which easily connects to the female fitting attached at the gas valve. Check the connections with soapy water. Trying to line up the cable plug with the inlet at night? Take a marker or white-out and make a line on the plug & socket to line up the two before you twist it. Keep battery charged. Install emergency lights that come on when power goes out. Install them where you set up the generator and at the panel. Have an extra spark plug. Maintenance is easier when using natural gas to power the generator.
Good thoughts. Why I pointed out the Shinestar, because it works with the Firman. Some other brands people had issues with regarding quality, leaks, etc. The solar generator works perfect, I just go out every few weeks and plug in the float charger. Within a couple hours its on float mode so I disconnect the solar generator and bring it back into the house for other uses. The generator pulls around 7 watts from the solar generator. The lead acid battery holds it charge pretty good.
I ended up installing a MB Sturgis Propane Elbow Adapter at the generator 3/8" POL fitting. It is a 3/8" Female Flare Swivel x 3/8" Male Flare (Item # 204163) that I purchased from etrailer. Then I installed the 3/8" Female x 1/2" Male brass adapter there. Now it is easy to store the 1/2" NG hose on top of the tank while still being connected to the generator. I also helps avoid tripping over it.
Good idea, the 24 footer barely fits on the hose storage strap. Just have to cap the open end to keep critters out. Any issues with the swivel eventually leaking?
@@rossishima I have not had any problem with leaking as long as the elbow adapter is tightened with a wrench. It is not suppose to swivel when installed. Mine is pointing 45 degrees downward to the left.
I need to put it on my roof which has a stair access with a width of 51 cm. Given its weight of 212 pounds, lifting it up could be risky, so I'm considering removing the wheels and maybe dismount the unit in more manageable parts. Any suggestions ?
just approximate 29"L 20.5"w 24" H That said I would guess not going to work. You will have to remove the engine/generator and then hoist the frame up from the exterior to the roof.
Great video. I am about to do a natural gas hook up. My generator has been a lifesaver already for a few times when we got an outage for more than a week here in northern Illinois due to a wind storm. I ran my generator for a week non stop except to fuel up and change oil. It ran very well. I hooked my battery to a tender and it is 5 years old now and still works like new.
Thank you for the insight...we are looking at different generators and I'm very new to the whole back-up power solution for power outages. I came across this Firman at Costco and thought it would me our needs. Mainly concerned about our 3 fridges/1 freezer and a few other items like TV/space heater. Looks like this T07573 will do the trick and we can also take it with us on camping trips in our trailer. I think I found your additional items. Perhaps if you made some affiliate links with all the products you purchased/used would be helpful. I think I found them all. Working on completing my research but your video was a great help. Cheers
I try not to apply links to products as I am not sponsered by anyone, though I will provide the manufacturer. Everything comes out of my pocket so my experience with a product will be the same as yours. I do extensive research before parting my money on a product so misses on my end are limited and most of my reviews end up being positive. For the price at Costco, similar items at other big box stores are more expensive and not being tri-fuel. As for camping, though this generator is not super loud at 70+db at 20feet, at a public campsite it still will be loud. I will look into a solar generator with a portable folding solar panel. Latest generations have plenty of power and will be silent. You will be happy with the Firman.
The tape is not necessary for a tapered gas fitting, but it is provided more or less to make it easier to tighten and remove the fitting than to prevent leaks.
Fantastic job explaining everything! I’m just now unboxing mine after having it for 3 years. Surprisingly, the battery shows 12.77 volts. I’m going to put it on a charger anyway. Thanks for the advice.
They really should've just put a QD on the generator side like what Champion does. Can the flare fitting safely be reused over and over again without leaking? Or are you supposed to just leave that one end of the NG hose just screwed into the generator?
