If you listen closely you can hear the Code Inspectors screaming. Ah it warms the heart :) Sadly most Code Inspectors I've had to deal with were on power trips that would make Napoleon Bonaparte envious.
Not a "how to" video, but a "how I" video. Love that! You are in control of YOUR SYSTEM. If done properly, it could work for anyone. Keep kids away. I may have to try this way if I can't hook up to the electric meter. Thanks for the video with all the information! It could work out for anyone if everything is "flagged" properly.
Great instructive video! Living in an off-grid camp makes things a lot easier and safer. Like your place, mine is wired very simply. I never worry about it. It all has to START with the willingness to use very little power.. Many people are not willing to sacrifice convenience.
I hope that I can always refer back to your videos when l am trying something new that l have learned on your show...l remember the one hanging light bulb👍👍👍👍🇨🇦❤️❤️
You n your wife have given me hope again that with very little money n alone maybe i can have a decent life. I keep you guys in my prayers. From the bottom of my heart i cant thankyou both enough.
Make sure wire sizes are the same. Do not run an 18awg drop cord from your generator to a house that is wired with 12awg. The 18 can overheat and catch fire. If you do hard wire I would recommend a 3 position SALZER switch. That way the power can only come from one position or the other. I love how simply you drew/demonstrated this. Simple is the best way to be completely accountable for your usage. WELL DONE !
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. When I hook up my permanent system, I will have proper connections and sufficient battery bank. This was a quick fix that has served me well so far :-)
Suggestion: Don't use alligator battery clips on the battery. Use 12 Gage (yellow) ring terminals. This will handle more current, wont oxidize at the connections, and offer less resistance and be safer.
You have created a plug and play system. Just as long as you don't play with the plug. Nice and simple set up Boss. Just as it ought to be!! Cheers to bird feeders, board siding, beers and the boss! Cheers to cabins that soothe the soul!
Enjoy'd yer video , laid back , informative. We've been off grid since 87, trials and tribulations abound , never a dull moment , but our system hasn't evolved much past whats shown. Best improvment has been deep cycle 6's series wired (2). Thanks.
Just ran across this video and I loved it, great job sir! Very articulate and detailed. Sounds to me like you were in the same line of work Im about to retire from and move north into my own cabin......just have that feeling. Great video and I'll be looking out for the next one, need all the education I can get cause retirement is around the corner for me. Thank you again. Mike from Texas
As always, I learn something new from each video. You've developed the life of Riley. Enjoyed another great video, keep em coming, Jim. And thanks for letting us come along on your dreams!
Im junior higgins from erwin tn. I'm 63 just started watching your videos and i love them they are very entertaining and i love your dog you crack me up. Thank you
lol that’s the same set up I have at my cabin I plug the four outlet plug to my inverter when the batteries are up when it’s cloudy or raining I fire the gas generator up ant use a gfi to a battery charger to top off my on board batteries and charge my solar generator and everything else it’s a no brainer boss 👍😎
I'm sure you;ll have a great system soon, but just for information you can get a male receptacle: It is recessed into a single gang box so they can't be touched and your female end extension presses into the male plugs. I've got one on an old RV I have. Great videos, Fran
Enjoyed Boss, I have a camper run on 12v even a 12v tv & 12v LEDs for when the bugs get to bad at night. I just use a small generator for power tools. It has been so hot here in the Midwest, I am really looking forward to the cool weather also. Thanks for your time and sharing.
I have to ABSOLUTELY agree with Will Sawyer...You have the best (most interesting, most useful, etc.) productions on You Tube! Keep it up JC...YerDaBest! Also tell Frankie that "Nate from Indiana" plans to send him some treats.
Every time I see a new video pop up from you I get excited.. Your my favorite on U Tube.. Well were only 4 months in and loving every day.. Have a great day Boss......
Hi Boss & Frankie :) Very sound advice regards electrical work. I have had my Border Collie pup for a week and a half now. I tell you my friend my old collie Y-Y has shed years which is great to see. Zed s very,very smart and has learnt so much.Bsicaly toilet trained. I was thinkin of Frankie as I know your bond is strong. Maybe if you get him a colie friend he'lk rejuvenate as well.I had forgotten how exhausting n 8 week old pup can be lol . all little needle like theeth :) Hope all is good with you an Frankie. Stay well :) xx
I did something similar with my motor home a few years back when I arrived in Florida and realized my Camper cord was still in New York. Made a double male plug and plugged it into an outside outlet. Worked great.
Once again My morning coffee goes great with one of your instructional videos. Thanks, hope to see you back making videos again soon, that is if it's still enjoyable for yah!
