Running An Entire House On An Amazon Generator 

Pro tip - keep a magnetic led flashlight on the breaker box because in a power outage you may not be able to see the breakers.

It’s easier on the generator if you flip the circuits on one by one after the generator is running

Years ago I bought a similar portable generator and had a manual transfer switch installed. Critical circuit list includes the well pump, boiler/indirect water heater, sump pump, smoke detectors, fridge, freezer, microwave oven and a few lighting circuits. Just enough to call it "indoor camping" :)

Got the same setup generator at my house. 2 years now with several outages, and westinghouse works as i hoped. Perfect. You will be happy with your purchase.

I have the same exact setup, including the same Westinghouse generator and it powers my house perfectly. My area just got hit with a Cat 4 Typhoon 2 months ago and we were without power for about 3 weeks. This generator setup kept us comfortable during that time. We were easily able to run lights, AC and refrigerator to keep food from spoiling. If money is tight, this is an excellent option for home backup power. Great video and the detailed explanation is excellent for those who may be looking for a similar option. 👍🏼

Verry clear and useful instructions. You did cover everything needed. The only thing that I would do different is to open all of the circuits in the house before turning on the generator. Then turn on the circuits one at a time. This is how the electricians would bring on a large building where I worked. Thanks again.

ive been a electrician for 40 years. the system you are showing in my opinion is the best route you can go. everything is much more cost effective. the interloc will never fail. going to the $10k option has more options that can fail. Also when you use the generator for emergency situations it could be years before its needed

Based on your videos I installed an Interlock, 50amp breaker, and the 9500kw Westinghouse. It works like a charm! Runs the entire house plus one my central ACs. I have a window AC that can be installed easily for the master bedroom if the power is out for more than a few hours. I run the generator in a detached shed to keep it out of the weather (had to install an attic fan in the shed to exhaust the carbon monoxide).

You do a great job in explaining complicated issues.

I've used the caulking idea to make the numbers more legibl (I sometimes have trouble reading the stamped numbers) At my work, we have our lighting circuits marked the handles of those breakers with a yellow paint pen to make them more legible.

Great video, as always! Happy Easter and God bless!

Really a remote control. Fantastic. Very interesting video. Thank you for sharing

That's basically what I did. Except I installed a sub panel for a critical load panel. Than all my criticals to that with an interlock. Than used 6awg copper to a CS6365 for a 50 amp plug. Only have a 30 amp 8250 Gen right now, but I'm in the process of ordering a 16k fuel injected portable generator. That should be very efficient fuel wise and easy on the generator for wear and tear.

Many years ago I bought a very small generator just adequate to run the heating system. Of course, since then there have been no power failures at all and the generator is still in the box.

That is clean AF!!! Beautiful!

Thanks, wonderful video. I just bought a Firman HO 7553 generator, which looks quite similar to your Westinghouse. Your info on using the inlet box and then just turning on a certain number of circuits is much easier and cost effective than the transfer box method, which was the only method I previously knew of. Our power has been out for almost two days now and I wish I had it connected to the house, instead of running electrical cords as I am now doing.

I had just done this a few months before the Texas freeze in February 2021 as well as converted my generator to natural gas. My 10 KW generator powered my entire house for two days. It was business as usual other than spotty internet due to not having fiber at the time and low water pressure, nether that had anything to do with the generator. I got a hard start kit for my AC and I can run that too plus power the whole house if I have any outages in warm weather. Just have to make sure if I'm using say the microwave to turn off the coffee maker or toaster. I also have a surge protector with a 3 minute delay on my fridge and deep freezer. The AC has a 5 minute delay. I have a gas dryer, water heater, stove and furnace. I don't turn any breakers off.

I use tiny little magnets and place them next to the circuit breakers I want to turn in during a backup. Can easily move them around if you change your mind or move breakers at some point.

A wealth of useful information -- thank you.

Awesome generator for our camper!

I installed a 50-amp interlock with a 11,500-watt portable generator. I regard my system as an insurance policy. Sure a permanently installed natural gas Generac would be nicer and less bother during an infrequent outage, but at roughly 10-times the total-installed-cost I could not justify it. Nice video.

@6:30: Given that you work on a live panel, it'd be a good idea to put safety caps on your service lugs.

