{"id":8253,"date":"2020-09-03T20:31:25","date_gmt":"2020-09-03T20:31:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/?p=8253"},"modified":"2020-09-03T23:47:44","modified_gmt":"2020-09-03T23:47:44","slug":"installing-a-whole-house-generator","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/2020\/09\/installing-a-whole-house-generator\/","title":{"rendered":"Installing Our Whole House Generator"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>We had some really bad storms and lost our power for over a week. We had a generator and ran an extension cord into the house to the fridge, freezer, coffee maker, microwave, wifi and an electric blanket. So, we didn\u2019t really suffer. But when we were offered a Generac whole house generator, we jumped at it.<\/p>\n<p>This is what was involved in setting it up.<\/p>\n<p>The generator is a Generac Guardian so we looked on the Generac website.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Can I install the generator myself?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>As an option, Generac offers the Guardian Series systems prepackaged and pre-wired with comprehensive installation instructions. You could perform the simpler site preparation steps and have a professional make the electrical panel and fuel connections, or you could complete the entire installation yourself. However, for safety reasons and to ensure adherence to all local, state and national electrical codes, particularly for non pre-wired or larger systems, Generac recommends you use an authorized Generac dealer or licensed contractor. When selecting a site, always follow the guidelines in the Site Selection and Preparation section of your unit\u2019s installation manual.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>How hard could it be?<\/p>\n<h2>Choosing the Generator Location and Site Preparation<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Install the unit where air inlet and outlet openings will not become obstructed by leaves, grass, snow, etc.<\/li>\n<li>Install the generator on high ground where water levels will not rise and endanger it.<\/li>\n<li>Allow sufficient room on all sides of the generator for maintenance and servicing. A good rule is to allow three feet of space on all sides.<\/li>\n<li>Install the generator as close as possible to the transfer switch.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>We don\u2019t have a transfer switch yet, but we will put it close to the generator and close to the main service breaker.<\/p>\n<p>It says to \u201cinstall the generator as close as possible to the fuel supply to reduce the length of piping.\u201d We can\u2019t do that because that is the lowest side of the house. We would have to put the generator on legs like the heat pump.<\/p>\n<p>It also says that if \u201cstrong prevailing winds blow from one direction, face the generator inlet openings to the prevailing winds.\u201d But we don\u2019t have prevailing winds.<\/p>\n<p>When our power was out, we put our portable generator behind the carport. There are no windows at all on that side of the house, so no chance of CO2 drifting in and killing us in our sleep. We weren\u2019t the only ones with no power, so the incessant racket of generators came from every direction, but at least it wasn\u2019t right behind our bedroom wall.<\/p>\n<p>We decided that this would be a pretty good location for our new used Generac whole house, automatic generator.<\/p>\n<p>The installation guide says that the genset \u201cmust be installed on a level surface. The base frame must be level within two (2) inches all around.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8271\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8271\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8271\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/frame.jpg?resize=500%2C375&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Frame to support generator\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8271\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Frame to support generator<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Cliff built a frame out of scrap lumber we had around.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8272\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8272\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8272\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/level.jpg?resize=500%2C375&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Gravel fill leveled\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8272\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Gravel fill leveled<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Then he filled it with gravel and leveled it.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8240\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8240\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8240\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/platform.jpg?resize=500%2C375&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Level Platform for the Generator\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8240\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Level Platform for the Generator<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Ready to go!<\/p>\n<h2>Preparing and Ordering Parts<\/h2>\n<p>So Cliff built a frame, filled it with gravel and smoothed it level. We figured the gravel would make sure water couldn\u2019t stand.<\/p>\n<p>He read the on-line instructions for the generator and ordered the parts we will need to hook it up.<\/p>\n<p>He bought a battery, a Group 26 battery for $60. It looks just like a car battery.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8258\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8258\" style=\"width: 281px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8258\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/transfer_switch.jpg?resize=281%2C500&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Transfer Switch\" width=\"281\" height=\"500\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8258\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Transfer Switch<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Cliff bought an all in one transfer switch from Lowe&#8217;s, but when he read the instructions in the box, he realized that was for a new sub-panel service. So, not what we need.<\/p>\n<p>We needed to make our own transfer switch to work with what we have. The whole idea is, you need to be able to have the generator only send electricity to the house. You have to disconnect from the power grid or your generator is sending electricity into the wires to your house. The power company guys trying to fix the lines could end up electrocuted.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8225\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8225\" style=\"width: 400px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8225\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/interlock.jpg?resize=400%2C500&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Interlock Kit on eBay\" width=\"400\" height=\"500\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8225\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Interlock Kit on eBay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>We needed a breaker to connect the generator to the house. We needed an interlock so we didn&#8217;t kill anybody.