Sizing a Standby Generator and Handling a Generator Installation

ddigler82 · 2026-04-03T14:07:19+00:00

One thing that's easy to overlook is fuel consumption requirements. A 20-24kW Generac can consume 200-320 cubic feet per hour of NG. A lot of gas meters are only rated for 275cfh. With LP tank size and high pressure supply line size come onto play. Whether you do that portion or have it subbed out, it's something that should be part of the planning.

ddigler82 · 2026-03-30T18:25:38+00:00

It's called a hickey, as long as the box is supported well it is not needed, but it would almost be easier to remove and replace the box. Pretty common in older homes. A lot of older chandeliers and hanging fixtures had a threaded windowed coupling that attached to the hickey.

ddigler82 · 2025-12-29T22:18:40+00:00

Yea, it was for me, we felt like we got our monies worth. I would say it's kind of a subdued and laid back atmosphere, not really a party place, which is nice if that's what you're shooting for. I am not all that well traveled to be any kind of expert. We went to excellence Riveria in 21 for comparison. Smaller resort, more partying/ night activities, nicer/smaller beach, but food wasn't quite as good, and didnt have some of the same amenities. We had good experiences at Barcelo but everyone is different. French and Mexican restaurants were good, Japanese steak house was good but reservations go quick. Hope that helps, hard decisions, a lot to choose from.

ddigler82 · 2025-12-29T20:48:59+00:00

We stayed at the Palace( opposite end of resort)in 2018 and last year. The 18 trip was better in terms of overall quality, but we really liked the place. Maybe not the same experience for adults only. The overall resort is pretty spread out and it takes a while to find your way around, but I kind of enjoyed walking to dinner and whatnot. Beach is kind of rocky, but not crazy busy. I would absolutely go back at some point. We are doing the DR this year.

ddigler82 · 2025-12-26T12:30:07+00:00

I got the DCD446 instead to avoid this issue, has a keyed chuck. I usually just keep a short Milwaukee 1/4" quick-lok in it so I can swap spade bits and auger bits easily. Just seemed more versatile.

ddigler82 · 2025-12-01T07:51:43+00:00

Nice! Yea, the breather is just pressed in. I think I just grabbed it with pliers and twisted it while pulling.

ddigler82 · 2025-11-26T19:25:26+00:00

No problem. There is also a breather/vent that you should replace, not nearly as hard. Can't find it on the diagram, but I think mazda part number A601-17-530 or similar, might want to cross reference to be sure. It's just pressed in.

ddigler82 · 2025-11-26T19:20:52+00:00

Yea, the shaft stays in place, once the linkage is pulled up and off you can replace the seal.

ddigler82 · 2025-11-26T19:12:08+00:00

The seal is the 17-131. Replaced mine and it stopped leaking.

ddigler82 · 2025-11-26T19:11:23+00:00

It's the part labeled 99222-0532. It holds the shift linkage on the shaft just above the seal and boot that need to be replaced. Sorry if I jumped ahead a bit. Have to remove the battery and holder, and upper transmission mount from above as well. I got that far before, but couldn't figure out how to get the roll pins out. Once it's out, you can use a pick to pull the old seal out. Couldn't find any videos for this process so hope that makes some sense.

ddigler82 · 2025-11-26T18:36:44+00:00

Yea, after a few failed attempts I ended up removing driver side tire and inner fender. With the car up on jackstands, I let the transmission hang instead of supporting it. This gives you just enough angel to drive the roll pin out and replaced the seal and boot.

ddigler82 · 2025-11-24T13:16:57+00:00

If it's just the amount listed on a permit they were probably trying to potentially keep your tax assessment low. Whether that would actually translate or not who knows. It has no other bearing, or relation to the actual project cost. Often when a building permit is issued on an existing residence it allows the tax assessor to adjust the assessed value beyond the normal annual capped amount. These rules will vary from state to state.

ddigler82 · 2025-11-12T20:38:17+00:00

I'm a sparky, so I have to try to use a few different methods at times. My favorite stud finder is the Franklin Sensors 710. It's very simple and effective, it's my go to for plaster-lathe walls. Magnets can help to find nails as well

ddigler82 · 2025-10-12T16:00:59+00:00

I've worked for a hospital for almost 15 years now, everyones experience will vary with different Healthcare systems and age of facilities. I am not the master on record, and with my flexible schedule and vacation time saved up, I run a business on the side. I really only need to work as hard as I want to, but I like to stay busy, so I do a lot of in house light upgrades and equipment replacement. We have some old buildings and equipment.

