Getting a whole house genny installed...

Looking4new · Dec 15, 2016

Code54 said:
We just had a 20KW put in recently and it is nice - REAL simple install. They pulled the meter head, snaped the transfer switch right over the old meter base then reinstall the head and hook up about 4 wires. Guess this box is a dealer only install and they had to get permission from our utility company but it works great. Also had two load shedding switches installed on the electric backup/emer heat and hot water tank in case we are pulling more than the Generator can put out.
Now I am almost looking forward to a power outage.....

You need to move to northern Ontario. You will have all the power outages you can handle.

s219 · Dec 15, 2016

It's amazing, we used to have all sorts of outages, but after spending money and time to install a diesel generator, we've gone three years with no major outages. I am grateful, but I'd at least like to use the thing once and a while!

gsganzer · Dec 15, 2016

Interesting reading this. I just bought an engine driven welder that has 10Kw available as a generator. I called an electrician this week to get a manual transfer switch added.

edgarrian · Dec 16, 2016

how much are whole house gens like this. Im assuming around 10k but unsure. We have thought about it but have not done it

RoyJackson · Dec 16, 2016

edgarrian said:
how much are whole house gens like this. Im assuming around 10k but unsure. We have thought about it but have not done it

I investigated a Generac...15kW, I believe. The estimate was about $8K installed (including the automatic transfer switch), not including the propane tank and installation.

murphy1244 · Dec 16, 2016

edgarrian said:
how much are whole house gens like this. Im assuming around 10k but unsure. We have thought about it but have not done it

I had a 17k briggs installed for 7500.

Looking4new · Dec 16, 2016

The estimate I got for a diesel whole house (22 k) automatic standby was $20,000.oo But remember this is Canukistan where prices are through the roof.

coobie · Dec 16, 2016

edgarrian said:
how much are whole house gens like this. Im assuming around 10k but unsure. We have thought about it but have not done it

My propane 17kw generac installed about 5 years ago was $4850.

nikdfish · Dec 16, 2016

edgarrian said:
how much are whole house gens like this. Im assuming around 10k but unsure. We have thought about it but have not done it

Since we did ours through Costco & have the executive membership & CC, there were various cash back elements plus a 10% cash card promotion. After figuring all those components in, our total net cost was about $8500. That includes the propane company costs (line install + 3 regulators) which we handled directly rather than going through the installer (better rate).

Nick

coldsteelva · Dec 16, 2016

s219 said:
It's amazing, we used to have all sorts of outages, but after spending money and time to install a diesel generator, we've gone three years with no major outages. I am grateful, but I'd at least like to use the thing once and a while!

There's nothing wrong with exercising your generator by killing the main breaker and simulating an outage. If it gives you peace of mind or if you learn something along the way, all the better.

murphy1244 · Dec 16, 2016

coldsteelva said:
There's nothing wrong with exercising your generator by killing the main breaker and simulating an outage. If it gives you peace of mind or if you learn something along the way, all the better.

Mine goes through a 20 minute exercise every week.

coldsteelva · Dec 16, 2016

They all have a power on self-test procedure, but I meant a true, shut down your utility power for 24 hours kind of exercise

murphy1244 · Dec 16, 2016

coldsteelva said:
They all have a power on self-test procedure, but I meant a true, shut down your utility power for 24 hours kind of exercise

Here that happens at least once a year.:laughing:

Code54 · Dec 16, 2016

I put a 20kw B/S with the 10 year parts/labor/service call warranty, 200A outdoor meter head transfer switch, 75' of wire run to generator unit (keeps the noise way down), 500 gallon propane tank installed (future rental cost is $36 a year), all piping, regulators, filled tank, and 2 load shedding switching with everything installed - 8K. Only thing I did was poured a pad for the generator and dug the trench for the wire from the unit to the transfer switch on the house.

YanmarFever · Dec 31, 2016

We have a diesel yanmar unit 12 KW to power our home. It runs the air cond, the well, kitchen, master br and security system.
It runs at 1800 rpm and is very quiet, its both 3 phase and single phase. It will run all day on about 3 gallons of diesel. The electrician charged us about 1200 to wire it up properly. I already had the transfer switch.
Im happy with it and that's all that matters...

RoyJackson · Dec 31, 2016

tractorErnie said:
We have a diesel yanmar unit 12 KW to power our home. It runs the air cond, the well, kitchen, master br and security system.
It runs at 1800 rpm and is very quiet, its both 3 phase and single phase. It will run all day on about 3 gallons of diesel. The electrician charged us about 1200 to wire it up properly. I already had the transfer switch.
Im happy with it and that's all that matters...

What did the genny cost you?

You know, I really like Yanmar engines...and I've thought about finding an older Deere or Yanmar compact, pull the engine (and the PTO gearing) and get a generator head.
I'm probably not skilled enough, but that would be one way to get a powerful (18kW to 20kW) diesel generator at a fairly reasonable cost.

dragoneggs · Dec 31, 2016

RoyJackson said:
What did the genny cost you?

You know, I really like Yanmar engines...and I've thought about finding an older Deere or Yanmar compact, pull the engine (and the PTO gearing) and get a generator head.
I'm probably not skilled enough, but that would be one way to get a powerful (18kW to 20kW) diesel generator at a fairly reasonable cost.

Roy if you do that... I want to see the DIY thread. Sounds like a great project!

Toyboy · Jan 1, 2017

My 20kw Generac running on NG cost about $5,500 total. I see prices vary widely depending on where you live.

Code54 · Jan 1, 2017

They really do - there also is a LOT of variance in how it is installed. Concrete pad vs plastic, distance to transfer switch, type of transfer switch, did you need a tank installed and filled, length of piping to gas source, did you use risers or just cap the line in, load shedding switches used, etc.....

Wakey · Dec 8, 2017

Nice job on the wiring, very clean.

I believe you said you install Generac.. If so, do you know what a close color match is for the enclosure of the Guardian generator? I just had a 22KW unit installed and the monkey's nicked the paint unbolting the unit from the crate. I'd prefer to get a rattle can if I could, I don't really care to deal with these people if I don't have to.

The manual says what kind of oil to use, but no mention of a # for the filters. They have maintenance kits but these are generally a bit more expensive.

Is there an awesome forum like TBN where people discuss all things generator?

Thanks!

grsthegreat said:
not all generators are easy to install. i did this one yesterday and it was a pain. problem was he had a 400 amp service and only wanted one side controlled, but he also had a well control he wanted added. in order to add 20 amp well to a 200 amp service i not only had to add a transfer switch, but had to add a 200 amp feed thru panel so i could add the well. then i had to add a gutter ( j box) and reroute the feed to the house.made for a cluttered install but i can see no other way to do it. The inspector loved it. Original panel are first 2 pictures. If you notice all the writing, the original owner had a suicide manual transfer system installed.....no interlocks.
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These are install pics

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