\u00a0 Cliff ordered a generator interlock kit from eBay.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8259\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8259\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8259\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/transfer_switch-b.jpg?resize=500%2C500&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Transfer Switch\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/transfer_switch-b.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/transfer_switch-b.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8259\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Transfer Switch<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The picture shows it installed, but the interlock is just this little piece of metal. It prevents you leaving the house on the power grid when you turn the generator on. You have to switch off the top 200 Amp switch to be able to slide the metal part up. Then you can switch the generator on.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Adding an external interlock onto an existing breaker panel allows the main breaker to be turned on or one designated load breaker to be turned on, but not both at the same time.<\/p>\n<p>Under normal conditions, the main breaker is on, accepting power from the external mains into the panel, and the backfeed breaker is off, isolating the generator. The external mains feeds the panel, but the panel cannot backfeed the generator.<\/p>\n<p>In generator mode, the backfeed breaker is on, accepting power from the generator into the panel, and the main breaker is off, isolating the external mains.<\/p>\n<p>Backfeeding the external mains is unsafe and illegal, because it can potentially electrocute lineworkers, start fires, and overload or damage the generator.<\/p>\n<p>From Wikipedia, but edited<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>We only needed a 30 amp dual pole, but we went ahead and put in a 60 amp in case we ever want a larger generator.<\/p>\n<p>We could have put in a dedicated transfer switch so that the power would automatically switch the generator on any time there was a power outage, but they cost a lot more.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8243\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8243\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8243\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/permit.jpg?resize=500%2C646&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Electric and Gas Permit to install our generator\" width=\"500\" height=\"646\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/permit.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/permit.jpg?resize=387%2C500&amp;ssl=1 387w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8243\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Electric and Gas Permit to install our generator<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Permits<\/h2>\n<p>Both gas and electric have to be permitted and inspected. That\u2019s a residential combo permit. The electrician applied for the permit, but it was in the names of both contractors.<\/p>\n<p>They both came out and looked at what we were doing.<\/p>\n<p>The gas guy said we did not have enough gas coming to our house to power the generator, so we called the gas company to increase our gas pressure and volume.<\/p>\n<p>He told us what parts he would need, but he ordered them for us.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8234\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8234\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8234\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/electricians.jpg?resize=500%2C375&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Electricians putting in the Generator Interlock Kit\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8234\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Electricians putting in the Generator Interlock Kit<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Whole House Generator Electrical Connections<\/h2>\n<p>The electricians came out first. They installed the interlock onto our panel and put in a breaker from our main power for a trickle charger to the battery in the generator.<\/p>\n<p>They tested all the connections and everything worked.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8227\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8227\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8227\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/box.jpg?resize=500%2C375&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Generator Interlock Kit\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8227\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Generator Interlock Kit<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>While the electricians were working, the pipe and other things the gas guy had ordered were delivered.<\/p>\n<h2>Whole House Generator Gas Connections<\/h2>\n<p>I found out that, at least here, a plumber is who does gas. I guess because they both work with pipe.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8239\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8239\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8239\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/connection.jpg?resize=500%2C375&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Gas Pipeline, Natural Gas Regulator and Ground Wire\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8239\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Gas Pipeline, Natural Gas Regulator and Ground Wire<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The plumber ran gas pipeline from our meter on the other side of the house to the generator.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8235\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8235\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8235\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/plumbers-gas.jpg?resize=500%2C375&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Plumbers running new gas lines\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8235\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Plumbers running new gas lines<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The pipe that Schumacher used was flexible plastic. The new pipe to the generator is rigid metal.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8228\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8228\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8228\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/pipe_under_house.jpg?resize=500%2C375&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Natural Gas piped to the Generator\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8228\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Natural Gas piped to the Generator<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The hose faucet was exactly where we needed to put the gas, so he moved the hose faucet over.