The interlock is the absolute best approach other than a full standby generator, but a full standby generator only really works where there is natural gas. We have had two serious long duration power outages where I live (Texas) and the 4 day outage two years ago was brutal. I swore I would never be out of power for days again so I put in an interlock and a 5KW generator. This will not run my AC, but my summer outages then to be short (2-3 hours at most). The last ice storm knocked out power for 3.5 days, and I was one of the only people in the neighborhood that had a generator. I lived a normal life. Since then, 5 of my neighbors have put in interlocks and bought 5KW generators. They may never use them, but the know that if they needed power during a long freeze, they won't have to worry.

Love the tip on caulking the numbers on the panel. I never thought of that!

I know I am late to this video. I have a question and some other suggestions. Q: What do you do with the dirty power for your electronics you run like your laptop, cell phone, etc? I am always worried about this being an issue for a non-inverter type generator. The Inverter type are about double the price and I was not aware of this concern when I got my generator. So far this has not been an issue the one time I used it for about 4 hours. I have a 9500 Watt (12500 Watt peek) Westinghouse dual fuel generator that included regulator for propane. (50 amp option) 1) Keeping gasoline is an issue but I found during the last hurricane I could still get propane when the gasoline was not available. So have enough gas to get by a few days. Then propane until gas is available again. I live about 50 miles inland so normally it is a couple of days with no access to gas depending on how bad it gets. 2) For running my 3.5 ton AC I added an EasyStart Micro-Air 368 so the startup amps are much less and can add life to my AC unit. So AC from the generator does not overload and trip the circuit breaker when it starts. 3) I have generator tent running cover that is "windproof." I found this on Amazon for about $140 and allows it to run in the rain but covering much of the unit and stakes to hold it down. 4) In my case when a hurricane is coming I will get the generator in place in my back yard enclosed by a solid fence away from the house. This does a couple of things. Dampens the sound for the neighbors a little and also it makes it harder for someone to be notice it and keep it from being stolen. The remote starter makes it so I will not need to go outside to start it and I just have to go to the garage and flip the interlock. 5) Find a fuel pump for a gas can to move the gas much quicker than pouring it in to minimize time out in the elements. I found one that moves 5 gallons of gas in about 2 minutes. Found that on Amazon for about $60 that runs on AA batteries. There are manual pumps for cheaper but I wanted to not have to lift and hold the can while in the wind and/or rain.

Great video - you are one of the best! GO 50 AMP everyone

You should NOT power all critical circuits at the same time. Proper sequence is largest circuit load fist, then next largest circuit load and so on and so forth. Large loads would be freezers, refrigerators, window AC, electric cook top.

Great video. No nonsense, just useful info from somebody that knows what they are talking about

Thank you for this video. I subscribed to your channel about 3 months ago, and you are a very good communicator and teacher. I've learned lots. In reference to whole house, stand alone generators like a Generac or Kohler, they are very expensive. I have 2 ea., 200 amp panels and 1 ea., 100 amp sub-panel for my barn so I guess my power needs are greater than most? I was quoted anywhere from $14-17K last year for a 22 kWh unit from Generac. That's not doable for me. I found this video in looking at other options like a large portable unit that I can roll into my drive like yours. I need to get a clamp meter and determine my needs for critical circuits, but like most it's a deep well, boiler for heat, air handlers for heat, food prep, food storage, communications, and some lights and outlets. I can't imagine my current draw is higher than typical. I contacted my power company and they said my highest peak demand over 18 months was 15KWH. That was in August where I'm sure it was one of those 105 degree days. I have natural gas and I am wondering if I can find a portable generator that has a temporary hose that I can directly connect to my main gas line for the house? This would be better than handling gasoline every 5 or 6 hours to refuel your generator. Have you actually used yours for an outage? If so, how did it work out and did you have to refuel? We don't have outages often, but it seems like when we do they can last all day. Thanks again for the lessons.

I have the same setup with a Westinghouse 7500 and a transfer switch. Takes care of the living room, kitchen so we have the fridge, stove and microwave covered, one bathroom and the garage so we can open the garage door automatically. Can't do laundry or power the A/C, but this generator has enough power to run a window A/C unit which we can run out the living room to keep it cool most of the year, and 3 months during peak summer it sucks but still livable. I pull it out every month and crack it up just to test, then keep a battery tender on the battery during the winter months so the battery doesn't die and the autostart works.

