Predator Generator Running My Whole House | My Set-up and Total Cost 

How do you get power to your house during a blackout or when lines are down? Let me know if you have a similar set-up or if you do something totally different.

Same setup. My generator is just a little smaller (5300w). I have color coded my breakers for must haves, caution items, and only in an emergency. Also wrote a step by step procedure so if I’m ever not home, wife and/or kids can set up by word for word instructions. No thinking needed in an already stressful situation, just read and do. Headlamps at breaker panel so they don’t have to be searched out. Only change I would make is a larger generator and electric start.

Excellent video Sir. I have the generator and plan on a very similar setup. A few years back, we lost power due to a tornado. Neighbors brought over a generator and we ran extension cords in through the window. That worked great but a setup like this with the proper 'load shed' is a game changer. Very well presented and thank you!

I just bought this same generator from Harbor Freight. Our power has gonna out a couple of times so far this year for a few days and well, throwing food out of the fridge got costly!! The purchase was a must have if you know what I mean! I'm new to the owning a generator and your video was very helpful with ideas and things to think about. Example: we have gas heat also but didn't think about running the fan for heat during winter until you mentioned that! Excellent video sir!👍🏻

Im a backup power and gen tech for Cox communications.i will add something about the Internet.because we bought an farmhouse with electrical issues last year and i already had the Predator 8750 that i bought years ago.we couldnt get regular internet that usually requires a standard modem that doesnt require alot of power to run.we had to get a dish system through hughsnet.i found that it requires almost 48vdc at about 2-3 amps just to power the modem and dish.we have no commercial power coming into the house.we use 6 100watt solar panels,12 alphacell 3.5HP batteries and a renogy 1000w inverter -charger.we have to be careful and not leave the router - modem unless the generator is running which only runs when charging.or need to power heavy loads.Great video Sir.

I’m not sure this was mentioned in the comments but as you turn the refrigerator and or freezers on, they will use “start up watts” that are much higher than the run wattage. So just because the lights are on inside the refrigerator doesn’t mean that your generator produce enough start up wattage to turn the compressors back on. So make sure that the compressors are actually running. You may need to turn off other circuits to have the start up wattage.

Don't add ethanol fuel in your generator. If you you have that choice. And once you're done with the generator drain the ethanol fuel out. Start it up and run it till the engine dies, to empty the bowl of the carburetor. Or you will be going to need to go through that carburetor afterwards. in a few months. Ethanol is also corrosive. It doesn't store as well as your standard petrol.

Great video! That’s what I did I picked up the 9002 days ago at Harbor freight went to Lowe’s and got their kit will be putting it in this weekend love your video good job

I have the Predator 9500 inverter generator for my home setup. I have everything set up pretty much the exact same way you do with minor changes. -I ran 6/3 wire -I don’t have an interlock plate, but have the breaker blocked with warnings. (Interlock doesn’t fit my panel and breaker location) -I added soft-start kits to my 2 AC units (crucial if you want the AC) I can run the entire house, all loads.

I have an old Coleman Powermate 5500 11HP gen and can run 4 5,000 BTU window A/C's, Full size Fridge/freezer, small chest freezer, 1/2 HP deep well Jet pump water pump ( for showers and toilets mostly so this can be turned off and on as needed ) easily six or seven lights, 3 ceiling fans on medium to stir the air, one or two oscillating fans as needed, modem/hub, 70" TV, and laptop computer, and sometimes a Bluray player with ease. I turn off the water heater and have enough hot water stored for 2 days and up to 3 or for showers before needing to juggle switches to reheat. I cook using microwave, small hot air fryer, and butane hot plates.

I have a small Honeywell 3500 gen that has a120/240 plug and 2 120 volt outlets. I made 2 115 volt power cords out of 14/3 with double male ends. Turn off 200 amp main box breaker and most double pole breakers to keep appliances from overloading the gen set. One of the power cords will power everything on the left side of power box and the other power cord will power the right side of main panel box. Just keep in mind the capacity of the generator in total watts. If power is off for more than a day I fall back on a Lincoln welder with a double male end plug that I plug into my 4hp air compressor receptacle in the garage and turn on that double pole breaker. Hot water heaters are resistance heat that will not suffer from low voltage, so we still get to take a hot shower. The Lincoln consumes a gallon of fuel per hour but does everything if needed. The small Honeywell 3500 will run lights, fridge, garage doors, and the blower on my wood stove for 13 hours on 3 gallons of gas. problem solved for cheap price of 2 25ft. extension cords and 2 more 115 volt male plugs. keep it simple silly.

