A Brief Guide to Using Generators in Bad Weather
A generator helps in many ways to supply backup power. However, it’s not the best to use in severe weather. Inclement weather causes issues for various individuals, and it can make matters worse for the generator. Find out more in a brief guide to using generators in bad weather.
How To Use a Generator in Bad Weather
As a rule of thumb, you shouldn’t use your generator at all when severe weather hits. In fact, you should place it in a shelter. Since it can’t go into the garage, it needs an outdoor shelter to sit in when not in operation.
Here’s the thing—generators can’t fit into just any housing, and they need to meet the dimensions of your unit and cover all angles. You need to ensure that the enclosure has small holes for air ventilation, blocks out water, and is fire-resistant.
Find the Best Enclosure
The best enclosure needs to be roomy enough to fit your generator and has holes for ventilation. Avoid using a wood enclosure— don’t get us wrong, rustic’s great, but it’s not going to be fun trying to put out a fire or replace the generator. Instead, get an enclosure made from metal and aluminum.
No matter where you are, the weather’s not going to be kind, so get a customized enclosure, if possible, especially if you’re in tropical regions. A customized enclosure guarantees that your unit won’t flood or catch ablaze.
When in Doubt, Break Out the Covers
A cover differs from the enclosure since it’ll fit like a tarp. Although covers aren’t the best to use, they come in handy when you’re out of options and need a fast fix.
This solution’s ideal for those on the road; if you find that the campground, you’re on floods easily, or in a baren state, it’s good to research what you should get before heading out. For instance, near bodies of water, you’re obviously opting for a waterproof cover, and for an arid climate, you want fire-proof.
Your best choices for cover materials to buy for a generator include:
- Nylon
- Vinyl
- Tarpaulin
- Polyester
General Safety Tips
Even though you’ve protected the generator, it’s ideal to avoid using it altogether until the storm passes. There are two main things to think about when using generators in bad weather, and that’s for safety reasons.
First, don’t run it indoors because it builds CO levels. CO is a poisonous gas that harms in five minutes. Avoid running the generator and keep it outside unbothered. Secondly, you shouldn’t use it around standing water. The water can cause electrical shock, so drain properly and let it dry before using.
Lately, you might’ve thought, “Hey, I could use a generator for bad weather!” While that’s great to want a generator, we want you to stay safe while running. Our Generators offers a variety of generators, including dual fuel generators for sale. We can’t wait to match you with the right generator for your needs!