How To Protect Generator From Rain

Many people are unaware of the dangers that come with operating a generator in wet conditions.

This is why it’s essential to take precautions before turning on your generator. The last thing you want is to damage your expensive equipment because water got into its components.

This blog post will discuss steps on how to protect generator from rain and other weather elements.

How to Protect Generator from Rain

There are several ways to protect your generator from rain and other weather elements. Here are some of them:

1. Waterproofing Your Generator

Waterproofing your generator is the first step in protecting it from rain.

One of the best ways to do this is by using a tarp or directing rain towards the generator entrance. This will help protect it from the rain while also reinforcing your boundaries.

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2. Insulating Your Generator

Now that you’ve waterproofed your equipment, you’ll want to insulate it, so it doesn’t get cold.

One of the most efficient ways to do this is by using an enclosed structure like a tent, garage, or even yurt (note: be sure that snow won’t pile on top of your roof).

This will not only provide insulation but can also offer protection against extreme cold and hot temperatures.

3. Covering The Generator While Not in Use

If you’re not using your generator at the moment, make sure to cover it. This will help protect it from rain and other weather elements while also reinforcing safety boundaries.

Just be sure that nothing is blocking access into the generator (e.g., snow or water), as this could cause damage if accessed improperly when trying to start it.

4. Using a Generator Cover

If you’re looking for an effective and efficient way to protect your generator from rain, then this is the best option.

A cover will not only keep water out but also help strengthen your boundaries while providing insulation against hot or cold conditions. Plus, most covers are easy to install, so that you can do it in minutes.

5. Bagging Your Generator

Believe it or not, this is a great way to protect your generator from rain and other weather elements.

Just make sure that the bag is completely sealed (e.g., double-bagged) so water doesn’t get in through any cracks while reinforcing safety boundaries.

Plus, you can store additional equipment inside of the bag with your generator.

6. Placing your Generator in a Garage or Barn

Located on the outermost parts of your property is probably one of the best places to put it. This is because garages and barns are designed to protect equipment like generators from rain, snow, extreme heat, and extreme cold.

Just be sure that nothing will block access when trying to start it, as this could cause damage when accessing the generator improperly.

7. Sealing up any Cracks and Openings

The last thing you want is water getting into your generator’s components, as this could cause severe damage.

This is why it’s a good idea to seal up any cracks or openings that lead directly into the unit’s interior with caulk or another water-resistant substance.

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Elements that Could Damage the Generator in Rain

While a generator is generally very durable, it can be damaged if exposed to water for an extended period. Here are some of the most common elements that could damage your generator:

Water: This is one of the biggest elements that could damage your generator in the rain. This is because water can cause corrosion, rust, or other severe damage that will render your generator inoperable.
Salt Water – Another significant element that could damage your generator is saltwater. If you live near the ocean or other bodies of saltwater, make sure not to let any saltwater come into contact with your generator, as it will cause corrosion or further damage.
Snow – While not as extreme as saltwater, snow can still do severe damage to your generator if not taken care of properly. If you own a generator, make sure to keep access clear near the unit so nothing gets piled on top, which could collapse and crush your equipment or cause damage.
Sand – Sand can suffocate the unit if not taken care of properly, which will render it completely inoperable. This is why it’s essential to ensure that the generator has proper ventilation, either from a tent or from being placed on a structure with an open bottom.

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Importance of Protecting the Generator from Rain

While you might not be concerned with rain or other weather elements, these can do severe damage to your generator if they are constantly exposed.

Here are some of the most important reasons that you should protect your generator from rain:

1. Preventing Rust

While generators can generally withstand a lot, it’s still recommended that they are protected against extreme conditions.

Properly sealing the generator from rain will protect against rust, which is one of the most common causes of damage to generators.

2. Keeping it Functional

Exposing your generator to rain could cause serious damage if you try to start it improperly.

This means that you could prevent the unit from becoming inoperable by taking proper precautions and covering up or bagging your unit when not in use.

3. Protection from Freezing

By protecting your generator from rain, you could also prevent it from freezing.

Remember that you might have to get the unit started again during the winter months when rain is an issue, which means that exposing it to cold temperatures could cause damage to the equipment.

4. It’s the Law

While some may say that they don’t care about abiding by the law, it’s important to remember that some laws exist for a reason. For example, local ordinances might require businesses to keep their generator in rain-proof covering when not in use.

If you’re concerned about your business or home being inspected during periods of high wind or rain, make sure that the unit is adequately covered when not in use.

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Frequently Asked Questions on Shielding your Generator from Rain

Can You Put a Tarp Over a Generator?

While you might be able to utilize a tarp in some cases, it is recommended that you use proper protection like a generator tent or enclosure. A tarp may dry out quickly and cause the unit to overheat, which could damage the generator and make it inoperable.

Can I Use a Trash Bag for My Generator?

Yes, you can use trash bags to help protect your generator. Remember that you will need multiple trash bags to adequately protect the equipment, as it cannot be fully enclosed with just one bag.

Can I Put Sand Around My Generator?

You may want to avoid using sand because it’s an abrasive material that could cut into the generator’s wiring and components. This is why it’s recommended to place a structure around it instead, which can block out most of the sand and other harmful elements.

Protecting your generator from rain is an essential step in maintaining the equipment’s functionality over time.

By taking the proper precautions and using a generator tent or structure, you can reduce your risk of damage from weather elements like wind and rain.

Hoping our insights on how to protect generator from rain were helpful.

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References and Citations:

U.S Department of Labor; Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Using Portable Generators Safely