The risks of using a generator in damp weather are not widely known.
This is why you must take safety measures before starting your generator. The last thing you want to happen is for water to enter your pricey equipment and cause harm.
This blog post will go over ways to safeguard a generator from rain and other weather-related hazards.
Elements that Could Damage the Generator in Rain
When it comes to generator maintenance, you'll want to make sure that the unit is well-protected from water damage. The first thing you need to know is what factors put generators at risk. Here are the several elements could damage your generator:
- Water : One of the main factors that could harm your generator in the rain is this. This is because water damage renders your generator non-operational, such as corrosion, rust, or other significant damage.
- Salted Water: Another important ingredient that could harm your generator. If you live close to the coast or other saltwater bodies, be sure to keep saltwater away from your generator to prevent corrosion or other damage.
- Snow: While less extreme than seawater, can nonetheless seriously harm your generator if not properly cared for. If you have a generator, keep the area around it clear so that nothing piles up on top and causes it to fall, crushing your equipment or resulting in damage.
- Sand: If the unit is not properly cared for, sand might choke it, rendering it completely useless. For this reason, it's crucial to make sure the generator gets adequate ventilation, whether through a tent or by being set up atop a building with an open bottom.
How to Prevent Rain Damage to a Generator
There are numerous methods for shielding your generator from the rain and other weather hazards. Here are a few examples:
1. Keeping Your Generator Waterproof
The first step in safeguarding your generator from weather is to waterproof it.
Making use of a tarp or aiming rain at the generator entrance are two of the finest ways to accomplish this. This will reinforce your limits while also assisting in protecting it from the rain.
2. Protecting Your Generator from Heat
After waterproofing your equipment, you should insulate it to prevent freezing.
Using an enclosed structure, such as a tent, carport, or even a yurt, is one of the most effective ways to accomplish this (note: make sure that snow won't accumulate on top of your roof).
This can offer protection against both extremely cold and hot weather in addition to insulation.
3. Keeping the Generator Covered When Not in Use
Make careful to cover your generator if you're not using it right now. This will reinforce safety perimeters while also assisting in protecting it from the rain and other weather elements.
Just make sure that nothing is obstructing the generator's entrance (such as snow or water), as doing so could result in harm if the generator is started in the wrong manner.
4. Making Use of a Generator Cover
This is the finest choice if you're seeking for a practical and efficient approach to shield your generator from the elements.
A cover can assist enhance your boundaries and provide insulation from the heat or cold in addition to keeping out water. In addition, it takes only a few minutes to attach the majority of covers.
5. Bagging Your Generator
Unbelievable as it may seem, this is an excellent way to shield your generator from the elements.
Just make sure the bag is completely sealed (e.g., double-bagged) to prevent water intrusion while strengthening safety boundaries.
Additionally, you can put other pieces of equipment within the bag that contains your generator.
6. Storing your generator in a barn or garage
One of the greatest areas to put it is probably on the outermost parts of your property. This is so that buildings like garages and barns can keep tools like generators safe from the elements including rain, snow, heat, and cold.
Just make sure nothing is in the way when you try to start it because inappropriate access to the generator could result in harm.
7. Filling up any gaps and cracks
Water should never get inside the parts of your generator because this could seriously harm them.
This is why it's a good idea to use caulk or another water-resistant material to cover up any fractures or openings that lead directly into the interior of the unit.
The Value of Keeping the Generator Dry in the Rain
Even while you might not be concerned about rain or other weather conditions, if your generator is constantly exposed to them, they can do serious harm.
The following are some of the most crucial justifications for covering your generator from the rain:
1. Keeping rust at bay
Even though they can typically resist a lot, generators should be shielded from harsh weather.
Rust, one of the most frequent causes of generator damage, can be avoided by properly shielding the generator from rain.
2. Maintaining its utility
If you try to start your generator improperly after exposing it to rain, major damage may result.
This implies that you can prevent the unit from becoming unusable by taking the necessary precautions and covering or bagging the device when not in use.
3. Defense Against Freezing
You could avoid having your generator freeze by covering it from the rain.
Remember that you might need to restart the appliance during the winter when rain is a problem, thus exposing it to frigid temperatures could harm the equipment.
4. The Law Applies
Even though some people claim that they don't care about following the law, it's crucial to remember that some laws are in place for a reason. For instance, municipal laws may mandate that firms store their generators when not in use under a waterproof cover.
Ensure the unit is adequately covered while not in use if you're worried about your company or house being inspected during intense wind or rain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you should cover your generator with an anti-splash guard to protect it from rain. This can be found in local hardware stores or online stores. Ensure the cover is tight enough so no water enters the generator’s exhaust pipe. Also, ensure that you have adequate ventilation by opening the vents so that warm air inside is not sucked into the generator.
FAQs
Your portable generator is probably one of your most important investments in case of power outage. With the help of some simple steps, you will be a little bit confused, so here are some frequently asked questions.
1. Can You Cover a Generator With a Tarp?
While a tarp might be possible in some circumstances, it is advised that you use suitable protection, like a generator tent or enclosure. The machine could overheat and become damaged if a tarp dries up too soon, rendering the generator unusable.
2. Can I Put My Generator in a Trash Bag?
Yes, trash bags can be used to shield your generator. Remember that you will need more than one garbage bag to surround and safeguard the equipment completely.
3. Can I Surround My Generator With Sand?
Sand is an abrasive material that could damage the wiring and other components of the generator, so you might want to avoid using it. Because of this, it is advised to build a structure around it instead, which will keep out most of the sand and other potentially dangerous components.
To keep your generator effective over time, protecting it from the elements is crucial.
You can lessen your chance of damage from weather elements like wind and rain by taking the necessary precautions and employing a generator tent or shelter.
We sincerely hope that our advice on how to keep a generator dry was useful.
