Generator Question: If you live in an area where power occasionally goes out, a generator can be a lifesaver, literally. I was emailing a friend who lives a couple of hours south, and...

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

If you live in an area where power occasionally goes out, a generator can be a lifesaver, literally. I was emailing a friend who lives a couple of hours south, and she's hoping the power doesn't go out because she won't be able to use her generator until it stops snowing.

The manual says not to use it in snow or rain. I've had mine out in all kinds of weather, although I did make a little shed on wheels, mainly to cut down on the noise.

So, do any of you have your generators out in the rain and snow?

jkoar Loc: The Gunks, NY

Mines in a little plastic shed. I think working rain or shine depends on the generator.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

jkoar wrote:

Mines in a little plastic shed. I think working rain or shine depends on the generator.

I looked online for ideas for a shed that would cut down the noise. I guess it helps some, but I can't use the door because it would get too hot inside.

tusketwedge Loc: Nova Scotia Canada

Can't understand that as all the generator that I know of are made to be used where there is no readily power supply. That being said why would they make them that you have to have the perfect weather. In fact where they use fossil fuels to run they have to be used outside or vented . They do emit CO2.
Builders use them constantly for home constuction and they are never inside ,regardless of the weather.

jkoar Loc: The Gunks, NY

jerryc41 wrote:

I looked online for ideas for a shed that would cut down the noise. I guess it helps some, but I can't use the door because it would get too hot inside.

Ditto, got to go to work in this stuff outside.

handgunner Loc: Windsor Locks, Connecticut

I believe it isn't so much the problem with the motor. People use lawn mowers in the rain. I think the problem is with the generator. After all it does generate electricity and that can cause shorting out of the unit or electrocutions.

jbaird Loc: Coatesville, Pa

jerryc41 wrote:

If you live in an area where power occasionally go... (show quote)

I put a pastic cover over the top of the generator so that rain runs off the sides....

llamb Loc: Northeast Ohio

I keep and occasionally run mine in a large shed-like tent that's about 50 feet away from the house. Two one hundred foot long, ten gauge all weather cords feed the house's two furnaces and other needed devices. I keep the eight by six foot flap of the tent/shed open and do not enter after I start it except to shut it down.

Straight Shooter Loc: Newfoundland, Canada

Put an old door over it. Or something similar. Or make a folding A-frame with plastic fixed to edging of wood strips and a couple of small hinges.

Kraken Loc: Barry's Bay

The manufactures say not to run your generator In rain or bad weather because you may be standing in water when you put in or take out the big cable that runs from the house while the generator is running and electrocute yourself.

handgunner Loc: Windsor Locks, Connecticut

Kraken wrote:

The manufactures say not to run your generator In rain or bad weather because you may be standing in water when you put in or take out the big cable that runs from the house while the generator is running and electrocute yourself.

That also goes for any kind of Power Hand Tool ... including the one you put a condom on. LOL ;)

Swamp-Cork Loc: Lanexa, Virginia

Be careful what the cover is made from and how close this is to the generator! Someone used a children's plastic swimming pool to cover a generator and the ensuing fire destroyed everything causing major damage!

jbaird Loc: Coatesville, Pa

Swamp-Cork wrote:

Be careful what the cover is made from and how close this is to the generator! Someone used a children's plastic swimming pool to cover a generator and the ensuing fire destroyed everything causing major damage!

Jeez. I never considered that, I'm glad I'm informed now.

Kraken Loc: Barry's Bay

Swamp-Cork wrote:

Be careful what the cover is made from and how close this is to the generator! Someone used a children's plastic swimming pool to cover a generator and the ensuing fire destroyed everything causing major damage!

They had to be 3 sheets to the wind, no one would do that sober.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

jerryc41 wrote:

If you live in an area where power occasionally go... (show quote)

Yes, but I have it covered with a tarp, when not in use. But I have used it in the snow when we lost power in a snow storm.