Affordable Generator Enclosure Shed Project

A detailed description of how to build out an affordable Generator Shed so that you can keep the doors closed safely during operation. This video does not contain any paid promotion, sponsorship, or endorsements.

Components:

Assorted Bolts and Screws - under $20.

[D]

One of the nicest plastic gensheds i`ve seen fabricated so far.
And thats a great idea having a temp monitor in there too. I`ve not seen anyone else do that. People don`t even realize how hot it gets inside these little sheds.

[RogerKey-he]

I bought a whole house generator and wished I’d just did something like you have in the video. I’ve spent $15k and am locked into one brand. When I have issues with the system, I’m forced to deal with that manufacturer regardless of his poor warranty and service performance. My system had catastrophic failure after 5 hours of runtime. It took almost 4 months to get warranty repairs. If I had a portable generator, I’d just get a second unit and still be thousands of dollars ahead.

[johnrichard]

I was very pleased to see your itemized parts list for this project. Thanks for your help.

[billsexton]

Searched for generator enclosure idea. This is the first video I watched. I see no need to look further. Great project, great content/presentation well done! Thank you.

[rosewoodsteel]

Very nice, well thought out shed!
I have a similar set up in my rear garden shed. In my case, I trenched over to the shed for the electrical hook up to the manual transfer switch which is located in my garage. I installed a louver on one side of the generator and a louvered fan on the other. The exhaust is removed via a stainless steel "b-vent" which is isolated from the T1-11 rear wall with stove gasket. I just plug in the fan when the generator is in use and it doe the trick. And, since the exhaust is ported to the rear of my shed, towards the woods, the generator is very quiet while running. For security, I keep the shed locked and have the generator chained to the floor.

-I'm very impressed with your temperature monitoring system! Very slick!

[Tao_Peace]

Very nice setup and you’ve done a very nice setup and I very much appreciate the work you’ve put into this box! You’re absolutely right that these Generac systems are absurd in price! For the novice, be VERY careful of two things, heat and fumes and lock that thing up like a safe!!! We’ll done sir 👏👍

[motorvN]

Very impressive - clean and tidy. Love the temperature monitoring idea too.

[outlawamps]

I built one almost the same 10 years ago. It really stifles the noise quite a bit. I ran a receptacle from the shop I put this next (in conduit) for chargers, etc. I cut a hole in front of where the exhaust is and ran duct out and around with a furnace blower sucking the exhaust out. I also drove a ground rod to tie to inside the enclosure. I like the protection it gives if power is out during thunder or snow storms.

[HDCowboy]

I did something similar but put the intake vents (like you see in mobile homes for A/C vents) on the same side you installed the attic fan and put the attic fan on the exhaust side letting it suck out the exhaust also, it works well for me!

[bobgieser]

Your VIDEO on the generator shed is GREAT. THANKS for listing the parts and where you bought them. I just bought my generator last week. I can and will benefit from your work. THANKS AGAIN

[sharpenrightservicesllc]

Excellent project and presentation. You have a great voice and delivery. Fantastic ideas you have given me for my generator project.

[gerardhaubert]

Nice installation. I would convert the generator to lp gas and eliminate issues of storing gasoline

[robertd]

I bought a 3000 watt inverter generator and a Gentent. Had my electrician install a 30 amp RV type outlet which he wired through the breaker box. It is pretty well sheltered from thieves but I have a security cable on it anyway. Total for everything was about $2600 but that was with a Honda generator. I can run everything except AC and W/D. Could be done for about $1500 with a Champion 4500 watt dual fuel inverter generator which would be my choice if I had to do over again. Couple of 30 lb. propane tanks would keep it going for quite a while and no gasoline to deal with.

[phatsublime]

Impressive. I may buy the shed and just open the doors and run it when in use. Rain hood over the top is all that is really needed. Should not get very hot with the doors open, so I may just put the liner in there too.

[lapinfurax]

Excellent project ! Thanx for this video

[danloyol]

Outstanding video!
Thank you for sharing, especially the parts you used.
Many thanks.

Dan

[elotron]

I did somehing similar but a big bigger shed and metalic. During the winter it is not bad, but i keep the door large open. I have a 10kw generator.
However, during the summer it could be problematic. Just make your heat calculation before doing the “enclosure”.
This type of engine (gas engine) in the best situation has an efficiency of 40%(and this is very optimistic). So for exemple for 5kw of output power, it will disipate 2.5 times more heat, that it means 12.5kw of heat. This is huge for a small enclosure.

[barrygrant]

A couple of points: While the insulation helps with the noise reduction, it will also increase the heat buildup in the shed. Also, anytime the generator is running with the doors closed, the fan must be running to remove the exhaust fumes if nothing else. I'd just plug the fan directly into the generator outlet when running.

[dang]

Nice set up if you aren’t looking for an inverter generator for sensitive electronics. Medical devices and some other equipment can be damaged with a modified sine wave generator vs a pure sine wave generator. Think ventilators and cpap among others things.

[gonzaloburgos]

Baffles for the vents will help with noise reduction 👍