Power Generators should not be run in the rain or other inclement weather because electricity and water can cause electrical shocks. To keep the power running, you should instead build a permanent cover for your generator. Remember, generators emit carbon monoxide gas, so it’s of the utmost importance to keep your generator outside, including your garage! Individuals can quickly fall ill to a generator running in an enclosed space. This brings us to the aim of creating this content.
How can you then keep a generator running outside in the rain when manufacturers recommend that they are not used in wet weather? The best solution is to install a permanent or temporary cover for your generator. It limits the risk of dealing with a generator and ensures immediate power restoration. Although some generators are marked as all-weather machines, you should be advised that even these should not be mixed with water as they are not 100% waterproof. Generators produce powerful voltage; if mixed with water, it can lead to electrocution or even an explosion.
How To Protect A Standby Generator From The Rain
Since you can’t bring your generator inside, how can you operate this machine safely and effectively? Luckily, a temporary and permanent option exists for using a generator in wet weather.
1. Use a wet weather cover.
If your generator only gets used a few times per year, then a temporary fix might be an excellent solution to keeping your generator safe from the elements. For this kind of fix, there are unique generator covers that can be used to ensure water or moisture does not enter the mechanical or electrical components of the machine. This tent-like cover will allow adequate airflow and exhaust fumes to be appropriately ventilated.
Purchase a cover specific to your model and the size of your generator to guarantee the best fit. For this temporary cover, a base is strapped to the corner of a generator frame using a brace.
This creates a structure that is then used to insert a flexible pole into each corner, creating a dome structure. A waterproof cover is then securely tied to the corner of the braces with straps to ensure a secure fit.
2. Build a permanent generator cover.
Consider building a permanent generator cover if your generator is a permanent backup system. A permanent cover will mitigate the need to take on and off the cover every time there’s a storm.
The location is the most important consideration when building a permanent home for your generator. It’s recommended the generator is located far enough away from your home so that toxic fumes won’t seep into your home.
The cover can be constructed from brick or plywood, but ensure that you properly research how to build your generator cover or hire professionals to install your standby generator and cover. This ensures that the permanent cover allows for adequate ventilation and airflow to ensure the unit does not overheat and harmful fumes are properly expelled.
No one likes being left in the dark, especially during a storm. If your power happens to go out, you may be wondering if it’s safe to use your portable generator. The answer is: it depends on the type of generator you have. Some generators are designed to be used in inclement weather, while others should only be used in dry conditions. Keep reading to learn more about the types of generators and how to use them safely in the rain.
Types of generators you can use in the rain
1. Whole-house backup generators can operate in the rain.
When it comes to generators, there are two main types: portable and whole-house. And while there are some similarities between the two, there are also some key differences. For instance, whole-house generators are made with special housing that protects them from the elements, meaning they can withstand rain, sleet, and snow. So if you’re wondering whether generators can get wet or if they’re waterproof, the answer is different for whole-house generators. Additionally, whole-house generators are the most reliable option for providing power to an entire home in an emergency or any weather.
If you want to be prepared for the next power outage, it might be a good idea to invest in a whole-house backup generator. You can find models that run on natural gas, propane, or diesel fuel. These generators can produce enough energy to keep your home running for several days.
2. Portable generators without protective covers should not be used in the rain.
Although you don’t need to stress about the weather with a whole-house backup generator, you should make sure that a portable generator can be used in the rain before making the purchase and using it during a storm. Most manufacturers will explicitly say that portable generators shouldn’t be used in wet conditions, like rain, because the water could ruin the generator and create a safety hazard for anyone close by.
Generators operate by burning flammable fuels. Generators are dangerous because they use flammable fuels to create powerful voltage. If moisture gets into the outlets or seeps into the engine, it can cause electrocution or an explosion. Never allow a portable generator to get wet or operate uncovered in the rain.
Learn more on the Top 8 generators Recommended by professionals
Safety Precautions for Generator use
1. Portable generators can be stored—but never used—indoors.
The entire purpose of a generator is to create electricity that can be used to power your electrical devices, lights, and appliances. In order to generate that electricity, however, a portable generator must burn a fuel source like propane, gasoline, or diesel. When these fuels are burned, they produce fumes that can quickly accumulate and become toxic in a sealed or enclosed space, like the garage or inside the home.
Carbon monoxide is an invisible, tasteless, odorless gas that can easily seep through the garage and into your home. Some people may feel that it’s okay to use a portable generator in the garage as long as the door is open, but they are wrong. You can store the generator inside when it’s not in use, but always ensure you only run it outdoors.
2. Operational generator covers allow use during precipitation but not in severe weather.
“Operational cover” is the term used to describe a generator cover that protects the generator while it is being operated. This differs from a cover that can only be used when the generator is off because an operational cover needs appropriate ventilation for proper use without overheating. An operational cover can be used while a generator runs in light to heavy rainstorms to provide power to the home or the campsite. You won’t be able to use a portable generator in severe storms, even with an operational generator cover, because the cover can be blown off or otherwise dislodged, leaving the generator vulnerable to rain. Choose a steel enclosure, plastic shed, or pop-up canopy, or build your DIY generator cover.
How to Protect a Portable Generator So it Can Be Used in the rain
Follow these steps to protect the generator from the elements.
1. Designate a solid, dry outdoor space for operating the generator.
When it rains or snows, you must protect the generator on all sides, including its underside. Finding a solid, dry space outdoors where the generator can sit is essential. Do not place it in areas that tend to puddle or pool with water during rain. Instead, look for a place that sits higher than the rest of the yard. If you don’t have a solid, dry place for the generator, consider doing some landscaping to create an appropriate place for it.
2. Add an operational cover suitable for the generator.
With the generator located in a suitable location, the next step is to find a cover that can protect the top and sides of the generator without causing the machine to overheat. Consider whether investing in a steel enclosure, a plastic shed, a simple pop-up canopy, or building your custom generator cover would be best. If you DIY a solution, carefully consider the ventilation requirements to keep the generator cool and running efficiently.
3. Ensure the power cord connected to your home is weatherproof.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using a generator. You need to position it properly and protect it from the elements, but you also need to make sure you have a weatherproof power cord connecting the generator to your appliances. Locking power cords can help prevent the cord from coming loose during heavy winds, but make sure you choose a weatherproof power cord that is compatible with your generator.
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Conclusion
So, can a generator run in the rain? Although most generators warn against use during wet weather conditions, adequate shelter allows you to use your generator in the rain. Consider the value of standby generators for home, if you need a backup power source during power outages, especially in Nigeria.
There is a very compelling case for buying a home generator. Although this luxury comes at a premium, if your home constantly loses power, you might consider this option. The standby generator is located outside of the house and looks very similar in size to an AC condenser. Although the standby generator installation cost is higher, it could save your life during extreme weather power outages.
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