A good and informative video. I might mention that the unit has a THD > 11% so I'm thinking of adding a UPS unit in front of the computers and TV to avoid damage to sensitive electronic devices. The noise level is > 72db which is like a loud lawnmower. The petrol mode is messy and has a lot of fumes and spillage. The LP and NG modes, as shown, are the best, cleanest and safest modes. A shallow wide funnel helps. They make a three-sided metal /insulated shroud which I used to cover the unit but I didn't find any appreciable noise reduction. Since I don't have NG to my house, I definitely will opt for two 5-gallon propane tanks with the "T" fitting. I had my unit inside a large metal gazebo on a brick patio. I positioned a pedestal fan to the left side which dispersed the exhaust fumes away. Also, there is a 50 Amp connector with four 120 VAC at 20 Amp combination receptacles with circuit breakers built in. (I may have dozed off momentarily when Mr. Aaron showed that connector.)
Great information! I keep a Kill A Watt meter plugged in while I use the generator to monitor the voltage but I do not have anything to monitor the wave pattern a.co/d/iiI1Hvc
That interlock is the lowest cost option - big advantage. However, you have no way of knowing when grid power returns unless you have some way of monitoring or some indication that grid power has returned especially in the daytime. A transfer switch is more expensive but gives the option of keeping some circuits connected to the grid without having to turn off the any breakers. Cost/benefit plays in these options.
I have thought about adding a switch with a light or tone connected to the main in the panel that can be switched on while on generator power to show when line power is restored. Right now we have the DTE app which sends us a text message when power is restored as long as we report the outrage
I have the same model. The 50A circuit has a 31A circuit breaker. I installed 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. I leave my 1/2" NG hose connected to the generator and coil the hose on top of the generator.
I am trying to find a way to keep the generator outside maybe in a small portable storage shed. We only lose power about twice a year so it has not been a major issue yet. Thanks for the information.
hey so what if you are out of power for a few days when do you add oil or change the oil?? every 8 hrs or so. and do you have to shut the entire generator off I know its a silly ?
This generators first oil change is recommended after the FIRST 24 hours of operation. After the first oil change it is recommended to replace the oil every 100 hours of operation. The generator must be shut down to perform the oil change and they hold about a quart of oil. Here is a helpful link firmanpowerequipment.com/blogs/news/storm-preparedness-have-your-firman-ready
Are you referring to a whole house generator that has an automatic transfer switch? I did not want to spend the $7000. I was quoted for just the equipment so I took the Costco unit instead, but it requires me to hook it all up. But it was also only about $1200 investment.
@@jakemir we have the auto transfer switch... and the generator is fueled by natural gas. We've had it since 2014.. so I can't tell you a "today" price.
Is you gas line going to the generator 1” or 1/2”? My generator exactly like your wont run my 3 ton ac even with a soft starter installed. What thick is your natural gas hose?
Gas line is 1/2 black iron pipe reduced to 15ft 3/8 flex hose to the generator with model number listed in the video description and a 3 ton condenser with a soft start
@@jakemirnice video. I just picked one up today and now over thinking if it’s big enough, debating to return or keep it. I also have a 3 ton unit without a soft star. Did you ever try it without the soft star to see if it works? My goal is to run the ac and fridge with natural gas.
I have used my air conditioner, and it works without a problem with the soft start. The only thing I cannot run in my entire house is my electric stove. The generator will completely bogged down if I even turn on the smallest burner on the electric stove. But it runs my air conditioner just fine as long as it has a soft start installed. A hard start kit will not work with a generator, but the soft start kit works perfect.
I added some links to the description in the video. The main breaker has a generator interlock that can be purchased at Home Depot. The air conditioner has a surestart soft start system installed, and it allows the air conditioner run with the generator because it soft starts at lower amp draw.. The only thing I cannot do is use my electric stove. Electric stoves draw too much amperage.
Yes by far. Only about $8.00 per day. Propane is $20 for about four hours and gasoline is about $24 for 8 gallons and 8 hours. Propane provides the most watts, then gasoline, and the lowest watts is with natural gas
@@jakemir Thanks for the info Jake, I’m trying to learn about generator power as we had hurricane Helene come through our area, something that has never happened before.
The extra gas and electric cord is for getting generator as far from the house /windows/vents/ac unit as possible... so carbon monoxide does not get in the house. ☠️
6:01 I have the same adapter to play music from my iPhone! 🤣
A good and informative video. I might mention that the unit has a THD > 11% so I'm thinking of adding a UPS unit in front of the computers and TV to avoid damage to sensitive electronic devices. The noise level is > 72db which is like a loud lawnmower. The petrol mode is messy and has a lot of fumes and spillage. The LP and NG modes, as shown, are the best, cleanest and safest modes. A shallow wide funnel helps. They make a three-sided metal /insulated shroud which I used to cover the unit but I didn't find any appreciable noise reduction.
Since I don't have NG to my house, I definitely will opt for two 5-gallon propane tanks with the "T" fitting.
