Bad weather will occur, and sometimes it causes power interruption. Thus, your decision to purchase a portable generator and generator shelter for generator weather protection will significantly affect keeping you and your family safe during power failures at home, on the campgrounds, or even in the workplace.
Generator Weather Protection: How Important Generator Shelters Are
A portable generator shelter is just as necessary as owning a garage or carport to shelter your vehicle from the impacts of ice, snow, hailstorm, sleet, rainfall, wind, and sunlight.
In severe storms, a portable generator may be handy. The best portable generator can offer you a much-needed emergency energy source if a severe storm hits you.
Generator shelters, which range from Creative projects to ready-made options, may provide the comfort that you’ll have electricity when you need it. Inexpensive generator tent shelters that can be fastened over the generator are available. Setting up and securing these tent styles around your engine takes roughly ten minutes.
These accessories are available in various styles and can be a lifesaver if you need to operate a generator during a rainstorm. Let’s have a glimpse at some of the top portable generator shelters on the market.
Generator Tent
This is, without a doubt, our favorite form of portable generator shelter for generator weather protection.
GenTent Generator Running Cover - Universal Kit (Standard, Grey) - for Open Frame Generators
GenTent Generator Running Cover - Universal Kit" description="Introducing the GenTent Generator Running Cover - Universal Kit! This easy-to-use, weatherproof cover allows you to safely run your portable generator outside in any wet weather conditions. Made from waterproof material, the GenTent sheds water away from sensitive electrical areas and has a large door for easy refueling. The Universal kit fits open frame generators with perimeters ranging from 76"-104". The patented design allows for natural cooling airflow around the generator without impeding operation. The GenTent uses universal adapters and clamps to attach to most generator frames. With customer first support, the GenTent is sure to keep your generator running in any weather!
First and foremost, GenTent is the most compact and cost-effective alternative. Any portable generator, including close camping inverters and, more significantly, 10,000-watt open frame generators, may be fitted with this sort of canopy.
The generator tent is simple to set up and take down. The kit includes a self-attaching clamping method that allows you to install it on your generator without any extra options. Preparing the generator tent takes about 10 minutes, involving fastening, framework, and coverings. The GenTent is also quite simple to detach and is built to endure up to 18 inches of snowfall. It should also endure hurricane winds of up to 70 miles per hour. GenTent is also significantly less expensive than steel enclosures.
Suppose you need a sturdy portable generator shelter that you can attach to any generator and rapidly install and detach as necessary. In that case, this is by far the ideal option.
Storage Shed
Another type of generator weather protection is a storage shed. A storage shed is a good option if you’re searching for a more lasting generator shelter. These shelters provide enough cover to dry the generator in severe rain or snow.
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Another advantage of these enclosures is that they keep criminals away. The use of steel enclosures has just two minor drawbacks. Running the generator for long periods within a solid enclosure is not suggested since they typically lack adequate ventilation to allow pollutants and heat to escape. This can rapidly overheat the generator, causing it to fail.
That means you may need to change a storage shed like this to make it adequately aired and completely functioning for a portable generator.
However, getting genuine solid storage is a good choice if you’re willing to make a long-term expense in a dependable generator shelter.
DIY Enclosure
Finally, nothing stops you from making your generator weather protection shelter if you like to do things yourself.
You may build a simple generator shelter or a wooden mini-shed for the generator. When constructing a portable generator shelter, keep the following in mind:
- Ensure that there is ample ventilation for air to move freely.
- All sensitive components of the generators (particularly the outlets) must be inadequate protected.
- The shelter is sturdy enough to endure heavy rain and high winds.
- It’s is of soundproofing elements as they are usually loud
Why, In the First Place, Can’t a Generator Get Wet?
Even though current portable generators are more technologically safe to use than earlier models, they are still not completely weatherproof.
The outlets are a particularly sensitive portion. There’s a higher chance of water entering the generator, causing it to halt.
Generators also generate a high voltage, which, when mixed with water, can result in severe electrocution. In the same way, you wouldn’t leave any little electrical device or electronics to intense rainfall; you shouldn’t put generators to it. However, because they work with significantly greater power levels, more precautions must be taken to keep a generator and yourself safe from the rain.
When a generator is damp, it is quite easy to be destroyed. This harm can sometimes be irreversible. As a result, whatever form of shelter you pick, whether a gentent or a wooden enclosure, make sure it’s protected from rain and snow.
Purchasing a Generator Shelter
When picking generator weather protection shelters, you have two options: buy one ready-made or construct one yourself if you’re a do-it-yourselfer looking to save money. There are a few things to consider when purchasing a portable generator shelter, such as a
Shed size
Make sure there’s adequate room inside for your generator. Allow enough space to refuel, maintain, and access the wires and exhaust.
Ventilation
Your shed must have sufficient venting to enable both warmth and exhaust to escape. Excessive heat, as well as other technical concerns, might cause your portable generator to stop working.
Weather, bugs, and mice are kept out by louvered vents, providing the necessary air circulation to keep the engine cool.
You should use a fan to assist move hot air out of the shelter. Some people utilize an attic exhaust fan, but a box fan or something similar will suffice if you’re building your shelter.
Placement
Consider constructing a basis for your shelter if it will be put permanently. This might be made of wood or concrete. It will raise the shed a few inches above the ground to keep water out during heavy rains or snowmelt.
Most manufacturers recommend keeping your portable generator 10 to 20 feet away from your house or business.
Portability
Consider a palette-style bottom if you’ll be transporting your portable generator shelter around your land with a tractor. It’ll make the job simpler. Make sure the power cord linking your portable generator to your house or company is in excellent working order and long enough to hit the power outlet on your transfer switch. This should only be used when your portable generator is running. Protecting your extension cable from weather and other factors is just as vital as safeguarding your generator.
Finally, Which Portable Generator Shelter Should You Purchase?
Generator tents, in our opinion, are the greatest option for most portable generator customers. These items were unavailable a few years ago, forcing consumers to purchase expensive steel enclosures or devise home treatments.
Many folks said they had no difficulty utilizing them throughout the hurricanes.
As a result, if you need a generator to get through the next storm, you might want to consider getting one of those tents!