You could add a quick disconnect onto the generator, just make QD sure set up for ng/propane. You can leave hose connected permanently as you can hang the hose on the back with the velcro strap. You can reuse flare fitting, just be carefull when install/remove to not scratch or damage the mating surfaces. Here is one set up on Amazon www.amazon.com/ATKKE-Natural-Connect-Fittings-Disconnect/dp/B0D17GTTRS/ref=sxin_16_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.140400a7-1208-46ad-8d2a-eb6e8eac81b5%3Aamzn1.sym.140400a7-1208-46ad-8d2a-eb6e8eac81b5&cv_ct_cx=gas%2Bquick%2Bdisconnect&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Zq-sZUVeGqVEQhGXfWs0jvdEc8b6izx7km58Pb0a9ap1DrdqjZ6RK_EUWxMP6rMV_BuIfhtPo2XiJfMbOiEeTQ.iO_-XGtZt_rw50HVYO_iP0vpfOI1A5UWQF2KC11S6Bc&dib_tag=se&keywords=gas%2Bquick%2Bdisconnect&pd_rd_i=B0D17GTTRS&pd_rd_r=7f48fb27-323b-441d-8b54-0f86e14929eb&pd_rd_w=CyJh2&pd_rd_wg=iOi5X&pf_rd_p=140400a7-1208-46ad-8d2a-eb6e8eac81b5&pf_rd_r=W7VRW52QPC8H57MVBNVB&qid=1725906157&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sr=1-4-6024b2a3-78e4-4fed-8fed-e1613be3bcce-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&th=1
@@rossishima Is the flare fitting on the generator side removable and you can just screw in a QD or something? It looks like it is a part of the main regulator assembly.
@@YZRandomE It is part of the generator. Just use the amazon link or google search for similar. That is all that you would need. You will be mounting the QD permantly to the generator and the male end to the hose.
Thanks for the great video. I have a question. Firman states the natural gas pressure should be regulated to 0.25 to 0.40 PSI. Did others who installed the tri-fuel use a regulator? Where can a person find a regulator with that low PSI. Seems all the ones I see on Amazon are set for higher PSI values and non adjustable. I read a review from some unhappy soul that said his generator wouldn't start on Natural and the company told him he needed lower pressure. I am ready to connect mine and want to avoid any issues. Looking from wisdom. Thanks
I would not worry about it unless your house is an outlier. You have a natural gas regulator/meter outside the house. That meter steps down the high CF gas flow from the street to a CF that homes would use--typically 200-275cf. The Firman Tri Fuel uses around 100 CF at full load. As long as the outside gas meter allows more than 100CF, you are fine. Too low of CF to the generator means you have a faulty meter or your appliances are gobbling up all the avai CF from the meter; which will cut down on the generator total output. Anyhow, the normal residential gas psi delivered to house is 7'water column or .25psi.
Ross, does your tri fuel Firman have a regulator that would shut off gas flow should the engine stops running, maybe in the middle of the night, due to oil running low after continuous operation during a prolonged power outage?
Yes, per Firman there is a relay built in so should the engine shut down the relay closes flow. Same holds true for the propane. Its a safety thing. I kind of suspected it would be a vaccum diaphram type so when the engine shuts off, no more vaccum and the valve would close. So I contacted Firman, in short, there is a safety relay built in.
Have to go by the manufacturers specs as spark plug gap is pretty important for natural gas. Firman does not mention adjusting the gap differently. My generator works fine with whatever gap set from the factory.
I have a 4-ton (46,000 BTU) A/C unit. Installed is a Micro-Air EasyStart 368 (4-ton) Soft Starter on the outside unit. My A/C unit now uses has a Start Peak of 33 to 36 Amps. This allows the A/C compressor to start and run when using the generator.
I also installed a soft start on my A/C too. Works great. I did make sure I used the proper gage of wire running from my gen inlet plug for a 50 Amp cord and connector and big power cable. Wouldn't take a chance wiring for a 30 Amp setup. My entire home runs without problems even with Natural Gas hookup. All LED's in lighting fixtures, natural gas stove, water heater, furnace and dryer. I bought 2 Generators so I can swap them every day to give them a break and let me change the oil. I live in Barataria, La, south of New Orleans and when we lose power, sometimes it's for weeks. With 90 to 100 degree days you have to be able to run your A/C unit, dragging out window units just don't cut it. One of my clients at work is the repair guy for G-----c backup systems. he told me stay as far away from them as possible. After the time I spent two hours waiting in a line for gasoline for my old generator only to be told at the pump they were stopping sales for the day I had to get a tri fuel generator system. Best money I've spent. Soft Start is the way to go like you said.
In theory, with 4 ton (48,000btu) you must use generator with minimum 12,500 watt. This is I learned from HVAC technician. However, he does not recommend me to run central AC with portable one due to stability of electric from generator. Just use for windows AC or portable AC.
My unit is 4 ton, and the last start peak was 34.6A, and live current is 12.9A. My HVAC guy has the same soft starter on his A/C. I currently ran the generator for 40 hours during the hurricane here in Sugar Land, TX. I had to turn off the A/C if I wanted to use the toaster oven or coffee maker. And it was running on natural gas.
