Standby Generators – Best
I spent way too much time reviewing standby generators, but in the end, I decided to buy the Generac XP8000E Portable Generator. It was as quiet as you can get for a generator its size (8000 running watts and 12,000 starting watts) and it will run the entire house – without having to carefully start one appliance, then another, and so on – I’ll simply fire things up as I please and not worry about it.
I bought the generator at Lowe’s for $1,249. According to the representative at Generac, of all their standby generators, the XP 8000 is their premier model (as opposed to the GP or other models).
I explain what I looked for on my about portable generators page, such as noise level, big wheels, watts, size of gas tank, warranty and more.
Best standby generator and how I hooked it up to the home
My XP 8000 Standby Generator came with a cord that has ends for connecting extension cords, but that didn’t work for me as I’m looking to feed the power into my home rather than having to run cords everywhere.
I ended up having a 80 foot standby generator cord made which ran me $2 per foot and $40 for each end.
I also had a new circuit breaker, manual transfer switch and power inlet installed. The power inlet (D) connects to the circuit breaker which is hooked up to a manual transfer switch; this is a double pole double throw (DPDT) “break before make” switch which prevents backfeeding.
When the power goes out, I simply pull out my standby generator (away from the home), start it, plug one end (C) into the generator, plug the other end (B) into the power inlet (D), move the manual transfer switch to the left (Emergency power) and I’m enjoying power again!
The total bill to hook up everything was $800:
Permit… $80
80 foot cord… $240
Circuit Breaker… $20
Cover panel with transfer switch… $40
Power Inlet… $50
Labor… $370
So, for everything, including the standby generator, it’s going to cost you about $2,000. Remember, you don’t have to buy such a big generator if only powering a few appliances, that there could save you $1,000; however, my goal was to find the best generator, producing the least amount of sound and still able to power the entire home.
Hi
I was reading your article on the manual transfer switch and think this is a very good way to go.
Can you get the information on the parts I need to order for the breaker panel and where I can find them.
Thanks any information you can get me would be helpful.
Pat.
Hi Pat,
I looked on the internet for the part number of the cover, but could not find it – I will ask the company that did the install for part numbers or details and will post them when I get them.
You can probably create a parts list from everything that I have posted, but when I get time, I’ll try to sum everything up.
If you do this before me, please post what you have and share it with everyone.
Thanks!
Jim
Was wondering how I would connect the generator to my home and thought plugging it into a standard outlet would do the trick which would have been wrong. the pictures were a big help, thanks.
Please!!!, don’t anyone try to hook up any generator to your home circuits without a disconnect switch properly installed in the circuit… if you accidentally supply power back into the power grid, you could end up killing a technician or other person working to restore power and be charged with manslaughter, as well as having that on your conscience the rest of your life.
I did the exact same thing. I am eagerly waiting for your December post. I would like more specifics about the transfer switch and circuit breaker (like what brand and where you got them). I have the same generator and I would like to duplicate your setup. I am very close, but I could use a few more specifics. Thanks in advance….Stark.
If you are in the country and have significant house motor loads such as a well pump and sewage treatment aerators, then you need to take that into account for the generator size.
Absolutely do not hook into the home wiring without a transfer/disconnect switch. I would think that all jurisdictions require you to pull an electrical permit and to have the installation inspected. This is a good thing, not a problem. Keeps you safe and keeps the insurance people happy.
Is the generator CARB/EPA approved ?