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8245\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8245\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8245\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/pipe_clamp.jpg?resize=500%2C375&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Pipe, Pipe Clamp and other tools\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8245\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pipe, Pipe Clamp and other tools<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>They used this clamp to hold it in place while they cut it.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8232\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8232\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8232\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/pipe_clamp-b.jpg?resize=500%2C375&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Pipe Clamp\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8232\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pipe Clamp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>It&#8217;s just a clamp, to hold the pipe while they cut it to length.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8229\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8229\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8229\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/gas_for_fireplace.jpg?resize=500%2C375&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Running a gas line for our Jotul stove\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8229\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Running a gas line for our<br \/>Jotul stove<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>He also ran gas to where we are putting in a gas fireplace.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8244\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8244\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8244\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/generator-support.jpg?resize=500%2C375&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Support for the gas line going into the generator\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8244\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Support for the gas line going into the generator<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>They put in a support to hold up the gas line to the generator.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8233\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8233\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8233\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/NMT.jpg?resize=500%2C375&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Natural Gas Regulator\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8233\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Natural Gas Regulator<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The generator uses more gas than our hot water heater and gas fireplace, so he added regulators to the gas line. It acts as a step-down line regulator to reduce the gas pressure to the traditional one-third PSI that residential appliances are designed for.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8231\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8231\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8231\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/sealing.jpg?resize=500%2C375&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Sealing the gas pipe\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8231\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sealing the gas pipe<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>They sealed where the pipe came out of the wall.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8247\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8247\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8247\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/pressure_test.jpg?resize=500%2C375&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Gas Line Pressure Test\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8247\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Gas Line Pressure Test<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>This is a pressure test. The pipe has to pass before they can run gas through it.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8226\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8226\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-8226 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/generator-b.jpg?resize=500%2C375&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Ground Wires to the phone, internet, main power and generator gas line\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8226\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ground Wires to the phone, internet, main power and generator gas line<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The electricians came back to bond the gas pipe to ground. Green means ground. Bare copper means ground.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8236\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8236\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8236\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/generator-c.jpg?resize=500%2C375&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Ground Wire\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8236\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ground Wire<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The inspectors came and checked everything.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8237\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8237\" style=\"width: 446px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8237\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/pass.jpg?resize=446%2C500&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Gas Piping and Final Electric Inspections Pass\" width=\"446\" height=\"500\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8237\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Gas Piping and Final Electric Inspections Pass<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>And we passed! Approved to have the gas run to the generator.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8224\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8224\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8224\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/natural_gas.jpg?resize=500%2C375&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"The man from Dominion Energy changing our meter\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8224\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The man from Dominion Energy changing our meter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Dominion Energy<\/h2>\n<p>Dominion Energy came out and changed us from 7 column inches to 2 PSI.\u00a0 7 column inches is standard natural gas pressure, one-third pound-per-square-inch. But the generator requires a lot more.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8248\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8248\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8248\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/natural_gas_meters.jpg?resize=500%2C375&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Natural Gas Meters\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8248\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Natural Gas Meters<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>They didn&#8217;t change the pipe to the house. They changed the meter.