Good quality vid, thanks!

Great presentation. Thanks 😊

I purchased the exact same generator as my backup power source. I purchased the optional automatic ST Switch but don't use it as I'm utilizing the 50 amp outlet and the inlet box with the interlock kit. You can also purchase the automatic ST switch to power appliances from the 30amp outlet. When plugged into the grid, when the power goes out, the Switch sends a signal to the generator to start it. When the grid power is restored, the automatic switch powers down the generator. This is a very nice generator with plenty of power to power my whole house. Thankfully the only major appliances that draw a lot of power are the refrigerator, furnace, microwave and AC unit. Thanks for the tutorial video.

Suggestion for a backup circuit... If you have a garage with garage door openers should be backed up. Many garage door openers have a battery backup so it's not much of a load except to recharge the batteries.

I guess you can also invest on an automatic transfer switch if you happen to do a permanent generator install, that’s the case for bigger buildings.

I did this to my moms house over 20 years ago but I installed a transfer switch.

very informative thanks.

I rearranged my breaker box so the ones I turn off are next to the generator breaker, that makes it a very easy changeover. That is the things that are high draw items I can't run, a large air compressor, the water heater, and I simply don't use the dryer.

When powering a house, it is important to unbond the generator's neutral from ground to comply with the National Electrical Code.

Love all your videos. I have a very similar setup except using the larger 12K Westinghouse with 50A cord. At the beginning I noticed you dragging the generator out on your driveway in the rain. Is this not a problem? I purchased a cover protect the generator from rain. Now I'm wondering if I really needed to. Also, both our generators have a bonded neutral. I'm pretty sure the cord connection you have is sharing a neutral with the panel. And in your panel the neutral is bonded with the ground. So I believe code recommends you unbond the generator neutral making it a floating neutral. Of course if you ever directly connect a load to the generator you will need to reverse that. And finally, I was told it's best practice to turn off all breakers before connecting generator to panel, and then after starting generator turn on individual breakers. Especially important to do this with larger breakers. Again, thanks for all your helpful videos!

I purchased a duromax 12000 W generator and a 50 amp inlet box and breaker I tested it out it it runs the whole house

great video sir

Place a laminated "critical circuit list" and how to do each step by step next to the breaker box. Attach a grease pencil to the list with boxes to check each step as it completed. Teach your wife to do each step by step and work it through in real steps. Instead of her calling you or the neighbors in a panic mode. I should know. I've received calls with my wife in a panic mode before even with minor issues. That when I call my older daughter and have her walk through the steps. It's the panic mode that kills people. Or better yet. Teach your family to work the list through. Have an emergency kit prepared. Complete with flashlight. Tools if needed.

Would recommend brand products but the interlock is the best. 34' boats and larger w/Gen sets do this at the service box. The on switch for "GEN" is off and shore current is on. The slide will not let you switch anything unless outside power is off. They slide moves only with one on. Write a draft of procedures and type & print. Place in a page protector and simply note; #1, #2 and so on. It has been 6 or 7 years since we had a power failure of 15 minutes or more. We are not spending Buick money to have a stationary generator hooked to natural gas and no one has propane. We honestly don't have room for all of this and besides an electrician, you will need a gas contractor to calculate max fuel to get pipe size because that changes just like a longer cord or higher load, needs larger wire. Luckily, almost 25 years ago I bought cable to run my 150 Amp welder and by the foot, it was an expense then but today, multiply that times 10+. Yes, now fifty foot later, I can do drive-by mail box welding! Yeh! On and off items like a sump pump also have a current in-rush. This means to start when at room temperature, it may draw 15-20 amps more to start up. This can cause a brown out if at the max and damage some older electronics. So keep things off, use the marker or paper dots all the same color, say green. The fade is nothing and a magic marker will make them new. Gas generators like a car, need maintenance. Add a fuel stabilizer for long term storage, start and run for 15 minutes while checking voltage. Change the fuel with fresh. Mine runs 16 hrs on full with 1" room of air. Change oil every two years, but some do not use detergent oil. These are long term investments. Read, ask what kind of oil pump the engine used, warranty card, etc. ASE Master Since 1978. I chain mine to concrete pocket hook that is 12 ton, 10 ton chain and two pad locks inside thru the door. Yes, auto repair shops vent exhaust thru round doors installed in the overhead door. Make a few calls.

