As a former cableman, just a heads ups, if the power to your house is down along with the neighborhood, the power to the amps and nodes for the internet and cable is down to, the battery backup for them only last an hour so that things can power off safetly. So unless you have satellite internet, it wont work. Also cell phone towers have generators but usually only enough fuel for about 3-5 days, then the tower goes down

@DoItYourselfDad

3 жыл бұрын

Very good points! Where I'm at there are two ISP. Spectrum runs has battery backups that last about an hour, AT&T (since they are also a phone line provider) has generators that they refuel. The longest we've been without power is 5 days and they kept refueling the generators, keeping them running the whole time. Not sure how much longer they would have kept that up though. Since we're in a brush fire are the power company shits us down a lot. A lot of people have switched to AT&T for their ISP because of the generators.

@robertt9342

Жыл бұрын

This ignores the locality of some power outages and that while my neighbour hood may be down, a km away, it may not be. 80% of my power outages are only local to my neighbourhood, and the tower that serves my internet and cell are outside the power outage. The 20% of the time there isn’t anything I can do aside from getting starlink. Either way, internet isn’t the main reason why I have a generator,.

@humor411

Жыл бұрын

Good information . I've always wondered about the internet cable and cell phone towers, on how long those infrastructures will stay running during a long power outage over 5 days. I'm going to look into getting satellite 📡 internet and a inexpensive backup satellite prepaid cell phone, as a backup during an emergency.

@chribrian

Жыл бұрын

That depends. I have had the power out for an entire day in my neighborhood but my internet never went down with my generator running.

@Michael-Joseph123

Ай бұрын

@Pew_For_Pleasure if available some backup generators for towers work on natural gas, and others can be driven up to by tanker truck, I don't pay for local tv, I have a antenna in my attic, I can't believe people pay for something that is free, unless your out in the middle of nowhere and you can't get reception with a antenna.

Using an interlock is preferable because you're not limited to just the few select circuits of a transfer switch. You can flip on and off any circuits that you want as long as you stay within the range of what your generator can handle.

@EricFB

2 жыл бұрын

need a generator with 220v output to do that. This 3500watt gen only puts out 110v.

@athroop1321

2 жыл бұрын

@@EricFB Negative. Just need to power both legs of the panel. My quipment powers both legs of panel with all UL rated equipment other than my AC unit.

@pinkiepie1656

Жыл бұрын

My home only has 120 volt service. So I power the whole place from a 120 volt portable generator. Even my dryer is 120.

@dg1234ify

Жыл бұрын

I totally prefer a transfer as it's easier to teach my wife and son for safety's sake

@shamusconger8571

Жыл бұрын

My generator is connected to a double 30 amp breaker and interlock switch 🤘

Thanks for the video, i need to install a transfer switch before I get things started Ok I finally have my transfer switch installed, the electrician demonstrated a power failure/outage and everything transferred successfully. Again thanks for the video.

From an animal lover, thank you for prioritizing your fish!!!

@DoItYourselfDad

Жыл бұрын

Gotta keep the critters comfortable!

As many others have said, an interlock system is a better way to go. It is cheaper to install and it energizes all of the circuits. That does not mean you can run everything at once, but it can run most things in a house with a gas central heat including the heat, but no AC and loads like a microwave might cause the breaker to trip. I generally recommend 5000 watts as being enough to run just about everything but the AC in a house with gas appliances.

For AC, get a couple of window shakers for some bedrooms. You'll have some cool rooms to rest and sleep in. I have that same transfer switch. I'm running a 7500 generator. It runs everything in my house. Get a dual fuel generator....

Thank you so much for the quick video! I have the same exact TransferSwitch and Generator and the power just went out in my area so this is a perfect refresher to ensure I’m starting it up correctly. Appreciate it.

@DoItYourselfDad

2 жыл бұрын

Hope your power comes back on soon!

