Cheap and easy home backup power option
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- Опубликовано: 9 сен 2024
- Homeowners are always looking for ways to cut cost and save money. Saving on rising energy costs is one way homeowners can save. I researched Solar Power, whole house generators & standalone portable generators. Generlink is a product that fits on your electric meter & has a proprietary socket that allows you in the event of a power outage to direct power from your portable generator via a power cord & plug into the Generlink unit.
The Generlink directs the backup power from the generator into your house through the same circuitry that is used by your electrical feed coming from the power line through your power meter.
Very easy installation but requires approval from the power company. It is very important to check with your power company to see if it has been approved. The Generlink.com website list companies that have approved the product but still good to check with your local provider.
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I have been using the Generlink connection for 4 years in coastal CT after we lost power and I had elderly visitors. An electrician in Home Depot parking lot suggested it instead of a adding a switch box ($1500+/-). Our utility company, United Illuminating (now Eversource) supplied and istalled the generlink collar, cable, and full instructions o how to use (real simple if I can follow them). I pay $8/month, that's it. The Generlink website listed approved generators, over 200, that they allow to be used. I bought a Champion 7500/9350 at BJ's for $700. I have used it 5 times in 4 years, once for 3 days straight no power in winter. I turn off the breaker for my electric hot water heater (4,000 watt draw) during the day then back on at night to reduce demand. It runs central AC in summer and oil burner in winter. Gas tank is about 6 gallons that runs 10 hours so I can fuel up at 10 PM and sleep until 7 AM. I park it 20 feet away from house (cord is 25'). I change the oil about every 100 hours very easily. Trying to set it up same thing for my son near Boston.
I'm in Guilford.
Mike Dowling- Wow! Great testimonial. Glad it worked out for you. Thanks for sharing.
Wow, this Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series seems like a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts like us! With its massive capacity, fast recharging, and waterproof technology, it's perfect for powering our devices and appliances during our camping trips. Plus, the Smart APP Control feature is a nice touch for monitoring energy usage. Definitely worth considering!
Wow, the Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series sounds like an incredible backup power solution for outdoor enthusiasts and RV lovers! With its massive capacity, fast recharging, and waterproof design, it's definitely worth considering. Plus, the smart app control feature is a great bonus. Thanks for sharing this recommendation!
The one problem with every generator is that it can be heard. And any time there is a disaster and people use their generators, some low-life's come out and steal them. In Texas it was happening at gunpoint. When Super Storm Sandy came through, stealing generators was a big problem on the Maryland and Delaware beaches. That said, this is a nice device.
I have heard of stealing generators, but not at gunpoint. Do you have a link to an article providing details?
@@PeterLawton
I just typed in "People Stealing Generators at Gunpoint" and several videos, etc. came up on a simple internet search. Did you think he was lying or making it up?
People don't realize that losing power/electricity is the thing that turns other people into savages rather quickly. If possible, everyone should invest in a capable generator and plenty of fuel/power for that generator. If you have to skip a vacation one year, it's worth it for your family. Of course, you are right about theft involving generators. Another tool to go along with your generator and fuel would be a tool to protect your family from anyone trying to steal your generator. That probably is easier to install in certain states over others. I wish these Generlink's were available in my area.
@@notsosilentmajority1 I typed in the exact same search and did not find a single story of people stealing generators at gunpoint. Do people steal generators? Of course there are some. Do robbers use guns sometimes? Of course some do. Is it possible someone somewhere held someone at gunpoint to steal a running generator? Yes, it is possible. But it is not common; it has not been making the news; it is not a priority on a list of things to worry about.
@@PeterLawton
I get it, not every search engine will produce the same results. I just typed in the search on Yahoo and several came up.
I guess the problem depends on where you live. We don't have that problem where I live either but I have seen it and heard about it. Society seems to be getting worse and worse and some states have essentially done away with bail so many criminals are a part of the "catch and release" modern method of certain cities. Even if it hasn't happened in certain areas, it's good to be prepared..... just in case. Stay safe, stay prepared.
Thank you so much for this great informative video. This device just saved thousands of dollars.
I've got the same story! Money well spent! Bought it online from The Home Depot, had a local electrician install it after I contacted my PUD. 25 minutes to install. My cord was included with the purchase.
How much was it total?
That's great!
Thank you for the great, in-depth explanation of this process!
It by passes the grid side of the meter. It uses the two prongs at the bottom. The top prongs are the grid side.
