For the BEST deal on a *Honda EU2200i with free shipping to your door click here* amzn.to/3kfGnBp To purchase the *current version of the 4 circuit switch panel* shown in the video click here amzn.to/2DDGXb8
Did you install the xfer panel yourself? My electrician is apprehensive to install the 120v version. I have a 120v Champion dual fuel 3400w unit being delivered this week, and I will be doing this setup, one way or the other. I found the version of this switch with a 30 A input (6-breaker) and will use it to take advantage of the available power. Just curious if you had push back from an electrician, or if this is just a Florida issue...
@J Lee as you remarked that your generator died, I have a couple of questions if you don't mind. First, what is the make/model of your generator? Second, what do you mean "died"? Did it seize up? Did it overheat? This is helpful info for those of us who may have to run a generator for a while (hopefully not to the extent that you did though). I live in Florida, and I hope I do not have to use mine for an extended period, but....hurricanes. I am trying to increase the life of this unit. I broke it in as suggested and am now using Royal Purple 30W synthetic (on the first oil change). I plan to change the oil every 50 hours or so. I think the key is to give them a break, change the oil, and don't overload them [including allowing plenty of air flow around them. I put a small fan on the unit's intake if it is hot]. I have a similar set up as Silver Cymbal as far as the panel goes. I have the 120V Pro/Tran2 6-circuit panel with a custom connector (50A TT). I can run dang near my whole house on this generator, obviously without the 240V units (A/C, Dryer, Pool pump, etc., as the genset is a 120V unit). I have a gas water heater and range, so that helps with current draw. Additionally, all of my lighting is LED, so I can run all that I need and still be comfortably under 50% capacity. I run the refrigerator, nearly all of the lights in my 1700 sq. ft home, the range, ceiling fans, box fans, the microwave, toasters, coffee pots, etc. Note that of all these mentioned, the microwave pulls the most (right at 1,000 W), and that is only used for short duration cooking needs. Heating elements, as you implied, pull a fair bit of power also, and if you are taxing your generator for hours on end, continually for months, I would imagine it would test your genset significantly. I don't know if yours comes with an ECO mode (such as with my set up), but I imagine that this will help immensely. Just curious, did you replace the unit?
In 2022, this inspired me to install the new Reliance Controls version as a backup to my Generlink, whole house transfer switch. I use this 4 circuit switch as an easy way to hook up my solar generator, which I can keep inside near the transfer switch, keeping me dry and fume free if there's inclement weather out! I can also use a much smaller, 2000 watt generator as well, if the large generator fails, or if I need to save on gas during a prolonged outage. I love the versatility that having both systems allows me.
I've got the same setup and it works great. We can run lights, ceiling fans, refrigerator, internet, computers from this small generator and a 120v transfer switch that I installed myself. Thanks for the video!
@@ChillAndOutTheWay The HONDA eu2200i generators runs about8 hours on a tank of gas which is little less than 1 gallon. I have that set up. I only ru my eu2200i for 8 to 12 hours then shut it down to cool for an hour. I have other generators I run when one generator is cooling.
I run 12/2 Romex under the door, plugged into an EU2000. (weather stripping allows it) Use extension cords to distribute power, offers flexibility. The Tankless on-demand boiler is the top priority. Lights, TV, fridge, recliners, computers, microwave. I need to juggle load when nuking food. I run the cords along the wall. Works for me.
I installed the same transfer switch. My Honda EU2000i can power the refrigerator, a small room AC, and two light circuits during a Florida hurricane power outage. I already had the generator for my camper, and adding the transfer switch and extension cord were cheap, easy, and safe. It’s a great approach at low cost.
Is there an extension cord with a standard three prong plug for my small generator and on the other in four prong female plug to use 2 to or 4 circuit breakers on a 10th circuit manual transfer switch? I’m not finding the small 4 circuit manual transfer switch for outdoors in stock.
One more testimonial here. I recently installed a 6-circuit, 120V transfer switch at our 2700 ft2 house in Texas. The one Honda EU2200i is enough to run 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, living room, family room, fridge, and gas furnace. We have lights, Internet, cold food, airflow, and heat in the Winter, which is a lot of bang for the buck, compared to a $12k whole house generator. There are simple solutions for adding AC capability later if desired, such as a portable AC unit, or adding an Interlock to the breaker panel and getting a larger (e.g. 7500W) Home Depot type generator that are relatively cheap.
You're right about the a/c issue. I bought a window a/c unit solely to be used for outages as you describe. I also have the same transfer switch, along with two EU2200's to use in parallel if needed. One usually does the trick, however, if we're careful.
Wow this is the awesomeness, electricity RULES , please, can this be done in an apartment, I'm thinking no , I have a breaker box in the bedroom, washer and dryer connections and water heaters on balcony in storage. Everytime a generac commercial comes on, I wish for the day the commercial says , now Apartments... All I care about is AC , Plan on buying smallest 500btu AC unit at walmart to put in my window, Been searching all type generators. But can a Switch panel be put in my apartment. ... thank you
When trying to figure out what generator size I needed to cover refrigerator, lights, and a possible portable AC, I got at least 4500 watt. I am amazed that your 2200 watt generator actually done a lot more than I wanted! I also didn't know how to deal the connecting cord, I don't like it block the door or window. Did you hire an electrician to install the switch panel? How much does it usually cost in Houston area?
@@qingfangg8311 I did hire an electrician, it was around $700 but I would expect that to vary quite a bit if you got different quotes. We have an older house but when we moved in I replaced all the lights with LED so that really helps. It does not consume very much watts just to have the lights on. I went to my circuit panel and I planned very carefully which circuits to include and told the electrician exactly what I wanted.
@@elitebicycleracers Thanks a lot for your quick response! Replacing the house electricity switch panel is expensive. We did it several years ago before selling a small, old house and paid about $1500.
I wrote an article on a power company website about 20 years ago about using a small emergency generator based on the idea of conserving gas to about 5 gallons per week. In an emergency there is no need to be powering everything at once nor for more than a few hours per day. Fuel rapidly can be in short supply if the power outage is wide spread. Today there are a few more options in small dual fuel generators or inverters. Unfortunately, gas with ethanol must be stabilized to be kept longer than a few months and propane with a longer shelf life doesn't put out quite as much power and requires larger tanks to store. Sadly, I know many people installing very expensive large whole house systems that require a large fuel supply that may quickly run out or be disconnected. There are many things to consider and people have different needs but it is always wise to plan based on conserving fuel to meet your minimum electrical requirements for as long as possible.
@@Lauterbach24 Sorry but that was a long time ago and a few things have changed. Inverters are cheaper and there is merit in a solar panel system with a good battery for storage with an inexpensive 110 setup. But the jist of my article then was to only run your smaller generator a couple hours a day or less and use indoor/outdoor thermometers for your refrigerator and freezer so you know when the power is actually needed and not waste gas. Also use a couple 50 foot heavy duty extension cords so you can power two items at once or connect them together for something up to 100 feet away since the generator must remain outside. You can buy cheap(
Excellent and refreshing to see someone else who has the option of using a "smaller efficient inverter setup" .. I recently had a 13 hour outage and barely used over one tank of fuel with my quiet GP2200i .. yet, I had a comfortable time powering fridge, small freezer .. all electronics and even an occasional 600 watt mini microwave and a 900 watt induction hotplate .. a couple of floor lamps for house lighting, flat panel tv and dvd player .. we had a wonderful "movie night" off grid and almost forgot we were on generator power .. all with 2000 watts or less via a 10 gauge cord split to three 12 gauge in the house. The only time I ran eco-off mode was when I did hook-up allowing fridge and freezer to start and settle down .. the rest of the eve was on eco mode which seemed to handle all appliances smoothly as they occasionally cycled.
If you have a built-in refrigerator, this is about the only way to go (I installed a plug in the compressor area of my built-in fridge, but when the power went out, I had to remove a panel to plug it in - kind of a pain. Also had extension cords running into the house so couldn’t lock the doors if I had to leave). A 4-circuit transfer switch (outdoor rated version - it has a front cover as my main panel is on the exterior of the house) took care of the problem as you described.
