Ice Storm

Blk91stang · Oct 30, 2020

Fat Boss said:
You get a special breaker that as you throw it, it turns off the grid and turns on your gen.

It's called a mechanical interlock kit that requires a 30A 2 Pole breaker to be installed to the closest breaker to the main which will wire to the generator feed outlet. It's about $60 and allows you to safely and legally switch power manually on your existing panel and have power on the entire panel. This is easily the way to go since you don't have to pick certain circuits as you would for an auto switching unit and you can plug into any portable generator.

Totally worth the time invested to add it.

coposrv · Oct 31, 2020

GNBRETT said:
Its not anywhere near that much Bob. Its just hooks up to propane and automatically turns on when tripped. Generac sells a 15k watt unit for $4k. 15k watt unit should run any house. Another $500-1000 in labor. I considered doing it myself as I have propane for heat.

I have a Briggs and Stratton 6200 watt unit ($800) right now that plugs into the house. Works great but I cant use my dryer with it but can run everything else. fridge, well pump, etc...

I had an electrician come over and wire it to my box so I can plug in. U just turn off ur main breaker and then turn the Generator breaker on and ur good to go.

A 15k generac with install I sell them for 12-15k plus the sub cost for what ever fuel we’re using. 5-1000 in labor get you about 1-3hrs of an electricians time.

Sent from my iPhone using the svtperformance.com mobile app

coposrv · Oct 31, 2020

72MachOne99GT said:
We are on propane, and I’ve got a 220 plug outside from where the hot tub used to be. It’d be super easy for me to install one, plumb gas to it, and back feed it in through the existing outlet.

However, I’m lazy.

Install an interlock please. This method gets linemen killed.

Sent from my iPhone using the svtperformance.com mobile app

GNBRETT · Oct 31, 2020

I just priced one out a few weeks ago for $5000. Its not a complicated install at all if someone already has propane. Maybe 4-5 hours at most of an electricians time im told. Where are getting $15k from? What am I missing?

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200665217_200665217

coposrv said:
A 15k generac with install I sell them for 12-15k plus the sub cost for what ever fuel we’re using. 5-1000 in labor get you about 1-3hrs of an electricians time.

Sent from my iPhone using the svtperformance.com mobile app

72MachOne99GT · Oct 31, 2020

coposrv said:
Install an interlock please. This method gets linemen killed.

Sent from my iPhone using the svtperformance.com mobile app

If I ever get around to hooking a generator up, I’d make sure to install some sort of protection for sure.

I don’t want to damage my own shit, or cause anything harmful to occur to the grid.

I can’t imagine the level of backwards engineering people out in the field see. I’ve seen enough garbage in my line of work (which is almost all DC circuitry) to know people are dumb.

Weather Man · Oct 31, 2020

When I had my house built back in 2000 I had them install this next to the breaker box and had a plug receptacle next to the door exiting garage. Just wanted water and heat for sure during an extended outage.

newbie1276 · Oct 31, 2020

This year has been an insane year for generators. I am a dealer for Cummins and can name my price right now and still can’t keep up with the demand. I am a dealer for several other brands and that are all on backorder.

coposrv · Oct 31, 2020

72MachOne99GT said:
If I ever get around to hooking a generator up, I’d make sure to install some sort of protection for sure.

I don’t want to damage my own shit, or cause anything harmful to occur to the grid.

I can’t imagine the level of backwards engineering people out in the field see. I’ve seen enough garbage in my line of work (which is almost all DC circuitry) to know people are dumb.

I’ve gone very service heavy the last 18 months. The shit we see on an almost daily basis would literally shock you, lol

Sent from my iPhone using the svtperformance.com mobile app

coposrv · Oct 31, 2020

GNBRETT said:
I just priced one out a few weeks ago for $5000. Its not a complicated install at all if someone already has propane. Maybe 4-5 hours at most of an electricians time im told. Where are getting $15k from? What am I missing?

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200665217_200665217

Far from all that is needed for an install. Depending on distance to the load center easily another 1-2k worth of material needed and that’s at my cost. Add on 16hrs of labor for the install then profit after that. The 15k number is total sale for my company to furnish and install everything. Very very rarely will we work with a customer supplying anything, and it has zero to do with mark-up.