A battery back up for the sump pump is a nice choice

Awesome job explaining things for a layman

Great overview. Need to remove the bonded neutral and make the generator have a floating neutral for the majority of installs using the interlock approach. Not sure how hard it is to do on the Westinghouse generators. Nice video. Thank you I would not turn on the gen main circuit breaker after all the house breakers are already on. Turn on gen then it’s breaker then the desired house breakers one by one

I just got a 18kw Generac, auto start in case of a power outage if I’m away out of town and monitored 24/7. Starts up every Monday and runs for 10 minutes without cutting power to the house to run diagnostics to insure operation status…I had a 10kw/9kw dual fuel but got tired of having to maintaining and switching during a storm and worrying about fuel storage of propane and pure gasoline…It worked and did the job but I don’t want or need the hassle….

I got a similar setup installed earlier this year for a total of around $2K. That includes the 50A inlet, generator, 50 ft generator cord, and natural gas tie-in. As long as I can get gasoline, propane, or don't run out of natural gas, I'll have electricity in an outage. I really should get a generator shed.

I have used a generator a lot. I have never put it 20 feet from my house. At one house it was in my attached garage with the back garage door open. In the house I’m in now it goes out side my garage (which is under my house) about six feet under a car port. Sometimes I have used it for several DAYS. I have a 5000 Honda. And u are right if u put it where he put it you better chain it to a telephone pole.

I am in the early stages of planning to do this. My biggest concern is whether I should go with an inverter generator. I am concerned about the quality of the power being supplied to run modern day appliances and electronics. I know inverters are more expensive.

It's silly to sit that generator out in the rain. There are many types of inexpensive coverings that will help keep the rain/snow off the running generator. I also question the 25-feet thing. As long as it is out in the open and not near any open windows you will be fine. If in doubt, install a CO detector near the window nearest to where you plan to sit the generator. I use the same type of Interlock system for a whole house solution using a Honda 6500W generator. I have bright orange stick-on dots next to the breakers that need to be turned off when running a generator. I also keep a magnetic flashlight stuck to the panel so I can see to throw breakers during the outage. Even with my 6500W unit I can run the whole house except for the central air and water heater. In an emergency I can run the water heater if I turn off a few additional breakers. Don't forget an alarm to tell you when power comes back on. This is very important for daytime power failures when you can't just look out the window and see the neighborhood lights on. :-)

We bought a 12K (Duramax 1200) dual-fuel gen (on Gas, 10+K on propane) on Amazon when they had the Prime sale last year (~$1400 regular price)...

Excellent video and setup! My only suggestion would be to consider converting the generator to run on natural gas, if you have gas on your property and if your meter location is workable. It's a straightforward conversion on this generator (basically - replace the existing regulator with a larger one). You'll have an endless fuel supply and won't have to worry about old gasoline fouling your carburetor or fuel lines.

Hello: I see in this video you placed your Westinghouse generator outside in the rain. I understand that a generator needs to be in some type of shelter.

great video

I believe that generator has a bonded neutral. If you're hooking it to the house, you need to unbond it. You can only have one bonded neutral, and that's at the main disconnect panel.

I use a 4000W dual fuel generator/inverter that will power my entire 2000 sq ft house with the exception of the 5 ton AC unit. as well as the Microwave and dishwasher. All my cooking and house heating is gas so no issues there at all. The fridge and all lighting and electronics run perfectly. I obviously have my main breaker off to prevent backfeeding into the grid and my gen-inverter is plugged into my unused 240v dryer receptacle in th garage.

