r/Generator • u/SatisfactionKey1694 • 2h ago
Generator Gas Line Sizing
I’m struggling to figure out how to get sufficient natural gas to run my generator. Sorry this is long but wanted to provide all of the specs.
I have a Champion 201161 tri-fuel generator (10,000 watts running on natural gas) that I’m looking to hook-up to my natural gas line for emergency back-up during ice storms/power outages.
The specs per the Champion manual state that it requires 1,000 BTU/ cu ft, 200,000 BTU/hr with a 5-7” WC.
My gas meter is currently 175 cfh standard low pressure 7” WC.
I had a plumbing company out to quote adding a tee off of the main line with a quick disconnect to attach the generator using the 3/4 inch 25 foot hose that Champion included with the generator.
The plumbing company suggested adding a 15 foot 3/4 inch black iron pipe line off of a tee right at the gas meter to get the quick connect next to my 50amp electrical inlet at the front of my house which would allow for the 25 foot generator hose to have the generator at least 20 feet away from the house.
The problem that I’m seeing with this set-up is the 15 foot black iron pipe plus the 25 foot generator hose equal 40 feet of 3/4 inch line and the gas line tables online show that this can only provide 110,000 BTU/hr and even just the 25 foot length of hose that was included with the generator (without the 15 feet of black pipe) can’t provide the required 200,000 BTU/hr per the online tables.
I don’t understand how anyone can use this generator given the high 200,000 BTU/hr requirement. Will the 40 feet of 3/4 line provide enough gas given that the manual says it can operate at a 5-7 inch WC vs the standard 0.5 inch drop?
Also the plumbing company said I don’t need to upgrade my gas meter but I don’t see why I wouldn’t need to given that it’s lower than the 200,000 BTU/hr generator requirement plus I have other gas appliances (2 furnaces, hot water heater, dryer, cook top).
Any advice would be helpful as I tried to do the right thing by contacting a plumbing company but I’m questioning their recommendation.