Most homes are without power during intense rain and flooding. You can use the generator as a backup power source during power outages. But you need to be careful when using a generator in wet weather.
In this blog post, you will learn about what safety measures to take using a generator when it’s raining. It is important that you strictly follow the safety tips to avoid ruining your generator and also prevent serious injuries.
1. Avoid Turning On Generator with Wet Hands
Water is a conductor of electricity. You will get an electric shock if you turn on the generator with wet hands. So, you must make sure that your hands are dry when turning on the generator when it’s raining.
2. Don’t Place the Generator Near Home
You should also avoid moving your generator near the house when it’s raining outside. This is important since generators release carbon monoxide which can be deadly when inhaled.
Carbon monoxide is a tasteless and odorless gas. So, you cannot detect the gas inside your house.
The US Consumer Products Safety Commission states that the generator should never be placed inside or anywhere near the house. The generator should be placed at least five feet away from the house to be on the safe side. Also, you should consider installing a CO detector inside the house to avoid any mishaps when operating a generator.
3. Consider Whole House Backup Generators
A whole house backup generally comes with a waterproof cover. The generator’s protected cover prevents moisture from getting inside the sensitive electrical components. As a result, you can safely use the generator during snow and rain.
Whole house generators operate on diesel, gasoline, or natural gas. You should get a diesel version as it can operate for longer hours. The generator can run for several days until the power is restored.
4. Buy the Right Accessories
You can buy a prefabricated generator tent if you want to use your generator outside in wet weather. Also, you can make your portable generator cover. The cover allows you to safely use your portable generator when outside.
Note that the generator cover for rain is different from the cover for protection against dust. The cover can be used during light and heavy rain to power your home or campsite. You can buy a pop-up canopy, plastic, or steel enclosures to protect the generator from rain.
The pop-up canopy is easy to use and affordable. However, they can easily be blown away by high winds. Plastic enclosures are durable and cheap. But they can result in overheating of the generator. Steel enclosures provide the best protection against rain. They are also durable and last for a long time. But the enclosure must be installed properly to ensure that they are waterproof.
5. Use a Waterproof Power Cord
You must also use a waterproof power cord to avoid electric shock. Also, you must lock the power cord to prevent it from being blown away by high winds.
6. Ensure Proper Ventilation
Make sure that the place where you use the generator is properly ventilated. A vent is important to allow clean air from entering the combustion chamber. Moreover, fumes from the chamber escape through the vent.
Also, rain mustn’t enter the vent as it will damage the components inside the generator.
Generac Superstore is a reliable supplier of residential and industrial generators. We also offer generator maintenance in Huntsville and Birmingham, AL, and Nashville, TN. Contact us today by dialing (855) 880-1880.