Whole Home Manual Backup Generator Setup For Less Than $1600

What’s up everybody. In today’s video I will be
going over my whole home manual generator setup that cost me less than $1600. This is an easy setup that works great and is inexpensive to install. If you experience occasional power outages but do not want to invest the typical $10-15k to install a full automatic system, I highly recommend a set up like this.

Most commonly agreed upon steps to run this setup:

Step 1: Plug your portable generator into the outdoor receptacle.

Step 2: Turn off all the breakers in your main electrical panel, including the main breaker.

Step 3: Slide the interlock plate into the generator position.

Step 4: Turn on the generator breaker.

Step 5: Turn on your portable generator.

Step 6: Wait one or two minutes for the generator to fully power up, then slowly turn on each circuit breaker you wish to use.

To Shut The System Off: Do the steps above in reverse.

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[robertalvarez]

I just purchased this exact generator. Ordered it on Amazon $1049 and it was delivered yesterday. It took about 12 days to receive it. I just took it out of the box so haven’t fired it up yet. I plan on having the 50amp plug installed by a licensed electrician too. I’m getting estimates in the $600 plus range.
Thanks for the video.

[michaelpaulmcdaniel]

Check your manuals please. Step one is take the generator OFF load. (Flip your breaker off first) never turn a generator off under load. Great video, but follow the manual please.

[sumner]

Thanks for making these videos of your generator. I have one on order and plan to use it pretty much the same way you are. The videos give me a good idea on how to proceed. 👍👍

[OU_Grad]

Harbor Freight 9000 with similar set up. Works like a charm. Generator $698, cord $50, battery $40, but I didn’t have a friend $750 instal. General maintenance once a month (start up for 20 minutes). Cheaper than a Generac.

[neilbrookins]

To protect the main breaker and minimize stress, it is recommended to first turn off all individual breakers before turning the main breaker on or off. Once the main breaker is on, you can then turn on the individual breakers one by one. This gradual application of load helps to avoid a sudden surge of current.

[prsmYT]

We used the same generator Westinghouse 13, 500 tri-fuel. Had to get one after having 8 power outages in North suburb of Houston in 26 months. The 9th power outage happened after tropical storm Beryl, one of the smallest storms I've ever seen coming from FL. Our power was out for 4 days but we didn't even notice since we hooked up our generator. Ran both A/C units.

I paid $1, 244 for the Generator but saw that same unit online now for $2, 400. I paid a skilled electrician $900 with parts and labor, I had it run further down by my pool equipment so I paid an extra $250-300 for supplies that weren't necesary. I could have done it myself since I have experience in electrical work. I just didn't want to chance ruining my brand new home so I didn't do it myself or hire a handyman.

[andysmyvette]

Why would you shut down the generator under load. Not good for it, or for anything in your house that's running, like a refrigerator compressor. The best practice would be to shut off the 50a generator breaker in the panel and run the generator unloaded a few minutes before shutting it down.

[dblomvo]

I added a soft start to my AC condenser to be able to use the system with the generator, and it helps extend the life of the compressor, conserve power, and runs better. That will add another few hundred dollars, worth it. God bless you all, God bless the United States of America 🇺🇸 peace ✌️ stay safe 🙏

[rdhudon]

I live in Canada and those Gens go for $2200 CAD here . I have one and I also bought a 40A generlink for $1500 Cad . It hooks directly in to the meter (Plug and play). I have a propane furnace but my primary source of heat is a wood stove . It cost me more then you but still worth every penny . I lived through the Ice storm of '98 and we went several weeks without power . I think it is part of our duty to protect our family .

[williamreveron]

Great video! I didn't want to break the bank and feel the same way, if I only need it a couple times a year this will work for me. Thank you

[clayshinn]

This is exactly what I plan on doing. Here in the South, these hurricanes are devastating. I've had the same generator for a couple of years, and haven't had to use it yet. Seeing how bad regular thunderstorms have been this year, I need to get this hookup fast! Great video!

[uafunguy]

Hey, you are a good friend to not expect your buddy to do a free job. 500 bucks is keeping a friendship. Im an electrician and people always want me to do free stuff. Its funny people pay straingers to do work buy expect friends to do free work. The people commenting that you got ripped off are most likely living in there parents basement with no job and support Harris ..Much respect to you.. Trump 2024

[xxSURExxSHOTxx]

I have that same generator and it is a power house. Before purchasing it I came across thousands of great reviews. Thanks for sharing your setup!

[freeyesmaybe]

A must have in the summertime AC needs ... Micro-Air EasyStart 364 Soft Starter 😁

[wildwolvespack]

I did the very same thing, with that very same Generator after the Texas deep Freeze and it works just fine. I have used it twice, It is like an insurance, just in case, My is a 30Amp breaker set up and Why break the bank when you can have a simple set up like this for a thousand bucks, Excellent video from Diesel Legiance detailing step by step.. Quick note. I turn all the breakers off before connecting the Generator and once the Generator is running and connected to the house I turn the breakers on one by one as needed, that in my case is almost all of them.

[cyberlight]

12:07 BAD BAD BAD SHUT OF THE GENERATOR BRAKER FIRST AND LET IT COOL DOWN THEN TURN OF THE GENERATOR

[mlad]

Thanks for taking the time to create this video! Great option if you can’t afford a whole house auto generator setup!

[tjlingram]

You can also flip the generator breaker off before you shut down the generator and turn your mains service back on. It won't hurt anything. That's what the interlock is for. Only one active at a time.

[dblomvo]

I don’t believe in free estimates. Gas, tolls, time, food, etc.. is not free. I always pay my guys and treat them right and respect their skills and time. God keep blessing you and your family. Stay safe.

[daveerrington]

Finally, somebody who made a video that doesn’t use a stupid transfer switch. That only allows you to use the so-called important things, dummy switch .This is the way you do it if you want to be able to turn lights on and off in your house and be conservative and aware of the power you’re using. This is the way you do it if you wanna be able to use your whole house.