Very good video. One thing that I do is to stop the generator by closing the fuel valve off and allow it to use up all of the fuel in the carburetor bowl. It will stumble a bit after a minute, then stop. That way if you store it for months and even years, it will start right up the next time you turn on the fuel.
This works on more than just generators. I installed a fuel shutoff valve in the line on my snowblower which I turn off and let it run out when I'm done using it. Starts on the first or second pull no matter how cold it is out!
that's good advice for any small engine from generators to lawnmowers, pressure washers, weed eaters, etc. gasoline will set up gunk, gum, and crud in the tank, lines, and carburetor making starting hard or impossible. run them dry every time and you won't have these starting and running problems after they've set for a long time unused.it works for me.
Just so you are aware, almost all Honda style carburetors have fuel bowl drains on the bottom of the carburetor. If you just shut off the fuel valve, it will still leave a substantial amount of fuel in the carburetor bowl. You still have to drain the carburetor bowl if you really want to remove all the fuel from the carb. THEN after the bowl is 100% empty, put the choke on and give it 5-10 pulls. This will suck any residual fuel out of the small carb passages.
You can also wire a 240v transfer panel, which appear to be more common, to be a 120v transfer panel. You need to replace the inlet plug with either a 5-20 or a 5-15 input and then wire the hot wire from generator input (black) to both leg inputs on the transfer panel(red and black). Need to remove the bonding on any bonded breakers or switches. I have the Reliance transfer panel and I power six 120v branch lines with it during a power outage
This is the right way to do it. I just have a bunch of extension cords to my primary circuits for our generator when we lose power. Sump pump, heat, and convenience into the kitchen.
see the honda generator forum hondagenerator.groups.io we cover all makes and models of generators. but the honda eu series is the best in class period. also we cover parallel and natural gas and propane conversion too.
Old thread here but I had an electrician install a ten circuit Reliant transfer panel similar to this one. Instead of a small gas generator I have an EcoFlow battery powered generator.
Congratulations for making 100K subscribers!!! This is my first visit to your channel and this video is right on the mark for me. I’m building a small cabin in the woods and want to have some power outlets inside. At some point I’ll get utility electric but for now my two eu2000’s will keep things going just fine.
I started watching you when I got in to lawn care, but I really like how you give solutions to all sorts of problems around the house. Excellent work! I purchased the EU2200i based on a video you did and it hasn’t failed to deliver. I also winterized my sprinkler system following your instructions. Seriously, you’re in my top 5 TH-cam rotation (unless it’s kids shows, of course!)
I live in a mobile home park and we have no power to our mobile home. Its just our home the rest if the park is fine. They just cant figure out of the problem is the wiring in our place or if its the meter or something in between. Just got a generator from a friend to borrow we thought it would be just enough for us to at least have our fridge plugged into it. But Im thinking we will be able to do a bit more so thanks for this video all your videos have been really informative and never leave me feeling like an idiot. Thanks again
Sorry you are having power issues, that can be super frustrating. I made an updated version of this video too showing a battery type generator but I show the transfer switch a bit more and that may be helpful and works with a gas generator too. th-cam.com/video/_-fc2gb1kmA/w-d-xo.html
great job. ben doing this for many years. The biggest danger is back feeding power grid. That's why transfer switch . They do make grid tie inverters and generators and will show this. With adding small breaker box you can use small gen on larger transfer switch. biggest thing is you do not have to run everything at once!
i feed both legs with the eu2000 AS LONG AS every 220 breakers are off. In my case is only a well pump and a clothes dryer. You only have 2kw to play with but at least it will light up both sides of the panel to energize the whole house. . again its imperative open any/all 220 breakers.. or make an interlock for them too. down side to 2kw is no water well is available .. unless you have a water storage tank, 12v pump to back feed plumbing thru a spigot .. (that is my work around for not having a larger gen) i custom made my interlock plate out of old street signs.
Many comments about lack of gas in power outage area. You people may want to convert Gen to propane. I’ve got 100# tank of LP as backup. LP never goes bad. Carb doesn’t get gummed up from gas sitting. One note, burning LP will not produce the wattage like gas. Our camper AC can be powered by the Honda 2200i on gas, but not LP.
Silver Cymbal - This was a helpful video. You inspired me to buy a Pro/Tran2 transfer panel. I had my main panel upgraded from a 100A service to a 200A and had this sub-panel installed at the same time. I have tested it twice now, and works fantastic. This is a great help as I live in the Tampa Bay area of Florida (think hurricanes/ tropical storms, etc.) Some specifics: I have a little larger generator that has a 30A TT connector. The genset is a 3400W Dual Fuel Champion (propane/gas). The xfer panel is the 120V Pro/Tran2 6-circuit unit with watt meters. I had the electrician custom install a 50A TT connector on the xfer panel, as I have a 50A service on my fifth wheel camper and can use the same power cable. This set up allows me to run the six circuits I selected, which is the bulk of what I need; I am more that pleased! It's easy and convenient. Thanks for your inspiration, and great job with your video.
In California they a whole house natural gas or propane generator. I have heard stories where people will start a lawn mower and while it's running they will steal the generator. People have to hunt down gasoline for their generator and if the power is out in an area service stations will be closed too.
simple minded presentation for a complex situation. OK, buy the switch box. Not much more to offer. No explanation about how to install the switch box - the heart of the matter.
My house is wired for a 7k genset 220 v works great,,however from amazon an adaptor plugs into my eu2200 that uses the same power cord as my big genset. It supplies 110 to the main circuit breaker box however it splits 110 to both sides in the panel. This allows me to use all the circuits in the transfer switch, not all at once however. It will run at least two fridges at a time plus tv/sat system. For quick power when thinking it will be a short power outage it is great
I have similar setup but with one 240 breaker. I wonder if the split would work for that circuit.y suspicion is it might work as the 240 is connect to an extension of the house and downstream devices are all 120volt only. True 240v devices even works will likely overload the generator anyway.
Thanks for posting this, very informative. I've done a similar thing, except I have my 2000 watt inverter generator connected to a 10 circuit transfer switch to power up to 10 circuits. I use a 110 to 220 adapter to connect into the outside plug. If I need more power, I connect a parallel cord to a second 2000 watt generator for double the output.
Very cool sounds like a nice setup. We lose power a lot over the winter so I spend time every year to be prepared but it pays off whenever we have along outage like last year. 5 days straight!
Our house is already wired with an outside 4-prong plug that I plug our 7500 watt Honeywell open frame (read: noisy) gen into. It'll just about run anything in the whole house. I also have a Honda EU2200i, but in order to use it I'd have to have the box depicted above set up. Not sure it's worth the added expense since I'm already set up with the Honeywell 7500w. But good to know.
You might use the Honda as the plan B in case the Honeywell stop working by just run extension cords from Honda, with the limitations that fixtures and any 240v circuits won't work.
Very nice video, for anyone having a electrician leery about doing this is probably the wrong electrician for this job. The transfer panel should come with instructions to help with the install. Make EXTRA nice with ALL of the trades people, you might need their help AGAIN in life.
That would be good info for those that dont know how these work.... They are full proof and you do not need to worry about back feeding the breaker box. You dont need to switch off any other breakers , or even switch off the main breaker. These mini box transfer switches are pretty cool and very safe for "electrically dumb" people to use.
Running your small generator outside unsecured is a problem. It can be easily unplugged and taken. Chain it down or run it in the garage and vent the exhaust properly.
I agree, I am pretty remote where I live but generator theft is a big deal. Happens at night and its gone before you realize it. You might not be able to see it but I have a steel lag on my foundation that I still chain it too when using it overnight for that reason. Great point and advice!
Great American Culture Tanks this so inportend In South Africa also even not test thats gone all over the world is crime Youf have a brithing idee the best chain them Thanks
Robert Post I agree. However if vented properly it would be fine to operate a generator inside a garage. There are also precautions that must be taken. Such as securing chemicals away from the generator, etc. Even isolating the generator in its own sound reducing forced air box, constructed with fire resistant materials is a good idea. Reducing the sound decibels of the generator will limit exposure to unwanted visitors. Also giving you the ability to hear sounds that may be otherwise drowned out by a loud generator. Done right it would be the best option.
