expirednickhilk posted Sep 17, 2022 07:32 PM
Item 1 of 5
Item 1 of 5
expirednickhilk posted Sep 17, 2022 07:32 PM
Champion Power Equipment 4500-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
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$899
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i used an interlock kit so i could power my entire panel (all 120V circuits, not at the same time obviously), just for convenience sake. an interlock prevents you from operating the generator with the main circuit on, thus preventing back feeding your panel by accident. Back feeding is when your generator sends electricity back to the outside lines b/c someone forgot to turn the main circuit breaker off. this mistake could (and has) injure or kill a line worker who is out there making repairs. direct feeding a panel without interlock or transfer switch sub panel is illegal due to potential for back feeding. here are some steps regarding interlock. as always, check your local codes for adherence to regulation.
Step 1: Find an interlock kit that's compatible with your panel. Chances are the model in HD/Lowe's will not fit your. You can buy them here https://www.geninterloc
Step 2: Buy a double pole breaker that's compatible with your electrical box. Home Depot or your local electric supply house will have this.
Step 3: Buy generator inlet: http://www.amazon.com/Reliance-Controls-PB30-Generator-Generators/dp/B000BQT47S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&q... [amazon.com]
Step 4: Buy L14-30 to L5-30 adapter cable where both hots are crossed so you can power BOTH sides of your panel even though you have a 120V generator: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/...ge_o02_s00 . You could make your own cable for $10, but it's nice to have a factory molded rugged cable that you don't have to worry about. One end of this cable will go into the L14-30 inlet in #3 and the other end gives you a L5-30 connection. See step 5.
Step 5: Buy a 25ft or 50ft L5-30 extension cord (length is up to you). This cord is what will go from your adapter in your inlet in Step 3 to your generator. I bought this: http://www.amazon.com/Conntek-20571-Generator-Extension-Eextension/dp/B003HUYK5Q/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8... [amazon.com] . The reason why I am suggesting that you buy the L5-30 cord, is to get the maximum output from this generator. If you use the regular outlets you are limiting yourself.
Step 6: Buy RV to L5-30 adapter:
https://www.amazon.com/LeisureCords-Trailer-dogbone-connector-Indicator/dp/B077VVZHK6/ref=sr_1_4?dch... [amazon.com]. This will go from RV outlet to the L5-30 cord above
Step 7: Either do it yourself per the Youtube videos or pay an electrician (depending on your local codes, it may be illegal not to use a licensed electrician and pull permit). You can buy the rest of the materials at Home Depot (romex, wall anchors, conduit, etc). Since you are providing all materials or most of them, the electrician should only be charging you a labor rate. This job should not take longer than 2 hours. If you are running across long distances or through thick masonry...ok add an hour. You should not have to pay more than 2-3 labor hrs for this job. If you want to save money, you can do all of the labor intensive work of mounting the inlet, running the conduit, and running the romex...then all he has to do is install the interlock panel, the double pole breaker for the generator, and make the final connection to your box. Figure he'll charge you (1) labor hour to do all of that. if you have never done anything electrical before, just hire the electrician for peace of mind.
NOTE 1: You will not be able to power any 240V appliances with this generator.Turn OFF all 240V circuits (except the double pole circuit you are using with your generator inlet and interlock). This is to prevent the possibility of overloading the neutral
NOTE 2: i attached photos. don't pay attention to the fact there are (2) inlets. it's b/c where i installed these, it's a multi residence with 2 service panels. Also one pic shows (2) 2000W inverter gens on a large dolly which is what I have. There is no reason for a dolly for this Champion bc it has wheels.
NOTE 3: since i had the panels open, i threw on whole house surge protectors. bought them from a slickdeal back in 2012 i think
NOTE 4: it's good practice to install run meters on generators if it doesn't already have it.. installation simple the meter itself is only $5-6 on ebay or amazon. takes about 10 mins to install, wire wraps around spark plug wire. gives you engine run time for keeping track of hours between maintenance / oil changes
NOTE 5: If you want to run a regular extension cord from the regular outlets on the generator to the inlet, you can buy this adapter to cross the hots. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product...UTF8&
WARRANTY SERVICE:
For this who are interested to see if there is an authorized service center/dealer near them, here is the website: https://www.championgen
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For perspective, I bought a similar generator (not champion) except with electric start for ~$800 in preparation for a winter storm last year and have been reasonably happy with it . The electric start isn't worth a three hundred dollar difference.
TU.
For perspective, I bought a similar generator (not champion) except with electric start for ~$800 in preparation for a winter storm last year and have been reasonably happy with it . The electric start isn't worth a three hundred dollar difference.
TU.
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The pros for using propane vs gas are many. The biggest con would be, you lose 10-20% of your power, especially at higher altitudes and starting on propane can be tricky if you aren't used to it. Watch a few videos on the subject if you are interested.
Champion Power Equipment 200988 4500-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator, Electric Start https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L9R5YC5
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