Thanks for offering an alternative. For us here in Denver CO. We believe in reducing complexities. Minimize the use of smart gadgets, electric appliances etc. Embrace the life of simplicity. Wood for 🔥, harvest rain water, wheat berries in air tight containers can be stored for 30years plus. I have a wood stove ( jotul f 500) clean burn technology. Other cheaper brands out there. Everything else is extras.
My Generlink install did not require an electrician. My power company (AES/DP&L) did the install. I’m in the Dayton, Ohio area.
Great video thank you!
I just had one installed and just for the heck of it I want to show the difference of pricing in Canada! I purchased a Firman 10,000 W generator for $1,300
Cdn and the 30 amp Generlink installed by an electrician was $2,550 for a total of $3,850😢
I spoke to my electrician and he suggested this product. Didn’t say how much of course. I’m in Ontario. I can’t use it since I live in a townhome and the meter is 3 houses down. A simple transfer switch installation was quoted at $1200! It’s a 2 hour job. Ridiculous.
Thank you for taking your time putting together this great presentation! I ended up installing a manual transfer switch / subpanel for my generator installation. Had I known about this, I would have seriously considered it.
generator safety interlock is nec code legal and cost 80 to 120$
You better make sure you only turn on breakers which don’t overload generator. Typical things you want to turn off is electric water heater and range. It just depends on your generator wattage.
Actually, you can run a water heater if you are careful enough to only run it by itself and not in conjunction with things like your oven elements at the same time. Water heaters only use one element at a time and generally it's the top element. When there has been a large water usage demand the bottom element is switched on and cuts off the top element until the bottom heat of the tank has been satisfied at which point it switches off and the top element is set up to run again if necessary. This all depends on the size of your backup generator of course, but a water heater can retain its heat for quite a while so it's quite feasible to just power it up when not using the oven, etc.
Thank you! You have save me $ 7,000.
Thanks. Most of texas is out of power and its freezing out here.
so was Virginia it was an epic ice storm .went off on saturday and did not come back on until this friday .I was lucky I over insulated my house and house only got down to 65 degrees .I live in a colder state then Texas .No water because it is a well and my house is all; electric since only left is propane and living in hunting country propane tanks scare me .A hunter accidently hit a nieghbors propane tank 2 miles from my house and thank god 200 feet from his house .Never caught the hunter
And a week later is 78°F and the cold is a memory.
We went 3 day but I had a propane generator . Burned 40 lbs of fuel . Natural gas heater stove and water heater .
@@mnfrench7603 Yes we actually used the AC the last 2 days 85 degrees .
God bless Texas!
(i was told) all you need is a disconnect between the meter and your panel with a switch between the generator and panel... allot cheaper and no meter removal.
Yes. It is called an interlock kit. Interlock sells one for $150. You have to add a double pull breaker, run wiring into the breaker box, and add a plug on the outside of the house to plug the generator into. You also need a cable to plug the generator into the plug outside.
Nope. I received a quote from an electrician of $1500 to install a weatherproof twistlock 240V/30 amp connection on the back of the house with wiring to the main panel, an additional 240V/40 amp breaker and mechanical interlock at the main panel. The 30 amp Generlink with 75Ka surge protection and bluetooth module was $700 directly from Global Power Products. $175 for electrician to install. So Generlink was about half the price of a manual transfer switch solution.
Seems like an autotransfer switch might be less of a hassle.
that rocks! I'm building a battery back up and may use that. thank you
Would like to see your battery backup result. Great idea.
Wanted one but they won't sell me one because PECO doesn't approve them. Luckily I have a 220 line on an exterior wall I can convert to the proper outlet, put a lockout safety on the fuse and backfeed in for a fraction of the price. Also don't need to use their proprietary cord. So PECO and generlink can take a ride on my suck stick.
Good news for you. As I mentioned in the video I was not able to use that option due to the house configuration & many other homeowners are in the same boat so the Generlink provides another way although it is definitely more expensive than a simple manual transfer switch.
You should find out what PECO will do if they find out your are backfeeding. My local utility will cut service and not turn it back on until a licensed electrician has removed the connection and the system is re-inspected by the county. Your call, but there are always consequences.
@@philhyde983 the way Im now planning, they'll never know. The breaker box is inside and there is no physical evidence outside I will be backfeeding and the safety lockout doesn't allow the generators power to be used if the main breaker is switched on to prevent injury to linemen working during an outage.
