$2500 Whole house natural gas generator build list. (3 Viewers)

[R-BallJunkie]

Talked to an electrician about wiring in a transfer switch. He looked at my load panel and said since I'm only using 12 of the 24 spaces on my panel it would be far cheaper and easier to move the top two breakers to the other rail, mount a 50 amp power inlet and wire it to a dedicated 50 amp double pole breaker and install an interlock kit. He said that the main reason for using a transfer switch is if you do not have enough spaces in the load panel, or do not have a large enough generator and don't want to flip a bunch of breakers so you would just wire in the stuff you want on the generator and the rest would remain unpowered.

So I'm looking at about $150 worth of parts to do this myself or 300 for him to do it, and another 300 for the A/C soft start kit and I'm done until I decide to plumb in the connections for the generator to run off of natural gas. He also said that it would be a nice selling point for the house that it's setup to have a backup generator.

yeah, my house is older (1985) and im plum out of room in my panel. i looked at replacing/upgrading but then you have to meet new code verses grandfathered so that would have meant $$. this was the easiest, safest path. Glad to see people moving forward with backups! I'm sleeping better now knowing there's some form of protection in place for the next Ike or winter storm

 

[ReeferBud]

If anyone is interested....just tested, ran the whole house just fine. Barely blipped when the 4 ton air conditioner came on.

I plan on storing it away in my garage when not used. Good alternative to fixed whole house generators. Not on a ATS but can be deployed in a matter of minutes.

links are just for reference, plenty of vendors to choose from...

Generator 13kw	$ 1,344.00	https://www.lowes.com/pd/DuroMax-13000-Watt-Gasoline-Propane-Portable-Generator-with-Oem-Engine/1000842388
NG conversion kit	$ 106.00	Natural Gas Conversion Kit Duromax XP13000EH Generator 13KW LP 20HP Dual Fuel LP | eBay DUROMAX XP13000EH. Remove the existing propane line that runs between the regulator and carburetor already installed on the generator. No venturi adapter required, kit will allow you to run low pressure propane or low pressure natural gas. www.ebay.com
Transfer Switch R510A	$ 435.53	Reliance Controls R510A Pro/Tran2 - 50-Amp 120/240V 10-Circuit Outdoor Transfer Switch w/ Wattmeters & Inlet Buy Reliance Controls R510A Direct. Check the Reliance Controls Pro/Tran2 - 50-Amp (120/240V 10-Circuit) Outdoor Transfer Switch w/ Wattmeters & Inlet ratings before checking out. www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com
50' Generator fuel hose, 1"	$ 295.00	Gas-Flo 1 in. Low Temperature Type I Propane Delivery Hose Since 1975, JME has been a trusted distributor of petroleum equipment, loading systems, sanitary supplies, fire safety products, and industrial parts. Shop now to see why 1000s of customers have chosen us as their preferred provider. www.jmesales.com
50' Generator Power Cord 50-amp 125/250-volt 14-50p To Cs6364 Locking Connector	$ 218.00	50ft Generator Power Cord 50-amp 125/250-volt 14-50p To Cs6364 Locking Connector Features & Details [DURABLE MATERIAL]- The resistant STW cord is made for heavy duty construction, it is built to the highest quality standards. [N14-50P & CS6364 ]- Plug (Male): 14-50P with handle, elbow plug style for strain-relief; Receptacle (Female): SS2-50R, Locking Style [50' CORD... www.vevor.com
1" ball valve, NG	$ 13.51	Everbilt 1 in. Brass FIP x FIP Lever Handle Gas Ball Valve-VGV2LHB5EB - The Home Depot The Everbilt Gas Ball Valve is listed with Underwriters Laboratory (UL) for safe use with liquefied petroleum gas (LP Gas), natural gas, flammable liquids, and heated oils. This 2-piece gas valve also www.homedepot.com
3/4" iron union	$ 9.00	LDR Industries 3/4 in. Black Iron Union-310 U-34 - The Home Depot Handle your home's gas pipe needs with STZ pipe fittings. This 3/4 in. black iron union is made for use with non-potable water sources. It is rated to withstand pressures of up to 300 PSI and is 100% factory tested. Above ground use only. Fittings, nipples, and pipe come in an array of sizes to... www.homedepot.com
1 x 3/4 Threaded 3000# 316 Reducing Coupling	$ 3.55	LDR Industries 1 in. x 3/4 in. Black Malleable Iron FPT x FPT Reducing Coupling-310 RC-134 - The Home Depot When selecting gas pipe for your home STZ pipe and fittings are the way to go. Our durable black iron fittings are 100% pressure tested and protected right at the factory. Pipe, connectors and fittings www.homedepot.com
1" quick connect fitting	$ 85.00	Parker Propane/Natural Gas GF Quick Coupling & Nipple BPGFN16-16F BVGFC16-16F 1" | eBay Parker Propane/Natural Gas GF Quick Coupling & Nipple. www.ebay.com
Rectorseal 96506 S1-02431995000 Hardstart	$ 23.00	https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008A3UJ7I/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
	$ 2,532.59

Videos below



View attachment 38690 IMG_9240 by Rballjunkie Smith, on Flickr

thanks for posting. I’m interested in doing something similar.