Sent from my iPhone using the svtperformance.com mobile app

CobraBob · Nov 1, 2020

GNBRETT said:
Its not anywhere near that much Bob. Its just hooks up to propane and automatically turns on when tripped. Generac sells a 15k watt unit for $4k. 15k watt unit should run any house. Another $500-1000 in labor. I considered doing it myself as I have propane for heat.

I have a Briggs and Stratton 6200 watt unit ($800) right now that plugs into the house. Works great but I cant use my dryer with it but can run everything else. fridge, well pump, etc...

I had an electrician come over and wire it to my box so I can plug in. U just turn off ur main breaker and then turn the Generator breaker on and ur good to go.

Maybe you need to do more research on how much these installs go for, Brett. Especially larger homes. I know for a fact his setup cost more than $12K. His house is 4,200 sq. ft. with a finished basement. All electric.

bigmoose · Nov 1, 2020

I'm considering a whole house generator in the future. My current stop gap is a 3500w harbor freight inverter generator. It actually gets great reviews. I added a 6 circuit 110v transfer switch to give me heat, refrigeration, lights, internet and TV. I'm all in this setup for $1k.

I have used it several times and was surprised how little power all my circuits used. Modern fridge and tv, heat is a 95%+ NG boiler, all led bulbs.

GNBRETT · Nov 1, 2020

Well Bob I just spoke with a licensed electrician out in Cali who use to live in CT and said for a 4000 sq foot house all u need is a 16k watt Generac generator or similar quality. The Generator cost $4000. Doesn't matter the size of the house just the size of the generator.

This is exactly the info he texted me on prep and price. He said to prepare a location for the generator to be placed on that is flat and stable and suggested buying some rock and making ur own base for it. Simple he says for $40-50 in material.

1.) Generac Generator 16k Watt: $4000 Generac Guardian 16000-Watt Air-Cooled Home Standby Generator with Wi-Fi and 16-Circuit Transfer Switch-7177 - The Home Depot
2.) Materials: $500-1000 (Ur cost at Home Depot).
3.) Labor $1000-$1500 (Depending on where the generator is placed in relation to the propane).

He also said if u wanna get fancy and buy a liquid cooled generator it will cost double that and yes u will be at $12k. U dont need liquid cooled u live in Mass its not a 100 degrees for 6 months out of the year like Florida or Texas. Liquid is more efficient but not for double the price he says.

Bob find a electrician that does side work thats licensed. I personally know (4) myself that all do side work. If u call up one of these big companies they are gonna sell u the farm and yea charge u a shit load of money and mark everything up.

CobraBob said:
Maybe you need to do more research on how much these installs go for, Brett. Especially larger homes. I know for a fact his setup cost more than $12K. His house is 4,200 sq. ft. with a finished basement. All electric.

coposrv · Nov 2, 2020

GNBRETT said:
Well Bob I just spoke with a licensed electrician out in Cali who use to live in CT and said for a 4000 sq foot house all u need is a 16k watt Generac generator or similar quality. The Generator cost $4000. Doesn't matter the size of the house just the size of the generator.

This is exactly the info he texted me on prep and price. He said to prepare a location for the generator to be placed on that is flat and stable and suggested buying some rock and making ur own base for it. Simple he says for $40-50 in material.

1.) Generac Generator 16k Watt: $4000 Generac Guardian 16000-Watt Air-Cooled Home Standby Generator with Wi-Fi and 16-Circuit Transfer Switch-7177 - The Home Depot
2.) Materials: $500-1000 (Ur cost at Home Depot).
3.) Labor $1000-$1500 (Depending on where the generator is placed in relation to the propane).

He also said if u wanna get fancy and buy a liquid cooled generator it will cost double that and yes u will be at $12k. U dont need liquid cooled u live in Mass its not a 100 degrees for 6 months out of the year like Florida or Texas. Liquid is more efficient but not for double the price he says.