hey nice video! FYI your order of operations is not the best. You should make sure all the breakers are off until after the generator is plugged in and running, then turn the breakers that you would like to use. Most devices and appliances are sensitive to under or over voltage. As the generator ramps up and down on start up and shut down, this can create an imprper supply voltage to the equiptment you are powering. Plus starting the generator under load is not good for the generator. Unless it is a generator inverter then it really doesn't matter but none the less it is good practice to be safe. This is how i do it. 1. Turn off Main Breaker and all branch circuits 2. Start generator let it warm up while doing the next steps (make sure it is within your cords reach) 3. Roll out your cord then plug female side in first to back feed plug, then male end to the generator side 4. Go to the electrical panel. turn on the generator back feed breaker. 5. One by one turn on critical circuits starting with the largest loads first. (if you are familiar with what the circuits draw) The size of the breakers don't reflect the actual load of each circuit. 6. Reverse this process when grid power is restored. 7. Be safe out there

I would go with a transfer switch. That way, the non-critical circuts stay connected to the grid. When the grid comes back up, those non-critical circuits will let you know that power has been restored and you can turn off the generator (saves gas, wear and tear). Otherwise, you have to find a way to let you know the status of grid power. Have a supply of gasoline stored in a separate shed. Rotate that supply into your vehicle to keep fressh gas available. I have two 5 gal containers that I rotate every two months to keep my supply from going stale.

Thanks for a great video, Scott! Question: When calculating the power you need to run your essential circuits, how did you factor in surge / start-up power consumption? Perhaps you did and I missed it. Thanks!

While what you did in the beginning works, its recommended to run the motor first with everything on and then slowly turn everything on with the biggest loads first. This will ensure the generator can keep up and avoid dangerous drops in power.

It might be better to start the generator and let it stabilize before you turn on any of the breakers. Then turn the breakers on one at a time.

Thanks

Hi, my suggestion is I would look at a dome tent that is designed for the Generator. I notice it is raining in the video and water and electric is never good to mix.

As a former tweaker we just put our gen on the back porch. But seriously a good vid with good info.

Great idea BLUETTI AC500 + B300S | Home 6 Battery Backup Whole power house 25,8 ( KWH

That caulk idea is priceless. Can't describe how frustrating it is to try to make out those stamped numbers.

Please do a video where you show how to install the power inlet box to plug it in

I have the Westinghouse as well if you were standing here I would kiss you I went through a thousand different videos trying to find out whether or not I could power my house even though the 30 amp breaker would have to be on only one side and it would appear based off what you've done in the first part of this video that I can so now thank you I am going to go wire up my stuff I guess first I'm going to figure out how to wire up a 50 amp though

Have same set up with 50 amp hook up.

I put glow in the dark dots on my circuits for the generator loads

Running a generator in the rain. Brave man

I've been looking online at the same Westinghouse generator that you have it's large enough to run my home the only problem is all of the bad reviews on that generator. Some customers have stated that right out of the box their generator would not start and some had said that when it did start it ran for a few minutes and shut off and would not restart. And some have said customer service is a nightmare when trying to return their Westinghouse generator. So I'm a little weary about spending a lot of money on junk.

Yeah.....NEVER start your generator under load. You need to start it and then close the breaker on the generator, sending power to the house once you get the generator up to speed.

Purchased a 12500 recently. I am preparing my set up. I’m curious did you remove the neutral bond? Seems this is to code but no mention of it. Great video.

Scott, great video - I follow your channel for many reasons. Right now I’m looking to install an interlock for my generator set up. I have an Eaton SP 200 amp but can’t seem to find a kit that fits it? It’s 1”-3/8” between the main and where I would put the DP 30 Amp breaker. any ideas? thanks in advance. Also I invested in quality gas containers with sealing handles, not the plastics sort.

Our generator sits just outside the garage door. The ground cable the electrician wired in is only about 1ft. That has to be connected, along with a plug, for my generator to work. I don't know anything about this so I have a step-by-step on: 1. How to turn generator on 2. How to turn generator off It's a pain and alot of work. My recommendation is to pay the extra $1500 to have it hard wired so you never have to touch it. Just set & forget. We also were told we had to buy something to cover the generator because it, or anything plugged in (power cable), shouldn't get wet. I notice that yours was wet. Can you confirm if the generator and plugs needs to be completely covered?

Nice setup but even though that generator is bonded to the frame don't you need a ground rod at the generator when connecting to the service panel though your inlet box?

I wonder if one of these big generators like the Westinghouse can run the mini-split AC unit in our master bedroom, if I connect the generator to the house wiring.