@@rwstarke I use an additional surge protector, line filter on me Fermin's. i have not experienced any damage to any electronics. Not related but I Evaced to Sugerland for Katrinaa from New Orleans, was there a week.
@@azogneworleans5899 My electronics such as TVs, computers, routers are connected to UPS's. Refrigerator and other devices are connected to APC surge protectors.
Really appreciate your generator review, we’re looking at purchasing a NG generator as well. I spoke with a tech today and he mentioned something about only drawing 85% of the running watts stated. Is that for wear and tear or for the breakers. I’m confused, lol
NG is less efficient than gasoline so the wattage output while using ng would be less than with using gasoline. So gasoline outputs7500 watts while ng outputs 5500 watts.
It's because when you approach the limit of many of these cheaper generators, they start to struggle. The engines bog down and the power becomes unstable which can damage sensitive electronics like TVs and computers, etc.
Hi! Who do I ask to install the NG setup you got going on in your house? Besides the hose, what hardware will be needed to connect the hose from the generator to the natural gas source?
A qualified local plumber will do it. When you buy the hose kit, it comes with the fittings. The fitting to the ng source is the quick disconnect--that is the one where you pull the collar back to attach.
I have the same setup. Don’t remove the original brass flared connection, it’s metric (smaller than a 1/4) and you won’t be able to find it locally. Definitely use the adapter.
@@rossishima yes i have a standard Sams Club grill currently on propane, but i would like to do the added gas line to use a generator on natural gas in case of emergency and when not; use it for grilling! thanks
As long as temps are up, there is no current draw. I go out with my bluetti everyother month and it charges to 100% in a couple of hours so there is very little battery drain.
In houston, i accident found in Facebook a licensed electric. He installed 50amp and outside outlet box. with parts $350. Last year 2023. I have same generator bought at Costco too. run natural gas. Same setup with you. Power whole house, Just use portable AC for emergency when power out. Not central AC. Happy
@@phuctran2396 Gota bargain in getting a licensed electrician for that price. Parts alone is around $100. Glad you are happy. I will be running window a/c also as on ng, this probably would not have enough for a central a/c even with soft start.
Calculating the wattages based on the soft start Amps @rwstarke mentioned, 4 ton AC start wattage needs ~8kw alone, which is way passing the NG limit, near the LPS limit. I have a 3 ton AC, wondering with NG can I use this generator. Looking forward to watching your @rossishima next video and seeing if your AC can start with NG!
Install a Micro Air Easy Start. My 3 ton unit works flawlessly and I have a natural gas line ran to my Gen. I have a 50 Amp hookup from my generator to my house. Does not even bog my Gen when A/C kicks in.
@@azogneworleans5899 what size is your hose (1/2”?) and how long is it? Or did you have a plumber run an underground line? I have the Firman Tri Fuel T09371 and have a need to run 25-35 feet of hose to get it away from the house but I worry the length and size of hose will not deliver enough natural gas to run my house and AC
@@Mosesmoses4545 I use a 50 foot hose. I run my entire house including my 2 year old central A/C. Put female Quick Connects on BOTH ends of the hose. The first start will take a while to bleed air from the hose but after that just pop off hose at gen and it keeps N/G in the hose and next start is almost instant. Do not store hose in living space. Make sure you check for leaks on the male quick connect fittings you put on gen. Must install Micro Air soft start.
DO NOT USE TEFLON TAPE ON THIS FITTING. 5:15 It is a flare fitting that requires no tape for a clean metal to metal seal. If you apply tape it can cause the threads to be too tight and you won't get a good seal on the flare, and you could even crack the fitting itself.
Window or central? If central, you are going to need an ez start or soft start attached to the outdoor unit. It slowly ramps up the power so as to not overload the generator.
Thanks for pointing this out for a regular gas connection. In a flare connection, the seal is done at the flare ends and not by the threads; so I believe Firman uses the tape to act as a lube to make attaching/detaching the connector easier and not as a seal. During an outage and the person is stressed out in the rain or cold, making it easier to connect is a bonus.
![Diagnosing Firman Costco/ Amazon Generator That Won't Start [3 Possibilities]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/7UPyecl-zDM/mqdefault.jpg)
Do not use Teflon tape or pipe sealant on any flare ends because you will not obtain a leak-free seal. Keep flare end of fitting free of grease, oil and thread sealant. Use a wrench only on the hex surfaces of the fittings. Using Teflon tape on flared fittings can prevent the metal to metal seal from working.