Great American Culture I am an electrician in central Florida and have had to rewire several houses after they have burned down because people thought it was a good idea to run there generator inside a closed in area if there house. I always tell people when installing generator transfers if they are in an area where it is easily accessed to either keep it in the back yard behind there fence or like you said chain it to something but never run it in a closed in garage.
Amanda Simmons one of the best things I did was install a whole house generator here in northern NE. They are 3-5 thousand dollars installed. You don’t have to buy one that does everything in your house. Just the major things like heat and refrigerator etc. 8kw at my house does it all except the bedrooms. I sleep in the dark so I don’t need power there. When the power is out people drive by slowly wondering how we have power and cable etc. Just FYI. Check it out.
The only thing I wish Honda would have done with the new 2200i is put a digital display on the front of the unit. Like, fuel gauge, hour meter, and output meter.
Silver Cymbal I just ordered a 2200 from the local farm and fleet. They are running a sale so I should get $100 back in gift cards. So I can’t complain. Will pick it up tomorrow 👌👌
edit: Hey Silver Cymbal (or anyone else in the know) I have a question for you at the bottom. I had to endure four power shutoffs last month due to the insane wind and resulting fires that broke out here in Northern California. I bought the eu2200i, and was very impressed with how much it could handle. I ran a refrigerator, several (LED) light bulbs, two TVs, a satellite dish and associated boxes, along with modem and router for when the internet was working. We were also able to charge our phones, laptops, etc. My wife was even able to dry her hair and run an espresso maker (we unplugged the refrigerator while she did this just to be safe) and the generator only made a chuga chuga noise when the espresso maker was pressurizing. I was also impressed with how little gas this thing uses. I was having to refill the single gallon tank every nine hours or so. The only downside was the cluster of extension cords run all throughout my house. I think you answered this in another question, but I want to be sure before considering purchasing the switch: The generator is only putting out a single 15amp line to the 4-switch transfer box. I would likely be putting one 20amp circuit onto one of the switches, and three 15 amp circuits on the other three. Don't I risk overloading the single 15 amp circuit coming from the generator? I mean, I would be careful and would unplug the fridge when using other high-drain devices, but isn't this a lot of amperage to cram into a single 15 amp circuit coming from the generator? Also, what about using the second outlet on the generator while powering this four way switch, would this second outlet pull from the same single 15-amp circuit, or would it be considered a separate 15 amp circuit altogether? I've been watching a lot of your videos, they're very well done, thank you!
Thank you. They cover this in the manual for the switch I list in the description. Most 20 amp circuits never draw the full 20 amp. One example is my heat it is on a 20 amp on the main breaker but how then do I do it on the transfer switch. That is because this switch is 15amp. You will never overload it because it will trip at 15amp before the 20amp. If you check their materials this explains more about it but this is common. Gentran may also have more info on their site.
@@SilverCymbal Awesome! The switch seems like a great purchase then. Do you know if the second 15 amp outlet on the Honda is a second dedicated circuit? I bought a single EZgen switch, and was thinking of connecting it to the lights upstairs, which is on a separate sub panel. Thanks again for all your info.
There are a damn sight better ways to spend $2600, than on 2 tiny generators. Hell, you could buy 2 Predator 9000w generators from harbor freight AND STILL have a grand left over for the switch panel install.
If you have a bigger generator that has a 30amp plug you might want to look into doing an inlet with an interlock system. I just did it to my house here in GA weeks before a storm came through and knocked out power. With my 6500 watt generator my family didnt realize that the power went out because 90% of the things we use were still on.
I have a Ai 2300 can I install it in my transfer switch and on use it for the fridge, two floor fans and if necessary one room lighted ? Please answer and thank you very much.
The 120-volt transfer switch panel is giving you access to four 15 amp switches. The room that houses my computers is 20 amp and my refrigerator is 20 amp. You must be powering a small refrigerator.
13 gauge at 50ft might be a little stretch at peak output nut should handle.normal load. It is better to put a 15Amp breaker on generator is 20AMP so 10 gauge should be safer. If cable is shorter than 50 feet, 10 gauge might be overkill.
Thanks for the good video and clear explanations! Just one recommendation still: Please strictly avoid to switch _too fast_ between grid/line and the generator on a single of the circuits, as you have shown especially at 3:20 for switching circuit A back to the line. Cause: Too small drop of voltage and (possibly) reverse on the phase (line and generator aren't synced!) may result in harm and damage to sensitive equipment, for instance computers with their HDDs. Its better to switch them off the power for at least five seconds before switching onto the other rail/bus.
The way I do this on a 6-circuit transfer switch is I switch them all OFF in order, then go back and flip them from OFF to Generator (or OFF to Line) in the same order. That sort of guarantees a decent pause for each circuit.
@@elitebicycleracers Hi Alan. Yepp, good hint! My topic was related to extremely _slow timing_ on purpose. For sensitive equipment its better to have it five til ten seconds away from being powered (before switching it on to the other rail). Its just a note regarding the video. Some people are able to switch over very fast to the other rail possibly thinking they are doing any good to their equipment. (A small anecdote: I've a big mackie mixing console with modern switching power supply. Once i take it from the grid, i'm not able to switch it on without leaving a pause for - at least - two or three minutes. Otherwise it trips the fuse. Sure, this is a very special case, where this big power supply needs astonishing amount of time to return to its "null state" with its caps empty. Especially computer equipment with harddisks is sensitive too for such cases.)
HI and thnks. You need to create a video of how TO CONNECT THAT GENTRAN box, to the house breaker panel, as 505 booker asks.....thanks too much....i presume, the cord from this Gentran box, goes to the white/and or ground, and black side of panel box......green to ground.....only one 'leg' of the 240 street supply. red of 240 not used...
i use a honda 2000 as well. here's how I get around powering the entire house. The well pump and clothes dryer are the only 220 loads. i leave these off and locked out. the genny back feeds into both legs via an outdoor 50 amp recep. the interlock must open the main before the outside recep will close. locking out the 220 appliances, the entire house essentially becomes live as both legs became the same. all lighting is led. water pressure comes from a 50 gal storage tank and a 12v pump with accumulator and pressure switch. this gives the house limited pressure water. the water heater is on demand propane and can still operate with honda 2000. i can run for weeks on very little fuel and noise. for me, i do not need a 6000 watt gas guzzling non inverter gen . its quiet and efferent . pressure water via 12v and we're golden.
toobglued I have a quiet Predator 3500 120V generator that I would like to back feed into my house during power outages. I know I would need to get an interlock, and install an inlet box. My generator has a three prong twist type connector. How do you connect your 120v gen to the 50 amp recep.?
toobglued I can’t find info on others using a smaller 120v generator to back feed a house electrical panel without using a more expensive transfer switch. I just want to turn on a limited amount of selected circuits, like fridges, wall outlets for tv and internet, and lights.
First time buying a generator. I have an older home that doesn’t have that option on my breaker box so can it be plugged in straight to a refrigerator with a correct extension cord?
I had an electrician tell me that my 2200i was a waste of time and should not be used to power 4 circuits due to only 9 amps max being available for the circuits I wanted to power (a refrigerator, a freezer and a couple of lights). The specs for the 2200i say 18 amps max. So , I’m kinda confused. I’ve seen plenty of people who use small generators in this manner. What’s the scoop?
I like the transfer switch I was thinking about getting a bluetti ac200p to power the entire house (essentials) with a switch like this. I'm not into gas generators and would like the switch inside like this
. i backfeed mine thru washing machine outlet. storm tomorrw. i run heat, fridge, extra outlet from honda 2000 generator. hot plug. make sure connected before starting gen along with main off and other switches. flip necessary switches after (heat, kitchen). undo by turnging off generator then pull plug. reversing all switches. then main last
I've been trying to learn about neutral bonding and where it should be. I'm sure your generator has a floating neutral and the inner panel isn't supposed to be bonded to ground. Where is the neutral bond in your setup?
see the honda generator forum hondagenerator.groups.io we cover all makes and models of generators. but the honda eu series is the best in class period. also we cover parallel and natural gas and propane conversion too.