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8250\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8250\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8250\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/natural_gas-b.jpg?resize=500%2C375&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"New Gas Meter tow supply enough gas for the generator\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8250\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">New Gas Meter to supply enough gas for the generator<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>This is the new meter. The pipe on the left is the new gas line. The one on the right is the original one going to the hot water heater.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8246\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8246\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8246\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/interlock-b.jpg?resize=500%2C650&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Mechanical Generator Interlock Kit\" width=\"500\" height=\"650\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/interlock-b.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/interlock-b.jpg?resize=385%2C500&amp;ssl=1 385w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8246\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mechanical Generator Interlock Kit<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Starting up the Generator<\/h2>\n<p>Finally! We can start up the generator!<\/p>\n<p>Cliff had already checked the oil. The gas lines have been tested.<\/p>\n<p>In case we forget, instructions to start up the generator are written inside the breaker box cover.<\/p>\n<p>You start the generator before you switch the interlock over.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8251\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8251\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8251\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/generator-amp.jpg?resize=500%2C500&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"30 Amp Circuit Breakers\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/generator-amp.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/generator-amp.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8251\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">30 Amp Circuit Breakers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8241\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8241\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8241\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/generator-lights.jpg?resize=500%2C375&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Generator Control Panel Start Up\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8241\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Generator Control Panel Start Up<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>When it first started, all of the lights flashed.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8252\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8252\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8252\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/generator_contro_panel.jpg?resize=500%2C275&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Generator Control Panel\" width=\"500\" height=\"275\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8252\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Generator Control Panel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>This is what all the things on the control panel are.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8242\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8242\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8242\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/generator-lights-b.jpg?resize=500%2C375&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Generator Control Panel System Set\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8242\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Generator Control Panel<br \/>System Set<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Then it settled down to a steady green.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8238\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8238\" style=\"width: 430px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8238\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/generator_motor.jpg?resize=430%2C500&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"The Generator Motor\" width=\"430\" height=\"500\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8238\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Generator Motor<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>It started so fast it startled me, but really it wasn&#8217;t very loud. Kinda like a car engine with the hood open.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8230\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8230\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8230\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/generator-insulation.jpg?resize=500%2C375&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Thick insulation muffles the noise\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8230\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Thick insulation muffles the noise<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>As soon as Cliff closed the lid, it was much quieter. There is thick insulation all around.<\/p>\n<p>The whole house generator is way quieter than the portable generator.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We had some really bad storms and lost our power for over a week. We had a generator and ran an extension cord into the house to the fridge, freezer, coffee maker, microwave, wifi and an electric blanket. So, we didn\u2019t really suffer. But when&nbsp;<a class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/2020\/09\/installing-a-whole-house-generator\/\">&hellip;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8249,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8253","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-projects"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/featured-generator.jpg?fit=810%2C431&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":15063,"url":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/2024\/10\/hurricane-helene-vs-our-schumacher-home\/","url_meta":{"origin":8253,"position":0},"title":"Hurricane Helene vs. our Schumacher Home","author":"Carla","date":"October 9, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina on September 27, 2024. The damage has been unbelievable. We knew we were in a flood zone when we built the house, but only by a few inches. We are in a 100-year floodplain. That means there is a 1-in-100 chance of flood in\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Our New House&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Our New