The cheapest is a manual transfer switch. Many people including myself cannot install that kind of switch. In my case because we have had some additions to the house a transfer switch was not possible. Since I cannot do a simple transfer switch to power the whole house, the Generlink was much cheaper than the next alternative which is an automatic whole house generator which can be $5-7,000 installed.
@@philhyde983 good point. The Generlink will not allow backfeed & when it detects power has been restored it switches back to the normal power line feed & no longer allows power from the generator.
Call your electric company and see if they offer it. Mine did. It was $1,100. That was the installation and 50’ cable.. no need to get an electrician or permit. Not needed since the power company did it all. Plus, they spread the cost out in my monthly bill. One call to get them out and it was done.
That's awesome. Where do you live & what power company was it?
Sounds like a winner. I live in Central California and our power company nuked an entire city, Paradise couple years ago. Thousands of those residents are still living in encampment, these criminals that run our govt & power company are gid unto themselves. We gave no way out.
@@soniag4516 wow, sorry to hear that... well, we need to start looking up to and following preppers. Sounded crazy at first, but now they sound like geniuses... not so crazy after all. Ive been following those types for a few years because they have great ideas for times when things get totally screwed up and literally you have only yourself to rely on.
So 20th century my friend but good video, I am going with Ecoflow solar generator but I don't have to deal with any fumes and noise from a ICE generator.
Thanks. very informative.
Thank You For This information God Bless You
That's good except it is dirty electricity... It will run your refrigerator and some other things but I'd be leery of running sensitive electronics... I would imagine the heat pump would be fine thou I'm not so sure if 8.5kwh is enough for starting the compressor... Still, for under 2 thousand, this may be something I'll be looking into, thank you for the great video.
Transfer switch does exact same thing it’s only 49 bucks and you can hook it into your fuse box
That’s exactly what I was thinking. I wouldn’t recommend this, but you can take a cord from your generator and plug it into your outlet for your dryer and basically power your whole house. As long as you turn off the main breaker. What are these people thinking
No one denies a transfer switch is the cheapest & can be easiest method. No doubt. But at the beginning of my video I state that in my situation because of the way my home had an addition constructed a simple transfer switch was not possible without incurring consideral expense. (after having consults from 2 different electricians) So if a transfer switch is possible I agree with you cheapest & best way, but there are many out there who, like me are not able to install one & Generlink although more expensive than a transfer switch, might be a solution for them. Thanks.
@@gp1971 as I understand it plugging into your dryer outlet is illegal in many places & can kill a lineman from power backfeed.
The least expensive and safe (approved by the power company in many areas) is a pivoting bracket that goes in your main panel. It’s a simple bracket that allows the top right breaker to be turned on only if the big, main breaker is turned off. The generator is connect to this top right breaker. I forget the name of it but the price is way under a hundred dollars. You may want an electrician to install it because your top right breaker is probably being used for something and whatever it is, it has to be moved to a lower position in the panel and may even require extending the length of those wires to move it. Other than that, it’s just drilling a hole for a pivot screw in the face of the panel. Cheap, safe and convenient.
Eric Poulsen My son is an electrical engineer here in southern Indiana that works for the power company. The first thing I would do is flip the main breaker off(of course). Ur video was really good. But people need to understand that most people don’t have several hundred dollars to spend on equipment like ur talking about. So people have to do what they have to do to survive. I’m not saying I would ever do that or recommend it. But when ur families cold and needs water , u do what u have to do. Take care man. And again. A very informative video. Of course ur way it the right way.
Id rather do all switching at the transfer box rather using breakers as switches. Breakers are not disconnects.
Thx for very good info. 👍
Good information, thanks 🙏🏻
Thanks for sharing this is amazing
Eric, great information.
I wish he explained how you reconnect to the grid, once the power from the utility comes back. One still needs a generator and supply of gasoline. Nice connection to the entire house.
Yeah I noticed that too, it's just a 'cheaper' way to get the effects of a _Whole House_ unit it appears to me. Don't get it twisted, that's a GOOD THING but you still, as you pointed out, have to buy a separate generator and keep gas on hand so it works. You are still limited in what you can 'power' based on the size generator you can afford to purchase.
