Can I Run My Portable Generator in the Rain?

Portable generators can be used for a number of reasons. You may use one for a tailgate party, or perhaps to run tools on a job site. But the most common reason people power up their portable generator is to soften the blow of a power outage.

Power outages often happen due to storms, whether it be a winter storm, a thunderstorm, a tornado, or a hurricane. One thing these storms tend to have in common is precipitation. Snow and rain may pose a challenge when you're trying to power your home with a generator, but it doesn't mean you can't do it.

Something worth noting is that the power a portable generator creates can be dangerous if you're not careful. Operating your generator in the rain may increase your likelihood of electrocution, and you probably don't want your generator getting stormed on anyways.

While portable generators are usually designed to withstand the beatings of a strong storm, it's always in your better interest to shield it from the elements. One thing you definitely do not want to do is run your generator in your garage, shed, or home. Doing so is deadly, even with the garage door open for ventilation. The CO fumes will build up and seep into your home. Always, always, always run your generator outdoors more than 15 feet from any windows or doors.

"So how can I shelter my generator if I have to keep it 15 feet from my house?"

There's an innovative product on the market called a GenTent that will actually attach to the frame of your generator. They shelter the electrical components and gas tank, but have easy access that will allow you to operate and refuel your generator without compromising the unit or your safety.

This is the best way to protect your generator and yourself without compromising your family's safety.

GenTents are a must-have for storm-related power outages. Plus, they keep your generator clean while it's in storage. The best part is that unlike a makeshift shelter, this one moves with the generator. Since it's attached and doesn't touch the ground, you can move the generator without restriction and without having to remove the GenTent.

Over 100 Thousand Without Power in Georgia

An ice storm has hit the Georgia area. Ice forming on power lines has caused major problems for people in the area, downing power lines and causing power outages.

With power still out, those affected may begin to wonder how they're going to stay warm as the sun begins to descend below the horizon.

If you are among these people affected, you can certainly do something to restore power to your home.

Go to www.ElectricGeneratorsDirect.com, and you'll see they have many different kinds of generators in stock. Portable generators are the lightest, most affordable, and easiest to get going. Just don't run the unit inside your home, garage, or cellar. The carbon monoxide fumes produced are very deadly. Leave it outside away from doors and windows and run extension cords from it to power your utilities inside.

If you're new to generators, call during the day and speak with one of the experts. They'll help you by answering any questions you might have. Visit the on-site electric generator Buyer's Guide to help you find the perfect model for you, and you'll be warm and watching television again in no time!

If you're looking for a more permanent fix that will kick on as soon as the power goes out, you can get a home standby generator from the same place and hire an electrician and a plumber to come out and install it for you.

Businesses that are worried about keeping the power on have an even better option with commercial standby generators to help keep their coolers, lights, and everything else up and running through power outages. Take a look at Electric Generators Direct.

How to Power Your Home With a Portable Generator

Too many times have I heard from people who plugged their generator directly into a wall outlet to power their home. This is not only extremely dangerous, it's illegal! Do NOT plug into a wall outlet with your generator. This is called backfeeding, and it can be deadly for power line workers.

To power your home with a portable generator, you have to use what is called a power transfer system. It allows you to run the generated power into your circuit board properly. Remember though, if you don't have a powerful enough generator, you won't be able to power your whole house. You can instead turn on only the rooms you are able to power.

Another important thing to remember is that you want to keep your generator outside and away from any windows or doors while it's running. Generators produce carbon monoxide, which is very deadly. Carbon monoxide can build up in your home very rapidly if you have your generator running in your garage, inside your home or basement, or even outside a window or door where it can seep in.

Keep your generator a fair distance away and run a heavy-duty generator cord to the transfer switch inside.

If your main electric panel is installed inside your garage, you've lucked out. Running to an electric panel in a garage is the easiest and least expensive option. Purchase a transfer system compatible with your generator, and have an electrician install it for you.

If your electric main panel is in your basement, you have a couple of options to choose from. you can either run a power cord through an open basement window, or you can mount a power inlet box on the outside of your house near your electrical panel.

The second of those options is better as you could imagine. The power inlet box is then hardwired into your manual transfer switch.

When the power goes out, you just have to run an extension cord from the generator to the power inlet box, flip a few switches and you're back up and running with backup power.

A standard transfer switch installation takes around 3-4 hours and will only cost about $200-$300. While that may seem like a lot, it's a worthwhile investment when the power goes out and you've got less to worry about.

Winter Storm Cleon: Ice Storms and Power Outages

From now through Sunday, December 8th, Winter Storm Cleon will be dumping rain, ice, and snow from Dallas, Texas to Maine. As northwestern arctic air moves south, it will meet increased moisture from the southwestern United States.

This will mean more snowfall for western Colorado, bringing their storm totals up to 1-2 feet of snow. Worse news however is the path of dangerous ice storms and the likelihood of widespread power outages.

If you don't already have a home standby or emergency backup generator, now may be a good time to invest in at least a portable emergency generator in case there is a major power outage in the area you live in. Portable generators are affordable and easy to stow away when they're not being used. Electric Generators Direct has an in-depth buyer's guide to help you find the perfect model for your home.

The path of ice and power outages is expected to cover the following areas:

• Dallas, Texas
• Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Memphis, Tennessee
• St. Louis, Missouri
• Paducah, Kentucky
• Columbus, Ohio
• Albany, New York
• Boston, Massachusetts

Other areas closely surrounding these cities will be effected as well.

With temperatures rapidly dropping, a major power outage could be detrimental for those living in the path of this storm. If you don't already have a backup emergency generator in place, we strongly suggest you consider one now. You can have one shipped directly to your home on short notice, so it's not too late. 

We have many in-stock that can be shipped to you overnight. We also recommend using a generator canopy like a GenTent to shield the generator from freezing rain and ice. Remember never to run a generator in your home or garage as the carbon monoxide from the engine is very deadly.

If you need assistance determining what portable generator you will need for your home, you can speak with me or another generator expert by calling 1 (800) 800-3317.