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Let's See Your Generator Sheds!

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larry4406

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All of the various recent threads about using portable backup generators safely has gotten me to think about putting mine in an external purpose built shed away from the house.

Let's see what the GJ folks have come up with! Remember we like pictures.

Lets try to keep this focused on the shed structure vs electrical connections to the house. The electrical connection methods have been adequately covered elsewhere and beat to death.

I did a Google search and found these GJ links:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=218489
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=178632
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=194552
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=115417

These purpose built kits/units look nice as well:
https://www.zombie-box.com/gallery/
http://www.nooutage.com/powershelterkitii.htm
 
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theoldwizard1

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Heat is a BIG issue. Most people wind up using some kind of fan to help cool it.

Most of the heat (but not all !) come from the exhaust. Get a heavy (at least 1/8") steel plate and mount it on some stand off about 2"-4" from the side of the shed where the exhaust exits the engine. Foil faced insulation is NOT enough ! The engine should be about 6" from this heat dissipation plate.
 
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larry4406

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theoldwizard1 said:
Heat is a BIG issue. Most people wind up using some kind of fan to help cool it.

Most of the heat (but not all !) come from the exhaust. Get a heavy (at least 1/8") steel plate and mount it on some stand off about 2"-4" from the side of the shed where the exhaust exits the engine. Foil faced insulation is NOT enough ! The engine should be about 6" from this heat dissipation plate.
Click to expand...

The exhaust heat I would agree on being an issue and one could either have swing open doors for venting (if you go out to open the shed up for operation) or a gable type exhaust fan that is plugged into the generator and runs as long as the generator is running (if closed type shed operation).

Any pics of this heat dissipation plate you discuss? I think I get the concept.

Has anyone here done remote start, remote choke, and remote shutdown on their portables in a shed?

I've watched a couple Youtube videos where folks have done this to their sheds using automotive power door lock actuators to move the choke with relays, remote relays for starting, etc. Have not seen anyone remotely turn the gas petcock on/off. When I am done exercising the generator, I turn the fuel off and let it run till it quits to purge the carb.

Keep the ideas coming.
 
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checkthisout

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larry4406 said:
I've watched a couple Youtube videos where folks have done this to their sheds using automotive power door lock actuators to move the choke with relays, remote relays for starting, etc.
Click to expand...

I made one for my 3000 ISEB. Electric choke, econ on/off and 1 switched outlet all with a 4 button remote.

No generator shed. No point when you have a Honda or Yamaha inverter generator.

They are already quiet enough on their own.
 
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larry4406

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checkthisout said:
I made one for my 3000 ISEB. Electric choke, econ on/off and 1 switched outlet all with a 4 button remote.

No generator shed. No point when you have a Honda or Yamaha inverter generator.

They are already quiet enough on their own.
Click to expand...

Any details you can share on your 4 button remote start setup? Did you make it or did you buy it?

I see a lot of the more modern portable generators have factory optional remotes. Mine is an older very simple Generac 7500EXL model - manual petcock, manual choke, rocker switch on/off, spring loaded push to start.

For me the purpose of the generator shed would be to leave it in place all set up and ready to go and out of the elements (ie - not have to store it in the garage and drag it out on a cold wet night, set up the cord, etc). Noise abatement would be nice but a minor concern for me as its 30-40' away from the house. I doubt you leave your Honda or Yamaha inverter generator outside exposed to the elements 24/7/365.
 
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larry4406

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jeepxj said:
Click to expand...

Pretty insane build! I like it!

Reminds me of a Knaack job box, less the front drop down door.

I see Knaack job boxes on Craigslist occasionally and have never given them a second thought. I need to start looking at those harder.

His remote start setup is a Honda accessory.
 
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Showkey

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larry4406 said:
Pretty insane build! I like it!

Reminds me of a Knaack job box, less the front drop down door.

I see Knaack job boxes on Craigslist occasionally and have never given them a second thought. I need to start looking at those harder.

His remote start setup is a Honda accessory.
Click to expand...

Insane pretty much nails it........
I think version 2.0 would be coming to address the noise and vibration issues:beer:

Inverter model would help as a start. Someone on the video comments mentions the Honda EU7000 which is the premium generator .......super quiet inverter but is more $$$$
I have an ONAN RV generator ( built in) and it’s crazy loud and vibration noise is a huge problem. So much so I don’t use ONAN and bring a two HONDA portable EU.

Think isolation of the genney to the floor and exhaust to the box would be a great modification to start adreessing on the NVH problem.

As mentioned in several other posts heat build up must be managed on enclosures. RV rated generators are rated for enclosed operation. Many manage the heat with fans but are an epic fail on the noise and vibration.
 
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yeldogt

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People around me just make an open deck with a roof -- sides are open.
 
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Bretny

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Dutchess county NY
checkthisout said:
I made one for my 3000 ISEB. Electric choke, econ on/off and 1 switched outlet all with a 4 button remote.

No generator shed. No point when you have a Honda or Yamaha inverter generator.

They are already quiet enough on their own.
Click to expand...
So theres no point in keeping rain, snow or any weather off your expensive generator?
 
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Bretny

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larry4406 said:
Any details you can share on your 4 button remote start setup? Did you make it or did you buy it?

I see a lot of the more modern portable generators have factory optional remotes. Mine is an older very simple Generac 7500EXL model - manual petcock, manual choke, rocker switch on/off, spring loaded push to start.

For me the purpose of the generator shed would be to leave it in place all set up and ready to go and out of the elements (ie - not have to store it in the garage and drag it out on a cold wet night, set up the cord, etc). Noise abatement would be nice but a minor concern for me as its 30-40' away from the house. I doubt you leave your Honda or Yamaha inverter generator outside exposed to the elements 24/7/365.
Click to expand...
It can be done with a cheap car remote start. Just tap into the crank and run wires. Few minutes with a test light and thr wire diagram from the remote start and you will have it figured out.
 
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Jeff95TA

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Pittsburgh, PA
For the few times I would need it, I think I would rather walk to it to start it than having to maintain the gasoline in it. At least for a portable version. If it was a permanent natural/LP gas generator, then a remote might be nice.
 
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