We got the same setup after the 9/8/2020 windstorm we had that blew down all my neighbors pine trees that two went through our power lines knocking down 2 power poles. We have that same generator without the handle & wheels from Harbor Freight for around $500 with super coupon. When the power goes out I wheel out the generator that I put casters on it that I already had then I go to the meter & flip the main breaker off. We made a double male cord to plug in generator & to 220 welder extension cord. I start generator & go flip on the breaker in garage for welder. This has worked great for awhile until we had to get a new meter box & mast to put on the outside of brick. because it was all inside & brick went around box. It took awhile to find an electrician to come but the city hooked us back up until they came because the mast was flat on roof. There was miss communication with electricians & we thought they where coming to fix it but they came for an estimate & we had the city unhook the power. We used the generator for a few days. The electricians frowned upon the way we ran the generator & they fixed it at the box we couldn’t do that anymore. We have two main breakers now at the meter. Ones for the house & the other is for welder. When city came to hook us back up they told us about a device you plug in behind the meter & they would install it free. Talked to the electricians to put in a lock out switch & add a plug to outside of box. They was going to charge $1000 & we told them about this Generlink. They didn’t think Rocky Mountain would allow it. A neighbor looked into a lockout switch & plug for under $200 that he could install himself. Another neighbor knew of a electrician to do it for around $200 & we was going to get a group of us to get this installed but my old Man was impatient & got the Generlink from Home Depot as well. I was upset with him to pay that much & for being impatient with the neighbor who was going to talk to his electrician friend but our neighbor caught the virus & was in the hospital over night with Pneumonia as well. He’s well know. I did some looking into the Generlink & it’s for smaller meter boxes that had no room for a lock out switch. Cheaper to get the Generlink then hire an electrician to add a bigger box but we got a bigger box now & Dad could install switch & plug in himself but he has health issues but we know others who could. If you don’t have room in your meter box the Generlink is that way to go. This old house has a video showing the lock out switch on RUclips. If you do need to hire an electrician because you can’t do it yourself or know anyone find out how much it’s going to cost & go the cheapest route. We haven’t used the Generlink yet but all we do is flip the main breakers off at the meter box & plug in the cord under the Generlink. Start Generator go back & turn on main breaker to house. There is a breaker box in the house & they recommend having the breakers off that you don’t need. Just have like your freezer & fridge on along with your furnace. A lot of my neighbors bought generators after that wind storm & just ran cords to what the really needed plugged. I let the neighbor who’s trees fell over plug a cord into our generator. Plus we have 2 other generators that I lended out to run there fridge or freezer. They where blessed I helped them & they gave me yummy eats in return. One gave me Elk meat. There was a bunch of blessings that day & I knew my neighbors trees where going over when I heard the wind. I started praying no one to get hurt & our homes would be okay. In the middle of my prayer my neighbor texted me & told me his trees fell over. A couple of his pine trees fell just right barely touching the house.there where all kinds of blessings that day & it was neat to hear how others where blessed as well. One funny thing I was watching RUclips videos of trees falling over on stuff from people cutting them down. My neighbor told everyone that I shouldn’t have blown out my BDay candles so hard because it was my BDay when trees fell over. It all depends what you need to run & what your budget is. We ran cords to the Fridge & freezers before but we couldn’t run the furnaces but we could put wood in the stove & fireplace. Do research & do what’s best for you. Right now I’m upset with my Dad because he bought a device to save money on the Electric bill by plugging it in close to the breaker box. I did research after he got it & it’s a scam. All it is is a light that shines. I sent him some info that it’s a scam & not saying anything else because he doesn’t listen & gets after me. To him it’s not a scam because it was on tv or in a magazine. If it was a scam they shouldn’t be selling it & got stopped by now.
I agree 100%! 👍
Too many electrical contractors in the Atlantic province of Canada don’t recommend the genre link because it’s moisture inside and rust it. With that rust in it, either stay stuck hydro side or generator hook up side. Plus they are very expensive here around $2000.00 just gener link
Jessie ... Generlink shows available at Home Depot for $650. I have no idea who charges more than an hour's minimum service call to install it. If you think about it, that's only $200 more than some other multi-circuit gen hook ups that require an electrician to spend more time installing... and those are limited to 6 - 10 circuits. BTW, if they were prone to water leakage I doubt they'd get UL approval.
@@rupe53 I am having one installed tomorrow morning. The cost is Ottawa Hydro permit $388.(yikes...rape anyone), plus the Generlink itself is $2243.05 including all taxes, through an electrical firm that specializes in these. Worth it for me, as the last four day outage only allowed me to power 10 circuits through the existing Reliance 10 circuit transfer switch.....not nearly enough. Expensive...yes, but like insurance you have to pay to play.