Michael the transfer switch will not allow the power to go back to the grid. In the video he shows the transfer switch has a line, Gen, and off position. That keeps it from going back to the grid.
Just a note , this 2200 watt gen is good for 13 amps, so electric heat would not be doable, gas furnace only... most small portable electric heater’s are 1000watts or more...
Is the transfer switch wire with #12 or #14? Asking because I am curious if it can handle a single 20 amp circuit (fridge) along side three 15 amp lighting circuits.
They are #12 and what they do is wire them for 20 amp capable but the breaker is 15 amp. Their feeling is that the circuit almost never draw 20 amp and in my experience it has been fine for me. When you are in the regular street power mode you use your regular 20amp breaker.
Silver cymbal, if I'm running my generator connected to my transfer switch while only running my air conditioning unit , is it o.k. to use the eco throttle? Oh by the way, the generator would be reading 3300 rpm .
Technically almost all generators say they can not be run in the rain.. I try to put them under an overhang but sometimes you can't. You to have to use your own judgement and follow the manual and make your own decision.
Is there an extension cord with a standard three prong plug for my small generator and on the other in four prong female plug to use 2 to or 4 circuit breakers on a 10th circuit manual transfer switch? I’m not finding the small 4 circuit manual transfer switch for outdoors in stock. I have both a small and medium generator.
I did find it on Amazon. Decided to go with a 15 amp inlet outside wired to its own dedicated outlet inside the house. This gets me generator power closer to refrigerator and living room; without having to use 75 feet extension cord to reach the same area. Thanks for responding.
@@Mykal2k8 Before I installed my transfer switch, I installed the Reliance WKPBN30 through-the-wall kit. This sounds similar to what you're describing. Glad you found something.
Question, most inverter generators use a modified sine wave (60 volts on neutral, 60volts hot), if you tie it to your panel that has the neutral and ground tied together it will blow out your inverter. What kind of magic did your electrician do to get around this? Is the neutral and ground not tied together in the box?
Hi, a single phase house has an L1 and an L2, each being 120V. If you had 2 generators (the little suitcase inverter types), is there a way to power up the main panel, with L1 being fed from one generator, and L2 being fed from the other generator? Keep in mind they'd be sharing the neutral in this case. The 2 generators would need to be kept synchronized 180 degrees out of phase. Is there a way to set up such a system?
Any reason the Honda eu2200i couldn't be used with a heavy duty extension cord (without the transfer box) to power a refrigerator by itself in an emergency situation?
I’m not an electrician and may be wrong but if you hook up power while switches are in line position are you not backfeeding through the grid? Seems to me switches should be in off position before power is hooked up.
No they are called break before make switches which means they have a disconnect position in the middle so that can't happen. This is the only legal way to do a hookup like this that is safe. Interlocks are fine too but that's a different way entirely.
You don't say how many amps your fridges are, what horsepower your furnace motor is, or what you'd like to plug into your kitchen and living room outlets, but it is very unlikely that it will power the average hardwired 1/2 hp furnace motor AND two fridges at the same time, unless the fridges are quite small. I have two EU2200's and in parallel they will run my 1/2 hp furnace, my fridge, ceiling fans, outlets, without difficulty.
You would be surprised what a small generator can power! I have a 6500/7500 generator that I plug into a generator outlet and I power my entire house minus HVAC unit. That includes my hot water heater. If I want to power the HVAC as well I can get a 12kw portable generator for like $1200 and that will take care of everything. Whole house generators are great but are extremely expensive!! I can't justify the $10,000 that it would cost end to end to get one installed.
see the honda generator forum hondagenerator.groups.io we cover all makes and models of generators. but the honda eu series is the best in class period. also we cover parallel and natural gas and propane conversion too.
Kind of confusing don't you think? I mean when you went back to the generator is was still on OFF position. Was that intentional? I don't know the instructions seem a bit "A guess" to me.
That "off" you were referring to on the generator is the idle control switch. Its an inverter generator, it will idle down really low when the power use is low. When more power is needed, the engine accelerates and increases in speed, which makes more power. You can turn the idle control off if you want it to just run fast all the time, which is how he is running it in this video.
Yes that is correct but you can run a cord, I did that for 10+ years before I put the outlet outside. Some transfer switches have the outlet right on the switch to save running that plug.
For the BEST deal on a *Honda EU2200i with free shipping to your door click here* amzn.to/3kfGnBp To purchase the *current version of the 4 circuit switch panel* shown in the video click here amzn.to/2DDGXb8
How quickly would you burn through fuel if operating off that generator?
Did you install the xfer panel yourself? My electrician is apprehensive to install the 120v version. I have a 120v Champion dual fuel 3400w unit being delivered this week, and I will be doing this setup, one way or the other. I found the version of this switch with a 30 A input (6-breaker) and will use it to take advantage of the available power. Just curious if you had push back from an electrician, or if this is just a Florida issue...
@J Lee as you remarked that your generator died, I have a couple of questions if you don't mind. First, what is the make/model of your generator? Second, what do you mean "died"? Did it seize up? Did it overheat? This is helpful info for those of us who may have to run a generator for a while (hopefully not to the extent that you did though).
I live in Florida, and I hope I do not have to use mine for an extended period, but....hurricanes. I am trying to increase the life of this unit. I broke it in as suggested and am now using Royal Purple 30W synthetic (on the first oil change). I plan to change the oil every 50 hours or so. I think the key is to give them a break, change the oil, and don't overload them [including allowing plenty of air flow around them. I put a small fan on the unit's intake if it is hot].
I have a similar set up as Silver Cymbal as far as the panel goes. I have the 120V Pro/Tran2 6-circuit panel with a custom connector (50A TT). I can run dang near my whole house on this generator, obviously without the 240V units (A/C, Dryer, Pool pump, etc., as the genset is a 120V unit). I have a gas water heater and range, so that helps with current draw. Additionally, all of my lighting is LED, so I can run all that I need and still be comfortably under 50% capacity. I run the refrigerator, nearly all of the lights in my 1700 sq. ft home, the range, ceiling fans, box fans, the microwave, toasters, coffee pots, etc. Note that of all these mentioned, the microwave pulls the most (right at 1,000 W), and that is only used for short duration cooking needs. Heating elements, as you implied, pull a fair bit of power also, and if you are taxing your generator for hours on end, continually for months, I would imagine it would test your genset significantly. I don't know if yours comes with an ECO mode (such as with my set up), but I imagine that this will help immensely.
Just curious, did you replace the unit?
Where I can buy the cord ? Exactly that one Thx
@@omarr7825 Right here amzn.to/2DDGXb8
In 2022, this inspired me to install the new Reliance Controls version as a backup to my Generlink, whole house transfer switch. I use this 4 circuit switch as an easy way to hook up my solar generator, which I can keep inside near the transfer switch, keeping me dry and fume free if there's inclement weather out! I can also use a much smaller, 2000 watt generator as well, if the large generator fails, or if I need to save on gas during a prolonged outage. I love the versatility that having both systems allows me.
I've got the same setup and it works great. We can run lights, ceiling fans, refrigerator, internet, computers from this small generator and a 120v transfer switch that I installed myself. Thanks for the video!
Thats very cool. A little time getting prepared pays off big when you have an extended outage. Thank you for the kind comment!
Hi David, how long did you run your generator? We may need to run it during the night for the fans... Thank you.
How does it run before needing more gas?
@@ChillAndOutTheWay The HONDA eu2200i generators runs about8 hours on a tank of gas which is little less than 1 gallon. I have that set up. I only ru my eu2200i for 8 to 12 hours then shut it down to cool for an hour. I have other generators I run when one generator is cooling.
I run 12/2 Romex under the door, plugged into an EU2000. (weather stripping allows it) Use extension cords to distribute power, offers flexibility. The Tankless on-demand boiler is the top priority. Lights, TV, fridge, recliners, computers, microwave. I need to juggle load when nuking food. I run the cords along the wall.