On my cabin I ran the whole cabin on one circuit. It starts outside with an outdoor weatherproof outlet that goes through the wall to another outlet in the kitchen. There's a 25' power cord tied to the outside outlet for the generator and powers everything. If I only want lights or cell phone charger then I hook a double male plug cord to an outlet under the sink to my converter and it's hooked up to my battery. I use 2- 100 watt led lights and it lasts about 4 days. If I'm not using my double ended male cord I put a female end on the male end that's live when on generator. If I'm using the battery I use the female plug on my outside cord so there's never a live plug laying around.
"IF" you use a double ended "Suicide Cord" like the one shown, a good safety tip is the outlet (or really inlet) where the LIVE end of the cord goes in to can have a cheap Outdoor Cover which has provisions for a padlock or zip tie to lock a cover over the LIVE end of the plug into the outlet so nobody can pull the plug out to touch the live prongs ;)
Great video! Thanks for sharing what you did. If someone wanted to avoid the double male extension cord setup you were discussing, one way around it would be to hardwire both power supplies to a double pole transfer switch. They should be available at the big box home stores and are pretty simple and not too expensive. . No need to be complex with a a cabin like that. The switch setup would allow you to just swing a switch from either generator or inverter input to supply the cabin, and be safe from a potential extension cord mishap (I can envision myself going out to swap to battery mode after the generator runs out of gas and I've had a few beers too many) ; ) THANKS FOR THE IDEAS! I can't keep up with you - making be jealous!Take care and good luck in the woods this fall!!
I worked maintenance for a while and we used those cords all the time. I was younger then and never knew the danger of them. But then again I'm here today typing this msg. So I must of been decent at safety.
I did the same thing, but hard wired the plug into my loop that way I could use a standard power cord to connect them without danger. Nothing on the loop feeds back power, so it's alllll good. Either way, loving your content brother! Keep it up!
With 400 watts of solar you will have your own electric generation plant! I have 300 watts on my self built camper van and I run my 12 volt Dometic fridge/freezer 24/7 along with a vent fan in the roof usually on 24/7 and about 6 or so LED lights. I also have an inverter for charging the laptop and other AC stuff. You can pack that generator away and never use it again. If you haven't already I suggest you search "HandybobSolar" and read his information. Very straight forward and no nonsense account of his start as a full time RV'er living off grid and how he mastered making solar work. Love your channel! I'm a fellow NY'er and my youtube channel is vtwinkicker, You are living life to the fullest more than most people on this planet. You are also my favorite channel. Greg
I'll give you one thing, the part you stated about not being a "Electrician" is spot on. First thing, get rid of the doubled ended plug. Its a good way to electrocute yourself or worse someone else when running the generator. The next decision to be addressed, either run 12v or 120v. For 120v get a small 4 or 6 circuit breaker panel then separated your lighting circuit from your plug outlet circuit. If you go with the 12v source, install the proper size fuse to run the lights and proper size fuse to run the plug outlets. Also, you might want to add a couple of extra 12v circuits for future add-on's, just leave the fuses out until such time they are needed. In the real world you would have to separate the two voltages with extra lighting and added plugs. In this instance do yourself a huge favor and Install a heavy duty three position switch. By doing so, it becomes a "fool-proof" way of allowing only one voltage source, to be utilized at any given time/moment.
I am aware of the dangers of the suicide cord and address that near the end of the video. This was just a quick fix that allowed me to power up the cabin. When I install my solar panels, I will have proper connections, breakers etc.
Thank you Boss, I learn more from how you explain things than most other videos on the line. I would have done way better in school if you were teaching my classes. :) We all sure appreciate your commitment to keep the videos coming. I can't wait for you to do your video when you're ready to install the solar panels and system at your Backwoods Cabin. In preparation for my cabin-build I'm logging all my amp usage throughout the day in my typical on-the grid living and I had no idea how much electricity I use and waste. I have a lot to learn about solar and off the grid electricity but at least now I know what I don't know.Thank you - Bill from Wisconsin
Boss you got a great setup there.i have the same generater power set up as you got.next spring i am thinking about battery power something like you got there.great video.take care
I would make the suggestion, as a trained electrician, to put in a transfer switch rather than using the short double ended cord method shown here. You can get one for an RV pretty cheap such as the WFCO WF- T30 which is a 30 amp switch. Basically how it works is you have one line coming from shore power (generator) going in, you have a line from the inverter being powered by a 12 volt source like a battery going in and you have one line coming out to either a 120 volt panel or in this video's example, an outlet. This way you avoid even touching any of the hot lines. It senses when the generator is on and uses that line, when the generator goes off, it automatically switches to the other power source such as the inverter. It also protects the system. A good transfer switch avoids the arching and surges that can be common. You also want to make sure you have a good ground to earth which he did not mention, not only on the supply outlet for the cabin but also on the generator outlet and the transfer switch itself. I am currently converting a shuttle bus to RV for mine own use and I am using a transfer switch so when on generator or shore power at the campground, my 110 comes from that. When off grid, it comes from the inverter. Be Safe Everyone .. thanks for the informative videos Boss!
