Standby Generator

[txmoney]

So, I'm guessing a typical 17kW standby will cost between $4,000-$5,000 plus the installation cost which could range between $2,500-$3,500. Total maximum cost = $8,500 + tax. That's quite an investment. But well worth it if you've ever experienced a power outage more than a couple days. I'm talking about you Connecticut!

[AsktheBuilder]

@txmoney Mine was on for 4 hours this morning. My cable Internet is still out. I'm doing this post via my backup wireless phone data plan. You need power.

[BigYellow9999]

While you probably won't find 60K watt portable generators, most homes don't need nearly that much power. I have a 6800 Watt Ridgid generator that runs basically everything except for my 40 amp oven (can use my microwave, which has an oven feature), my 50 amp dryer (not worried about drying clothes during a power loss) and my central AC (I can get by with fans).

I can hook it up to my house with a transfer switch, so no need to use extension cords. It's cheaper and portable.

[AsktheBuilder]

@BigYellow9999 What you forgot to mention is that you can't operate *all* the things you want at the same time. Do the math: Operating the microwave, a hairdryer, your well pump, a refrigerator and your dishwasher at the same time and you're portable generator is toast. And all this while you're using flashlights. When you reply to my comment, bring with you the wattage of everything in your house that *could* be on at the same time as if there was no outage. That's the real test.

[water4fuelh20]

In today's economy none of us can afford this. I'll stay with my 4000 watt. Most people don't even have that when the power goes out and they suffer terribly...:(

[MrStrictlyStock]

Congratulations on getting a pro to install it. Too many scofflaws/cheapskates risk the lives of power company lineman by avoiding the transfer switchgear.

[jonathanspindler]

I'm a master electrician in Ontario, I've install several of these types of units, I do find them fairly costly, both for the product and the BIG install bill!

[HoBustinJopson]

sounds like too much $ and labor for me. may if i lived further up north. i would like something lil more practical for those of us who dont make 6 digits a year.

[AsktheBuilder]

@HoBustinJopson Yes, they can absolutely be expensive to install. You're paying for three things: tremendous extra power you can't get from a tiny gasoline generator, convenience because it automagically comes on and is HARD wired into your system, and above all SAFETY. Portable generators, with the spaghetti extension cords are not safe - not to mention the carbon monoxide hazard.

[HoBustinJopson]

@AsktheBuilder i only make bout 34000/year. is there a practical way for me to have one? it dont have to be fancy. something i could turn on manually.

[jpizfulful]

@HoBustinJopson That is just enough to even maybe buy a whole house generator. A 25,000 watt unit with a transfer system and install costs about 5 grand. Look at your panel and see. That looks pretty cheap for 25,000 watts.

[scrapcrapMandM]

nice you live in nh i reamember that it was bad thankgod for my dad he had a standby generator

[tweeetme]

You could have read a book by candle light, hahah.

[hitachi088]

Nice system .

but i would be afraid if i was you that my investment's start rusting outside .

i would rather install it in my basement with an exterior exhaust .

[AsktheBuilder]

@hitachi088 The paint finish on the unit will probably last 30 years or more. You could also build a simple roofed structure with generous overhangs to keep all but a driving rain off of it. Installing a machine like this in a house is a recipe for disaster. Wait until you develop a tiny leak in the exhaust. Oh wait, you'll never know, you'll be dead of CO poisoning.

[cyberlight22]

you have a kohler genreator but did you look into genreac?

[AsktheBuilder]

@cyberlight22 Yes I did. I chose the Kohler because I felt it was a better machine. The installers also said they have had chronic problems with the brand you mentioned.

[sgeorgstvn]

Thank you for the informative video! I hope to invest in one someday, I just have to figure out how big I need it, and what I want to power on in an emergency situation.

[theavailablenamessuk]

A serious diyer couldn't do the job? Want to put that to the test? I know I could install it myself. What do you say to that? Are you saying this from a money point of view or safety point of view?

[AsktheBuilder]

@theavailablenamessuk I'm saying it from a technical point of view. We'll be waiting to see your video. Make sure you do a before, during and after one so we can see you doing all the steps. We all can't wait...!

[theavailablenamessuk]

@AsktheBuilder

Oh well I thought we could get together and you could hold the camera.

[AsktheBuilder]

@theavailablenamessuk Sorry, you're on your own. You'll have to get a videographer like I did. Be sure to let us know when the video is complete. I'll add it here as a video response.

[theavailablenamessuk]

@AsktheBuilder

I plan on a whole different setup. I would rather have solar panels and a battery bank. Just for the fact I don't like feeding greedy utilitiies Co's that charge 4 times for the same thing ( Natural Gas ). I could do a video like that for you in the future.

[AsktheBuilder]

@theavailablenamessuk Here in the USA we have a saying: Actions speak louder than words. You should consider stop making comments here. Take that energy and focus it on your video. At this point, you're all talk and no action.

[fantastibones]

@AsktheBuilder Actually I believe that's a French saying.

[stormyweather543]

Does your generator run your entire house? Or does it only run select circuts?

Great video! You sure explained everything well!

[AsktheBuilder]

@stormyweather543 This one is a 17 KW and only runs part of the house. You can get larger ones, but they are expensive and really burn fuel when they operate.

[ZaitzDucu]

good video.. Tim Carter i sybscribe your channel. i saw today some of your videos and i like it.

