Portable generators are one of the main equipments of inimitable importance. You need them to provide continuous power to your home, office, shop, kiosk and tent even without electricity.
Regardless of the size or design of their frames, generator maintenance is required. In order for them to last, they need the right care. And the easiest way to maintain a portable generator is to protect it from rain.
The rain can rust the tank and structure of the generators. It can get into the fuel tank and electrical outlets and eventually affect engine function if it occurs repeatedly.
In fact, you don't want to keep it indoors either, lest it rain. Instead, you want to find ways to avoid exposing the generator to rain and drizzle by weatherproofing the generator while you set it up outdoors.
Therefore, before that, you should learn a lot about how to protect portable generators from rainInstallation of your generator.Of course, just by knowing the types of generator protection, you will learn more about protection. Check it out below.
Types of protection for portable generators:
Portable generator covers are available in plastic, metal, pop-up hood, weatherproof polymer, and so on. But we can still sort your existence into two parts.
We have ready-made and DIY-made ones. Some manufacturers include the protector with the product upon delivery. It can sometimes be made of weatherproof nylon or a collapsible shell.
On the other hand, do-it-yourselfers could build portable generator housings with clad metal or wooden scales. However, you can read about the dangers of using a generator in the rain below.
Can you run a generator in the rain?
Yes, but with generator protection assistance. If you do not have generator protection, do not attempt to start your generator in the rain. This can cause an electric shock as ions are exchanged with radicals in the water compound.
This can even lead to incorrect positioning of the generator as mud can build up around the engine. It can even cause rust on the engine and tank casing.
How to protect the portable generator from rain: 4 tips
1. Purchase of a generator shield
- Note the size of the generator and proper shielding that would work with the generator.
- Choose a metal, wooden, plastic or trampoline tent. Choose it by weight if you want to carry it from one place to another.
- If you prefer metal, opt for those made with pure steel due to its high corrosion resistance.
- Buy generator protection that covers 100% of the tank, engine and base. Check if it matches the generator design. Keep an eye out for the exhaust and see if the shield can burn the gas into the air efficiently.
- Getting your buyer's advice on the shield can help you be on the safe side when purchasing the protection.
- Consider the generator frame shield clearance to maximize clearances for the generator.
2. Placing the generator against rain
Use the generator 10 feet or 12 feet from your property if you intend to use the generator in the rain. This would make the environment around children safer.
Make sure the base of the generator is hung slightly higher than bare ground. This would obviously prevent the generator's base from submerging in nearby standing water.
Also, proper positioning of the generator would protect the generator from thunderstorms. Therefore, bolting the alternator guard to the alternator frame would increase the rigidity of the two parts.
It is best to place the generator on a concrete floor. However, maintenance of the area is required to avoid dust clogging the generator holes and eventually damaging them.
3. Protection of the generator with a shed during the rain
- Provide waterproof leather that can run from the top of the portable generator to the bottom, obviously covering both sides of the generator.
- Spread it high on the generator while pushing it down with a rock or heavy implement. This would basically prevent water from seeping into the tank with the help of the breeze.
- Use the Portable Generator Protection manual to protect the generator. Make sure there is enough space between the shield wall and the generator frame. In other words, the sound resonance of the generator should not cause the generator to vibrate in any way.
- The exhaust must have room to vent its gas and the vents must release heat unhindered.
- Adequate observation must also be made before proceeding to the next step.
4. Check electrical connections
In the event of rain, no electrical cables must be twisted as they run from the generator to the house. This can lead to an interruption in the power supply.
Also, the wires shouldn't be visible in a puddle of water, which can be extremely risky if you're not careful. In addition, the connection ofGenerator for switchit must be done optimally to achieve the perfect result.
The grounding of the generator should also not be ignored. Ground the generator before it starts to rain. However, make sure you always follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
When to turn off the generator?
Portable generators can be moved from place to place. So turning off the generator in heavy rain shouldn't be a problem; necessary.
Generators should not be placed in a waterlogged area and you should not allow the generator to get wet in any way. Any time you notice the rain becoming uncontrollable, you should turn off the generator and store in a cool, dry place until the rain stops.
Will a generator be ruined if it gets wet?
Yes, it usually causes a short circuit that can lead to a spark over time. It can get into the sockets and enter the engine and generator motor. In addition, the structure of the generator may rust.
And if it somehow gets into the tank, rest assured it can rust the generator tank and cause a leak. This can reduce generator performance over time. For this reason, a cabinet is essential for your generator.
Need to cover a generator in the rain?
Yes, but that's when the rain isn't torrential. You need to shield the generator to prevent water from getting into the sockets and so on. You need a closet for the generator with and without rain.
The sun's rays hitting the generator while it is working are not so good for your generator. A housing would always keep the motor cool. So buy one for your generator today. Buy any type that you think would work effortlessly for your comfort.
How do I cover my generator while it is running?
That's pretty easy! Buy a recommended shed for thatSize and shape of your generator. Understand the design by distinguishing the front from the back. However, it may be necessary to turn off power to the generator and remove the power cord prior to launch.
Make sure that all of the covers on each outlet are perfectly in place. Then shield the generator intuitively or with the help of the instructions with the cover. Make sure the placement of the generator and shed is rigid so as not to emit any disturbing noise.
Can I stretch a tarpaulin over my generator?
Yes, but it's more practical when the rain is just a drizzle. Moisture is enough to rust the structure of the generator. So using a tarp for the generator is a brilliant idea. However, make sure the hood does not touch the generator as it is highly flammable and blocking the exhaust port could damage the generator. So cover the generator with the hood, but do it right.
Safety tips:
- Do not touch the generator motor with a wet palm. It might shock you.
- Avoid using the generator near a humid region. Ground the generator as recommended.
- Wear shoes when using the generator in wet areas.
- Turn off the generator before securing it to your shed.
- Repair the generator when you find that it has suddenly failed mechanically.
last words
You can use the tips here to protect your generator in the rain. That's all you need to know about possible measures to protect the generator in the event of rain. As long as you follow the basic instructions, you are sure to use the generator for a long time.
In short, buy a generator shed that is best suited for the type of generator you are using. It's the best way to get things right from the start.