@@TOURMANBOB ... here in the USA there are some utilities that will rent / lease one of these. It's been awhile, but recalling $10 - $20 a month.
@@rupe53 That's a great deal...a no brainer. However, no such luck up here; gotta buy them and they are not cheap...$1985 for 30 amp with surge suppression and 20 foot cord.
I believe every American home should have some kind of backup power because every single year we have some kind of record breaking weather. Its gets stronger every year it seems like. I been in 2 major power outages and it's not going to be my last I'm sure. To many Americans reli on the grid and the government to keep on keeping on. As history has taught us that nobody is 100% that they won't have a power outage and some sort of disaster. Its just plain ignorant to reli on anyone to come save you. One of these days the stores and restaurants won't be there anymore
Problem is most people don't have the money
Problem is our govt is our enemy now
@@soniag4516 100% right
We live in a world system that is designed to fail at some point
Eeyore couldn't have said it better himself.
You can install a manual transfer switch which does the same.....and you don't have to use a proprietary cable.
Really. I don't get it either. Since all that rigmarole having your service disco'd, electricians, and all that, just lob a big ole box with a handle on it and a big ole reverse socket for the genset.
Yes most people can do that but not all.
Check your electrical code before installing this unit!! It was against my local electrical code in Crawford County in Michigan. No electrican would install it!
Good idea if you live in Texass.
To be honest I would get a stand by home generator and have a company permanently connect it to my natural gas line of the house. Expensive but you don't have to run out and get gas and try to fill up propane tanks. Just change oil and air filter every one and a while. Make sure you connect it the home you are going to live and perhaps die in the future. Your dream home. I would hate to buy one and move out for x reason a few years later.
Wish the power company would offer these free of charge since they are the ones that can not provide reliable power
Moved to an off grid property last October.
Haven't had Electric power since. Except to charge my phone from my truck battery.
I live just fine, no running water, no refrigerator, no tv,
no electricity
My headaches went away, my son is no longer sick in the morning, from polution ,and EMP radiation!
We each have lost about 30 pounds in 6 months.
You can live without power, most people have forgotten how! Or oh my goodness! My TV doesn't work, how am I going to watch my shows!!!???
It's hot/ cold out what do I do?
It is important to check with your energy provider to see if they will approve Generlink. Oncor in Texas will NOT approve the generlink due to safety reasons.
Thank you for the video. I plan to have one installed also. Did you get the 30 or 40 amp? Also did you get the Generlink with surge protection or not?
Did your generator support you heating and cooling system?
I'm sold on generlink! Should I get the one with surge protection or without and why?
How much of your house can be operated this way? Does it do the entire house or just part of it?
I see you had about 8500 w at full capacity. I would recommend a propane line if your house has one so you wouldn't need to constantly gas up the engine. Also if you could find a generator that has remote start so you wouldn't need to go outside to start it.
Well 8.5 KW (8500 watts) is going to give you about 30 amps at 240 volts. So your not going to run your house. Fridge, yes. Heat, yes, lights, yes, well pump, maybe (depends on depth/size of pump). Electric water heater, not with other things on. Same for electric stove/oven
Yes- you do have to determine your generator limitations so you don't overload it. Generlink will direct the power to your panel & then you can determine what circuits to turn on. My electrician told me for most needs I would have to be comfortable I would be fine. That does not mean I would turn on all the lights, run my electric dryer, stove, ac & run the vacuum all at once.
@@ericpoulsen3968 I'm just trying to see what a 8500 watt unit would do. Think I'll get a 12k.
@@tixximmi1I know what you mean. It is difficult to determine especially for a lay person like me but several sources I have read online say 5 to 8kw is adequate but of course 12 is even better! As you can see from many comments there are many opinions out there.A propane/natural gas conversion is my next step! Great suggestion. Good luck!
@@ericpoulsen3968 Yes I'm involved with food. So I have 3 refrigerators, and kitchen related equipment. But I'm glad 8kw can handle most jobs. Thanks.
You said it will run your whole house, but a 8750KW generator will only run 70 amps at 120v or 36 amps at 240
Which is enough. A gas furnace uses about 8 - 10 amps, a refrigerator uses 15 - 20 amps, then you have how ever many lights which are very minimal, a tv = minimal. The only challenge you might have would be if you wanted to use your dryer or something like a 3 ton a/c unit. But plugging in a few fans would be no problem. A 3 ton unit will draw around 15 amps at 240 volts.