Works for me.
I installed the same transfer switch. My Honda EU2000i can power the refrigerator, a small room AC, and two light circuits during a Florida hurricane power outage. I already had the generator for my camper, and adding the transfer switch and extension cord were cheap, easy, and safe. It’s a great approach at low cost.
Is there an extension cord with a standard three prong plug for my small generator and on the other in four prong female plug to use 2 to or 4 circuit breakers on a 10th circuit manual transfer switch? I’m not finding the small 4 circuit manual transfer switch for outdoors in stock.
One more testimonial here. I recently installed a 6-circuit, 120V transfer switch at our 2700 ft2 house in Texas. The one Honda EU2200i is enough to run 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, living room, family room, fridge, and gas furnace. We have lights, Internet, cold food, airflow, and heat in the Winter, which is a lot of bang for the buck, compared to a $12k whole house generator. There are simple solutions for adding AC capability later if desired, such as a portable AC unit, or adding an Interlock to the breaker panel and getting a larger (e.g. 7500W) Home Depot type generator that are relatively cheap.
You're right about the a/c issue. I bought a window a/c unit solely to be used for outages as you describe. I also have the same transfer switch, along with two EU2200's to use in parallel if needed. One usually does the trick, however, if we're careful.
Wow this is the awesomeness, electricity RULES , please, can this be done in an apartment, I'm thinking no , I have a breaker box in the bedroom, washer and dryer connections and water heaters on balcony in storage. Everytime a generac commercial comes on, I wish for the day the commercial says , now Apartments... All I care about is AC , Plan on buying smallest 500btu AC unit at walmart to put in my window, Been searching all type generators. But can a Switch panel be put in my apartment. ... thank you
When trying to figure out what generator size I needed to cover refrigerator, lights, and a possible portable AC, I got at least 4500 watt. I am amazed that your 2200 watt generator actually done a lot more than I wanted! I also didn't know how to deal the connecting cord, I don't like it block the door or window. Did you hire an electrician to install the switch panel? How much does it usually cost in Houston area?
@@qingfangg8311 I did hire an electrician, it was around $700 but I would expect that to vary quite a bit if you got different quotes. We have an older house but when we moved in I replaced all the lights with LED so that really helps. It does not consume very much watts just to have the lights on. I went to my circuit panel and I planned very carefully which circuits to include and told the electrician exactly what I wanted.
@@elitebicycleracers Thanks a lot for your quick response! Replacing the house electricity switch panel is expensive. We did it several years ago before selling a small, old house and paid about $1500.
I wrote an article on a power company website about 20 years ago about using a small emergency generator based on the idea of conserving gas to about 5 gallons per week. In an emergency there is no need to be powering everything at once nor for more than a few hours per day. Fuel rapidly can be in short supply if the power outage is wide spread. Today there are a few more options in small dual fuel generators or inverters. Unfortunately, gas with ethanol must be stabilized to be kept longer than a few months and propane with a longer shelf life doesn't put out quite as much power and requires larger tanks to store. Sadly, I know many people installing very expensive large whole house systems that require a large fuel supply that may quickly run out or be disconnected. There are many things to consider and people have different needs but it is always wise to plan based on conserving fuel to meet your minimum electrical requirements for as long as possible.
Do you have a link or directions on how to access your article?
@@Lauterbach24 Sorry but that was a long time ago and a few things have changed. Inverters are cheaper and there is merit in a solar panel system with a good battery for storage with an inexpensive 110 setup. But the jist of my article then was to only run your smaller generator a couple hours a day or less and use indoor/outdoor thermometers for your refrigerator and freezer so you know when the power is actually needed and not waste gas. Also use a couple 50 foot heavy duty extension cords so you can power two items at once or connect them together for something up to 100 feet away since the generator must remain outside. You can buy cheap(
You're welcome.
Excellent and refreshing to see someone else who has the option of using a "smaller efficient inverter setup" .. I recently had a 13 hour outage and barely used over one tank of fuel with my quiet GP2200i .. yet, I had a comfortable time powering fridge, small freezer .. all electronics and even an occasional 600 watt mini microwave and a 900 watt induction hotplate .. a couple of floor lamps for house lighting, flat panel tv and dvd player .. we had a wonderful "movie night" off grid and almost forgot we were on generator power .. all with 2000 watts or less via a 10 gauge cord split to three 12 gauge in the house. The only time I ran eco-off mode was when I did hook-up allowing fridge and freezer to start and settle down .. the rest of the eve was on eco mode which seemed to handle all appliances smoothly as they occasionally cycled.
Yes there is no need to run everything at same time.
If you have a built-in refrigerator, this is about the only way to go (I installed a plug in the compressor area of my built-in fridge, but when the power went out, I had to remove a panel to plug it in - kind of a pain. Also had extension cords running into the house so couldn’t lock the doors if I had to leave). A 4-circuit transfer switch (outdoor rated version - it has a front cover as my main panel is on the exterior of the house) took care of the problem as you described.
Very good video. One thing that I do is to stop the generator by closing the fuel valve off and allow it to use up all of the fuel in the carburetor bowl. It will stumble a bit after a minute, then stop. That way if you store it for months and even years, it will start right up the next time you turn on the fuel.
Good tip. I'd go one step further, when you hear it stumble move the choke to 1/2 way, it will use up even more fuel in the carb
And Stabil, Stabil, Stabil.
This works on more than just generators. I installed a fuel shutoff valve in the line on my snowblower which I turn off and let it run out when I'm done using it. Starts on the first or second pull no matter how cold it is out!
that's good advice for any small engine from generators to lawnmowers, pressure washers, weed eaters, etc. gasoline will set up gunk, gum, and crud in the tank, lines, and carburetor making starting hard or impossible. run them dry every time and you won't have these starting and running problems after they've set for a long time unused.it works for me.
Just so you are aware, almost all Honda style carburetors have fuel bowl drains on the bottom of the carburetor. If you just shut off the fuel valve, it will still leave a substantial amount of fuel in the carburetor bowl. You still have to drain the carburetor bowl if you really want to remove all the fuel from the carb. THEN after the bowl is 100% empty, put the choke on and give it 5-10 pulls. This will suck any residual fuel out of the small carb passages.
You can also wire a 240v transfer panel, which appear to be more common, to be a 120v transfer panel. You need to replace the inlet plug with either a 5-20 or a 5-15 input and then wire the hot wire from generator input (black) to both leg inputs on the transfer panel(red and black). Need to remove the bonding on any bonded breakers or switches. I have the Reliance transfer panel and I power six 120v branch lines with it during a power outage
This is my favorite channel. When you see a guy wearing that kind of shoes, you know it's serious business
This is the right way to do it. I just have a bunch of extension cords to my primary circuits for our generator when we lose power. Sump pump, heat, and convenience into the kitchen.
see the honda generator forum hondagenerator.groups.io
we cover all makes and models of generators. but the honda eu series is the best in class period.
also we cover parallel and natural gas and propane conversion too.
Old thread here but I had an electrician install a ten circuit Reliant transfer panel similar to this one. Instead of a small gas generator I have an EcoFlow battery powered generator.
Congratulations for making 100K subscribers!!! This is my first visit to your channel and this video is right on the mark for me. I’m building a small cabin in the woods and want to have some power outlets inside. At some point I’ll get utility electric but for now my two eu2000’s will keep things going just fine.
I really appreciate that so much! Thank you
I started watching you when I got in to lawn care, but I really like how you give solutions to all sorts of problems around the house. Excellent work!
I purchased the EU2200i based on a video you did and it hasn’t failed to deliver. I also winterized my sprinkler system following your instructions.
Seriously, you’re in my top 5 TH-cam rotation (unless it’s kids shows, of course!)
Thank you so much I really appreciate that and that the videos have been helpful. The Eu2200i is a great generator, you will love it. Thanks again!
