If you use a portable generator, you know the importance of keeping it dry. But what if a rainstorm or snowstorm hits while you’re using it? Here are some tips to help keep your generator dry during bad weather. One of the most important steps in keeping your generator running well is ensuring that it stays dry.
Portable generators can be a lifesaver when the power goes out, but only if they are kept in good working condition. One important part of maintaining your generator is making sure it doesn’t get wet. So the question is portable generator users is how do you keep it dry!
There are many different things that can go wrong with your generator if it gets wet. For example, water could leak into the motor, causing damage to it. If your generator is running when this happens, you might find yourself unable to start it again. Keeping water away from the inside of generators is always a good idea.
As well as being bad for the internal mechanics of your generator, water may cause external damage which will affect how comfortable your generator is to use and its overall appearance. If you’re using a portable generator at home or in some other enclosed area then keeping it dry shouldn’t be difficult; simply cover up all sources of entry (such as vents) and let the unit run until any rain or snow has passed.
How to keep a portable generator dry?
A portable generator can be a lifesaver when the power goes out. But only if it is kept in good working condition. One important part of maintaining your generator is making sure it doesn’t get wet.
As well as being bad for the internal mechanics of your generator, water may cause external damage which will affect how comfortable your generator is to use and its overall appearance.
If you’re using a portable generator at home or in some other enclosed area then keeping it dry shouldn’t be difficult; simply cover up all sources of entry (such as vents) and let the unit run until any rain or snow has passed.
You may want to consider covering more than just the vents – otherwise, you might find that just moving around enough to keep warm will cause the unit to shake itself around and cause water to enter it. If you plan on using your generator for an extended period, it would be best to keep the unit in a shed or other enclosed space during bad weather.
Otherwise, if you just need to take your generator outside briefly then consider setting it up near a covered area (like under the overhang outside your house) so that any rain will run off immediately out of reach.
- By covering up all sources of entry, such as vents with a plastic sheet
- Covering the generator using a waterproof tarp before it starts raining
- You can use a garden hose to shower your generator for 15 minutes. This way you can keep it dry 100%
- Use an umbrella to protect your generator from rain until it passes away.
- Portable generators are usually not waterproof so it’s important only to operate them only in areas that are protected against rainfall or snow.
- Keeping water away from the inside of generators is always a good idea. As well as being bad for the internal mechanics of your generator, water may cause external damage which will affect how comfortable your generator is to use and its overall appearance.
- In the above cases, you would have to wait for the weather to improve before using your generator again.
- If you’re using a portable generator at home or in some other enclosed area then keeping it dry shouldn’t be difficult; simply cover up all sources of entry (such as vents) and let the unit run until any rain or snow has passed.
- The first step is to keep water away from your generator by covering its entire body with a waterproof tarpaulin during rainfall or snowfall. Keep an eye on your generator’s openings so that no water leaks inside, and wipe down exposed metal surfaces as soon as possible afterward (water droplets quicken rusting processes). Always test your generator before using it again after being exposed to rain or snow.
What are the important steps in keeping your generator running well?
Keeping your generator dry is just as important as keeping it dry. Water can damage internal components as well as external parts such as metal and plastic, which will make using your generator more difficult and may even decrease its life span.
One way to keep water out of a portable generator is to place a waterproof tarpaulin over the entire body before it starts raining or snowing. You can also cover up all vents with a plastic sheet, but make sure that the unit itself can still receive enough airflow from outside.
Avoid covering up too many vents with plastic since this would interfere with the normal operation of the generator by causing overheating or choking off airflow. In some cases, you may wish to consider placing your generator in an enclosed area to keep it away from the elements entirely. Otherwise, be aware that any strong movements will cause your generator to shake around and potentially drop water into its openings.
Conclusion:
A portable generator that is always dry and in good working order can provide you with a much-needed backup power source during emergencies, as well as serve as an invaluable tool for outdoor activities such as camping.
By covering the entire body of your generator with a waterproof tarpaulin or placing it in an enclosed area (such as under the overhang of a shed or near an enclosed porch), you can ensure that its exterior is protected from rainfall and snow.
In addition, make sure to cover any vents on the generator with plastic sheeting before the rain starts falling from the sky to prevent water from seeping inside. While keeping your generator dry ensures longer-lasting performance, always remember that regular maintenance is important for keeping internal components in good working order.
FAQs:
Q 1) What are some ways to keep my generator dry?
While keeping your generator dry may be difficult, it’s still very important. Any strong movements can cause water droplets to fall into openings of the generator housing making further use impossible until the weather improves.
If you’re using your generator in an open area, one way to keep it dry is by covering its entire body with a waterproof tarpaulin before rainfall or snowfall. You can also place it in an enclosed area like under the overhang of a shed or near an enclosed porch. Just make sure to keep vents covered with plastic sheeting.
Q 2) What does humidity do?
Humidity adversely affects the internal components of your generator and wears down exposed metal rapidly resulting in decreased life span. This means that you should always wipe down exposed metal surfaces after exposure to rain or snowfall. Humidity may cause rust on exposed metals parts which will cause further damage if left uncleaned for too long.
Q 3) How does rust effect generators?
Rust will affect the internal components of your generator by clogging important parts or deteriorating their makeup. This can cause an increased chance of short-circuiting. Excessive rust on the outside of the generator housing may also interfere with connections between external metal parts and internal electronic components which can cause decreased performance.
Q 4) How long does the water in a generator last?
Water that settles into openings is usually impossible to remove until you take a break from using it in poor weather conditions. Water in generators near vents is often removed when exposed to airflow, but if there’s too much built up inside, this won’t be possible until the next time the location sees rainfall or snowfall.
If you’re concerned about keeping your portable generator dry while you use it, a good precaution is to keep it in an enclosed area or outdoors under a tarpaulin. Alternately, you may wish to place a waterproof tarpaulin or plastic sheeting over the entire exterior to prevent rain from seeping in through vents and other openings.