You don't have to run everything at once!
There are easier and cheaper ways to power a house, or at least parts of it. It's all but overkill to try and power absolutely everything.
Look seriously at priorities. Refrigerator, furnace, water pump, charging electronics (a minor requirement in terms of energy usage), possibly internet which is also a minor power requirement, and perhaps a few lights. Anything else is low priority in my view. Afaik, a 3,500 watt camping generator can do all of that. 5,000 watts max. A mechanical generator is ok, but inverter generators are more efficient with a pay off in the long run.
I have a 2,400 watt heavy duty industrial outlet strip to place in a window and run a few extension cords to it. With a modification I can run it to a higher load capacity. You'll need a separate 240 volt line if your well pump requires it. Otherwise it's just another 120 volt cord.
A microwave oven, and perhaps a hot plate used judiciously will suffice during an emergency. If you're blessed with a gas stove, all the better. Sterno works well too, and don't forget you can still use your outdoor grill whether it's propane or charcoal.
FWIW, YMMV, JMHO, etc.
Great info. Thanks!
@@ericpoulsen3968 I didn't mention the water heater, but there are ways around that. I can take a complete shower with a gallon jug of warm water for example.
thing is if you forget to turn off the main breaker and a power crew man gets hurt trying to restore the power and you kill or hurt him you are 100% responsible
The Generlink gizmo takes the place of an auto transfer switch so that you can't backfeed....I call things like that "idiot resistant", not idiot proof.
You bring up a good point. As I understand it the Generlink prevents that scenario. If power is restored to the house while the generator is in operation it does not allow a backfeed into the line. This is one of the reasons for review & approval by each local power company before they will allow it to be installed on any home they service. They want to be sure line workers are protected. Go to the Generlink website for additonal info.
You should read more into this and find out why it is approved throughout the US by power companies and stop going off what you think you know.
@@bigbossjc4117 BECAUSE THE DEMOCRATS LIE AND FAKE MEDIA SPREADS THE LIES . LOOK HOW FAKE MEDIA TRIED TO HIDE THE CAGED CHILDREN Look how fake media tried to make Trump part of A RUSSIAN SPY THEORY . LOOK HOW DEMONRATS LIE ruclips.net/video/5QvQbpcWYwI/видео.html LIES
This is a great idea unless you live in Oklahoma and have OG&E for electric service because they will not allow anything in or on there power meter box! Still living in the dark ages literally!
Is that like the Generlink replaced a transfer switch? Because, a transfer switch box usually has to be installed if you use a generator like that.
That is what this is, it is a two pole double through transfer switch.
We have used the ruclips.net/user/postUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y for probably 30 hours with our camper and it’s been great! The noise level is really only noticeable when running the AC and other appliances like the microwave, hair dryer, or coffee pot. It’s not huge like other ones and it has wheels so even at 90lbs, I can move it!
you're luck your power company lets you install this.
May I ask what the electrician charged to install the Generlink?
Mine charged $150. The power company charged 0. Very easy install pretty much plugs into the meter socket then the meter plugs into the Generlink.
I believe it was $150. Evidently not all jurisdictions require an electrician to be present but mine did. The power company worker shut down the power, removed the meter then stepped back & let the electrician install the Generlink (it simply plugs into the meter base (took maybe 90 seconds to do) electrician moved out of the way & power company worker plugged meter onto Generlink socket & secured connections with locking rings, restored power & it was done. Very easy.
Not allowed by my power company.
Why not just put a double throw switch?
This is bullshit
Why do I keep hearing Genderlink...
Because it’s 2020 😝
Because that who you identify with. XX XY and AC, DC
😆 🤣
Fluid and electricity don't mix
Because it has a built-in "transfer switch". ;-)
So when is generlink going to get this certified in the portland area??? i called PGE and they flat said NO
I called Idaho Power last week and was also told no.
@@fredjeannieschultz1251 ... you still have the option it install a low cost (and UL approved) breaker style interlock at your panel. They are available for most brands. It will do the same thing but it's fully manual. In this case you will also need to run wiring to wherever the generator will be located.
The west coast is regulated quite a bit, so the true answer may simply be no. But it's also the safe answer when a rep does not know the answer. It might be worthwhile to ask an electrician who works regularly in your jurisdiction. They may know the right wording to use or the right person to ask to get a yes.