I live in a mobile home park and we have no power to our mobile home. Its just our home the rest if the park is fine. They just cant figure out of the problem is the wiring in our place or if its the meter or something in between. Just got a generator from a friend to borrow we thought it would be just enough for us to at least have our fridge plugged into it. But Im thinking we will be able to do a bit more so thanks for this video all your videos have been really informative and never leave me feeling like an idiot. Thanks again
Sorry you are having power issues, that can be super frustrating. I made an updated version of this video too showing a battery type generator but I show the transfer switch a bit more and that may be helpful and works with a gas generator too. th-cam.com/video/_-fc2gb1kmA/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for teaching me how to use a generator to power a house. I learned a valuable lesson. 🍻
great job. ben doing this for many years. The biggest danger is back feeding power grid. That's why transfer switch . They do make grid tie inverters and generators and will show this. With adding small breaker box you can use small gen on larger transfer switch. biggest thing is you do not have to run everything at once!
i feed both legs with the eu2000 AS LONG AS every 220 breakers are off. In my case is only a well pump and a clothes dryer.
You only have 2kw to play with but at least it will light up both sides of the panel to energize the whole house. . again its imperative open any/all 220 breakers.. or make an interlock for them too. down side to 2kw is no water well is available .. unless you have a water storage tank, 12v pump to back feed plumbing thru a spigot .. (that is my work around for not having a larger gen) i custom made my interlock plate out of old street signs.
Many comments about lack of gas in power outage area. You people may want to convert Gen to propane. I’ve got 100# tank of LP as backup. LP never goes bad. Carb doesn’t get gummed up from gas sitting.
One note, burning LP will not produce the wattage like gas. Our camper AC can be powered by the Honda 2200i on gas, but not LP.
Silver Cymbal - This was a helpful video. You inspired me to buy a Pro/Tran2 transfer panel. I had my main panel upgraded from a 100A service to a 200A and had this sub-panel installed at the same time. I have tested it twice now, and works fantastic. This is a great help as I live in the Tampa Bay area of Florida (think hurricanes/ tropical storms, etc.)
Some specifics: I have a little larger generator that has a 30A TT connector. The genset is a 3400W Dual Fuel Champion (propane/gas). The xfer panel is the 120V Pro/Tran2 6-circuit unit with watt meters. I had the electrician custom install a 50A TT connector on the xfer panel, as I have a 50A service on my fifth wheel camper and can use the same power cable. This set up allows me to run the six circuits I selected, which is the bulk of what I need; I am more that pleased! It's easy and convenient. Thanks for your inspiration, and great job with your video.
In California they a whole house natural gas or propane generator. I have heard stories where people will start a lawn mower and while it's running they will steal the generator.
People have to hunt down gasoline for their generator and if the power is out in an area service stations will be closed too.
simple minded presentation for a complex situation. OK, buy the switch box. Not much more to offer. No explanation about how to install the switch box - the heart of the matter.
I usually find those that need to put their credentials in their name are a certain type and your comment has reinforced that.
My house is wired for a 7k genset 220 v works great,,however from amazon an adaptor plugs into my eu2200 that uses the same power cord as my big genset. It supplies 110 to the main circuit breaker box however it splits 110 to both sides in the panel. This allows me to use all the circuits in the transfer switch, not all at once however. It will run at least two fridges at a time plus tv/sat system. For quick power when thinking it will be a short power outage it is great
What is the adapter plugs that you have mentioned? Would you please mention its name? Then I can search for it. Thanks.
I have similar setup but with one 240 breaker. I wonder if the split would work for that circuit.y suspicion is it might work as the 240 is connect to an extension of the house and downstream devices are all 120volt only. True 240v devices even works will likely overload the generator anyway.
@@captainjayc9217 you need a 5-15 to L14-30 adapter. L14-30 side need to be female.
@@feng443 Thanks. I appreciate that.
Your doing it the right and safest way. 👍
Thanks for posting this, very informative. I've done a similar thing, except I have my 2000 watt inverter generator connected to a 10 circuit transfer switch to power up to 10 circuits. I use a 110 to 220 adapter to connect into the outside plug. If I need more power, I connect a parallel cord to a second 2000 watt generator for double the output.
Very cool sounds like a nice setup. We lose power a lot over the winter so I spend time every year to be prepared but it pays off whenever we have along outage like last year. 5 days straight!
Our house is already wired with an outside 4-prong plug that I plug our 7500 watt Honeywell open frame (read: noisy) gen into. It'll just about run anything in the whole house. I also have a Honda EU2200i, but in order to use it I'd have to have the box depicted above set up. Not sure it's worth the added expense since I'm already set up with the Honeywell 7500w. But good to know.
You might use the Honda as the plan B in case the Honeywell stop working by just run extension cords from Honda, with the limitations that fixtures and any 240v circuits won't work.
Very nice video, for anyone having a electrician leery about doing this is probably the wrong electrician for this job. The transfer panel should come with instructions to help with the install. Make EXTRA nice with ALL of the trades people, you might need their help AGAIN in life.
This is great. Now I just need to know how to tie this into my elec panel. Thanks
It would be cool if you showed us how to hook up the gentran to the house ? I think that's what some of us are having issues with
Thanks a bunch for explaining this entire concept; bravo!
You should show how that box is wired to chose circuits and how you prevent back feed through the breaker box.
That would be good info for those that dont know how these work.... They are full proof and you do not need to worry about back feeding the breaker box. You dont need to switch off any other breakers , or even switch off the main breaker. These mini box transfer switches are pretty cool and very safe for "electrically dumb" people to use.
@@bubbatime thanks man. Glad their full proof for a fool like me.
There’s installation videos on here by Reliant for the panels they sell. It’s not a really difficult DIY but I had an electrician install mine.
Nice video but how is it connected to the main panel?
Running your small generator outside unsecured is a problem. It can be easily unplugged and taken. Chain it down or run it in the garage and vent the exhaust properly.
I agree, I am pretty remote where I live but generator theft is a big deal. Happens at night and its gone before you realize it. You might not be able to see it but I have a steel lag on my foundation that I still chain it too when using it overnight for that reason. Great point and advice!
Great American Culture
Tanks this so inportend
In South Africa also even not test thats gone all over the world is crime
Youf have a brithing idee the best chain them
Thanks
Never run a generator inside a closed in garage!
Robert Post I agree. However if vented properly it would be fine to operate a generator inside a garage. There are also precautions that must be taken. Such as securing chemicals away from the generator, etc. Even isolating the generator in its own sound reducing forced air box, constructed with fire resistant materials is a good idea. Reducing the sound decibels of the generator will limit exposure to unwanted visitors. Also giving you the ability to hear sounds that may be otherwise drowned out by a loud generator. Done right it would be the best option.
Great American Culture I am an electrician in central Florida and have had to rewire several houses after they have burned down because people thought it was a good idea to run there generator inside a closed in area if there house. I always tell people when installing generator transfers if they are in an area where it is easily accessed to either keep it in the back yard behind there fence or like you said chain it to something but never run it in a closed in garage.
I need to be sure about something, help me out. Do I start the generator with the ECO throttle at OFF and later change it to ON, correct?
Start it with eco off let it run for couple min till it warms up then eco mode
Thanks for the reply. This is what I thought but I needed to be sure.
I need to get something like this here in California since we keep getting our power cut.
Lol, I came here too because my power is currently out in Northern California
Amanda Simmons one of the best things I did was install a whole house generator here in northern NE. They are 3-5 thousand dollars installed. You don’t have to buy one that does everything in your house. Just the major things like heat and refrigerator etc. 8kw at my house does it all except the bedrooms. I sleep in the dark so I don’t need power there. When the power is out people drive by slowly wondering how we have power and cable etc. Just FYI. Check it out.
Us also here in Ranch Cucamonga Calif power outage
@@lissethgomez8594 thanks to the WIND
Pay the electricity bill then 😂
The only thing I wish Honda would have done with the new 2200i is put a digital display on the front of the unit. Like, fuel gauge, hour meter, and output meter.
That would be nice, the EU7000is has the gauge but it doesn't show fuel but everything else at least. Maybe the next time.