You can legally back feed your panel if you install an interlock kit. These are about $50 and is simply a plate which prevents the generator inlet circuit from being closed while the main breaker from the meter is on. Back feeding the panel allows you to power each circuit in your home rather than having to pick and choose which ones are wired to the transfer switch.

@mc9304

Жыл бұрын

That’s cool if you have a 240v generator.

@mikek8229

Жыл бұрын

Don't need a 240v generator with an interlock kit

@mc9304

Жыл бұрын

I wouldn’t backfeed 1/2 of a 240v circuit. Your oven has a neutral. Then you would also place most used loads on one side of the panel

@mikek8229

Жыл бұрын

You'd have to understand you can't power 240v circuits. I'm just saying you don't have to have a 240v generator. Plus he is energizing both legs of the panel. With the adapter.

@DoItYourselfDad

Жыл бұрын

Yup, I don’t have any 240 in the house. Dryer and stove are both gas.

I have been considering the Predator 3500 inverter. Big help thanks

A UPS on critical electronics is a good idea not only to prevent them from going dead from outage but as a buffer from quick on off scenarios that can freak them out and cook them.

@DoItYourselfDad

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed!

Definitely a more cost effective option than what we did. We got a 22kw whole house generator even though our peak wattage has only been about 8,500 watts and that's with a lot of appliances running and AC. It was very expensive a little over $6000 for the generator and $10,000 for the installation. Our install was a bit more expensive because we had to run a 30 foot 1inch NG line through our basement. I'm kinda regretting how much money we actually spent but what's done is done. At least even at a peak load the generator will not ever run over 50% and it's increased our property value higher then what the gen and instillation costs.

@Michael-Joseph123

Ай бұрын

My brother inlaw just was given a price of 13k for a 16kw automatic generator labor and materials, I asked how many days has he been without electricity since he has been married, he said maybe 10 days in 30+ years, so I said if history repeats itself, that will work out to about $1300 a day, he still says he is going to do it, but I'm sticking with my $400 4500 watt champion inverter generator, I am considering getting a natural gas conversion kit for it.😊

Thank you so much. I am all set up at home with my 3500 but was considering returning and buying a larger model because of the 125 volt to 240 volt issue. With the adapter suggestion am all set! Thanks again!

@DoItYourselfDad

2 жыл бұрын

I've seen those new, larger Predators, they're pretty awesome!

@SybilDefense

2 жыл бұрын

Look into WEN generators. They are predator killers and soooo quiet plus better out of the box options (fuel run dry standard to prevent carb goop for ex). I have 2 WEN 3800i and a parallel kit = 7000w for home back up, but also allows me to take one camping instead of lugging a 7000 single (loud) Gen which I wouldn't. I like the flexibility of my set up... Swiss army strategy

@DoItYourselfDad

2 жыл бұрын

We set my parents up with a WEN, when my predator needs to be replaced WEN is definitely a contender.

One thing you might want to look at is your first 2 breakers are tied together with the handle ties. Since the predator cant put out 240v and your probably running 120v pond pumps you might want to remove the handle tie to separate the breakers and make them individual circuits. I would consult with a certified electrician if you have any concerns.

@SybilDefense

2 жыл бұрын

The pro-tran 1 has 1 2pole breaker, the reliance pro-tran2 has 2 x 2 pole breakers. My double (2x wen 3800iw ) 7000w gen-set only supports 110v using a parallel kit even though individually each generator has 220v output (?). Therefore, having a 2 pole breaker is useless. Q... can you remove the dual breaker tab to make it two separate breakers on these reliance kits?

@DoItYourselfDad

2 жыл бұрын

That beaker feeds the dryer outlet in my garage, which hasn’t been used since I’ve lived here (gas dryer), it’s not powered by the generator.

@paulhackett9243

Жыл бұрын

The Predator 3500 in this video can only put out 120V. There are larger Predator models that have 240V and 120V outputs.

@Michael-Joseph123

Ай бұрын

It appears that the pump is connected to its own circuit, the breakers are not tied together, the switch to change the circuits from grid to generator are tied together, the only thing that tie does is switch the two different breakers from grid and generator at the same time, so his pump and whatever the other circuit the other breaker is hooked up to would switch at the same time.