Bob find a electrician that does side work thats licensed. I personally know (4) myself that all do side work. If u call up one of these big companies they are gonna sell u the farm and yea charge u a shit load of money and mark everything up.

A 16kw unit for A 4200 sq ft house all electric appliances is not going to cut it. And 1k-1500 in labor? What does that mean?

Sent from my iPhone using the svtperformance.com mobile app

newbie1276 · Nov 2, 2020

16kw and load shedding the ac might work. but. Might as well go with a 20 kw for a few more hundred dollars.
more and dont go with any gen manufacturers that offer 16kw . They are garbage but hey what do i know . I just fix these junk 365 days a year

coposrv · Nov 2, 2020

newbie1276 said:
16kw and load shedding the ac might work. but. Might as well go with a 20 kw for a few more hundred dollars.
more and dont go with any gen manufacturers that offer 16kw . They are garbage but hey what do i know . I just fix these junk 365 days a year

I’m +16 weeks still on 2 generac 20 kw units I sold in october.

Sent from my iPhone using the svtperformance.com mobile app

Murder Snake · Nov 2, 2020

had a whole house installed at my place earlier this year. ready to go.

JetmechF16 · Nov 2, 2020

I have a 22kw Generac that powers itself up when we lose line power and runs off the home's propane tank. Also have a private 180' well that is powered by the genset and can supply the house (irrigation full-time currently), previous owners thought of everything for hurricane preparedness haha. We have used it a few times during tropical storms and line mx issues.

newbie1276 · Nov 3, 2020

coposrv said:
I’m +16 weeks still on 2 generac 20 kw units I sold in october.

Yeah the lead times are ridiculous. I have 40 air cooled units on order since August and not expected till December. I had 30 units in stock in our annex building and blew through those as soon as the weather started changing. Customers are not happy but the only saving grace is that no one has them to install so they can’t find another contractor to do it. I had a few try and came back begging to be put back on the list. End of the line

CobraBob · Nov 3, 2020

GNBRETT said:
Well Bob I just spoke with a licensed electrician out in Cali who use to live in CT and said for a 4000 sq foot house all u need is a 16k watt Generac generator or similar quality. The Generator cost $4000. Doesn't matter the size of the house just the size of the generator.

This is exactly the info he texted me on prep and price. He said to prepare a location for the generator to be placed on that is flat and stable and suggested buying some rock and making ur own base for it. Simple he says for $40-50 in material.

1.) Generac Generator 16k Watt: $4000 Generac Guardian 16000-Watt Air-Cooled Home Standby Generator with Wi-Fi and 16-Circuit Transfer Switch-7177 - The Home Depot
2.) Materials: $500-1000 (Ur cost at Home Depot).
3.) Labor $1000-$1500 (Depending on where the generator is placed in relation to the propane).

He also said if u wanna get fancy and buy a liquid cooled generator it will cost double that and yes u will be at $12k. U dont need liquid cooled u live in Mass its not a 100 degrees for 6 months out of the year like Florida or Texas. Liquid is more efficient but not for double the price he says.

Bob find a electrician that does side work thats licensed. I personally know (4) myself that all do side work. If u call up one of these big companies they are gonna sell u the farm and yea charge u a shit load of money and mark everything up.

Wow! That is cheap. Now I’m wondering what my friend actually paid for. Mostly labor? Ouch! Maybe it is liquid cooled. He does tend to go overboard on housing expenses.

I may have to shop for a licensed electrician doing work on the side, like you recommended. I would like to then do this next year if I can get a good price. Thanks for all that great info Brett. VERY helpful!

Sent from my iPhone using the svtperformance.com mobile app

My94GT · Nov 3, 2020

Fat Boss said:
You get a special breaker that as you throw it, it turns off the grid and turns on your gen.

Ive wired in one of those breaker boxes as well in a previous home. Makes it easy to switch on the fly.

Ice Storm

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Persistance Is A Bitch

Active Member

Well-Known Member

Attachments

Well-Known Member

Authorized Vendor

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Active Member

Well-Known Member

SnakeBT

Under Pressure

Attachments

Active Member

Authorized Vendor

Well-Known Member

Users who are viewing this thread