Hope your neighbors don't mind the noise. LOL!!! I have a similar one for daytime and a quiet one for night. We suffer for quite constant and extended power outages. Longest one? 4 months! 24/7 running on generators.

I Really Want to SEE you do Generator modification in Reducing Noise Level....🤣👍😅

How are ppl not worried of these getting stolen from your driveway? Ppl literally steal Amazon packages 😂

Amperes not amperage * Power failure, not outage * 1 amp. More than 1 = amps. Plural. * Great video. I purchased Wago lever nuts from your store in The Amazon.

Start the generator first, then add the loads. Read the generator manual.

Nice! what do you do when it’s raining outside and your power goes out.

Pretty sure that generator is NOT supposed to be out in the rain but perhaps it is. I bought the bigger (13,500) Westinghouse version that specifically calls out not exposing to rain or snow. I was initially bummed to learn that but decided to locate it inside an old unused concrete storm shelter a few steps out our back door. That will protect from the elements as well as deaden the sound while it is running.

My only concern is with sensitive electronics. I have been using a smaller power inverter generator. Is that really necessary or any generator can be used? With my current generator is not big enough to power the entire house. Maybe do a video addressing sensitive electronics concerns. Thanks

great video and thanks for the link to moving circuit breakers. Question: My panel is not properly labeled. What is the best way to identify circuits? I suspect some of the wiring supplies different parts of the house. For example it looks like my outside outlets and my kitchen are all on the same circuit.

Always start generator first to warm up first turn breaker on after that never have breaker on when starting generator

3.4.23 Scott, great video and thanks for making it. I have the Westinghouse dual fuel 9500df running watts and 12500 peak watts. It has the 50amp plug and a 30amp plug. I have installed a 50amp box. This is my question: If you are running electronics inside the house what would the THD (total harmonic distortion) be and is it going to cause any damage?

Really important people realize that most portable generators have bonded neutrals. So by hooking into your main service panel, where the neutral and ground are also bonded, you’ve now created two paths back to the source (objectionable current) and that’s a code violation. You’d either have to unbond the generator when you hook into your home, or add a transfer switch that isn’t bonded. If you take the jumper out that bonds your generator, just realize that if you go to use it portable it now has no path back to the source in a ground fault situation. That’s why portable generators are usually bonded, they are assumed to be used in the field apart from a main panel. Edit: I went with the same setup as you with a portable and an interlock kit. I just pulled the jumper and made sure to keep it with the generator in case I need to use it on the go.

That meter is exactly what I am looking for. Can you please let me know the model number and manufacturer? Thank you Ron.

Tip, dont run your generator directly in the rain like that it can damage electrical components try to cover it from the elements while still allowing it to "breathe" in all directions.

Do you think the power output is clean enough that it won’t damage the heater electronics?

In a perfect world you'd want a dedicated standby generator that is hardwired, all you gotta do is wait for the generator to fire up after it detects an outage, then either flip the transfer switch, or they make automated systems where you do nothing but wait for the generator to fire up and all is well....those systems are expensive, but if you have a lot of outages it might be the best method, and more trouble free and you don't have to lug around a generator. Something else to consider, if anyone in your house is on any sort of electrical medical equipment, you'd certainly want an extremely quick power restoration, and probably don't want to be dragging out a generator, running a cord, etc. I live in southern Idaho, we don't get very many outages, and the ones we do get are typically just enough to have to reset the clocks....very rare to have an outage more than an hour...so it really doesn't pay to have a $20k+ generator sitting around...would be nice sometimes, but not often enough to justify that kind of cost.

great video! two questions based on the following : I have a 7500 Rated Watts and 9500 Peak Watts (Gasoline) generator 1. If I have 30 amp inlet box 7,500 watts is that an issue that peak is 9,500 vs my inlet at 7,500? 2. Assume then it can run 220 Volt appliances like a water pump, thanks

It’s a nice setup. Just one problem. It doesn’t help if you’re not home, which is when things tend to go wrong.

show how you would hook up a vent free propane gas heater and keep the propane tank outside and run the hose through a brick exterior wall>>thanks

Hi Scott, is it important to purchase an INVERTER generator vs. a regular generator??