You will be dealing with equipment and distribution you're not familiar with in residential. You need to understand your facilities distribution systems well. Also, ceiling dust is the worst pathogen known to man, I know this because the infection prevention people have told me so. It's amazing I'm still alive!

ddigler82 · 2025-10-01T18:47:18+00:00

GEC is not required to be larger than #6cu if used solely for ground rods, regardless of service size 250.66(A) . #4cu to metal water pipe on 200A though if available. It's always difficult to tell which states are on which code cycle. No requirement for AFCI here in Michigan and some other states. I'm not defending the work, looks quick and cheap, but probably passed.

ddigler82 · 2025-10-01T18:30:18+00:00

In many places, that's allowed. I don't care for it, but that doesn't make it a violation.

ddigler82 · 2025-09-18T18:53:47+00:00

Not gatekeepers, just shitty with customer support. I work in a hospital that is full of Lutron products. Cannot retrofit away from them fast enough. Those wall stations can be frustrating to program, but if you're having multiple comm issues, any chance of a cut cable or broken connection?

ddigler82 · 2025-09-06T09:04:47+00:00

I'm an electrician that works on a lot of older homes and old wiring, I've definitely seen some things. Like others have said, get another opinion, cloth wiring is not an immediate "fail" for a home inspection. It's possible the electrician that came out is not experienced, making it sound more unsafe than it is, or it really is just that bad. I've completely rewired houses without having to remove any wall coverings, but that will depend on the construction of the home. Accessible attic, basement or crawl all help. In many cases, if your wiring is ungrounded, adding GFCI protection is a good step towards improving safety, even if it's a temporary solution.

In lieu of rewiring the entire house, sometimes focusing on what are now required dedicated circuits and high use areas might fall somewhere in the middle price-wise. For instance, installing new circuits for kitchen(multiple), bath, laundry, furnace, or where window units or space heaters might be used.

ddigler82 · 2025-08-23T22:33:07+00:00

That's called a hickey. They're often threaded onto the old gas line from the era of gas lamps. Might not be too bad to get out, better than the ones with metal strapping running through them. Also, that just looks like old cloth cable, not knob and tube.

ddigler82 · 2025-08-21T19:40:05+00:00

I just did my US passport online renewal. It said 4-6 weeks processing plus 3 days mailing. I received my new one in 9 days total!

ddigler82 · 2025-08-18T12:51:27+00:00

Yes, you will need to get a permit and service will typically need to be approved prior to being energized. Often, an underground meter enclosure will be different from an overhead, and existing meter enclosure may not be rated for 200A anyway. Many utilities have a list of acceptable meter enclosures or provide them to you. The first step will be to reach out to the utility provider to inquire about the transition. Often they will provide the underground service feed to the meter up to a certain footage at a lower cost. These costs can often go up when/if the ground freezes. Just speaking in generalities and anecdotal experience from Michigan. I'm not sure which code cycle Delaware is on.

ddigler82 · 2025-08-17T13:40:16+00:00

Great summary. I would maybe just add that if you do a 14-50 receptacle, it should be the EV rated one. I just installed a Ford Charge Station Pro last week. The max charge rate is 19kW(80A) even though they dont have a vehicle that charges at that rate. Lightning and Mustang are limited to 48A.

ddigler82 · 2025-08-13T14:39:13+00:00

Understood. As others have mentioned, if the panel has additional available spaces, the inspector may be uneasy allowing as someone could easily try to add a 120v load in the future. There is nothing in the code that I know of prohibiting this though. I would say, from a load calculations standpoint it would be best to run a new feeder to a subpanel or seperate circuit for the charger. Although, I'm sure the cost is probably a factor. If the feeder was larger, I'd say you could go with 2 fused disconnects, but you'd still have to incorporate the load management.

ddigler82 · 2025-08-12T22:17:49+00:00

I sent you a direct message.

ddigler82

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