Emergency Standby Generator Install, DIY Start to Finish. Generac 24kW Backup Generator.

This is a somewhat complicated install compared to a typical single home installation. I am powering 2 buildings which requires 2 transfer switches, I have 400 amp service instead of the typical 200 amp, and I have to provide controls for my solar array to avoid conflicts with the generator. Many systems would have built in functionality to work with a generator, but some will not, so figuring out how to deal with that took some time. Not too bad in the end, and we got it done. I try to go through all the details along the way to show another DIY'er how to do it as well.

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00:00 intro.
1:26 Place generator.
3:36 Wiring day begins
4:33 Power disconnected.
5:53 Power pole explained.
7:35 My existing setup and plan.
10:00 Remove existing disconnect.
11:14 Install first transfer switch.
15:02 Working on second transfer switch.
16:36 Wiring generator.
18:34 Finish main wiring.
21:18 Cow interlude.
23:21 Ground wire problem solved.
24:41 Recap/review/explanation.
28:34 Turn power back on, demonstrate transfer switch.
29:46 Control system for solar array.
40:14 Start and test generator.
44:47 Contactors explained & could be better.
48:32 Generator done
49:05 What happened to my battery backup?
52:12 Outro.

[jansanchez]

This guy knows too much, he's the manliest man who's ever manned. We could all have a beer with this dude.

[greghaub]

Retire from Eaton after 35 years of dealing with this type of equipment.
You have done an AMAZING job explaining this install.
Great job.

[jakobshinn]

I install stand-by generators for a living, Briggs, kohler, generac, cummins, cat, and taylor for a living. All I have to say is if you are on natural gas you do not need the regulator behind the generator, there is an internal regulator inside the unit, and if you are running off LP the regulator should be atleast 5-10’ off the unit to allow more volume in the line. And the grounds inside the switches can be extended with an approved splicing method, (burndy connectors etc). I’d also recommend some form of flexible conduit going into the unit because of the vibration, but non the less you’ve done a great job installing the unit and made a great video explaining the process.

[richardkaufman]

As a Master Electrician I commend you on a well thought out project! A couple of minor things that I want to point out:Generator works better with stranded copper wire connections, they stay tight better. A flex connector would be required in my area for the feed conduit to generator. PVC conduit requires a mounting strap of some kind. The ground wire you installed in the contractor enclosure would never pass inspection under a sheet metal or self drilling screw. A small lug with a machine screw and nut is required.
I know you had a lot of aluminum wire available to you, but I would have used copper wire sized down for all the jumpers. It makes the job easier and you don’t have to worry about using nolox. Just nit picking really, nice work otherwise.

[RussCR]

This is my first time watching one of your videos. I'm totally impressed. Not only are you an excellent communicator, but you do neat, precise work. Bravo!!

[fritzmiller]

As a lifelong Electrician myself, I think that you did an overall excellent job! The conduit from the generator should have at least a small section of flexible conduit....I spend the extra money and always use Metal Liquid Tight on any Genset or Equipment that is not mounted to the same structure. Be sure to check the generator often for mice....they will always try to move in.

[befreeinitiative]

For a guy that isn't an electrician, great job. You had a problem, and you systematically work out a solution and implemented it. 👍

[tmmy]

Dude one of the reasons I like you so much is how you acknowledge that your videos are viewed all over the world and your advice won't work everywhere. One of my biggest pet peeves about some youtubers in the techincal space is how they pretend their advice is the sole truth completely ignoring all other factors.

[dans_Learning_Curve]

A term many people use is
"Hot water heater". If we think about it, it's a "cold water heater", or just a water heater.
Very well produced video!

[fmskreg]

lots of DIY, a frugal life was my first impression. after realize you brought so many machines and tools, it is really an abundant life

[The-Deadbolt-Deputy]

I’m 23 minutes into this and I’m loving this. It’s really cool to see the cows and calves interact after 4 months apart. I’ve never seen that before.

[dougcolter]

coming up out of the ground put an expansion joint. Eventually, if we ever have frost again, your pvc will break with a frost heave or ground settlement. Invest in an irreversible crimp tool and you can splice ground wires to your hearts content. Glad to see you are using a torque too, especially on al wire. Generators can catch fire in wind driven rain, so have a gas valve you can get at whilst picturing flames shooting out and melting your wiring. On a brighter note, nice job!

[staind]

NEC code allows you to add extensions to any wire that is inside of the electrical panel as long as the right gauge wire is used. Keep in mind that I said as long as it is inside the electric panel in the right gauge wire is used

[jatomlin]

Perfect ratio of depth vs entertainment. A feller could use this video to learn a lot and also a feller could use this video to entertain themselves. 👍

[mrfixit]

i like how he looked at the transformer when the power company pulled the power off. if it would have flashed he would have been seeing spots for weeks

[larrydurkee]

As a retired refrigeration and hvac tech I was about to message and say just get normally closed contractors but you beat me to it. Allen Bradley used to make a real handy contractor, four pole and you could just simply invert the contacts to what you wanted, open or closed. Great job and timely considering the big storm that is to hit the east coast before Christmas.👏🏻🇨🇦

[rv-ebwu]

Some channels I watch as strictly entertainment but yours is entertainment with a healthy dose of learning. So glad I found you way back when. Merry Christmas to you, your family and all your subscribers.

[redneckbryon]

Good luck with Generac, we are getting a Generator installed shortly, as it was supposed to be installed three weeks ago, but we had an Ice Storm, so it's been postponed.
We were originally going to go with Generac, but after talking to different electricians and people who have Generac and in the end, local Generac dealer who's just down the street from our house ghosting us, we decided to go with a different company.
One electrician we spoke to said their company installed a setup at a dairy farm got everything in past inspection when to start the generator it wouldn't put out power after letting out the Magic Smoke.
Also I've heard from other customers, when it comes time for warranty service, it's a nightmare.
I'm in North America, Ontario Canada

[RickyBradley-ktdl]

Master Electrician here also, very impressed with this video and your level of knowledge, salute.

[JohnWatkinsUK]

Just a note to be cautious, it looks like you now have power in your barn with two sources of isolation.
The main ATS on the right powers the main loads in the barn, but the solar contactors are powered from another source (the left ATS when the main utility power is available).
You or someone else could think they had isolated the power in the barn by disabling the generator and flipping the ATS breaker (or flipping the barn sub-panel main breaker), but that solar contactor wire will always be live as long as the house ATS is on.