As a rule of thumb you are correct; but many plumbers still use teflon tape/dope on threads. I pointed out to leave exposed thread so no tape will go between the two mating surfaces. The seal is from the metal to metal contact and not the threads. The tape does not hinder a seal, a leak is because the connection is not tighten enough or if it is over tighten causing nut deformation. If the connection is torqued correctly, there will be no leaks; tape or no tape. Some argue the lubricating nature of the teflon tape may lead to overtighen. Just tighten til snug and check for leaks.
For a permant install, no need for the tape. For a temporary/short duration usage install like a generator, the tape probably used as more as anti seize lubricating the threads for easier on/off the hose. Also, the generator is outdoors in open air. Technically the fitting and hose should be a one time use. Replacing the hose everytime you hook up the generator is too costly. Just inspect the flare mating parts for any damage or scratches when removing the hose. Regardless, always check for leaks during install and periodically while running because of vibrations. I called Firman and they said ok to use the tape on the flare fitting.
I have this model. You don’t need any tape. Just a wrench
@rossishima Not only is tape not required on that type of fitting... tape SHOULD NOT BE USED on this type of fitting. It will actually make it harder to tighten and may prevent a seal. Someone could also damage and Crack the fittings of the tape is applied thick enough.
Do Not Use It.
The manual says that the engine charges the battery when you run it. I run mine 30 minutes every 3 months and my battery has never failed.
I'm super happy with my generator. Have over 250hr of run time with 2 different weather events that have occurred in Houston. I Connect my generator to my house power panel with a 50A plug.
Thats over 10 days, nice the generator was a life saver.
I have the T07571 tri-fuel. The 1/2" hose I bought had a 3/8" Female by 1/2" Male brass adapter to connect to the generator. It was too long (deep) on the female end and I had to sand it down so the flange in the adapter would seal against the LP gas fitting on the generator. The other end is a 1/2" male quick disconnect fitting which easily connects to the female fitting attached at the gas valve. Check the connections with soapy water.
Trying to line up the cable plug with the inlet at night? Take a marker or white-out and make a line on the plug & socket to line up the two before you twist it. Keep battery charged. Install emergency lights that come on when power goes out. Install them where you set up the generator and at the panel. Have an extra spark plug. Maintenance is easier when using natural gas to power the generator.
Good thoughts. Why I pointed out the Shinestar, because it works with the Firman. Some other brands people had issues with regarding quality, leaks, etc. The solar generator works perfect, I just go out every few weeks and plug in the float charger. Within a couple hours its on float mode so I disconnect the solar generator and bring it back into the house for other uses. The generator pulls around 7 watts from the solar generator. The lead acid battery holds it charge pretty good.
At 25 feet, this generator will run with a 3/8”
I ended up installing a MB Sturgis Propane Elbow Adapter at the generator 3/8" POL fitting. It is a 3/8" Female Flare Swivel x 3/8" Male Flare (Item # 204163) that I purchased from etrailer. Then I installed the 3/8" Female x 1/2" Male brass adapter there. Now it is easy to store the 1/2" NG hose on top of the tank while still being connected to the generator. I also helps avoid tripping over it.
Good idea, the 24 footer barely fits on the hose storage strap. Just have to cap the open end to keep critters out. Any issues with the swivel eventually leaking?
@@rossishima I have not had any problem with leaking as long as the elbow adapter is tightened with a wrench. It is not suppose to swivel when installed. Mine is pointing 45 degrees downward to the left.
I need to put it on my roof which has a stair access with a width of 51 cm. Given its weight of 212 pounds, lifting it up could be risky, so I'm considering removing the wheels and maybe dismount the unit in more manageable parts. Any suggestions ?
just approximate 29"L 20.5"w 24" H That said I would guess not going to work. You will have to remove the engine/generator and then hoist the frame up from the exterior to the roof.
@@rossishima Thanks, i will try that and let you know
Great video. I am about to do a natural gas hook up. My generator has been a lifesaver already for a few times when we got an outage for more than a week here in northern Illinois due to a wind storm. I ran my generator for a week non stop except to fuel up and change oil. It ran very well. I hooked my battery to a tender and it is 5 years old now and still works like new.