Silver Cymbal I just ordered a 2200 from the local farm and fleet. They are running a sale so I should get $100 back in gift cards. So I can’t complain. Will pick it up tomorrow 👌👌
edit: Hey Silver Cymbal (or anyone else in the know) I have a question for you at the bottom.
I had to endure four power shutoffs last month due to the insane wind and resulting fires that broke out here in Northern California. I bought the eu2200i, and was very impressed with how much it could handle. I ran a refrigerator, several (LED) light bulbs, two TVs, a satellite dish and associated boxes, along with modem and router for when the internet was working. We were also able to charge our phones, laptops, etc. My wife was even able to dry her hair and run an espresso maker (we unplugged the refrigerator while she did this just to be safe) and the generator only made a chuga chuga noise when the espresso maker was pressurizing. I was also impressed with how little gas this thing uses. I was having to refill the single gallon tank every nine hours or so.
The only downside was the cluster of extension cords run all throughout my house. I think you answered this in another question, but I want to be sure before considering purchasing the switch:
The generator is only putting out a single 15amp line to the 4-switch transfer box. I would likely be putting one 20amp circuit onto one of the switches, and three 15 amp circuits on the other three. Don't I risk overloading the single 15 amp circuit coming from the generator? I mean, I would be careful and would unplug the fridge when using other high-drain devices, but isn't this a lot of amperage to cram into a single 15 amp circuit coming from the generator? Also, what about using the second outlet on the generator while powering this four way switch, would this second outlet pull from the same single 15-amp circuit, or would it be considered a separate 15 amp circuit altogether? I've been watching a lot of your videos, they're very well done, thank you!
Thank you. They cover this in the manual for the switch I list in the description. Most 20 amp circuits never draw the full 20 amp. One example is my heat it is on a 20 amp on the main breaker but how then do I do it on the transfer switch. That is because this switch is 15amp. You will never overload it because it will trip at 15amp before the 20amp. If you check their materials this explains more about it but this is common. Gentran may also have more info on their site.
@@SilverCymbal Awesome! The switch seems like a great purchase then. Do you know if the second 15 amp outlet on the Honda is a second dedicated circuit? I bought a single EZgen switch, and was thinking of connecting it to the lights upstairs, which is on a separate sub panel. Thanks again for all your info.
Please provide more details about the panel for plugging in the Genny... like where to buy
amzn.to/2DDGXb8 click on other sellers to order
Amazon sells a ten circuit model I installed one at my house.
You can run two of those 2200i generators connected together to get 220 if needed and/or power a lot more than just *4 circuits*
There are a damn sight better ways to spend $2600, than on 2 tiny generators.
Hell, you could buy 2 Predator 9000w generators from harbor freight AND STILL have a grand left over for the switch panel install.
Wired together they only produce 120V power. They do not produce 220.
@@bubbatime *YOU* need to do some research
Loving that wrapping paper at 03:28.
Whoa! 🤯 Have my babies! 😂🤭🤓 Kidding, but seriously, this is genius! Now to find an electrician I may trust and afford to do this for me, yeah! 🙌🏻👏🏻👍🏻
If you have a bigger generator that has a 30amp plug you might want to look into doing an inlet with an interlock system. I just did it to my house here in GA weeks before a storm came through and knocked out power. With my 6500 watt generator my family didnt realize that the power went out because 90% of the things we use were still on.
I have a Ai 2300 can I install it in my transfer switch and on use it for the fridge, two floor fans and if necessary one room lighted ? Please answer and thank you very much.
Yes.
The 120-volt transfer switch panel is giving you access to four 15 amp switches. The room that houses my computers is 20 amp and my refrigerator is 20 amp. You must be powering a small refrigerator.
That looks like it might be a 12 gauge extension cord maybe. My 10 gauge cords are huge. Small garden hose in size and I buy good cords.
13 gauge at 50ft might be a little stretch at peak output nut should handle.normal load. It is better to put a 15Amp breaker on generator is 20AMP so 10 gauge should be safer. If cable is shorter than 50 feet, 10 gauge might be overkill.
Perfect lesson, thanks!
Excellent Video Brother
Does it work as well with the firman W3650i inverter?
Thanks for the good video and clear explanations!
Just one recommendation still: Please strictly avoid to switch _too fast_ between grid/line and the generator on a single of the circuits, as you have shown especially at 3:20 for switching circuit A back to the line. Cause: Too small drop of voltage and (possibly) reverse on the phase (line and generator aren't synced!) may result in harm and damage to sensitive equipment, for instance computers with their HDDs. Its better to switch them off the power for at least five seconds before switching onto the other rail/bus.
The way I do this on a 6-circuit transfer switch is I switch them all OFF in order, then go back and flip them from OFF to Generator (or OFF to Line) in the same order. That sort of guarantees a decent pause for each circuit.
@@elitebicycleracers Hi Alan. Yepp, good hint! My topic was related to extremely _slow timing_ on purpose. For sensitive equipment its better to have it five til ten seconds away from being powered (before switching it on to the other rail). Its just a note regarding the video. Some people are able to switch over very fast to the other rail possibly thinking they are doing any good to their equipment.
(A small anecdote: I've a big mackie mixing console with modern switching power supply. Once i take it from the grid, i'm not able to switch it on without leaving a pause for - at least - two or three minutes. Otherwise it trips the fuse. Sure, this is a very special case, where this big power supply needs astonishing amount of time to return to its "null state" with its caps empty. Especially computer equipment with harddisks is sensitive too for such cases.)
HI and thnks. You need to create a video of how TO CONNECT THAT GENTRAN box, to the house breaker panel, as 505 booker
asks.....thanks too much....i presume, the cord from this Gentran box, goes to the white/and or ground, and black side of panel box......green to ground.....only one 'leg' of the 240 street supply. red of 240 not used...
Perfect Video, very well explained and easy to understand. thanks
i use a honda 2000 as well. here's how I get around powering the entire house. The well pump and clothes dryer are the only 220 loads. i leave these off and locked out. the genny back feeds into both legs via an outdoor 50 amp recep. the interlock must open the main before the outside recep will close. locking out the 220 appliances, the entire house essentially becomes live as both legs became the same. all lighting is led. water pressure comes from a 50 gal storage tank and a 12v pump with accumulator and pressure switch. this gives the house limited pressure water. the water heater is on demand propane and can still operate with honda 2000. i can run for weeks on very little fuel and noise. for me, i do not need a 6000 watt gas guzzling non inverter gen . its quiet and efferent . pressure water via 12v and we're golden.
toobglued I have a quiet Predator 3500 120V generator that I would like to back feed into my house during power outages. I know I would need to get an interlock, and install an inlet box. My generator has a three prong twist type connector. How do you connect your 120v gen to the 50 amp recep.?
toobglued I can’t find info on others using a smaller 120v generator to back feed a house electrical panel without using a more expensive transfer switch. I just want to turn on a limited amount of selected circuits, like fridges, wall outlets for tv and internet, and lights.
First time buying a generator. I have an older home that doesn’t have that option on my breaker box so can it be plugged in straight to a refrigerator with a correct extension cord?
I had an electrician tell me that my 2200i was a waste of time and should not be used to power 4 circuits due to only 9 amps max being available for the circuits I wanted to power (a refrigerator, a freezer and a couple of lights). The specs for the 2200i say 18 amps max. So , I’m kinda confused. I’ve seen plenty of people who use small generators in this manner. What’s the scoop?
I like the transfer switch I was thinking about getting a bluetti ac200p to power the entire house (essentials) with a switch like this. I'm not into gas generators and would like the switch inside like this
. i backfeed mine thru washing machine outlet. storm tomorrw. i run heat, fridge, extra outlet from honda 2000 generator. hot plug. make sure connected before starting gen along with main off and other switches. flip necessary switches after (heat, kitchen). undo by turnging off generator then pull plug. reversing all switches. then main last
I've been trying to learn about neutral bonding and where it should be. I'm sure your generator has a floating neutral and the inner panel isn't supposed to be bonded to ground. Where is the neutral bond in your setup?