Great info, many thanks.

Thanks for this video. This is my exact setup I want. We were lucky enough to buy a house to that has a Generac propane backup and auto switches on. But, In case it is an extended outage and I'm out of propane, I want this setup. I have the Predator 9000 30-amp.

You are so lucky, we can't do anything like this in the UK.

Thanks for sharing great video

I've wached a lot of vids on this subject and yours is by far the best I've seen. Thank you kindly.

Basic rule during power outage is to ration and not normal use. Most efficient way to power the whole house isn't just a large gas generator. Its a mix of Gas generator and Power station. If there were few days of power outage. Gasoline generator is only good as long as you have surplus gas. We'll use Hurricane Ian as an example. Expect to lose power for next couple of weeks and no gas stations are open. You need both to run electricity for all your needs. Gas generator for large energy hog like small cooking appliances or sump pump in your case. Gas generator shouldn't be on 24/7. Rationed until needed. Power stations can be on all the time for refrigerator and freezer with few solar panels. Especially in Sunny Florida. Lighting should be all rechargeable work lights from Ryobi, Milwaukee, Dewalt, and others.

I've got the 9000. Bought it 2yrs ago for back up purposes but haven't needed to yet.

I’ve got the same generator and plans to do exactly what you have done. Thx

Nice video.

Hello, from Richmond, IN.

I prefer this over a transfer switch because your limited on what you can use and it cost alot more. I researched all ways to get power during an outage. And this by far is the most efficient way and can use anything in your house with the flip of a breaker

You can run your Ac on it as well but definelty need to add some parts to AC to not run so hard at start up basically a soft start . Add that and you can run Ac and the lights and other things on the generator at same time

Will the Sump pump work with this? I have one 1hp, one 3/4 and one 1/2 hp sump pump in my basement

hello i have a firman 9400 watt generator with 50 amp box and breaker, i should be able to run my ac as long as the stove and dryer not on at the same time

If you have one of the generator grade extension cords with the splitter the has 3-4 outlets, can you use a plain old extension cord to extend like a coffee maker cord into the splitter or do they all need to be generator grade?

I have a 3750w predator, it ran my HVAC system all night with fridge and a couple lights

Great product. Use for power outage.

I have this same exact hookup. I just turn on all my breakers and the generator didnt even bogg down. I dont think id run the ac but i believe it could hzndle it

I would like to see a video or if you could provide some guidance on how to wire up the boxes.

Can anybody point me in the direction of the Generator Load Chart mentioned in the Video.. tks

Like many other things in life, bigger is better. I would opt for the 10kw as it better to have it and not need it as need extra power and not have it. Yes your purchase will no doubt be regulated by what you can afford or comfortable with. Yes my experience is with Military generators and bigger is always better.

Have my outside socket up 18 inches from the ground I have mine hook up to a 20 amp breaker an wired to my panel with a inter lock I don't have a large house but it runs fringe pellet stove an lights cook on table top burner the most I have had to run this was 18 hours remember to start your Gen at least four times a year an shut of gas run carb dry

Wow! You were able to run all that with just a 6500 watt generator?

Everyone has videos on their s for emergency backup. Do a video on how to do this during peak hours so you can lower your electric bill

Buddy I'm gunna need that episode 10 of the nv4500 swap 😂

I have the 4550 3650. I plugged my fridge into it and it wont run it. Why?

I can run everything EXCEPT on demand hot water heater, didn’t try the dryer or electric stove since they are 240 as well, but it does run my 240’ deep water well pump. 12000/9500 duel fuel.

Ok, we need to know some specifics: What is the gas consumption on the load that you are pulling? Critical to know to estimate how much fuel to have on hand! Refrigerator pulls how many watts Freezer pulls how many watts TV pulls how many watts Computer and computer screen pulls how many watts Heat/AC pulls how many watts Garbage disposal pulls how many watts Garage door opener Great video!

If you can afford it and the gen is for backup power primarily, get an "Inverter Generator" which had a pure sine wave and is much cleaner for sensitive electronics like a Microwave oven. I run a construction-type open frame generator just like you do, I just don't power the microwave when the generator is supplying the house power. Also, even with a 5,500 running Watt gen, you can most likely power your A/C, you just need to get a soft-start kit installed (about $350.00) that reduces the surge current when the A/C first starts up (which can over power your gen). Once the A/C powers up with a soft-start kit, your gen can keep it and the rest of the house running. There are also tons of youtubes on how to swap out the carb for a gasoline/propane carb so in an emergency, you can run the gen on propane which is very helpful if you have propane heating already or a BBQ with tanks of propane.

howdy and thank you much. I was wondering if you can {back feed } from the generator to your main thru the double pole breakers 30 amp as shown ? they are going thru in reverse... thanks again..... will wait for a reply before I get started on my own...