Thank you for the insight...we are looking at different generators and I'm very new to the whole back-up power solution for power outages. I came across this Firman at Costco and thought it would me our needs. Mainly concerned about our 3 fridges/1 freezer and a few other items like TV/space heater. Looks like this T07573 will do the trick and we can also take it with us on camping trips in our trailer. I think I found your additional items. Perhaps if you made some affiliate links with all the products you purchased/used would be helpful. I think I found them all. Working on completing my research but your video was a great help. Cheers
I try not to apply links to products as I am not sponsered by anyone, though I will provide the manufacturer. Everything comes out of my pocket so my experience with a product will be the same as yours. I do extensive research before parting my money on a product so misses on my end are limited and most of my reviews end up being positive. For the price at Costco, similar items at other big box stores are more expensive and not being tri-fuel. As for camping, though this generator is not super loud at 70+db at 20feet, at a public campsite it still will be loud. I will look into a solar generator with a portable folding solar panel. Latest generations have plenty of power and will be silent. You will be happy with the Firman.
I never used that teflon tape on mine and I use natural gas too. No leaks. Not sure if it is really necessary. I disconnect my hose after each use.
The tape is not necessary for a tapered gas fitting, but it is provided more or less to make it easier to tighten and remove the fitting than to prevent leaks.
Fantastic job explaining everything! I’m just now unboxing mine after having it for 3 years. Surprisingly, the battery shows 12.77 volts. I’m going to put it on a charger anyway. Thanks for the advice.
They really should've just put a QD on the generator side like what Champion does. Can the flare fitting safely be reused over and over again without leaking? Or are you supposed to just leave that one end of the NG hose just screwed into the generator?
You could add a quick disconnect onto the generator, just make QD sure set up for ng/propane. You can leave hose connected permanently as you can hang the hose on the back with the velcro strap. You can reuse flare fitting, just be carefull when install/remove to not scratch or damage the mating surfaces. Here is one set up on Amazon www.amazon.com/ATKKE-Natural-Connect-Fittings-Disconnect/dp/B0D17GTTRS/ref=sxin_16_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.140400a7-1208-46ad-8d2a-eb6e8eac81b5%3Aamzn1.sym.140400a7-1208-46ad-8d2a-eb6e8eac81b5&cv_ct_cx=gas%2Bquick%2Bdisconnect&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Zq-sZUVeGqVEQhGXfWs0jvdEc8b6izx7km58Pb0a9ap1DrdqjZ6RK_EUWxMP6rMV_BuIfhtPo2XiJfMbOiEeTQ.iO_-XGtZt_rw50HVYO_iP0vpfOI1A5UWQF2KC11S6Bc&dib_tag=se&keywords=gas%2Bquick%2Bdisconnect&pd_rd_i=B0D17GTTRS&pd_rd_r=7f48fb27-323b-441d-8b54-0f86e14929eb&pd_rd_w=CyJh2&pd_rd_wg=iOi5X&pf_rd_p=140400a7-1208-46ad-8d2a-eb6e8eac81b5&pf_rd_r=W7VRW52QPC8H57MVBNVB&qid=1725906157&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sr=1-4-6024b2a3-78e4-4fed-8fed-e1613be3bcce-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&th=1
@@rossishima
Is the flare fitting on the generator side removable and you can just screw in a QD or something? It looks like it is a part of the main regulator assembly.
@@YZRandomE It is part of the generator. Just use the amazon link or google search for similar. That is all that you would need. You will be mounting the QD permantly to the generator and the male end to the hose.
I'm curious if the gas bib from your house has a shutoff valve?
I have a shutoff valve inside.
What are the dimensions of the FIRMAN T07573 without the wheels ?
Thanks for the great video. I have a question. Firman states the natural gas pressure should be regulated to 0.25 to 0.40 PSI. Did others who installed the tri-fuel use a regulator? Where can a person find a regulator with that low PSI. Seems all the ones I see on Amazon are set for higher PSI values and non adjustable. I read a review from some unhappy soul that said his generator wouldn't start on Natural and the company told him he needed lower pressure. I am ready to connect mine and want to avoid any issues. Looking from wisdom. Thanks
I would not worry about it unless your house is an outlier. You have a natural gas regulator/meter outside the house. That meter steps down the high CF gas flow from the street to a CF that homes would use--typically 200-275cf. The Firman Tri Fuel uses around 100 CF at full load. As long as the outside gas meter allows more than 100CF, you are fine. Too low of CF to the generator means you have a faulty meter or your appliances are gobbling up all the avai CF from the meter; which will cut down on the generator total output. Anyhow, the normal residential gas psi delivered to house is 7'water column or .25psi.