. I wouldn’t recommend this, but you can take a cord from your generator and plug it into your outlet for your dryer and basically power your whole house. As long as you turn off the main breaker. What are these people thinking---autotransfer switch might be less of a hassle.
1
That sounds like you're suggesting a "back feeding" method of powering your house. From what I've seen, that way is dangerous for power company personnel and illegal.
Do they make a model that will handle 20KW?
Apparently not. I looked at their web site and the max current listed for a model is 50 amps (50 A * 220 V = 11000). That may only be a connector limitation, but a generator should still not exceed that.
No. The 40 amp Generlink is rated for up to 10KW.
So, you generator is running, the house has power and you are happy until ... the main power comes back. What will your Generlik do?
Great question. The Generlink detects power is back online & automatically switches back to the power company feed. When that takes place the generator can be shut down.
@@ericpoulsen3968 Good to know. This is an essential point which you did not state in the video nor is it mentioned on their website. Also since the power is automatically switched back to the main, how do you know that main power was restored? I hope they have LED indicators to let one know that the generator has no longer a load.
@@alexgray1905 Its a lot of info about this online. When the main power is restored. It will kick off the generator. When it kicks off the generator disconnect the generator from the box and reset your main breaker and your power should come back on.
From the manual:
Q. What happens when the utility power is restored and my generator is
operating through GenerLink?
A. Your generator continues to power your home until you turn it off. Once you turn
off your generator, GenerLink will automatically switch your home back to utility
power. GenerLink has a built-in safety feature that prevents back feeding the
generator’s power into the utility lines, eliminating hazardous conditions for you and
for utility service personnel.
Generlink will detect & prevent backfeed into the line. Power companies are very aware of that concern & that is why they won't approve it for installation without that safety feature. The user will need to check periodically to see if line power is restored. At that point the generator can be turned off & Generlink will automatically switch the house to line power. I believe Generlink now offers a way to monitor when line power is restored to the electric meter so the generator can be shut down asap.
And what happens when power comes back on; back-feed and damage the generator? Power goes out you still do same things as would with a manual switch.
There is no backfeed -- interlock is built in. That's a large part of the value of the product.
Is this legal in California ?
Taking care of ourselves is not legal in CA but illegal immigration, fraud, murder, lying, swindling, taxing the hell out of hard-working residents is fair game. May God help us!
What you're not being told is portable generators can disturb new appliances, TVs, computers, if you don't have that stuff then you can use it for lights and outlets.
True clean power in a portable comes from a Honda inverter generator .
Your welcome!
Do you want to share the model of that Honda inverter generator?
Other companies make pure sine generators.
RIchmond, thanks for your input (sorry, I couldn't resist). The Honda inverter is a great choice for clean power, but the drawbacks are it's cost and limited power. I choose a Generac XP8000e for my backup generator. It was relatively inexpensive (I bought a display model) and has great specs for running even sensitive electronics. I installed a manual transfer switch and sub panel and trenched over to my shed where I installed the generator inlet connection.
Don't know if this helps but my Generlink has built in it a whole house surge protector. Good point though.
I live in Portland OR and use PGE for power. How do I find out if it can be used with PGE?
You mentioned turn everything off your circuit breaker, do you turn the main off 1st or not at all?
When you lose power in my opinion & note I am not an electrician, I prefer to turn off each circuit breaker. Then after plugging in my cord from my generator to the Generlink & starting the generator I can go back down to the circuit breaker panel & slowly switch breakers on one at a time that are most important while being careful not to overload the generator capacity. In my case my generator is powerful enough for the whole house so I can turn on all my breakers. If you have a less powerful generator you will have to be more selective in how many breakers you can turn on.
The answer to this question would to be NO.
If the MAINs breaker is turned off then the supply from the Generlink would not make it to the MAINs breaker in the panel and then to each of the breakers.
I hope I am not advising the incorrect way & welcome input from any electrician but since there wouldn't be any power coming into the panel anyway until generator power is sent to the panel,, I have just shut off each breaker. I then go start the Generator which is plugged into the Generlink. I let the generator run a few minutes to settle out then go down to the breaker panel & switch on the breakers that are most important. Of course this depends on how powerful your generator is as to how many breakers you would switch on. I think I have also shut off the main breaker before too but found that sort of unnecessary since I had to turn the main breaker back on to allow the power from the generator to come through the panel. I hope this helps.