House","link":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/category\/new-house\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/featured-flood.jpg?fit=810%2C431&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/featured-flood.jpg?fit=810%2C431&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/featured-flood.jpg?fit=810%2C431&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/featured-flood.jpg?fit=810%2C431&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14009,"url":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/2024\/05\/gutters-for-the-little-modular-cabin\/","url_meta":{"origin":8253,"position":1},"title":"Gutters for the Little Modular Cabin","author":"Carla","date":"May 1, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"We are still waiting for the city. We can't move forward until we have water and sewer connections. We were going to wait until we had added the permanent porch to add gutters, but after a few good rains, we decided to go ahead. It's at least something we can\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;New Modular Cabin&quot;","block_context":{"text":"New Modular Cabin","link":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/category\/new-cottage\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/featured-gutters.jpg?fit=810%2C431&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/featured-gutters.jpg?fit=810%2C431&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/featured-gutters.jpg?fit=810%2C431&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/featured-gutters.jpg?fit=810%2C431&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":15974,"url":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/2025\/05\/tva-registered-floating-cabin-houseboat-for-sale-on-lake-fontana\/","url_meta":{"origin":8253,"position":2},"title":"TVA Registered Floating Cabin Houseboat for Sale on Lake Fontana","author":"Carla","date":"May 12, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"This houseboat on Fontana Lake just showed up on Facebook Marketplace.\u00a0 New houseboats or Floating Cabins are not allowed on Lake Fontana, but this one is grandfathered in. Boat House & Boat Garage on Lake Fontana for Sale. TVA Registered. $130,000 TVA registered. These numbers are no longer issued, and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Other Small Houses&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Other Small Houses","link":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/category\/other-small-houses\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/featured-house_boat.jpg?fit=646%2C431&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/featured-house_boat.jpg?fit=646%2C431&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/featured-house_boat.jpg?fit=646%2C431&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":8346,"url":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/2020\/09\/installing-the-jotul-sebago-free-standing-gas-fireplace\/","url_meta":{"origin":8253,"position":3},"title":"Installing the Jotul Sebago Free Standing Gas Fireplace","author":"Carla","date":"September 10, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"This post is step-by-step how we put in a Jotul Free Standing Direct Vent Fireplace with horizontal through-the-wall termination. That means the pipe goes out the back of the stove through the wall. On the other side of the wall it has a snorkel termination. When we had the house\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Our New House&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Our New House","link":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/category\/new-house\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Jotul Sebago Free Standing Gas Fireplace","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/featured-jotul.jpg?fit=810%2C431&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/featured-jotul.jpg?fit=810%2C431&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/featured-jotul.jpg?fit=810%2C431&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/featured-jotul.jpg?fit=810%2C431&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7201,"url":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/2020\/02\/casa-cubed-shipping-container-homes\/","url_meta":{"origin":8253,"position":4},"title":"Casa Cubed Shipping Container Homes","author":"Carla","date":"February 25, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"A new Container house showed up in my Facebook feed this morning. They are made by Casa Cubed. I looked them up. This is their website: casacubed.com This is their Facebook page: www.facebook.com\/CasaCubedLLC They are a family owned and operated company. Andres and Maria Guillama, build these container houses in\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Container Homes&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Container Homes","link":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/category\/container-homes\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Casa Cubed Shipping Container Homes","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/featured-casa_cubed-2.jpg?fit=810%2C431&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/featured-casa_cubed-2.jpg?fit=810%2C431&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/featured-casa_cubed-2.jpg?fit=810%2C431&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/featured-casa_cubed-2.jpg?fit=810%2C431&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3125,"url":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/2018\/06\/installing-the-windows\/","url_meta":{"origin":8253,"position":5},"title":"Installing the Windows","author":"Carla","date":"June 5, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"We drove over to the new house this morning. They were wrapping up the wiring. And look! The windows and doors were delivered! They window installer checked the plans, then carried each window to where it would be installed. These directions are on the window. I hope we hired someone\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Our New House&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Our New House","link":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/category\/new-house\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Installing the Windows - Project Small House","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/featured_image-windows.jpg?fit=1200%2C632&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/featured_image-windows.jpg?fit=1200%2C632&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/featured_image-windows.jpg?fit=1200%2C632&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/featured_image-windows.jpg?fit=1200%2C632&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/featured_image-windows.jpg?fit=1200%2C632&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8253","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8253"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8253\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8273,"href":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8253\/revisions\/8273"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8249"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8253"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8253"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8253"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}