Thx u for the video! Do u have a video with a 30 amp switch panel connection for the parallel conection of two eu2200i or the eu7000i?
Any link to a video (or at least instructions) on how to install this small transfer switch? The message is very incomplete without it.
See the Amazon link for the Reliance Controls transfer switch. I installed one in my house. A great solution at low cost.
U should mention to shut off the generator and unplug the cord before switching to street power and only u can use it for light and fridge
Don’t you also have to flip the service disconnect off when back feeding like this so you don’t back feed the neighborhood and electrocute a lineman?
No you don't. These don't work like that are are 100% safe. You can't backfeed, each switch is essentially it's own service disconnect.
see the honda generator forum hondagenerator.groups.io
we cover all makes and models of generators. but the honda eu series is the best in class period.
also we cover parallel and natural gas and propane conversion too.
Michael the transfer switch will not allow the power to go back to the grid. In the video he shows the transfer switch has a line, Gen, and off position. That keeps it from going back to the grid.
Just a note , this 2200 watt gen is good for 13 amps, so electric heat would not be doable, gas furnace only... most small portable electric heater’s are 1000watts or more...
I see lots of refrigerators mentioned. Don’t most need 700w to run but 2200-2400 surge watts?
Will this generator suitable for running a 4hp shop vac, 1700 psi green work pressure washer for my mobile detailing?
Hey can you get 2 Honda 2200 generators, put a bonding plug in each one then parallel them? I am curious to know what would happen...
So clear and awesome! Thank you :)
Exactly what u was looking for.
Did u install the switch panel realy wanna put one in my mons moms house
Yes, I installed it in about 30 minutes. They are prewired which makes them easier.
Is the transfer switch wire with #12 or #14? Asking because I am curious if it can handle a single 20 amp circuit (fridge) along side three 15 amp lighting circuits.
They are #12 and what they do is wire them for 20 amp capable but the breaker is 15 amp. Their feeling is that the circuit almost never draw 20 amp and in my experience it has been fine for me. When you are in the regular street power mode you use your regular 20amp breaker.
Silver cymbal, if I'm running my generator connected to my transfer switch while only running my air conditioning unit , is it o.k. to use the eco throttle? Oh by the way, the generator would be reading 3300 rpm .
Did you install the four switch panel, and did you choose what’s in them?
Yes I did. I selected my heat, fridge, a lighting circuit and on circuit for some outlets in a room
This might sound like a dumb question. & probably is. But how do you run these outside if it's raining or snowing? They weatherproof?
Technically almost all generators say they can not be run in the rain.. I try to put them under an overhang but sometimes you can't. You to have to use your own judgement and follow the manual and make your own decision.
Is there an extension cord with a standard three prong plug for my small generator and on the other in four prong female plug to use 2 to or 4 circuit breakers on a 10th circuit manual transfer switch? I’m not finding the small 4 circuit manual transfer switch for outdoors in stock. I have both a small and medium generator.
If you're referring to an L5-30 to L14-30 adapter, yes, there is such an animal. Look on Amazon.
I did find it on Amazon. Decided to go with a 15 amp inlet outside wired to its own dedicated outlet inside the house. This gets me generator power closer to refrigerator and living room; without having to use 75 feet extension cord to reach the same area. Thanks for responding.
@@Mykal2k8 Before I installed my transfer switch, I installed the Reliance WKPBN30 through-the-wall kit. This sounds similar to what you're describing. Glad you found something.
Can the extinction cord be purchased at a hardware store
Another good one. Judging by your interesting and useful videos, your quite the autodidact.
What's your opinion on whole house generators?
Question, most inverter generators use a modified sine wave (60 volts on neutral, 60volts hot), if you tie it to your panel that has the neutral and ground tied together it will blow out your inverter. What kind of magic did your electrician do to get around this? Is the neutral and ground not tied together in the box?
Use the generator for small electric outdoor weed trimmers,etc. so it gets used.
Or go CAMPING more often
Hi, a single phase house has an L1 and an L2, each being 120V. If you had 2 generators (the little suitcase inverter types), is there a way to power up the main panel, with L1 being fed from one generator, and L2 being fed from the other generator? Keep in mind they'd be sharing the neutral in this case. The 2 generators would need to be kept synchronized 180 degrees out of phase. Is there a way to set up such a system?
Yes sir, but you would be better off with a generator that could produce 240 volts, unless fuel efficiency is part of your equation.
Working in the city with no electric I just plug into the generator and then plug into an outlet so I have electric in the house.
Is that ok? It works
Any reason the Honda eu2200i couldn't be used with a heavy duty extension cord (without the transfer box) to power a refrigerator by itself in an emergency situation?
You can absolutely do that. Watch this video using my gas and a battery option for a few other ways: th-cam.com/video/_-fc2gb1kmA/w-d-xo.html
@@SilverCymbal Thanks SC, good to know. I enjoyed your video. Keep up the good work. The one you suggest is exactly what I was looking for.
How many hours are on your 2200 Honda inverter?
That's a great solution. Very helpful!
I’m not an electrician and may be wrong but if you hook up power while switches are in line position are you not backfeeding through the grid? Seems to me switches should be in off position before power is hooked up.
No they are called break before make switches which means they have a disconnect position in the middle so that can't happen. This is the only legal way to do a hookup like this that is safe. Interlocks are fine too but that's a different way entirely.
Can this generator run 2 fridges, furnace, fan, kitchen and living room outlets and TVs of wound that overload it?
You don't say how many amps your fridges are, what horsepower your furnace motor is, or what you'd like to plug into your kitchen and living room outlets, but it is very unlikely that it will power the average hardwired 1/2 hp furnace motor AND two fridges at the same time, unless the fridges are quite small. I have two EU2200's and in parallel they will run my 1/2 hp furnace, my fridge, ceiling fans, outlets, without difficulty.
Would have been helpful to explain how it hooks up to the circuit box.
I am planning a new video soon on that.
Silver Cymbal - thank you, Sir; that would be very helpful. Good video as always!
You would be surprised what a small generator can power! I have a 6500/7500 generator that I plug into a generator outlet and I power my entire house minus HVAC unit. That includes my hot water heater. If I want to power the HVAC as well I can get a 12kw portable generator for like $1200 and that will take care of everything. Whole house generators are great but are extremely expensive!! I can't justify the $10,000 that it would cost end to end to get one installed.
16k. They went up significantly after hurricane Ida when using their preferred installers.
Great video
Thank you
What about an outside to the house connection from the generator to the house & powering my furnace etc. at -40 with generator outside the house.
Gas furnace should work in most situations. Mine was on like a 15A circuit.
Great information, thank you. Greg Chaney in coastal N.C
Thanx
The switch panel in your description is no longer available on Amazon. Can you recommend another one compatible with Honda?
Looked like there is a 6 circuit version available - Honda 32316-30216A1 transfer switch. Cheaper from another site than Amazon.
do you need to shut off generator before you unplug extension chord?
By golly, yet another video right on target for me. Have we met?
Thank you very much!
see the honda generator forum hondagenerator.groups.io
we cover all makes and models of generators. but the honda eu series is the best in class period.
also we cover parallel and natural gas and propane conversion too.
I would like to know where how does the other end hook up to the main
Can you run a well with this as well? 3/4hp. Thanks?
If its on a 120v circuit this will work
@@SilverCymbal it’s on a 240v beaker so I’m guessing I’d need a more powerful unit?
Kind of confusing don't you think? I mean when you went back to the generator is was still on OFF position. Was that intentional? I don't know the instructions seem a bit "A guess" to me.
That "off" you were referring to on the generator is the idle control switch. Its an inverter generator, it will idle down really low when the power use is low. When more power is needed, the engine accelerates and increases in speed, which makes more power. You can turn the idle control off if you want it to just run fast all the time, which is how he is running it in this video.
Thanks man
is there an outside plug in so u dont have to run an ext cord into house?
Yes that is correct but you can run a cord, I did that for 10+ years before I put the outlet outside. Some transfer switches have the outlet right on the switch to save running that plug.
@@SilverCymbal ok cool thx!