Any concern about that generator having a THD of 10-12% for running sensitive electronics?

I would assume that a lot of the aquarium gear would be considered sensitive (Radions, vortechs, DC pumps, Apex, etc... basically anything with a microchip). Understand that a THD <5% is required for sensitive electronics.

 

[Cody]

So I was looking to get the 9000/7200w predator generator from harbor freight. However, the four prong outlet says its 120/240v 30amp, whereas your generator has a 50amp outlet. If the predator only has a 30amp outlet then does that mean that I can only use half the power of the generator?

I’m not sure how that works out considering the 30amp outlet says 120/240v. Would the four prong plug have two 120v legs with 30amps per leg?

 

[R-BallJunkie]

thanks for posting. I’m interested in doing something similar.

Any concern about that generator having a THD of 10-12% for running sensitive electronics?

I would assume that a lot of the aquarium gear would be considered sensitive (Radions, vortechs, DC pumps, Apex, etc... basically anything with a microchip). Understand that a THD <5% is required for sensitive electronics.

not really that concerned. i read some generator units had quit "dirty" power but after reading the Duromax reviews, no one really mentions having issues. My logic is, if the power is out it's 911 time..heaters, pumps are priority one....everything else is icing on the cake. I really wanted a Winco tri fuel unit since its made in the US and they wind their own armatures (put it on order but got the run around ). Afterthoughts post cancellation......couldn't justify the price delta for something that i may or may not used in the next five years. All my loads for my equipment are hooked up to a GFCI outlet with an audible alarm. I believe high harmonics will trip them out so there's some level of protection. When i tested, everything fired right up, no issues. My lighting is Phillips Coralcare, seems to be hella stout overbuilt.

 

[R-BallJunkie]

So I was looking to get the 9000/7200w predator generator from harbor freight. However, the four prong outlet says its 120/240v 30amp, whereas your generator has a 50amp outlet. If the predator only has a 30amp outlet then does that mean that I can only use half the power of the generator?

I’m not sure how that works out considering the 30amp outlet says 120/240v. Would the four prong plug have two 120v legs with 30amps per leg?

i like air conditioning.....opted for a unit with 50A just to make sure the loads were covered. you could still run your AC with the 30A but would really limit what else you can run. After segmenting and picking what can be ran with the manual transfer switch, we can be hunker down in relative comfort less a few circuits....for me, i keep my Tesla charged most the time.....we have plenty of clothes, so can forgo washing for a week....small sacrifices, IMO.

 

[Cody]

i like air conditioning.....opted for a unit with 50A just to make sure the loads were covered. you could still run your AC with the 30A but would really limit what else you can run. After segmenting and picking what can be ran with the manual transfer switch, we can be hunker down in relative comfort less a few circuits....for me, i keep my Tesla charged most the time.....we have plenty of clothes, so can forgo washing for a week....small sacrifices, IMO.

So I figured out the answer to my question. It runs 30amps at 240volts. At 120v it runs 60amps, which is the full power of the generator, and will run my fish room, refrigerator, window unit to keep my living area and tank cool, tv, etc. Everything I need turned on will be about a 60% load on the generator, which is perfect.

 

[Tenny]

So I was looking to get the 9000/7200w predator generator from harbor freight. However, the four prong outlet says its 120/240v 30amp, whereas your generator has a 50amp outlet. If the predator only has a 30amp outlet then does that mean that I can only use half the power of the generator?

I’m not sure how that works out considering the 30amp outlet says 120/240v. Would the four prong plug have two 120v legs with 30amps per leg?

I bought the Pulsar 12,000 for $839( +tax, free shipping) off ebay. It's more output and it's already setup for propane. It also has the 240 50Amp outlet so it can flow out more.

Edit: Price went up to $868 - Pulsar 12000 Watt Portable Dual Fuel Propane/Gas Generator Electric Start G12KBN 814726024598 | eBay

 

[Cody]

I bought the Pulsar 12,000 for $839( +tax, free shipping) off ebay. It's more output and it's already setup for propane. It also has the 240 50Amp outlet so it can flow out more.

