Generator Bad Weather

ken burke wrote:
All. . . . . Can portable generators be used during rain/snow storms? Do they have to be protected from the elements?
thanks . . . ken

While most would run in rain/snow it would be best to provide some type of protection (cover) for them. JMHO

The only times I have used the Honda 2000 is during bad weather with corresponding power outages. I just put it under the picnic table and put a tarp on the picnic table with some weights to hold it down. Works for me.

This is my favorite quote:

soren wrote:


I use a Honda 2000, on a daily basis as a homebuilder. It runs eight hours a day, sitting in the mud, snow or on a gravel pile. It has spent days in the pouring rain, seen a few snow storms, and got peed on by a dog. After three years, the case is banged up a bit, it needs a tune-up and an oil change. As for a rain cover......seriously? Don't forget to knit a little sweater for it too....it's chilly out.

I say No! Do not operate them in the rain or if its wet. You can get electrocuted and/or damage the genny.

All of the user manuals tell you this and its common sense. Water and electricity don't mix well.

Honda eu200i manual wrote:
The generator is a potential source of electrical shock if misused. Do
not expose the generator to moisture, rain or snow. Do not let the
generator get wet, and do not operate it with wet hands.

Champion 3100 manual wrote:

Do not operate or store the generator in rain, snow,
or wet weather.

Using a generator or electrical appliance in wet
conditions, such as rain or snow, or near a pool or
sprinkler system, or when your hands are wet, could
result in electrocution.

Be safe!

Yes and maybe, depending on the design of the generator. A cheap open frame generator would probably need protection from the elements sooner than a nice enclosed one like a Honda inverter. You don't need a hermetical seal against every last bit of moisture.

ken burke wrote:
All. . . . . Can portable generators be used during rain/snow storms? Do they have to be protected from the elements?

Sure ... if you're smart enough to take it with you in the first place! :R Apparently I'm not, so this past weekend while Pinery Provincial Park (on the shores of Lake Huron) was hit with a significant snowstorm that lasted all weekend and killed power for 36 hrs my EU2000i genset was sitting snug as a bug in a rug in my workshop! :S At least with a 1000 watt inverter onboard we were still able to use the coffee machine and toaster! :B

Note to self - take genset along on every trip, whether or not there's a snowball's chance in H*** it'll ever get used. :W

As for covering, I run mine in the back of my Avalanche inside a noise reduction box so weather is a non-issue but if not I suppose I might put it under a lean to of some sort so it would have some protection from a steady rain.

yes