Very good info DIY Dad!! Keep the vids coming. I have two gas generators and I also purchased two battery powered generator for short power outages

Thank you very much for this great informational video. I have wanted a portable generator for a while since going through a week with no power during a snow storm. There are so many out there that I got overwhelmed with the choices. I was looking for something that would work for getting through times when the weather has caused power outages. I was not looking to run my entire house, but just the things to make it through the outage. Like you, I have a fish pond outside, and fish tank inside the house. And a modem with computer equipment. Coffee in the morning would be nice too. I have a gas log fireplace, so heat is not an issue. The video you made of the Predator 3500 was just what I needed - I had just gotten an email ad from Harbor Freight with a great sale going on. The Predator 3500 was one of the sale items. And to sweeten the pot - they sent me a one time use coupon in my name for 25% off any one item with no exceptions. So what a bargain this made for the Predator 3500 purchase. I brought it home yesterday. I was impressed by the transfer switch that you demostrated. I didn't know there was such a thing. And one thing that I couldn't find reference to was your enclosure for the unit. I didn't find it on Amazon - can you tell me the brand name, or where you found it? Thanks again for the informative video. I will check out more of your videos.

@DoItYourselfDad

6 ай бұрын

Thank you! I don't remember if I got the enclosure on amazon or from the local hardware store. Look up "deck boxes", you'll want one with doors on the front as well,

@charlesdove6073

6 ай бұрын

Thank you. I will look up deck boxes.

Nice vid. I have your exact same system. In researching whole house generators, the recommendations are for way more power than you would ever need in a real world case. THEORETICALLY, yes, if you needed all your loads in the entire house to power up at the same time you need a 15-20KW generator, but you can get by with much less. I haven't been too happy with my Predator 3500. Battery went dead in a short time of non use, and it ran rough out of the box. It runs best if I move the switch just a hair off of the start position. I suppose it is running lean and thus runs best slightly choked. Still does the job though!

@DoItYourselfDad

2 жыл бұрын

The 3500 takes care of our needs, but certainly can’t power the whole house. Bummer about your predator, I’ve had pretty good luck with mine.

@SybilDefense

2 жыл бұрын

Predator has a notorious problem you can find on you tube (for the fix). Early oil change with any "affordable" (Harbor freight, Chinese, etc) is imperative since the tolerences/specs are not as good. Therefore... more care in the breakin period to remove the internal shrapnel from piston wear, etc. I think the fix has something to do with the fuel, but it's common... you'll find it.

Exactly what I needed. Thank you.

@DoItYourselfDad

Жыл бұрын

Glad it helped!

Great set up. Those Predator gennys are almost bullet proof. The engines are Honda clones made by the Loncin Motor Group in China. They are a highly respected company and make quality stuff. I recently had a whole Generac genny installed which is amazing. Prior to that I had a Predator 6500 which ran flawlessly during 3 outages. I also have my modem and router plugged into a UPS. However it's a crap shoot if the internet and cable stay on during an outage. Good luck with your set up. Down the road if you need more power Predator just came out with a 9000 start up model.

@DoItYourselfDad

3 жыл бұрын

I’ve been very happy with mine, we used it all last season to power the house, and dragged it camping to run the camper dozens of times. Never a hiccup. Very happy I picked up this generator.

@YukonHawk1

3 жыл бұрын

@@DoItYourselfDad you really put it to work. It's a perfect size for camping. I think you can hook up that model to another like it with a parallel kit.

Hey I have a question what type of box are you using to store do you have a link/ model info and thanks

Your neighbors must love that you stuck that noisy thing right next to their house. I didn't want to be that guy so paid more for a quiet generator and put it in the back of the house rather than on the side, where the sound just reverberates between the houses.

@DoItYourselfDad

2 жыл бұрын

That generator is a quite generator….. 57db to be exact. Seeing as how that in the last two outages I threw a cord over the wall to power the neighbors fridge after their generator died, they’re pretty okay with the placement.

