Portable Generator Covers
Covers like these are meant for storage only.
You have a brand new portable generator and you want to keep it looking good. So what is the best way to cover and protect a generator? Many brands manufacture portable generator covers specific to their model numbers. They should NOT be used when the generator is in use or still hot. These are meant to keep your unit protected during storage from the environment as well as keep your possessions from touching the oil and residues that invariably build up on your generator.
Depending on the size of your unit, it may be cumbersome to cart it around to where you need it. Or you may have a spot for it but need to protect it from the elements. Let’s face it, when we need it in emergencies it’s often raining. We must keep the generator from exposure to moisture, especially the electrical outlets. The protective nylon cover that you may have purchased with the unit will not do the trick because it was not meant to cover while operating.
The easiest option (temporary) to protect your running generator is to construct a canopy. A simple tarp over the generator (do not allow the tarp to touch the generator) can be elevated with poles. You might have the collapsible canopy type that you might use at the beach or on sunny picnics that you can use to cover your generator during the rain. The downside to these of course is that they are not stable in the wind. Wind often accompanies the rain that brought about your power outage in the first place.
What About Tent Covers?
Tent covers will allow you to keep your portability. There are simple tent covers that can be purchased such as the GenTent Wet Weather Safety Canopy, which will fit most mid-size generators from rain, but should not be relied on in high winds. You can get models for standard or inverter type portable generators. In the case of high winds, you should consider constructing or purchasing a permanent or semi-permanent structure.
GenTent makes their safety canopies in various sizes, including inverters.
Benefits of most tent protectors:
- Wet weather protection.
- Electrical outlets remain dry.
- It remains portable to move to where it’s needed.
- Easy to access tank for refueling.
- Generator stays cool naturally with full air access.
- Fresh air intake is not blocked
- Oil and maintenance is fully accessible.
The tent type protectors are great to have for camping or other outdoor activities where weather is not guaranteed. It seems that the creature comforts that a generator provides becomes even more important when camping in the rain! If you need your generator at a worksite, the cover will not only protect from rainy periods, but also from the dirt that will be kicked up.
What If I Build My Own?
Know that this option will cost you more money. Building your own will save you some money and allow you to customize it for your needs. The tradeoff of course is your time and labor.
Obviously, building your own makes it cumbersome to move or take with you. Some opt for a ridged cover (think solid tent or dog house) that can be transported. This is a bit more moveable than a permanent structure.
Benefits of a Ridged Enclosure
- A permanent structure will serve added benefit of noise reduction. Who doesn’t want that?
- They also can be locked to deter theft of your investment.
- Storing and operating your generator in a structure will help your unit last longer.
- And you can free up garage space since it can be permanently stored there.
Suncast Horizontal Storage Shed is a popular choice to build your own Portable Generator Enclosure.
Yes you can design and build one from scratch, but the simplest way is to purchase a suitable storage shed from a big box store or from Amazon. Be sure that it is large enough to allow at least one foot on all sides and even more on top. You’ll want to shore up the base with wood as most sheds are plastic.
You can use this to store you unit, but it will NOT have suitable ventilation to use while running. Minimally in an enclosed shed cover, like the Suncast shed pictured on the left, you must add air intake, an exhaust vent attached to the muffler exhaust, and a fan to blow the air from the shed. You don’t want buildup of lethal carbon monoxide ever. There are several videos available showing this basic set-up. The video below illustrates this quite well.
If you choose to build your own protective cover, I recommend making the sides and top separately from the base. That way it is easier to move your generator to different locations and simply lay the base, place the generator on the base and put the cover over. Do NOT make a completely enclosed cover. As we saw in the video, you must have proper ventilation. If not constructing with an exhaust fan, fully one side should remain open to allow air flow.
The base should be flat and sturdy, say ¾ inch plywood large enough to cover the footprint of your generator. This will keep the generator from sitting in a puddle. You might consider laying the plywood over a base of rubber chips. This would help to dampen the vibration as well as provide an extra barrier between your generator and a wet ground. The base should be raised from the ground or placed on material with adequate drainage such that water will not accumulate.
With these options, you can decide on your portable generator cover accordingly based on how much you want to spend, how handy you are, and whether you want to store your “portable” generator permanently.
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Filed under: Enclosures and Covers
The GenTent has been independent lab tested to withstand 70mph winds, 24 inches of rain per hour and 18 inch snow load…Customers who used it as long ago as Superstorm Sandy reported stability at 90mph gusts. I’m not sure where you are getting the misinformation that the GenTent is not good in high winds? GenTent’s website actually publishes the 3rd party report and customer usage reports and averages a near 5 star rating.