I had my unit inside a large metal gazebo on a brick patio. I positioned a pedestal fan to the left side which dispersed the exhaust fumes away. Also, there is a 50 Amp connector with four 120 VAC at 20 Amp combination receptacles with circuit breakers built in. (I may have dozed off momentarily when Mr. Aaron showed that connector.)
Great information! I keep a Kill A Watt meter plugged in while I use the generator to monitor the voltage but I do not have anything to monitor the wave pattern
a.co/d/iiI1Hvc
Good video! I suggest shoes whenever you’re dealing with electrical anything. Electricity is unforgiving.
That interlock is the lowest cost option - big advantage. However, you have no way of knowing when grid power returns unless you have some way of monitoring or some indication that grid power has returned especially in the daytime. A transfer switch is more expensive but gives the option of keeping some circuits connected to the grid without having to turn off the any breakers. Cost/benefit plays in these options.
I have thought about adding a switch with a light or tone connected to the main in the panel that can be switched on while on generator power to show when line power is restored. Right now we have the DTE app which sends us a text message when power is restored as long as we report the outrage
I look at neighbors home to see when the power is back on
@@Asidebar It's good to have neighbors who don't prepare for power outages.
I have the same model. The 50A circuit has a 31A circuit breaker. I installed 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. I leave my 1/2" NG hose connected to the generator and coil the hose on top of the generator.
I am trying to find a way to keep the generator outside maybe in a small portable storage shed. We only lose power about twice a year so it has not been a major issue yet. Thanks for the information.
@@jakemir lots of videos out there for doing that.
great video dude. Thanks
Thank you !
hey so what if you are out of power for a few days when do you add oil or change the oil?? every 8 hrs or so. and do you have to shut the entire generator off I know its a silly ?
This generators first oil change is recommended after the FIRST 24 hours of operation. After the first oil change it is recommended to replace the oil every 100 hours of operation. The generator must be shut down to perform the oil change and they hold about a quart of oil. Here is a helpful link
firmanpowerequipment.com/blogs/news/storm-preparedness-have-your-firman-ready
We have the save one. Just remember to turn off the battery switch after you are done
Is there a battery switch? I have just been disconnecting the battery.
@@jakemir I left it in the on position and the battery drained.
Do you recommend a wider spark plug gap when running on natural gas?
No adjustments are required and I have only run this unit on propane and natural gas
We have a standby generator that stays hooked up....... When you can generate power, an outage becomes more of an inconvenience than a problem.
Are you referring to a whole house generator that has an automatic transfer switch? I did not want to spend the $7000. I was quoted for just the equipment so I took the Costco unit instead, but it requires me to hook it all up. But it was also only about $1200 investment.
@@jakemir we have the auto transfer switch... and the generator is fueled by natural gas. We've had it since 2014.. so I can't tell you a "today" price.
@@DeadKoby could you share what auto transfer switch you have? it seems most are made for specific brands.
Is you gas line going to the generator 1” or 1/2”?
My generator exactly like your wont run my 3 ton ac even with a soft starter installed. What thick is your natural gas hose?
Just a 1/2 inch line. It runs the AC fine but will not run the electric stove. I cannot turn on one burner or I hear the generator dying
@@jakemir how big is your ac? Gas line is 1/2”? And natural gas HOSE plugged into generator also 1/2”?
Gas line is 1/2 black iron pipe reduced to 15ft 3/8 flex hose to the generator with model number listed in the video description and a 3 ton condenser with a soft start
@@jakemirnice video. I just picked one up today and now over thinking if it’s big enough, debating to return or keep it. I also have a 3 ton unit without a soft star. Did you ever try it without the soft star to see if it works? My goal is to run the ac and fridge with natural gas.
I have used my air conditioner, and it works without a problem with the soft start. The only thing I cannot run in my entire house is my electric stove. The generator will completely bogged down if I even turn on the smallest burner on the electric stove. But it runs my air conditioner just fine as long as it has a soft start installed. A hard start kit will not work with a generator, but the soft start kit works perfect.
Can you run your AC with this setup? What is this called, the main breaker for the generator in the panel, the metal breaker sheild?
I added some links to the description in the video. The main breaker has a generator interlock that can be purchased at Home Depot. The air conditioner has a surestart soft start system installed, and it allows the air conditioner run with the generator because it soft starts at lower amp draw.. The only thing I cannot do is use my electric stove. Electric stoves draw too much amperage.
Interesting, is natural gas the least expensive way to power a generator?
Yes by far. Only about $8.00 per day. Propane is $20 for about four hours and gasoline is about $24 for 8 gallons and 8 hours. Propane provides the most watts, then gasoline, and the lowest watts is with natural gas
@@jakemir Thanks for the info Jake, I’m trying to learn about generator power as we had hurricane Helene come through our area, something that has never happened before.
The extra gas and electric cord is for getting generator as far from the house /windows/vents/ac unit as possible... so carbon monoxide does not get in the house. ☠️
can't hear a word you're saying...voice over, or re-do...
Sorry, I don’t spend too much time editing videos. I am just trying to share an inexpensive way to run a whole house generator on a budget.
I can hear it without any problem