One thing is it looks like you have a dual pole breaker on your transfer switch but the adapter you're using (and generator) means you're only feeding a single phase of 120v. I have a very similar setup with my generator and had to be very careful picking circuits especially on "kitchen split" circuits that share a neutral. Because you're no longer using split phase 120/240 those kinds of circuits have the potential to overload neutrals. If the stuff you're powering is actually just 2 x unrelated 20A circuits you should probably remove the breaker bonding screw.

@bubbatime

2 жыл бұрын

I saw that and instatly thought the same thing. Why a double pole breaker with a 120V generator? Its weird.

@Michael-Joseph123

Ай бұрын

​@@bubbatimeit's not a double pole breaker unless you hook it up that way, the switches that are tied together is for switching the breakers from grid to generator, the breakers below can be hooked to separate curcuits.

I was going to get this range generator to run our fridge and 2 freezers full of game meat. Looks like it should handle that pretty well huh? Thanks for the info!

That generator is neutral bonded; how did you wire the generator to the transfer switch and breaker panel to break the neutral bonding coming from the generator?

@paulhackett9243

Жыл бұрын

Javier, I have a similar question. The three prong outlet on the Predator 3500 is 120V, however, if you put a meter on this outlet, you will have 60V between the hot and ground pins and 60V between the neutral and ground pins. This is not like the house / grid wiring where you have 120V between a hot leg and ground or neutral (they are typically tied together in the breaker panel), and 0V between the neutral and ground. It seems as though you need to isolate the grid provided neutral when using the generator. How to achieve this is a whole bigger issue.

do you plug the generator into the transfer switch box and then turn off main breaker? I have lost my companion who was an electrician and he did this for me. I have old generac 3500 xl

@DoItYourselfDad

Жыл бұрын

If you have a transfer switch, you shouldn't have to shut off the main. If you have an interlock you do have to shutoff the main before it will work.

Since you have access to natural gas, may I suggest a tri fuel conversion kit to run the genny on natural gas. Was the best decision for me with a endless fuel supply. No more worrying about what gas stations have power or storing gasoline. Of course you will lose some wattage which needs to be considered. But agree during a power outage only the essentials need to run. A portable or window a/c should be also considered during those hot days. A good thing about these setups is it adds value ( if done by licensed contractors ) to the home and you can take the generator with you and still a lot cheaper then whole home units.

@DoItYourselfDad

2 жыл бұрын

It's definitely something I've considered. We use our we camp a lot and keep our trailer at the house, so worse comes to worst, if it's too hot, we can hang out in the trailer and crank the AC, we also have two portable units that I use in the garage if need be :-)

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?

How are you powering both legs? You predator is a single 120 and use transfer panel is a 30amp 240.

@DoItYourselfDad

2 жыл бұрын

We have the panel wired for 120.

Thanks good post!!

@DoItYourselfDad

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

You can save yourself a ton of money and buy a $40 ish interlock kit, it is up to code and doe snot allow you to have the mains on at the same time as the generator. that way you are not stuck with the circuits you chose, you can just "green acres" it and choose what you want when needed.

@DoItYourselfDad

Жыл бұрын

Very true. I went this route because I wanted something easy that anyone member of my family could easily use without having to remember what circuit was what.

@Michael-Joseph123

Ай бұрын

You are right, you can not backfeed with a interlock, but you also have to train everybody in your household that before you switch the interlock over from the main to the generator breaker, that you should manually shut off all the 220 circuits, some 220 electronics do not like being feed two 120 voltages from the same phase, I'm not going to risk any of my 220 appliances because someone missed a breaker, when you only have a 120v generator that is rated at 3000 running watts, why wire it up so if proper steps are not taken, someone could try feeding 220 from the same phase.

