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A portable generator should not be used in the rain because the moisture in the air and the urine accumulating on the ground can ooze into the release or leak into the engine . When this hap , anyone nearby is at risk of exposure of burning . Additionally , severe water hurt during operation could get the portable source to explode , so it ’s important to keep the generator stored safely indoors .

However , power outage often go on during poor weather condition , so it ’s worth asking can you control a source in the rain ? If it ’s perfectly necessary , there are method for protecting your generator from rainwater , including steel enclosure , charge plate sheds , pop - up canopy tents , and other generator rain cover options . onward , we ’ll excuse how to safely apply a portable generator in rainy weather .

View from inside a garage of the driveway and the rainstorm outside.

Photo: iStock Photo: istockphoto.com

Why You Shouldn’t Run a Portable Generator During the Rain

A common question homeowners ask is , can generators get wet ? However , generator operate by burning flammable fuels to produce powerful potential difference . When wet gets into the electric receptacle or seep into the locomotive , it can ensue in burning or an plosion . So the stick with - up doubtfulness then becomes , can you run a portable generator in the rain ? Even thebest source brandsspecify that portable generator are not project for use in the rainwater or other squiffy conditions because the weewee can damage the author and pose a safety risk to anyone nearby .

Another important point is that a source requires proper ventilation to function , so simply throw away a tarp over the author is n’t enough to both protect the machine and provide appropriate ventilation . Invest in an functional natural covering , design for protection and functionality . Do not allow a portable generator to get wet or operate uncover in the pelting .

Portable generators can be stored—but never used—indoors.

Portable generator should not be used indoors , even during apower outage . While the purpose of a generator is to create electricity that can be used to power your electrical equipment , lights , and widget , in parliamentary law to return that electricity , a portable author must fire a fuel source , like propane , gasoline , or diesel . When these fuel are sting , they produce fumes that can quickly accumulate and become toxic in a plastered or enclose place , like the garage or inside the home , putting you at risk of infection of carbon monoxide toxic condition .

Some the great unwashed may recollect that a smallergenerator sizeis safe , or that a portable author can be used in the garage as long as the doorway is heart-to-heart , but carbon monoxide is an invisible , tasteless , odorless gas that can well be trapped in the confines of the garage instead of being released safely outdoors and you would n’t acknowledge until it became a hazard . Store the author inside when it ’s not in use , but never launch the generator indoors .

Generator Cover Options

A portable generator should not be used in severe storms . While an operationalgenerator coveris designed to protect and provide appropriate ventilation for the ongoing utilisation of the source , the cover can be blown off or otherwise reposition , leaving the generator vulnerable to rain . However , an operational cover can be used in visible light to heavy rainwater to ply decent protection to thehome generator , allowing it to power gizmo and connected devices . reckon these four options for generator cover .

How to Protect Portable Generators from the Rain

When it rain down or snows , you will need to protect the generator from all sides , including the bottom , so it ’s important to obtain a solid , dry space out of doors where the generator can sit . Do not pick out any sphere that tend to puddle or pool with water during rain ; instead expect for a property that sit down higher than the rest of the yard . If you do n’t have a solid , wry place for the author , turn over doing some landscaping to create a dependable spot for the generator .

With the generator located in a suited localization , the next whole tone is to find a generator masking that can protect the top and sides of the generator without causing the machine to overheat . deliberate whether it would be best to enthrone in a sword inclosure , a charge card shed , a simple pop - up canopy , or to establish your own custom author covering . Just make certain to take into consideration the breathing requirements to keep the generator cool and running efficiently if you select to tackle this project on your own .

Our Recommendation : GenTent Generator Running Cover on Amazon.com for $ 159.99

A generator outside in the snow with a cord plugged in.

Photo: iStock

A sturdy sword pole attaches to the generator ’s frame via a set of clamp , making this back strong enough to resist winds of up to 70 miles per time of day or 18 inch of coke .

Positioning and protect a generator are n’t the only things to worry about . You also need a weatherproof power cord that can travel between the generator and your appliance . operate power cords help prevent the corduroy from come loose during heavy winds — just make certain you prefer a power corduroy that is both weatherproof and compatible with your generator .

Our passport : Yodotek Generator Locking Power Cord on Amazon for $ 54.88

A portable generator with a yellow cover is powering a home during severe weather.

Photo: Amazon

The weather- , water- , and fire - resistant excogitation insure that this engage power cord will stay dependable during rain , sleet , and snowstorms .

Are There Generators That Work in the Rain?

Whole - house backup generatorsare made with protective covers to keep them safe during rain , sleet , and snow , making a whole - housegenerator installationthe honest option for allow business leader to the intact home in an emergency brake .

Some householder may also be interested about the character of fuel thestandby generatoris using , asking questions like , can you run a gasoline source in the rainwater ? But , rest assured , as long as the author has an appropriate cover , it can employ propane , gasolene , or natural gas without an issue .

Though if you are implicated about the common rush to gas stations during a power outage , then it may be a good thought to invest in a whole - house backup generator that operate on natural gas . There are alsotypes of generatorsthat prevail on propane or diesel fuel and produce enough vigor to work the house for several days .

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