Electricity provides appliances around us with energy to keep them running. The generator is one such source that readily provides us with electricity apart from the power plant.
Generators play a significant role as a backup electricity source – so it is necessary for us to have some idea about it.
Can a generator be stored outside?
Whether a generator is or not in use, it can be safely stored outdoors – but it is recommended to store them in sheltered places such as the shed or your garage with proper ventilation. You should keep the generator away from your windows when they are in use to prevent harmful fumes from entering.
A generator is a machine that uses up fuel to convert rotating mechanical energy into electrical energy which can be used to power up multiple devices and appliances.
Generators are commonly used as a source of backup electricity whereas portable generators are used outdoors where there is no source of electricity.
Since generators use up fuel, they exhaust harmful fumes – which is why they have to be stored in a safe location.
Apart from the fumes, generators are notorious for being drastically loud and causing unbearable levels of noise pollution, which is why people tend to store them away from their living spaces.
Generators are commonly stored outside people’s homes but not too far away. Out of several locations where people tend to store their generators outside, some locations are commonly used for their convenience.
Outdoor sheds, garages, or exterior storehouses are the commonly used locations to store generators outside.
One of the most familiar storage locations outside is the outdoor shed since it is far away from your home but within immediate reach. Keeping in the outdoor shed is fine for most seasons but will be problematic for winter.
You can still keep them well preserved in the winter with sufficient insulation.
Another great storage method is generator casing or enclosure which could be a good option if you do not own a shed or have sufficient storage space in them.
They are a great option worth the price since it protects the generator from dirt and debris and you can directly use the generator while it is enclosed in the casing as well.
Portable generator:
The most familiar spot for storing portable generators is in the garage, but it should be noted that the garage has sufficient vents to allow proper ventilation to expel the fumes outside.
But if you want to store your portable generator unused for a long time – make sure it is cleared off the debris and has its fuel unloaded.
Is it ok to store a generator outside? Is a generator safe outside?
Generators are devices that convert mechanical energy to electrical energy by the means of using fuel, however, that process creates a lot of loud noises as well as toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide.
This is why many people store their generators outside their homes to keep the toxic fumes and loud noise out of reach.
It is absolutely okay to keep a generator outside but it is advised to keep the generators in a well sheltered and covered location. Generators should be kept clean and dust or debris should not be allowed to accumulate on them.
It is safe to keep the generators outside as long as it is properly maintained regularly.
However, if you have pets living outside in a location near the generator – the fumes would be harmful to your pet and should be relocated somewhere else.
How long can I store my generator outside?
How long you can store your generator totally depends on the location and how frequently you regulate your generator. The durability and longevity of a generator depend mostly on two factors – debris and moisture.
If you use your generator on a regular basis, make sure you clean it up once every week.
However, if you plan to store your generator outside to leave it unused for a long amount of time – then you need to take some additional steps to ensure its longevity.
Since dirt or debris and moisture causes problems for a generator, you should dust it off or remove any wet debris sticking on it.
It is also recommended to keep it lubricated to prevent moisture from building up and run it once or twice a month to burn off any accumulated moisture. If you follow these procedures, you can store your generator outside as long as you want.
Do you need to cover a generator in the rain outside?
Water is one of the things that you should avoid letting your generator come in contact with. Not only will letting your generator get wet reduce its lifespan but also increases its chances to result in bursts off or electrocution.
However, if the generator somehow gets wet from rain – wait for a considerable amount of time to let the water dry off and then run the generator after it has been properly grounded.
To operate a generator when it is raining outside, you need to make sure your generator is properly covered.
The generator’s covering should not allow any water to pass into the generator but it should not completely enclose it as well.
Since generators require proper ventilation for combustion as well as letting their exhaust fumes escape, your covering should provide outlets for the exhaust fumes to leave as well as fresh air to enter.
How to store a generator outside?
You should store a generator outside and maintain it properly to ensure its higher longevity. To do so, you should emulate the following procedures:
Find the proper location:
To ensure a longer lifespan of a generator, it needs to be away from dirt and moisture. In that case, you need to look for a location that is clean, has cool stationary air, and is dry as well.
The location should not have any open windows or not, dust may enter and accumulate through the wind.
Also when it rains, the rainwater may enter through the window or seep through any cracks or crevices which could come in contact with the generator. So, find a location that is dry, enclosed, and a bit higher off the ground.
Unload the fuel from the generator:
If your generator uses gasoline, you should drain off the fuel into a safe container. But this step can be avoided if your generator runs on propane instead of gasoline. Propane is a clean-running fuel that does not leave any residue, unlike gasoline, thus causing no clogs.
Disconnect all appliances and cables from the generator:
The first step in storing away your generator should be to properly disconnect all the cables from both ends. Do not only disconnect the cable from the appliance but disconnect it from the generator side as well. Afterward, close the sockets with the socket cap if present.
Add fuel stabilizer and run the generator:
Next, pour some fuel stabilizer and run the generator for around 5-8 minutes, then turn off the generator and let the remaining fuel runoff by unscrewing the drain bolt on the carburetor. After the fuel has been drained, screw the bolt and turn the fuel valve off.
Disconnect the battery and store them away:
If your generator includes a battery, then remove it and store them away in a dry place. Your generator is now ready to be stored away until you use it again.
Where is the best place to store a generator?
Below listed are the best locations to store your generator:
Outdoor Shed:
Outdoor sheds are splendid locations to store your generator since they are away from your home and it is properly covered and protected. However, an outdoor shed may not be enough to protect your generator during the winter.
In that case, you can cover your generator in insulated covering to protect it against the cold weather.
Generator casing:
If you do not have a shed or any similar storehouses, you can buy a generator casing for a reasonable price.
They are an excellent choice of storage since the generator can be used while it is in the case and the casing provides protection against dirt, moisture, and debris as well.
Garage:
The most commonly used spot for people to store their generators in their garage. If you store the generator in your garage, make sure it is away from direct sunlight or moisture. If you use the generator in your garage, make sure there is proper ventilation as well.
Final Thoughts:
Whether a generator is or not in use, it can be safely stored outdoors – but it is recommended to store them in sheltered places such as the shed or your garage with proper ventilation. You should keep the generator away from your windows when they are in use to prevent harmful fumes from entering.