Great Explanation , I’m a DIYer any advice highly Thankful , I’m attempting to probably be One of the First is kinda out~There but to make a self-sufficient electricity creating generator to charge by Lithium Battery Banks 1 bank can be potentially up to 60v @ 40AH & another 280AH Two Banks or One Bank at 560Ah & 1 at 320AH At 48v and I’m batting around 2 different ways to connect to the Breaker Box either a Manual Transfer Switch 6 circuits 120v at 30A or using a 100A Double Pole Breaker straight to my breaker Box . And install that safety switch so your are unable to have the main & my power on a the same time , and I’ve got a second electrical meter 200A my generator potentially will run up to 150A One & another 120A & also 110A @ 110-115v wiring the transfer switch to an Inverter 3000W 120v at 50A 24v and or a 5 KVA 230v Pure Sine Wave Hybrid Charge Controller 48v and I have a Seimans Transistor MTO 100A because Split the 230v by 2 for 115v the electrical company uses a bad word like Back-Feed but electricity does not understand it’s only so post to go only 1 way , and it will be hardwired for safety and maximum of power efficiency ! If you have any time to leave any advice or any thoughts welcomed ! Great job !

Great video I think you did a great job

@DoItYourselfDad

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

What kind of Power Supply Do You Have For Your Modem? Or if you have a link for it, Woyld Really Appreciate It.

Just hooked up my predator 9500 and it works great but is it ok to leave the generator plugged into the transfer switch when not in use? Its such a pain to plug in during a power outage.

Hello. I have a 3800 start up 3400 A-1. I heard you said it may not be able to handle an electric stove. My question is,I have the above the stove Microwave that came with the stove. I should be able ton"just" use the Mocrowave right?

Your generator has to be a pure sine wave correct? If not you would destroy your home appliances? every thing that has a circuit board or micro processor. Fridge , home pc computer, lab top? Thanks Mate.

Great! video. you answered most of my questions. I recently purchased a WEN 4800 inverter generator. My end game is to run my average size fridge and 1/3hp sump pump in the event of power outage. Looks like with that much wattage, per your experience, I should be able to power a lot more of my home than those two items. Now I need to get an electrician here in order to interface the generator to my home. Power outages are rare in the area, just want a backup for the items mentioned. Great! idea putting the generator in a rubbermade or like box that can be partially opened for ventilation as well protection from rain. I'm wondering if it's safe to get an exhaust extension in order to keep the generator in the garage and pipe the exhaust outside via and extension? thanks again

I have a predator 3500 just like you're using there is it possible to use a generic disconnect disconnect switch like you're using I also have an L5 - 30R connector how did you make the changeover thanks in advance

I've viewed your great video and listened to it. Beautiful galore! Now without ANY disrespect towards you; I must say that in today's era; things have changed very much with Power "Backup". When it comes to "Generators and Transfers". IE: Transfers of 6 and other numbers, is old fashion today. Really yes. Most are now using higher KW Gen's (like around 10,000 KW and higher). And they use an "interlock kit"; where one only has to turn; the Main breaker in the Panel. And throw a 240 V (Double Circuit breaker) from off to on. And do this BEFORE you throw the Main break OFF. And then you kill the Main and turn ON the Gen's double circuit. You will have immediately MOST (or ALL) circuits that can be alive. Now if you have bought a 12,500 KW - 15,000 KW; you are close to being "AUTOMATIC" like "Generac; that costs any where from $10,000.00 to $15,000.00. While: what you have done, is less that $2,000.00. Oh Really! Praise Jesus. Oh yes! Again kind Sir, NO disrespect towards to you atoll. Just letting time, goes by!❤🤠

@Michael-Joseph123

Ай бұрын

Where does he live? I had my house built over 30 years ago, and maybe been out of power for about 10 days in those 30 plus year, even at 10k that works out to about $1000 a day for power, my $400 inverter generator is hooked up to a 8 circuit transfer switch I bought used for $40, It is hooked up to every 120 circuit in my house except the garage and sump pump (never ran in over 30 years except when checked) if the power goes out we'll cook on the grill (electric stove) we'll put off laundry (electric dryer) and we'll suffer without AC, we could hang out in the basement with a fan, most 3 bedroom house without running 220 appliances going are probably only using 300 watts until the compressor in the fridge starts up, than it's just short surge, then you are probably well below 1000 watts while the fridge is running. Having 10 60 watt equivalent led bulbs only uses as much power as 1 normal light bulb, I get about 20 hour on a 4 gallon tank of gas, most big whole house generator need gas line work to feed those beast.