@@rossishima Thanks for that info. I really appreciate it!
Ross, does your tri fuel Firman have a regulator that would shut off gas flow should the engine stops running, maybe in the middle of the night, due to oil running low after continuous operation during a prolonged power outage?
Yes, per Firman there is a relay built in so should the engine shut down the relay closes flow. Same holds true for the propane. Its a safety thing. I kind of suspected it would be a vaccum diaphram type so when the engine shuts off, no more vaccum and the valve would close. So I contacted Firman, in short, there is a safety relay built in.
When we got a stimulus check first thing was a big generator and then food, nothing but prep stuff 😮😊
Now we are kinda prepared for at least 3/4 weeks
Costco caught up and now they sell it for $999.99. For that price get a bigger one or one with lower THD from someone else.
it is probably less at the store. online prices include shipping.
Do you recommend a wider spark plug gap when running on natural gas?
Have to go by the manufacturers specs as spark plug gap is pretty important for natural gas. Firman does not mention adjusting the gap differently. My generator works fine with whatever gap set from the factory.
Link for the long NG hose?
Search Amazon for Shinestar generator hose. Choose your lenghth
I have a 4-ton (46,000 BTU) A/C unit. Installed is a Micro-Air EasyStart 368 (4-ton) Soft Starter on the outside unit. My A/C unit now uses has a Start Peak of 33 to 36 Amps. This allows the A/C compressor to start and run when using the generator.
I also installed a soft start on my A/C too. Works great. I did make sure I used the proper gage of wire running from my gen inlet plug for a 50 Amp cord and connector and big power cable. Wouldn't take a chance wiring for a 30 Amp setup. My entire home runs without problems even with Natural Gas hookup. All LED's in lighting fixtures, natural gas stove, water heater, furnace and dryer. I bought 2 Generators so I can swap them every day to give them a break and let me change the oil. I live in Barataria, La, south of New Orleans and when we lose power, sometimes it's for weeks. With 90 to 100 degree days you have to be able to run your A/C unit, dragging out window units just don't cut it. One of my clients at work is the repair guy for G-----c backup systems. he told me stay as far away from them as possible. After the time I spent two hours waiting in a line for gasoline for my old generator only to be told at the pump they were stopping sales for the day I had to get a tri fuel generator system. Best money I've spent. Soft Start is the way to go like you said.
In theory, with 4 ton (48,000btu) you must use generator with minimum 12,500 watt. This is I learned from HVAC technician. However, he does not recommend me to run central AC with portable one due to stability of electric from generator. Just use for windows AC or portable AC.
My unit is 4 ton, and the last start peak was 34.6A, and live current is 12.9A. My HVAC guy has the same soft starter on his A/C. I currently ran the generator for 40 hours during the hurricane here in Sugar Land, TX. I had to turn off the A/C if I wanted to use the toaster oven or coffee maker. And it was running on natural gas.
@@rwstarke I use an additional surge protector, line filter on me Fermin's. i have not experienced any damage to any electronics. Not related but I Evaced to Sugerland for Katrinaa from New Orleans, was there a week.
@@azogneworleans5899 My electronics such as TVs, computers, routers are connected to UPS's. Refrigerator and other devices are connected to APC surge protectors.
Really appreciate your generator review, we’re looking at purchasing a NG generator as well.
I spoke with a tech today and he mentioned something about only drawing 85% of the running watts stated.
Is that for wear and tear or for the breakers. I’m confused, lol
NG is less efficient than gasoline so the wattage output while using ng would be less than with using gasoline. So gasoline outputs7500 watts while ng outputs 5500 watts.
It's because when you approach the limit of many of these cheaper generators, they start to struggle. The engines bog down and the power becomes unstable which can damage sensitive electronics like TVs and computers, etc.
Hi! Who do I ask to install the NG setup you got going on in your house? Besides the hose, what hardware will be needed to connect the hose from the generator to the natural gas source?
A qualified local plumber will do it. When you buy the hose kit, it comes with the fittings. The fitting to the ng source is the quick disconnect--that is the one where you pull the collar back to attach.
@@rossishimawhat size diameter hose is recommended?
@@aarongarza6733 1/2 inch inner diameter hose. Make sure you get 1/2 inch male flare to 3/8 inch female flare adapter
@@rossishima thanks
I absolutely love mine I'll be in my travel trailer blasting my air conditioner for a solid 4-5hrs on a can of propane but man this thing is LOUD!!!!