I purchased the 10k starting watts & 8k running wattage…my generator is a dual fuel propane & gasoline ( Ethanol Free) …Using propane my running watts is 7.5k, propane has less power….Use Ethanol Free gasoline if at all possible, you can store it longer ( 6 Months ) and it doesn’t absorb water like the gasoline with ethanol which is recommended to use within ( 3 Months )…

Neighbor complaints about the noise? Are you running it at night time?

You can get a soft start for ur AC

How about a 12v water heater element. For the top element. Water heating backup.

I have the exact setup. I just turn all my breakers on and just be mindful of what high draw items that i use like a microwave. My stove l, water heater and heat is gas. So really my ac would be the thing i would need to consider not using.

Thinking long term. Id have a natural gas line point for a generator installed, it would also double as a fuel source for a BBQ. . A stove top that uses NG or LPG. Requires just a lighter to use, no electricity needed. I know when i took my electric stovetop out, it was marked as 7,400w thats a very sizable electric load for one item. . Depending on cost of electricity versus natural gas, id also consider changing the hot water and dryer over to gas as well. Possibly have gas lines ran to all locations in the home where a natural gas appliance could be used. So as they die over time, you could change them over. 0.01c

Yes but is it duel fuel propane as well. Proane stores alot safer and longer . But we got the same set up but wished we'd gotten a bigger generator. It still runs the house furnace and fridge and freezer but probably not every light on at once

Have the same generator, it does not have an inverter built into it which can cause the electronics in newer appliances such as TV's and refrigerators

2 EcoFlow delta pro and 4 EcoFlow delta pro extra smart battery ( 20,8 KWH and EcoFlow smart Panel for Circle breaker good idea

Im curious about your dual water heaters I see they are electric ,its a good thing that you pointed out the load thing for people because they will try and run everything with too small a gen set

If you are to update to a bigger generator above 7500w the 30amp breaker and your wire gage would need to be updated to 50 or 60amp breaker and wire gage. I believe 7200w is Max for 30amp breaker.

Link for hookup outlet on house. I didn’t see info in comments. Thanks

Can Harbor Freight generators be converted to LP gas if so who makes the conversion kits?

Great video! Got me thinking I need a similar set up! Noticed your water heaters are daisy chained. I’ve never seen that before. Was that your decision and if so why that over on demand?

Most items now are so low on watts i can run pretty much everything. I know just dont use anything high draw like microwave my stove is gas i have city water. Sump pump may be heavy draw but that only kicks on every so often

does not matter the "size" ... In the end. only 30 amps are "allowed" at any 1 time. It is more about regulating the current load you put on the generator than the total watts available.

It want power Every thing that is turn on in a whole electric home. but can power up a room that your stay at the most. With Tv, computer, window unit, and space heaters, Lights, micro wave, electric grill and things but deep freezer, stove tops ovens, refrig. ect. some thing got to be turn off for those to run

How MUCH for a 9000 watt generator? Aververage price for what you have is 1000 to 1200 us dollars?

Are these setups able to power 240 V appliances such as air conditioning?

While running the generator, have you ever had electrical issues with your Ring system, wifi, laptop, refridgerator, etc.? Is it worth paying extra $$ for an inverter?

Great video. You should install a Tri-fuel kit on your generator. You would be able to run it off of gasoline, natural gas and liquid propane. We have the Predator 9000/7250 watts generator. I installed a Tri-fuel kit to connect it to our homes NG line. I installed a six and ten circuit manual transfer switch. I use both 30-amp outlets on our generator, to connect to the transfer switches.

Most deep water well are 220 v Yes it can run it but need to turn off some thing else to give it power YOU WILL KNOW WHEN YOU OVER POWER YOUR GENTERATOR> It will start to Surge. So what i did was? Run a extension cord from out side, to a room that i can live confrontable in with a surge protector switch. I turn it off go to another room and turn it on and off, all threw out the house. The kitchen and central air and heat where you use the most electric at

If you get a proper transfer switch you dont need to shut off the mains. The transfer switch toggles the individual house circuits to the generator power.