Excellent content. Your caution in your approach allows for very a efficient and effective set up. The safety precautions you have set in place leaves little room for mistakes and more of smooth operation. Awesome set up. Thanks for sharing. It can't be an awesome video without Frankie. Take care. :)
Caution certainly needs to be used when handling cords like this. It's gotten me through so far but I will be upgrading my connections when I install my panels.
here's how i did mine i wire my cabin like a regular house (14' x 28' w/8' x 10' kit) with a circuit breaker box. from the bottom of my box i hooked up my 220 watts cord (in coming service) running it to the plug in (220 watts) on my generator of 5500 watts. we run a w/h 30 gal, a small refrig, several lights/plugs, and a 110 watt a/c tru a small swamp cooler duct work blowing tru the cabin for cooling. winter time a fire place to blow the other way tru the duct using a 110 inline duct fan 6'' to heat the cabin. we don't heat up the w/h til an hr before bath time (just turn back on the breaker. everything seems to work fine. if a breaker does trip it will/should trip at the breaker box. WOW !!! seems it was eazies to install then to write all that. hahaha. lol
Easy way to prevent wrong plug being used is to mount your inverter to the left of your cabins outlet and make your extension too short to reach from inverter to the generator outlet.
Hey boss. Have you considered powering your cabin with the panel, aka "fuse box", that is in the old camper you have salvaged other stuff from? That would allow you 120 VAC power and 12VDC power in the cabin, as well as the ability to power up from genie or solar simultaneously. Just a thought...
There are 12v light switches and light bulbs for small systems like your. You may wish to look at them if you can add wiring to the cabin. Also you do not seem to even have a basic charge controller you may want to get one sized for your panels to keep the batteries from overcharging.
Thank you for your input. These are old junk batteries that I don't care about. I have a 400 watt system waiting to go in and I will have a proper setup with proper connections at that time. This was a quick fix that served my needs. Cheers.
Good stuff boss! the one thing I want to add and you didn't mention it in your other lighting vids is I have purchased low watt-12v light bulbs from amazon that fit into a regular 110 light fixture. I then take the plug from the light fixture and by using alligator clips I connect the 12 v power to the fixture and you have a very cheap good looking 12 v lamp. Good info for your viewers as well. Be well my friend!
I never knew there was 12v bulbs that fit into regular AC sockets. Good to know. I kept everything AC powered so that I don't have to think ahead and switch things when I crank up the generator. I just plug my cord into the other outlet.
Another great vid Jim! I was thinking about using camper lighting so I could go directly from the battery for 12v lights. But your system allows you to eliminate the different voltages...good thinking.
Yes, This is just a quick fix that allowed me to power up the cabin. When I install my solar panels, I will have proper connections and a more sufficient battery bank.
Do you know for some reason I love it when I hear him say that's good backwards logic. For some reason it makes my day. Great video thank you for the share. ONE LOVE.
14 years. Led truck stop marker lights. White/yellow/blue. No sun?. Mine runs almost 2 weeks with out the sun. Batteries charge quick. . Hope to see more
Powers my tv/ lap top/radio+ham/cell phones. Discipline is needed. And you are right. When I had wife and kids. They would walk be hind me and switch lights back on. almost right away.
i was going to comment on the 2 male end cord. lol but you said everything i was going to comment on. Great job explaining things. I have a basic system in my shack as well, with the help of a 40w panel.
The male cord is dangerous for sure if you're not paying attention. It's gotten me through so far but I will be upgrading my connections when I install my panels.
Humm......You've got me thinking now!! Considering that my new place is in an arid part of Oregon and it get's sun approximately 300 days per year, I'm thinking solar panels, battery's, and LED's..........First though, my #2 well went dry and I'm trying to get well #1 back on line. Got a new liner in the well and a new pump, but still having problems. Looks like a broken pipe somewhere......
The good thing is, I'm not living there full time yet, LOL.......I'll be there full time in about 2.5 years, so I've go time to fix problems..........It seems all the rain is falling in the mid-west and missing the East and West coast !!!
Nice video. Can also duct-tape the plug to the cabin socket securely & put a flag on it "never unplug this". I love the yellow pad diagrams in the middle of videos. Maybe add another battery in tandem so can charge the laptop too, & maybe some portable cheap flatpack or rolled up solar panels too. Thanks again.
I considered doing the tape thing and would if others were messing with it. I have a 400 watt system waiting to be installed and then i'll put in proper connectors and battery bank. This already charges my laptop as is :-))
Funny how this video was waiting for me when I returned home from opening day deer bow season in WV. My hunting buddy and I were talking about solar power in the cabin. ironic I enjoy every video. thanks boss man
As always a very informative video easily understood and we'll put together, and to see Frankie at the end , maybe you could wrapped a wire or zip tie to the end that never gets unplugged and tack to the wall so you can't unplug that end just a thought. Best of Luck in everything you do always. Thanks for sharing your videos.