Did you have to do anything special to wire in that panel to run a 120v gen? Or is it wired as per the instructions and you just don't have any 220 circuits in it? Hoping to do the same thing and run a Honda eu3000.

Where do I get these parts I need to do this ? I have the Predator 3500 identical to yours . I am impressed by this concept .

@DoItYourselfDad

Жыл бұрын

I have links in the description you can check out.

If i run 2 of these in parallel, can it run a 3 or 4 ton central hvac system?

Can you tell me where you got the plastic storage unit for the generator?

@DoItYourselfDad

2 жыл бұрын

Home Dept of Lowes, can’t remember which. Google “deck boxes”

At the 3:58 mark, is power running back through the power lines at that point? I see that the switches are still in the line position with the generator running and connected.

@DoItYourselfDad

Жыл бұрын

No, it’s not.

A preditor uses a modified sine wave (60v on neutral and hot) how does this work on a house circuit that ties the neutral and ground? Theoretically this should burn out the inverter. Are your neutral and ground tied where you live? Mine are attached to the same bus bars.

@mobiusx8117

2 жыл бұрын

From Harbor Freight, "Using advanced inverter technology this super-quiet generator produces a *pure sine wave power* curve that is safe to use with sensitive electronics.".

Can you connect a 3600 watt solar generator and achieve the same results?

@DoItYourselfDad

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, you can. If we’re not worried about powering the big stuff we’ve plugged in our EcoFlow Delta

I dont see the link for the extension cord setup you mentioned in the video at 10:00

How did you connect the 3 prong predator 3500 side to a 4 prong transfer switch side? I thought adapters were bad to use when going from 3 to 4

@mikek8229

Жыл бұрын

The safety police will tell you it's a bad idea to use the adapter. But it's perfectly safe if you know what you're doing. I've done it for years with no worries.

How long will the power last? And who could install this set up at my house?

Which Transfer Switch did you use for the outdoors?

What’s the box you have the generator in?

@DoItYourselfDad

Жыл бұрын

It’s a deck box made by lifetime.

Looking for the cable that you used where can I get one.

Hello, I have a question, my generator has a "maintenance time" symbol that looks like a key, why did it appear?

@DoItYourselfDad

Жыл бұрын

It’s has a timer that trips to remind you so change your oil and do routine maintenance.

Good video

@DoItYourselfDad

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Did you get the warranty? I've heard mixed reviews about the Predator.

@DoItYourselfDad

3 ай бұрын

Nope, and I've been beating on it for almost 4 years now.

Again I have a Predator generator just like the one you're using in your demo in your demo it will only produce 30 amps at a 120 V single phase how are you connecting your generator disconnect. Are you putting the jumper inside the disconnect Please let me know what's going on what do I need to do

@fredericlaurent6113

Жыл бұрын

@DoItYourselfDad. This is an intersting question Jerry is asking. And if your generator is producing only 120V on one phase, how do you get 240 V for your stove ? Can you actuallly heat the elements or does it only power the electronics?

@DoItYourselfDad

Жыл бұрын

My stove is gas and runs on 110. It’s only powering the electronics and the igniters.

@mikek8229

Жыл бұрын

He's using a L5-30 to L14-30 adapter (3 prong to 4 prong). This will split the 120v to energize both legs of the panel or transfer switch. However it won't power 240v circuits. But he doesn't need 240v for his set up with his transfer switch.

If this wasn't a simulation, would the main breaker need to be turned off before powering the generator? And if so, at what point would you turn the main breaker back on?