Definitely not your whole house but your in good shape. Just remember 30 amp ... that load can add up quick

I bought the predator 9000 and there was no manual but there is a spot for a ground wire. Are you running yours with a ground attached that goes into the ground?

Hi, is your interlock system just as good as a transfer switch?

Are you using gasoline? Can you add fuel while running? Potential for natural gas, propane, diesel.

Better rewards with every Bite😂😂😂😂.

You must have to store quite a bit of gas to keep that generator going.

How much gas does it take to run daily?

Is there a way to tell what the max u can turn on?

Actually, you probably have a better chance of running the stove that water heaters so much amp draw

you should be able to at least run your ac with that genie. maybe not the water heater but everything. even your stove and dryer. not at the same time but it'll run them one at a time.

A neighbor plugged his generator into the electric dryer outlet, and then put the switch on the circut board for the dryer.

GOD, i bet you never have issues with hot water.

Not sure I would trust harbor freight equipment though during an outage ?

Many people are having trouble with these. They replace with a new one then the new ones goes to heck. Buy a Honda to start with.

It's not the whoie house, please.... it's partial house. Now if u get a higher watts generator that can handle all ur appliances and u can leave all ur breakers on. THEN u can state the whole house, thx....

Wish it was on sell again anyone have a coupon for this one.

If you haven't already, get a air fryer, we can use that for a lot of stuff...

Just FYI that generator does not have a pure sine wave inverter on it so while able to turn on your house, Fragile and delicate electronics are in harms way from any spike that generator outputs... Laptops, consoles, PCs, TVs should not be powered by a non-Pure sine wave inverter.

Me personally if I had access to propane or natural gas I'd buy a generator that will run off of those fuel sources so you don't have to store gas cans full of gas.

Nevermind, I wrote to soon...lol

How much fuel to use non stop for a week

The 9000 runs at 7250

Consult with a competent person about electricity. I know so called "licensed" electricians I would not let change a battery in my flashlight.

Only power generator will run a small house completely uses the same amount of solar panels as the house or uses over $200 a day fuel cost and loud with alot of dangerious gases in the exhaust . A average small house uses at least 1 refigerator and freezer and 2 a_c's and a a water heater and a wall heater plus all others. From 60 to 100 amps at 120 vac 60 hertz single phase sine wave

you said whole house lol and only put on a couple of switches

5500 is too small for whole-house detail.

You are misleading you are not " running your whole house " . If you wanted to be honest you would need a 17500 watt generator at least to run your water heater , stove and depending on the size , your air conditioning. I have a 19500 watt generator that truly runs my whole house inuding my 5 ton AC.

Tt

Wait until you go to buy a part for the Predator engine, LOL, made in China.

That generator will NOT run your whole house if you are using heat/air 💯

Get a hotel room. It's cheaper, and you don't have to start it once a month. Wifey doesn't have to cook and clean.

the first minute forty eight seconds are a waste of time ...

I was very disappointed in your video. But you were dragging your feet trying to say what you did. One thing I would recommend is, we all know why we are here looking at your video. You lost me because you did not get right to the point. I do wish you good luck.

what do you make of this: Article 705.NEC702.6 contains an exception to the transfer equipment requirement: “Exception: Temporary connection of a portable generator *without transfer equipment shall be permitted* where conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that only qualified persons service the installation and where the normal supply is physically isolated by a lockable disconnecting means or by disconnection of the normal supply conductors.” *Qualified Person.* One who has skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of the electrical equipment and installations and has received safety training to recognize and avoid the hazards involved. (no degree or certification necessary, just basic knowledge training available everywhere) 110.25 *Lockable Disconnecting Means:* Where a disconnecting means is required to be lockable open elsewhere in this Code, it shall be capable of being locked in the open position. The provisions for locking shall remain in place with or without the lock installed. (you can't lock it with a chain or some other thing that is all removed when unlocked, the lock has to be a feature of your breaker box and be able to lock the main breaker open.) You CAN legally turn an outlet into a generator inlet back through your panel and do so without an interlock or a transfer switch if your breaker box has locking function, provided its a temporary connection of a portable generator. I cite that code as my evidence. Nobody should freeze because they think they'll be arrested if they turn the power on. (the real danger is the power coming back on grenading the generator, and the backfeed circuit not being up to the gauge needed to power all the circuits, things never mentioned in a "its all illegal no exceptions even though there really is one" videos.) I guess I'll have to make it. The flames in the comments from electricians would be epic.