I considered doing just that and certainly would if others were to handle the system. In fact, I'd eliminate the suicide cord altogether if there were others involved.
You wearing that t-shirt make it look like your from here. I can almost say that every household or farm or building something with that symbol. Good luck on your next season coming up.
Have house about twice the size of prison cell. I use deep cycle battery s, and use truck stop marker lamps. White, blue, and yellow. And use propane to heat and eat. I use 12 volt tv, DVD player , and car radio. For movies and TV. Keep it up I want to learn more. Eh Vicks vapor rub will keep the joints clean and far cheaper than no ox tks
I'm with you - I can not abide undisciplined kids or animals.... love your dog - was thinking about adopting a rescue border... there are a lot out there that needs good homes. Frankie is just a cutie :)
no way - they need space..... like your videos and the information you share... you do a lot of things the same way I do... I wish I could get back out to the country - I had an old Buck cooking stove love it - I used to go up in Colorado for Elk season - helped with setting up drop camps for hunters coming in from New England, living in a tent for weeks at a time... horse packing up the hunters and supplies, etc. love that life....
Yes, that's why I didn't want to go into it too much.. :) I can't see anything wrong with using your ring circuit with the new solar system. Just put a direct feed into it with a breaker and do away with the male-male lead & you're sorted.
You are saving lives good vid Boss, Why not give us a list of things a bat like this will run just a idea. Good back woods logic love it but I hope its not trademarked like Ricky bobby's shake and bake " talladega nights".
If you listen closely you can hear the Code Inspectors screaming. Ah it warms the heart :) Sadly most Code Inspectors I've had to deal with were on power trips that would make Napoleon Bonaparte envious.
love the red tape idea...........simple and most effective
Not a "how to" video, but a "how I" video. Love that! You are in control of YOUR SYSTEM. If done properly, it could work for anyone. Keep kids away. I may have to try this way if I can't hook up to the electric meter. Thanks for the video with all the information! It could work out for anyone if everything is "flagged" properly.
Hard wiring one end into the box would be safer but this works as long as one pays attention when handling it.
Great instructive video! Living in an off-grid camp makes things a lot easier and safer. Like your place, mine is wired very simply. I never worry about it. It all has to START with the willingness to use very little power.. Many people are not willing to sacrifice convenience.
Well said my friend and I couldn't agree more.
I'm 64 and I just bought my first off grid cabin
Thank you so much... I will have power running in my home tonight!
I hope that I can always refer back to your videos when l am trying something new that l have learned on your show...l remember the one hanging light bulb👍👍👍👍🇨🇦❤️❤️
You n your wife have given me hope again that with very little money n alone maybe i can have a decent life. I keep you guys in my prayers. From the bottom of my heart i cant thankyou both enough.
Make sure wire sizes are the same. Do not run an 18awg drop cord from your generator to a house that is wired with 12awg. The 18 can overheat and catch fire.
If you do hard wire I would recommend a 3 position SALZER switch. That way the power can only come from one position or the other.
I love how simply you drew/demonstrated this. Simple is the best way to be completely accountable for your usage. WELL DONE !
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. When I hook up my permanent system, I will have proper connections and sufficient battery bank. This was a quick fix that has served me well so far :-)
Suggestion: Don't use alligator battery clips on the battery. Use 12 Gage (yellow) ring terminals. This will handle more current, wont oxidize at the connections, and offer less resistance and be safer.
I plan to when I install my permanent system and will have proper components and connectors at that time. This is a quick fix for the time being.
You have created a plug and play system.
Just as long as you don't play with the plug.
Nice and simple set up Boss. Just as it ought to be!!
Cheers to bird feeders, board siding, beers and the boss! Cheers to cabins that soothe the soul!
Yes, as long as I keep one end plugged in and don't mess with both ends it'll keep me going until I hook up my permanent system.
Enjoy'd yer video , laid back , informative. We've been off grid since 87, trials and tribulations abound , never a dull moment , but our system hasn't evolved much past whats shown. Best improvment has been deep cycle 6's series wired (2). Thanks.
Deep cycle 6's in the plans for this year. Looking forward to having them :-)
Just ran across this video and I loved it, great job sir! Very articulate and detailed. Sounds to me like you were in the same line of work Im about to retire from and move north into my own cabin......just have that feeling. Great video and I'll be looking out for the next one, need all the education I can get cause retirement is around the corner for me. Thank you again.
Mike from Texas
As always, I learn something new from each video. You've developed the life of Riley. Enjoyed another great video, keep em coming, Jim. And thanks for letting us come along on your dreams!
Thank you for all your views and comments Larry. All the best to you.
Im junior higgins from erwin tn. I'm 63 just started watching your videos and i love them they are very entertaining and i love your dog you crack me up. Thank you
Welcome to my channel Junior. All the best to you.