Interesting.. But having to go through your power company to get this back up connection will soon be denied. I'm saying that for a wisdom reason. Not to be discouraging or mean at all. All Electrical power plants are all own by Rothchilds family no matter where you live. Or what the name of the power company.
Not DoLittle's Power and Water Cooperative™...we're a wholly owned subsidiary of DoLittleorNothingforBigMoney ink. All Rights Reserved. ™
@@anothercasualobserver8764 ok. I hear ya. Be blessed and continue the good work
Great idea,
You mentioned your switch cost about $700 how much was the install or total cost?
Thank you
I have a generator already and a cord
Just need 700 for the generlink and roughly how much for the install?
@@JesusDTorresmy electrician that I used cost about $150. My power company didn't charge anything. Generlink requires you use their power cord because the end that plugs into the Generlink has a special, unique connector. You can order that when you order the Generlink. Also the Generlink I purchased has the added benefit of being a whole house surge protector. Good luck & thanks for watching my video!
In ontario Canada it cost me 1400$ all in for the switch and install.it also came with the 20 foot cord
@@lesleyboeder1798 how do you like the Generlink?
There is nothing for an electrician to do except "oversee" and answer any questions the homeowner may have. Worth the cost if you are unsure, but you aren't paying for anything other than their time. The utility should install it for free.
I certainly would not want this type of system, and if its storming and raining outside, you don't want to be connecting electrical cords, nor have your generator running out in the rain. Plus I don't think that cheap generator would be enough to handle the ac unit and appliances, if your gonna do it, do it right.
Of you’re freezing to death pipes freezing shouldn’t be very high on your this shit matters list
We can do without Adam from module experts he's a liar
Why didn’t you start your generator and let us see how it really works? I’m sorry but I’m just suppose to take your word that it’s the next best thing and works? Your new generator isn’t even been stared it’s so new! I have some ocean front property in Nebraska to sell l you along with your Genralink too!
Boosea ... can't do a "live demonstration" unless the power goes out because the unit is tied into the meter once it's installed and there's no way for a homeowner to disconnect the utility to do a simulated power failure.
@@rupe53 oh, man you spoiled the fun... should have left Mr. Genius "Bozo" Boosea in the dark in Nebraska with his non-existent ocean front property.
@@rupe53 actually you can test it. Generlink will direct power to panel & not allow backfeed to power line. Automatically detects & directs. And to address the question from Boosea - I didn't demonstrate it in the video because #1 Time #2 it's pretty obvious it works since Generlink has gone through power company approvals throughout the country #4 I would have had to reset my security system etc. & didn't want to go down that road. :-) But I may do a follow up to show how easy it is at some point. Thanks!
@@ericpoulsen3968 ... oh, I know how it works, just didn't know there was a way to do a manual test while the power was on. Was told (a few years ago) by one of the power company reps there wasn't a way to do that.
Boosea- And to address your question.... I didn't demonstrate it in the video because #1 Time #2 it's pretty obvious it works since Generlink has gone through power company approvals throughout the country #4 I would have had to reset my security system etc. & didn't want to go down that road. :) But I may do a follow up to show how easy it is at some point. Thanks for the suggestion.
"Its powerful enough to power my whole home" BULLSHIT!! You can run a lot of your house (minus electric dryer and other large appliances) with a 20KW generator. A 20KW is good for 48.5 amps at 240 volts. That's at 100% load. You do not run a generator at 100%. Rule of thumb is 80%. He at least says only turn on breakers for areas you need So you dont over load the generator. Which means IT CAN NOT RUN THE ENTIRE HOUSE!!
You use more than 8KW at any time?
You are doing it wrong!
I can run my house on less than 2000 watts.
Never stated I have enough power to plug in everything & also run my electric dryer, ac & whatever else at one time but the Generlink supplies power to the whole house & by using discretion I can easily live comfortably with whatever is needed. Sorry for the confusion.
@@ericpoulsen3968 ... You beat me to the punch line here. There's a difference between sending power throughout the whole house (to be used with discretion) versus powering the whole house. (meaning everything at once) Most people only see what they want to see.
@@rupe53Thanks!
Dude do you not know it's just a plug and play device? You literally plug it into your main service just like the meter did. Amazing huh.
Who in the Hell wants to be needing a gas generator as well to even use such ..omgs