[miesrah12]

but what if you are licensed to install one, can you be able to do it by yourself if you are

[kgeorgeson]

this would be a great thing to have here in South Florida with the Hurricanes we sometimes get. I currently have a 8000w "portable" thats I plug into a transfer switch when I need it. the key being I need to go out plug it in and then start it up. at least it has an electric start. I'll start setting my sites one like you are talking about.

[jchan3123]

i dont mean to be rude but are u rich u have much products

u are the real and ture tim the tool man the great way

[AsktheBuilder]

Someone else mentioned this in the comments below. I'll add some additional background here. I started to work when I was 8-years old because my dad was disabled. At age 17, I purchased my first car - it was *new*. I bought my first house at age 23. My mom and dad were poor as church mice. I discovered many years ago that if you work both smart and hard, you can achieve many goals. Does that help you?

[galax574]

I only have the elementary tools,

some MOSTA Driver drill,

electric drill from mainland china,

but its can't compare with your tools!!

[galax574]

I checked you videos out,

you have many many profressional tools,

it that all yours?or borrow from company or friend?

thanks your video clips>_-"

[AsktheBuilder]

I own the tools. You don't, by chance, happen to ask women their age do you????

[galax574]

Woh~

so big you house!!

you are electrician right?so professional!!

[Axenmoon]

Many thanks for the wealth of knowledge from your videos.

[freespeachrulez]

I have looked into these vs. a solar panel and or wind turbine with a battery backup bank, like others up here in Michigan we have not had the power go out for more than 8 hours, not sure if batteries would do the job and certainly would not run all the things you mentioned. I guess it depends on a persons budget, a good battery bank with inverter might cost as much as one of these...Do any run on anything else than propane or diesel? Like natural gas? Propane is outrageous here..Thanks!

[AsktheBuilder]

Mine could run on natural gas or propane. I'm sure some can run on diesel. Just check yourself with the manufacturers

[lionsfore05]

try the guardian series

[AsktheBuilder]

Are you saying Guardian runs on diesel?

[DrFiero]

I'm a generator technician, and the place I work for is a guardian dealer. Guardian does have a line of diesel units. One of the bonus's of them is that they usually have a 4 pole alternator, and only turn 1800rpm vs the 2 pole 3600rpm that most gas units have (small gas models just don't have enough low end torque to run at 1800).

[DrFiero]

All the smaller guardians I've seen are switchable from propane to natural gas.

[Vnix]

datz alotta wattz

[conejoloko33]

thanks for your advice and help has served much to me, although in my country I must modify your ideas and concepts really thank you very much to share your experience with us

[gschjetne]

Cool stuff. I can't remember having a power outage more than a couple of hours, though.

It runs on propane, but is it Diesel or Otto cycle? It must need a huge tank of propane, not something you'd want to invest in if you just use propane for cooking (which I'm having installed). I think I'd rather use diesel fuel.

[AsktheBuilder]

It burns a surprisingly small amount of propane each hour. Some of my neighbors were without power for weeks. In bitter cold weather, you can have pipes freeze within a day.

[asher1112]

good video

[rnjvideo]

As of today, Lowes has a "KOHLER

18,000 Watt Residential Generator with Automatic Transfer Switch, Air Cooled" for just under $5k. Just Google for more prices.

[itscool1968]

ok tim we can see you have a very costly house and land is this paied for by youre job you do for work or by the sponcers who you do advertizements for ?

[AsktheBuilder]

I've been working for the past 50 years. I bought my first new car at age 17. Bottom line: I've worked for everything I have.

[itscool1968]

little testy are we?

what kind of work you been doing i have seen many a contractor work as long as you with alot less of a home.

you must be doing something right .

[AsktheBuilder]

Actually what I wanted to say at first, and now you've given me the opening, is that your original question was very rude. It deserved a terse response. I transitioned from trading time for money to a situation where I get paid while I sleep. I've simply done what many authors, actors, singers, etc. have done. I get paid time and time again each day for work I did just once over the past 16 years. I sure hope you don't ask women their age.

[RealBigR]

itscool1968, Please go back to school and learn to type a coherent sentence.

[CabinetMakersSupply]

Obviously he has worked hard for his house and land, probably by making good decisions. I say congrats on being successful!

[alalaty]

thank you its long time you did not make a video

[CaliforniaTravelTips]

I'm thinking this would be good for us folks living along the San Andreas Fault! We are trying to get prepared for the "big one," and perhaps we should buy one of these! Thanks for sharing this video! 5 stars!

[AsktheBuilder]

Veronica, you bet this could help you. If you go this route, be sure that the fuel connection to the generator is as earthquake-proof as possible.

[crazybeavers155]

cool

[dav1099]

cool stuff! what kind of monies you talking about for one that size? enjoy your videos hope to see more from you. thanks

[CanadianToolGuy416]

Good information Tim, thanks for sharing

[Sirmau]

Simple questions, what was the cost of the Generator, Propane or natural gas connections and final, the cost for having it installed.

I think most people should have one if living outside the city bounderies. Living in Quebec this is a must where mother nature does bring some nasty surprises.

Thanks

[AsktheBuilder]

The price varies for the size of the unit and all sorts of things that the installer is confronted with at the site. I don't want to put my cost up here because it may be much less or more than what it might cost you. Plus, these comments are here forever and in a few years people will comment, "Dude, your prices are too low!" I'll then have to delete those comments.

[blueghist]

I'm looking for one : ) I'm just wondering about long term maintenance and reliability over time.

[thanialsaad]

first.... 5*