It's all good and nice if you have the money to do it. Congrats to those that have it.
lol that’s the same set up I have at my cabin I plug the four outlet plug to my inverter when the batteries are up when it’s cloudy or raining I fire the gas generator up ant use a gfi to a battery charger to top off my on board batteries and charge my solar generator and everything else it’s a no brainer boss 👍😎
I'm sure you;ll have a great system soon, but just for information you can get a male receptacle: It is recessed into a single gang box so they can't be touched and your female end extension presses into the male plugs. I've got one on an old RV I have. Great videos, Fran
Yes indeed. I wasn't aware of them at the time but have one on order since my subscribers brought it to my attention. Thanks for commenting :-)
Enjoyed Boss, I have a camper run on 12v even a 12v tv & 12v LEDs for when the bugs get to bad at night. I just use a small generator for power tools. It has been so hot here in the Midwest, I am really looking forward to the cool weather also. Thanks for your time and sharing.
It's suppose to drop to 35 tonight and looking forward to it. Just cleaned the chimney... bring on the cold air :-))
I have to ABSOLUTELY agree with Will Sawyer...You have the best (most interesting, most useful, etc.) productions on You Tube! Keep it up JC...YerDaBest! Also tell Frankie that "Nate from Indiana" plans to send him some treats.
Thank you for your compliments Nate. All the best.
Every time I see a new video pop up from you I get excited.. Your my favorite on U Tube.. Well were only 4 months in and loving every day.. Have a great day Boss......
Happy to hear that. Thank you for saying so.
Our old friend & my teacher Bill Mollison has passed. He left a legacy of intelligent thought to continue his work.
Sorry to hear of your friend.
Hi Boss & Frankie :) Very sound advice regards electrical work. I have had my Border Collie pup for a week and a half now. I tell you my friend my old collie Y-Y has shed years which is great to see. Zed s very,very smart and has learnt so much.Bsicaly toilet trained. I was thinkin of Frankie as I know your bond is strong. Maybe if you get him a colie friend he'lk rejuvenate as well.I had forgotten how exhausting n 8 week old pup can be lol . all little needle like theeth :) Hope all is good with you an Frankie. Stay well :) xx
I do plan to get another one. Frankie wants HIS OWN Border Collie now but I've been too busy to find a up at the moment. Cheers :-)
I did something similar with my motor home a few years back when I arrived in Florida and realized my Camper cord was still in New York. Made a double male plug and plugged it into an outside outlet. Worked great.
As long as you pay attention when handling it, it's a simple fix. Cheers :-)
Once again My morning coffee goes great with one of your instructional videos. Thanks, hope to see you back making videos again soon, that is if it's still enjoyable for yah!
I'm hoping I'll have my channel fixed soon and be back to normal with the postings :-)
Most excellent, My wife and I can't wait!
Your videos are so enjoyable !
Thank You & Frankie for All the Pleasure.
Thank you for saying so :-)
What a great idea! I will copy and paste 120%. Thank you for the info Boss.
All the best :-)
love your videos always very informative and always learning new things keep them coming!
Happy to hear that. Thank you
EXCELLENT VIDEO!!!!!! You are a great teacher. I shall watch more of your lessons and learn.
Thank you kindly :-)
Boss, just ran power in my shabin the same way you did. Just really making a long extension cord.
man I love your videos you and Franky are the ticket
Thank you kindly.
On my cabin I ran the whole cabin on one circuit. It starts outside with an outdoor weatherproof outlet that goes through the wall to another outlet in the kitchen. There's a 25' power cord tied to the outside outlet for the generator and powers everything. If I only want lights or cell phone charger then I hook a double male plug cord to an outlet under the sink to my converter and it's hooked up to my battery. I use 2- 100 watt led lights and it lasts about 4 days. If I'm not using my double ended male cord I put a female end on the male end that's live when on generator. If I'm using the battery I use the female plug on my outside cord so there's never a live plug laying around.
"IF" you use a double ended "Suicide Cord" like the one shown, a good safety tip is the outlet (or really inlet) where the LIVE end of the cord goes in to can have a cheap Outdoor Cover which has provisions for a padlock or zip tie to lock a cover over the LIVE end of the plug into the outlet so nobody can pull the plug out to touch the live prongs ;)
Great video! Thanks for sharing what you did. If someone wanted to avoid the double male extension cord setup you were discussing, one way around it would be to hardwire both power supplies to a double pole transfer switch. They should be available at the big box home stores and are pretty simple and not too expensive. . No need to be complex with a a cabin like that. The switch setup would allow you to just swing a switch from either generator or inverter input to supply the cabin, and be safe from a potential extension cord mishap (I can envision myself going out to swap to battery mode after the generator runs out of gas and I've had a few beers too many) ; ) THANKS FOR THE IDEAS! I can't keep up with you - making be jealous!Take care and good luck in the woods this fall!!