@DoItYourselfDad

Жыл бұрын

Definitely not a simulation, we don't do that kind of stuff here. With a transfer switch, there is no need to turn off the main they way there is with an interlock. The transfer switch isolates the circuits that are energized by the generator from the grid. If you are using an interlock, you would need to shut off the main before back feeding or starting the generator, then you would have to turn the generator back off before turning the main back on.

@rondaiuto

Жыл бұрын

@@DoItYourselfDad I meant the power outage was the simulation.

@DoItYourselfDad

Жыл бұрын

@@rondaiuto sorry, was confused. The same still applies. With a transfer switch, you would start the generator and flip the transfer switch; there is no need to touch the main. With an interlock, you would flip the main, then slide the lock over and flip the locked breaker, then start the generator.

@rondaiuto

Жыл бұрын

@@DoItYourselfDad awesome! Thank you so much!

@oldvideos1

Жыл бұрын

I had a similar question (I'm going to install a similar transfer switch)... is there a risk that the neutral could backfeed the main (since that wire is not broken, via the bus bar) if the main breaker isn't turned off? i've watched a few videos trying to find this but haven't found definitively yet...

And in use in my Boeing 786 dream liner all the amenities keep Airbus on their toes

@DoItYourselfDad

Жыл бұрын

What?

Nice vid. I am looking at installing a transfer switch vs the 'extension cord' method I have used here. I have a quick question on your selection of the Predator generator- How long have you had it? How many hours of run time? And lastly- any problems with it? I typically do not go to Harbor Freight for anything I am going to rely on as a critical piece of equipment but see a lot of KZread vids with Predators... Thanks in advance. Ray L.

@DoItYourselfDad

2 жыл бұрын

I've had it two years now, we've got about 1000 hours of run time on it. So far no issues, the only things I've done to it is swapped to a better spark plug and routine oil changes. We use it during outages and also with our trailer. We camp with several other people that have been using the predator 3500 for much longer than we have without having any issues. I would still trust a Honda over a predator, but I've been very happy with the predator.

@TheWilferch

Жыл бұрын

We should recognize that regardless if Predator or Generac or anything that looks like this....ALL come from China and use the same Loncin gen pak. HF allows lower pricing because the longer warranty offered by the "others" is baked-into their higher price....you have no choice. With HF you either buy or forego the longer warranty and pay either less or more. The quality of the various brands that look like this and are stand-alone gensets...are the same.

Would you like to test generator inlet box ?

Title edit: *whole

@DoItYourselfDad

3 жыл бұрын

MVP right there! Fixed it! Thanks! Don’t know how I missed that!

Shouldn't that transfer switch be indoors and not exposed to the elements?

@DoItYourselfDad

Жыл бұрын

Nope, they’re designed for outdoor use.

@gerryg8207

Жыл бұрын

@@DoItYourselfDad Thankx

what if your generator doesnt have a plug like that?

interlock switch gets rid of transfer switch ?

@DoItYourselfDad

2 жыл бұрын

Correct

Are you supposed to put a lock out plate?

@DoItYourselfDad

2 жыл бұрын

Not with these

dont solar panels back feed the grid?

@DoItYourselfDad

2 жыл бұрын

It depends on how you have Them set up, but even grid tied solar systems automatically disconnect themselves from the grid when the grid goes down.

How long does that generator run on a tank of gas

@DoItYourselfDad

2 жыл бұрын

I’ve gotten between 8 and 12 hours depending on the load.

Nicely done! Any concern that it’s too close to your house? I like the enclosure idea. I’ll be picking up one of those.

@seymoursmithers

3 жыл бұрын

Can you include a link to the enclosure? Thanks.