Edit: Price went up to $868 - Pulsar 12000 Watt Portable Dual Fuel Propane/Gas Generator Electric Start G12KBN 814726024598 | eBay

Interesting. That’s a heck of a deal, but I would need an adapter to run it off of NG.

 

[Tenny]

Interesting. That’s a heck of a deal, but I would need an adapter to run it off of NG.

Yeah it needs an adapter, but it's cheaper (from my research) to convert it compared to a non-propane one. The Predator needs an adapter too right?

 

[Cody]

Yeah it needs an adapter, but it's cheaper (from my research) to convert it compared to a non-propane one. The Predator needs an adapter too right?

Yep. Where are you getting your adapter?

 

[Tenny]

Yep. Where are you getting your adapter?

ebay was the only place I found it.

 

[BigRick]

I bought the Pulsar 12,000 for $839( +tax, free shipping) off ebay. It's more output and it's already setup for propane. It also has the 240 50Amp outlet so it can flow out more.

Edit: Price went up to $868 - Pulsar 12000 Watt Portable Dual Fuel Propane/Gas Generator Electric Start G12KBN 814726024598 | eBay

I dont think these generator motors can put out past 6k when under load.

 

[foos]

I dont think these generator motors can put out past 6k when under load.

Yar, looks like the 12k is the peak spike with gas.

Rated Output(LPG):

8550W

 

[BigRick]

Yar, looks like the 12k is the peak spike with gas.

Rated Output(LPG):

8550W

I've read thread where people have this generator but under load it won't put out over 6k..

 

[foos]

I've read thread where people have this generator but under load it won't put out over 6k..

They probably rate it for a pure restive load in ideal conditions. My understanding is that you can have a load of 6kw that "acts" like a higher draw load. Have not dug into why to understand it, but it seems that inductive loads may be more spiky causing a higher load than the overall draw. Could also be something to do with the magnetic fields collapsing on motors.

So, it probably is 8.5kw, but a fridge and a.c. along with other things on it will make it so you never actually get that.

Could also be that it can do 8.5kw but they force the never use more than 80% on you and limit you to 6kw. Just like your 15amp breaker can do 1.8kw but you cannot buy an appliance that is larger than 1.4kw for a 15 amp circuit.

 

[Cody]

They probably rate it for a pure restive load in ideal conditions. My understanding is that you can have a load of 6kw that "acts" like a higher draw load. Have not dug into why to understand it, but it seems that inductive loads may be more spiky causing a higher load than the overall draw. Could also be something to do with the magnetic fields collapsing on motors.

So, it probably is 8.5kw, but a fridge and a.c. along with other things on it will make it so you never actually get that.

Could also be that it can do 8.5kw but they force the never use more than 80% on you and limit you to 6kw. Just like your 15amp breaker can do 1.8kw but you cannot buy an appliance that is larger than 1.4kw for a 15 amp circuit.

Yeah my Predator generator will put out 50 amps once it’s converted to NG. My projected load is about 35 amps. I hope that won’t be an issue for it.

 

[R-BallJunkie]

ebay was the only place I found it.

i bought the kit off ebay and TBH you only need the gas regulator part, hose and hose clamps if you have a dual fuel generator. the rest of the kit was throw away, not needed. if anyone needs the regulator model, hose diameter let me know.

 

[Tenny]

i bought the kit off ebay and TBH you only need the gas regulator part, hose and hose clamps if you have a dual fuel generator. the rest of the kit was throw away, not needed. if anyone needs the regulator model, hose diameter let me know.

Yes, please post the part number. I actually haven't bought it yet but need it soon.

 

[R-BallJunkie]

Yes, please post the part number. I actually haven't bought it yet but need it soon.

pictures of the reg, hose and diameter.


As usual...I overthought everything. Instructions are hard to come by on the interweb so i had to read in-between the lines of what was sent. . it was easy once you traced everything out and put some logic to it...i can post connection pics if you want.

 

[Tenny]

pictures of the reg, hose and diameter.


As usual...I overthought everything. Instructions are hard to come by on the interweb so i had to read in-between the lines of what was sent. . it was easy once you traced everything out and put some logic to it...i can post connection pics if you want.

Thanks, looks like the regular is about $46 (OOS atm), I wonder if I'm really saving much by putting it all together myself. The only thing I'd be interested in really is adding a 2-1 valve manifold to it so I can still run propane or NG.