I worked maintenance for a while and we used those cords all the time. I was younger then and never knew the danger of them. But then again I'm here today typing this msg. So I must of been decent at safety.
Grabbing the hot end can be a wakeup call eh? :-o
I did the same thing, but hard wired the plug into my loop that way I could use a standard power cord to connect them without danger. Nothing on the loop feeds back power, so it's alllll good. Either way, loving your content brother! Keep it up!
With 400 watts of solar you will have your own electric generation plant! I have 300 watts on my self built camper van and I run my 12 volt Dometic fridge/freezer 24/7 along with a vent fan in the roof usually on 24/7 and about 6 or so LED lights. I also have an inverter for charging the laptop and other AC stuff. You can pack that generator away and never use it again. If you haven't already I suggest you search "HandybobSolar" and read his information. Very straight forward and no nonsense account of his start as a full time RV'er living off grid and how he mastered making solar work. Love your channel! I'm a fellow NY'er and my youtube channel is vtwinkicker, You are living life to the fullest more than most people on this planet. You are also my favorite channel.
Greg
As soon as I find time, I'll be installing my panels and looking forward to it. Thanks for commenting.
I did mine last month & love it. That said, I love the approach & utility of your single battery approach, 95+% of the time that's all you need.
Another good video from the boss. and Frankie :-)
Have a Jesus filled day
Greg in Michigan
Blessings to you as well my friend.
Like your handyman information, and t shirt .thank you.
I'll give you one thing, the part you stated about not being a "Electrician" is spot on. First thing, get rid of the doubled ended plug. Its a good way to electrocute yourself or worse someone else when running the generator. The next decision to be addressed, either run 12v or 120v. For 120v get a small 4 or 6 circuit breaker panel then separated your lighting circuit from your plug outlet circuit. If you go with the 12v source, install the proper size fuse to run the lights and proper size fuse to run the plug outlets. Also, you might want to add a couple of extra 12v circuits for future add-on's, just leave the fuses out until such time they are needed. In the real world you would have to separate the two voltages with extra lighting and added plugs. In this instance do yourself a huge favor and Install a heavy duty three position switch. By doing so, it becomes a "fool-proof" way of allowing only one voltage source, to be utilized at any given time/moment.
I am aware of the dangers of the suicide cord and address that near the end of the video. This was just a quick fix that allowed me to power up the cabin. When I install my solar panels, I will have proper connections, breakers etc.
Thanks again for an informative video...You always get the gears turning!
Thank you Boss, I learn more from how you explain things than most other videos on the line. I would have done way better in school if you were teaching my classes. :) We all sure appreciate your commitment to keep the videos coming. I can't wait for you to do your video when you're ready to install the solar panels and system at your Backwoods Cabin. In preparation for my cabin-build I'm logging all my amp usage throughout the day in my typical on-the grid living and I had no idea how much electricity I use and waste. I have a lot to learn about solar and off the grid electricity but at least now I know what I don't know.Thank you - Bill from Wisconsin
I have to explain things to myself in such a way so that I can understand it lol. Cheers :-D
Great explanation Boss, Glad to see you and Frankie doing well. Keep in touch and have a great day, God Bless.
Thank you my friend and blessings to you as well.
I used your idea on shower set up ,it worked great thanks .
Boss you got a great setup there.i have the same generater power set up as you got.next spring i am thinking about battery power something like you got there.great video.take care
Extremely informative vid! Nicely put together and easy to understand too!
Thank you buddy :-)
This system makes sense to me and could be used on rebuilding a camper or a boat.
I would make the suggestion, as a trained electrician, to put in a transfer switch rather than using the short double ended cord method shown here. You can get one for an RV pretty cheap such as the WFCO WF- T30 which is a 30 amp switch. Basically how it works is you have one line coming from shore power (generator) going in, you have a line from the inverter being powered by a 12 volt source like a battery going in and you have one line coming out to either a 120 volt panel or in this video's example, an outlet. This way you avoid even touching any of the hot lines. It senses when the generator is on and uses that line, when the generator goes off, it automatically switches to the other power source such as the inverter. It also protects the system. A good transfer switch avoids the arching and surges that can be common. You also want to make sure you have a good ground to earth which he did not mention, not only on the supply outlet for the cabin but also on the generator outlet and the transfer switch itself. I am currently converting a shuttle bus to RV for mine own use and I am using a transfer switch so when on generator or shore power at the campground, my 110 comes from that. When off grid, it comes from the inverter. Be Safe Everyone .. thanks for the informative videos Boss!
Agreed and i do intend to eliminate the suicide cord. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Excellent content. Your caution in your approach allows for very a efficient and effective set up. The safety precautions you have set in place leaves little room for mistakes and more of smooth operation. Awesome set up. Thanks for sharing. It can't be an awesome video without Frankie. Take care. :)
Caution certainly needs to be used when handling cords like this. It's gotten me through so far but I will be upgrading my connections when I install my panels.