An interlock approach essentially does the same....allowing gen-input vs line-input safely.....YET....allows you to CHOOSE the few circuits you want powered when on gen supply. And these choices can change as you encounter different sitations. A transfer switch approach is V. Good.....but typically costs more and and you PRE-CHOOSE "which" 4 or 6 circuits that will be on gen power ( and the NUMBER of circuits)...so that's a limiting factor when comparing the 2 approaches.

you still gotta cut your main off......outlet should be on the main box..then only cut on the important stuff

@DoItYourselfDad

2 жыл бұрын

Not with these you don’t

4 slice toaster. 1400 watts. 😂

@DoItYourselfDad

Жыл бұрын

So do the math before you make your morning bagel?

@Pk3_Garage

Жыл бұрын

You think that's a lot, what until you see the wattage usage of a coffee maker.

Try energizing the entire GRID with your generator and see what happens. The quick and dirty is ok folks.

@DoItYourselfDad

Жыл бұрын

Did you even bother to watch the video before commenting?

@jeremynelson8496

Жыл бұрын

@@DoItYourselfDad Yes I did and gave a thumbs up to. I am not knocking anything you did, its just too much for me. I just throw the main and plug a generator in. It works for me but its not for everyone.

@paulhackett9243

Жыл бұрын

@@jeremynelson8496 That is illegal in most States

Please don't give commands to my Alexa. I have no aquarium and no aquarium light in my house. My Alexa is perplexed.

3500 Generator for a RV yeah, but for a home naaaah. Not enough juice in most cases especially homes with eletric stoves or homes in area with extreme weather. Be it hot or really cold you may need your HVAC system. While affordable & cute I wouldn't waste my money on a 3500 unit. Also I hope you're not closing in that generator in that shed box without an exhaust fan & 2 intake air ports minimum. Those boxes make great generator enclosures done right. I made one following a video on YT.

Transfer switches are LAME! Read that again. If you are using a manual backup generator that you have to manually turn on and plug into the house with a cord, DO NOT buy a transfer switch. Why in the hell would you power 4, 6, or 8 circuits in your house, when you can power all of them, for cheaper? Just buy an interlock it. Its a MUCH better way to power your panel, and its cheaper. Just turn off the high drain circuits manually (water heater, dryer, etc). But I'd much rather power all the house. For instance, my daughters room has an LED light that draws 7 watts. I'd MUCH rather power her room, and all the other rooms that barely use any power, than not.

@DoItYourselfDad

2 жыл бұрын

Ours powers everything necessary, we got a transfer switch with enough to circuits to power the whole house, omitting the circuits to power hogs (pool, spa, etc). I want anyone to be able to be able to power up my house easily, without having to remember which circuits to deactivate; wife, daughter, teenage neighbor that’s house sitting etc.

all you are showing is..your face

@DoItYourselfDad

Жыл бұрын

You’re welcome

Video should have been entitled "how to keep your unhealthy addictive fish keeping hobby alive with a generator"

@DoItYourselfDad

2 жыл бұрын

“Unhealthy”….. trolls gunna troll.

Definitely misleading title. Not even the whole house lol.

@DoItYourselfDad

2 жыл бұрын

I definitely have a house…

@Cenlalowell

2 жыл бұрын

@@DoItYourselfDad I corrected my statement

@DoItYourselfDad

2 жыл бұрын

Notice the question mark on the title?

Click bate … YOUR TITLE SAYS WHOLE HOUSE .. in the video you say MOST of my house … why can’t you just tell the truth ?

@DoItYourselfDad

2 жыл бұрын

My title clearly has a question mark in it….

Kinda misleading video title dont you think? You absolutely cannot power a whole house with that generator or that transfer box. Unless your house is a cabin and only has a fridge and a few lights and outlets that need to be powered. And you didnt give your viewers a clue as to the amount of wiring that needs to be done to install the transfer switch.

@DoItYourselfDad

2 жыл бұрын

Missed that question mark in the title huh? Either way, Im powering all the lights in my house, a refrigerator, five aquariums with heaters, a koi pond, a full home office with extra juice to spare....

@mobiusx8117

2 жыл бұрын

In a modest size home you won't be running any 240V circuits with that size generator, (it only puts out 120v anyway) but you could certainly power a gas furnace, a fridge, and lighting throughout the house.