As the summer storm season approaches in Australia, many homeowners are dusting off their portable generators and making sure they’re ready to go in case of a power outage. But did you know that there are some special considerations you need to take into account when using a generator in wet weather? In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips on how to safely use your portable generator in the rain.

Before we get started, it’s important to point out and emphasise that you should never operate a portable generator inside your home, garage, or any other enclosed space. Generators produce harmful carbon monoxide gas which can quickly build up to dangerous levels in an enclosed space. So if you do lose power during a storm and need to use your generator, be sure to set it up outside and at least 3 metres away from any open doors or windows.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way let’s talk about some tips for using your portable generator safely in the rain.

Tip #1: Protect Your Generator from Moisture

If at all possible, try to keep your generator dry. Water and electricity don’t mix, so if moisture gets into the generator’s electrical components, it could cause a short circuit and potentially start a fire. If you can’t keep your generator completely dry, at least make sure that the area around the electrical outlets is dry. You can do this by covering the outlets with a waterproof tarp or plastic bag.

Tip #2: Use a GFCI Outlet Adapter

If you don’t have access to a waterproof tarp or plastic bag, another option is to use a GFCI outlet adapter. This type of adapter will cut off the power if it senses moisture around the outlet, which will help protect your generator against shorts due to wet weather.

Tip #3: Keep Your Generator Above Ground

It’s always best to keep your generator off the ground when operating it in wet weather. If water does happen to get into the generator, having it elevated will help prevent damage to the electrical components. You can place your generator on a table, platform, or other raised surface. Just be sure that whatever you use is sturdy enough to support the weight of the generator.

Tip #4: Make sure that your portable generator is properly grounded

Another important safety tip is to make sure that your portable generator is properly grounded. This will help protect you from electrical shocks in case water does happen to get into the generator.

Conclusion:

By following these simple tips,  you can help keep your portable generator safe from moisture and ensure that it continues to work properly in wet weather. Remember, always operate your generator outside and at least 3 metres away from any open doors or windows to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. And if you have any questions about using your generator safely, be sure to contact us on 1800 442 447, our generator experts are always on hand to help.