Informative as always. Great to see you and Frankie.....Hope all is well in your neck of the woods.
Best wishes to you too Michelle :-)
I do the same at my camp off the grid . I really enjoy all your videos. Take care. 🙂🐶🚣🏿
Simple and effective :-)
Awesome video. Easy to see. And the explanation was kept simple and to the point. Loved it! Subscribing right away...
Thank you. I will be doing a follow up very soon on this subject as i have upgraded my system a bit.
in my opinion best channel on you tube keep up the good work boss. tell frankie WILL from Ohio said hey.
Thank you Will, I appreciate your compliment.
here's how i did mine i wire my cabin like a regular house (14' x 28' w/8' x 10' kit) with a circuit breaker box. from the bottom of my box i hooked up my 220 watts cord (in coming service) running it to the plug in (220 watts) on my generator of 5500 watts. we run a w/h 30 gal, a small refrig, several lights/plugs, and a 110 watt a/c tru a small swamp cooler duct work blowing tru the cabin for cooling. winter time a fire place to blow the other way tru the duct using a 110 inline duct fan 6'' to heat the cabin. we don't heat up the w/h til an hr before bath time (just turn back on the breaker. everything seems to work fine. if a breaker does trip it will/should trip at the breaker box. WOW !!! seems it was eazies to install then to write all that. hahaha. lol
Easy way to prevent wrong plug being used is to mount your inverter to the left of your cabins outlet and make your extension too short to reach from inverter to the generator outlet.
That's for sharing the off grid system Boss.
Hey boss. Have you considered powering your cabin with the panel, aka "fuse box", that is in the old camper you have salvaged other stuff from? That would allow you 120 VAC power and 12VDC power in the cabin, as well as the ability to power up from genie or solar simultaneously. Just a thought...
I have and may do that if it's in good condition.
There are 12v light switches and light bulbs for small systems like your. You may wish to look at them if you can add wiring to the cabin. Also you do not seem to even have a basic charge controller you may want to get one sized for your panels to keep the batteries from overcharging.
Thank you for your input. These are old junk batteries that I don't care about. I have a 400 watt system waiting to go in and I will have a proper setup with proper connections at that time. This was a quick fix that served my needs. Cheers.
Thumbs up on this one! I liked the drawings to help explain the concept... looks simple enuff!
It's simple but I suggest using a different hookup than I used with the suicide cord. This s just a temporary setup.
Great video! ...learned a lot... loved seeing Frankie too! Take care...and thank you....
Thank you my friend.
Good stuff boss! the one thing I want to add and you didn't mention it in your other lighting vids is I have purchased low watt-12v light bulbs from amazon that fit into a regular 110 light fixture. I then take the plug from the light fixture and by using alligator clips I connect the 12 v power to the fixture and you have a very cheap good looking 12 v lamp. Good info for your viewers as well. Be well my friend!
I never knew there was 12v bulbs that fit into regular AC sockets. Good to know. I kept everything AC powered so that I don't have to think ahead and switch things when I crank up the generator. I just plug my cord into the other outlet.
Another great vid Jim! I was thinking about using camper lighting so I could go directly from the battery for 12v lights. But your system allows you to eliminate the different voltages...good thinking.
I find it easier to keep everything AC so that I'm good to go whether I'm running on battery or generator.
Do you have the same system in your other cabin?
Take care and hug Frankie for me.
Yes, This is just a quick fix that allowed me to power up the cabin. When I install my solar panels, I will have proper connections and a more sufficient battery bank.
It's really hard to figure out which video of yours is my favorite but I think this one is.
Looking forward to it.
Nice and simple!! I like it that way...
It's gotten me through so far but I will be upgrading my connections when I install my panels.
I like this one too J.C.
Thanks Dan.
Do you know for some reason I love it when I hear him say that's good backwards logic. For some reason it makes my day. Great video thank you for the share. ONE LOVE.
Well that's just good Backwoods Logic :-D
Any chance you can show how to run propane lines to a stove and propane lights? I'm having trouble finding info.
Great work you rock young man
14 years. Led truck stop marker lights. White/yellow/blue. No sun?. Mine runs almost 2 weeks with out the sun. Batteries charge quick. . Hope to see more
Powers my tv/ lap top/radio+ham/cell phones. Discipline is needed. And you are right. When I had wife and kids. They would walk be hind me and switch lights back on. almost right away.
👍🏻 great video. Nice to hear your lifestyle is impacting so many. Blessings my friend.
Thank you buddy and blessings to you as well.
i was going to comment on the 2 male end cord. lol but you said everything i was going to comment on.
Great job explaining things. I have a basic system in my shack as well, with the help of a 40w panel.
The male cord is dangerous for sure if you're not paying attention. It's gotten me through so far but I will be upgrading my connections when I install my panels.
Very informative and well put together video...thanks a bunch Boss
Thank you Brian.