Great job explaining everything! Purchased mine a while ago and this one makes me feel a lot more comfortable and confident in using it. Thanks !
I have the same setup. Don’t remove the original brass flared connection, it’s metric (smaller than a 1/4) and you won’t be able to find it locally. Definitely use the adapter.
can this same line be used for a grill?
Yes, it is a regular ng gas line; not a specialty line. As long as it is a standard grill it should work, if not, you will need adapter fitting.
@@rossishima yes i have a standard Sams Club grill currently on propane, but i would like to do the added gas line to use a generator on natural gas in case of emergency and when not; use it for grilling! thanks
@@moctezumacuauhtemoc8470 Ok. You have to convert your propane gas grill to ng. They have kits for this. mainly swapping out the fuel jets.
Had my battery in the shed for over 11 months, it cranked right up after the 3rd try.
As long as temps are up, there is no current draw. I go out with my bluetti everyother month and it charges to 100% in a couple of hours so there is very little battery drain.
Fantastic detailed insights, thank you
Did you put the interlock kit at all?
Not yet, I purchased the interlock and 30A inlet box.
In houston, i accident found in Facebook a licensed electric. He installed 50amp and outside outlet box. with parts $350. Last year 2023. I have same generator bought at Costco too. run natural gas. Same setup with you. Power whole house, Just use portable AC for emergency when power out. Not central AC. Happy
@@phuctran2396 Gota bargain in getting a licensed electrician for that price. Parts alone is around $100. Glad you are happy. I will be running window a/c also as on ng, this probably would not have enough for a central a/c even with soft start.
Calculating the wattages based on the soft start Amps @rwstarke mentioned, 4 ton AC start wattage needs ~8kw alone, which is way passing the NG limit, near the LPS limit. I have a 3 ton AC, wondering with NG can I use this generator. Looking forward to watching your @rossishima next video and seeing if your AC can start with NG!
Install a Micro Air Easy Start. My 3 ton unit works flawlessly and I have a natural gas line ran to my Gen. I have a 50 Amp hookup from my generator to my house. Does not even bog my Gen when A/C kicks in.
@@azogneworleans5899 what size is your hose (1/2”?) and how long is it? Or did you have a plumber run an underground line? I have the Firman Tri Fuel T09371 and have a need to run 25-35 feet of hose to get it away from the house but I worry the length and size of hose will not deliver enough natural gas to run my house and AC
@@Mosesmoses4545 I use a 50 foot hose. I run my entire house including my 2 year old central A/C. Put female Quick Connects on BOTH ends of the hose. The first start will take a while to bleed air from the hose but after that just pop off hose at gen and it keeps N/G in the hose and next start is almost instant. Do not store hose in living space. Make sure you check for leaks on the male quick connect fittings you put on gen. Must install Micro Air soft start.
I have firman generators 7500W. Testing running smoothly
Great video. Thanks so much! Btw how long is your gas line?
24ft
DO NOT USE TEFLON TAPE ON THIS FITTING. 5:15 It is a flare fitting that requires no tape for a clean metal to metal seal.
If you apply tape it can cause the threads to be too tight and you won't get a good seal on the flare, and you could even crack the fitting itself.
Having trouble powering on my AC
Window or central? If central, you are going to need an ez start or soft start attached to the outdoor unit. It slowly ramps up the power so as to not overload the generator.
Great video. I wouldn’t of listen to Furman. You’re talking about 2 quarts of oil like 10 bucks. Change it after five or 10 hours don’t go 25!
You better rust proof that natural gas outlet pipe!
Oil is inexpensive. I drained it after 1 hour of running.
I agree and again at 5 hours and every 24 hours after that, can’t afford other generators 😊
@@philliphall5198100 hours on that Firman
I agree I run it 12 hours and change the oil and fuel it up
Wrong teflon tape. That's made for water connection...no rating for LPG or NG. Get the correct yellow tape if you must use it.
Thanks for pointing this out for a regular gas connection. In a flare connection, the seal is done at the flare ends and not by the threads; so I believe Firman uses the tape to act as a lube to make attaching/detaching the connector easier and not as a seal. During an outage and the person is stressed out in the rain or cold, making it easier to connect is a bonus.
Thanks for the info. I’ve looking into a Tri fuel for a while and this seems like an economical and useless alternative to generac.