Love that Frankie.
Me too :-)
Humm......You've got me thinking now!! Considering that my new place is in an arid part of Oregon and it get's sun approximately 300 days per year, I'm thinking solar panels, battery's, and LED's..........First though, my #2 well went dry and I'm trying to get well #1 back on line. Got a new liner in the well and a new pump, but still having problems. Looks like a broken pipe somewhere......
Sorry to hear of your well. The old well in NH was the lowest that I've ever seen this summer.
The good thing is, I'm not living there full time yet, LOL.......I'll be there full time in about 2.5 years, so I've go time to fix problems..........It seems all the rain is falling in the mid-west and missing the East and West coast !!!
Late to game here, but wanted thank you for the video
Nice video. Can also duct-tape the plug to the cabin socket securely & put a flag on it "never unplug this". I love the yellow pad diagrams in the middle of videos. Maybe add another battery in tandem so can charge the laptop too, & maybe some portable cheap flatpack or rolled up solar panels too. Thanks again.
I considered doing the tape thing and would if others were messing with it. I have a 400 watt system waiting to be installed and then i'll put in proper connectors and battery bank. This already charges my laptop as is :-))
Funny how this video was waiting for me when I returned home from opening day deer bow season in WV. My hunting buddy and I were talking about solar power in the cabin. ironic I enjoy every video. thanks boss man
One of these days I hope to find time to install my panels. It'll be in a video when I do. Cheers
As always, thanks for the info Boss! It's great to learn about this stuff.
As always a very informative video easily understood and we'll put together, and to see Frankie at the end , maybe you could wrapped a wire or zip tie to the end that never gets unplugged and tack to the wall so you can't unplug that end just a thought. Best of Luck in everything you do always. Thanks for sharing your videos.
I considered doing just that and certainly would if others were to handle the system. In fact, I'd eliminate the suicide cord altogether if there were others involved.
I really enjoy your organizational skills. I have wired whole houses but my cabin is all extension cords and Christmas lights lol
There's a certain charm to doing things "deer camp" style. Cords and Christmas lights. been there done that :-)
That's great advice thank you.
Very clever & simple. Thank You Boss.
You're welcome buddy.
Thank you so much for the information Boss. Great video as always. Stay well.
You're welcome my friend.
You wearing that t-shirt make it look like your from here. I can almost say that every household or farm or building something with that symbol. Good luck on your next season coming up.
It's a good symbol to wear my friend :-)
Forgot to hit the like and comment on this one. Great video as always my friend. Take care.
Thank you buddy. All the best :-)
Great video, thanks. All 12 volt car batteries are fully charged at 12.6 volts. 2.1 volts per cell X 6 cells.
Thanks for the info.
Thanks for sharing Boss, another great video. You must be busy canning from your yield this year, was a heck of a garden.
My girlfriend has been doing all the canning while I cut firewood. I'd rather work in the woods than the kitchen anyway.
Thumbs up from Washington...
Thank you Judy :-)
Thank you very much for another awesome video!!!!!
A small 100 watt solar panel and small charge controller can top those batteries up for around $150. Great channel!
Agreed. I have a 400w kit still n the box. Need to take down a lot of trees first.
Have house about twice the size of prison cell. I use deep cycle battery s, and use truck stop marker lamps. White, blue, and yellow. And use propane to heat and eat. I use 12 volt tv, DVD player , and car radio. For movies and TV. Keep it up I want to learn more. Eh Vicks vapor rub will keep the joints clean and far cheaper than no ox tks
great video Boss i have some of those suicide chords made up for generators i should label them great tips
I might look into one of these or make something similar: amzn.to/2dySZ5r
I'm with you - I can not abide undisciplined kids or animals.... love your dog - was thinking about adopting a rescue border... there are a lot out there that needs good homes. Frankie is just a cutie :)
I was going to as well but they wont let me have one because I don't have a fenced in yard. Can you believe that?
wow - lol did they do a home inspection???
Nope and it didn't matter that we lived on a 200 acre farm either. No fenced in yard, no border collie. Can you see Frankie in a fenced in yard? :c(
no way - they need space..... like your videos and the information you share... you do a lot of things the same way I do... I wish I could get back out to the country - I had an old Buck cooking stove love it - I used to go up in Colorado for Elk season - helped with setting up drop camps for hunters coming in from New England, living in a tent for weeks at a time... horse packing up the hunters and supplies, etc. love that life....
Yes, that's why I didn't want to go into it too much.. :) I can't see anything wrong with using your ring circuit with the new solar system. Just put a direct feed into it with a breaker and do away with the male-male lead & you're sorted.
You are saving lives good vid Boss, Why not give us a list of things a bat like this will run just a idea. Good back woods logic love it but I hope its not trademarked like Ricky bobby's shake and bake " talladega nights".
Brilliant
Thx vm for posting
Very clear explanation--thanks!
You're welcome :-)