How to Use a Generator Safely

Generators can be lifesavers, but only if they're used correctly.

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Life-Saving Tips to Keep in Mind When Using Generators

With bad weather in the forecast, the possibility of a power outage looms large. Always inconvenient, it can be downright dangerous when it happens during a winter storm and the temperatures hit the deep freeze. You don’t want to be without power when you really need the heater working.

Emergency power generators can be real lifesavers. But inexperience and improper usage can also make generators extremely dangerous. Carbon monoxide and electrocution are legitimate, life-threatening hazards if you don’t know what you’re doing.

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Never Operate a Generator in or Too Close to Your Home

Generator manufacturers warn you over and over about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Yet every year, people die from running their generators in their garage or too close to their house. The manufacturers aren’t kidding.

You can’t run your generator in your garage, even with the door open. And you can’t run it under your eaves either. Yes, it’s a pain to move it away from the house and run longer extension cords. And yes, you’ll have to stand in the rain to refill the unit. But it’s better than the potentially disastrous alternative.

Never ‘Backfeed’ Power Into Your Home

The Internet is filled with articles explaining how to “backfeed” power into your house with a “dual male-ended” extension cord. But that’s horrible advice and you shouldn’t follow it. Backfeeding is illegal — and for good reason. It can (and does) kill family members, neighbors and power company linemen every year.

If you really want to get rid of all those extension cords, pony up the few hundred bucks for a transfer switch. Then pay an electrician to install it. That’s the only safe alternative to multiple extension cords. Period.

Let the Generator Cool Down Before Refilling

Generator fuel tanks are always on top of the engine so they can “gravity-feed” gas to the carburetor. But that setup can quickly turn into a disaster if you spill gas when refueling a hot generator. Think about it — if you spill fresh gas onto a hot engine and it ignites, you’ve got about eight more gallons of gas sitting right above the fire. Talk about an inferno!

It’s no wonder generators (and owners) get seriously hurt every year by committing that mistake. Spilling is especially easy if you refill at night without a flashlight. We know you can go without power for a measly 15 minutes, so cool your heels while the sucker cools down.

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Store and Pour Safely

Most local residential fire codes limit how much gasoline you can store in your home or attached garage (usually 10 gallons or less). So you may be tempted to buy one large gas can to cut down on refill runs. Don’t. Because, at 6 pounds per gallon, there’s no way you can safely hold and pour 60 pounds of gas without spilling. Plus, most generator tanks don’t hold that much, so you increase your chances of overfilling.

Instead, buy two high-quality 5-gallon cans. While you’re at it, consider spending more for a high-quality steel gas can with a trigger control valve.

Run it on a Level Surface

Many small generators have “splash” lubrication systems with crankshaft “dippers” that scoop up oil and splash it onto moving parts. That system works well if the unit is on level ground. But if you park the generator on a slope (usually more than 10 degrees), the dippers can’t reach all the oil, and some engine parts run dry. That’s a recipe for catastrophic failure. So heed the manufacturer’s warnings and place your generator on a level surface. If you don’t have a level spot, make one. That advice holds true even if you have a pressurized lubrication system.

Keep Enough Spare Motor Oil and Filters to Get You Through an Extended Outage

Most new generators need their first oil change after just 25 hours. After that, you’ll have to dump the old stuff and refill every 50 or 60 hours. During extended outages, you can easily run your generator long enough to need an oil change. Don’t count on finding the right oil filter for your particular generator after a major storm. Instead, buy extra filters and oil before the storm hits.

Limit Cord Length to Prevent Appliance Damage

Generators are loud, so most users park them as far away from the house as possible. That’s OK as long as you use a heavy-duty, 12-gauge, outdoor-rated extension cord. But even a 12-gauge cord has its limits. Never exceed a total length of 100 ft. from the generator to the appliance. The voltage drop on longer runs can cause premature appliance motor and compressor burnout.

Prevent Theft

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Energy

The only thing worse than the rumbling sound of a gasoline engine outside your bedroom window is the sound of silence after someone steals your expensive generator.

Combine security and electrical safety by digging a hole and sinking a grounding rod and an eye hook in cement. Encase the whole thing in 4-in. ABS or PVC drainpipe, with a screw-on clean out fitting. Then chain and lock your generator to the anchor. If you don’t want to sink a permanent concrete pier, at least screw in ground anchors to secure the chain. Ground anchors are available in the hardware department at home centers.

Running Out of Gas Can Cost You

Some low-cost generators with economy voltage regulators will keep putting out power as the generator runs out of gas. As the generator comes to a stop, the electrical load in your house can drain the residual magnetic “field” from the generator coils. Sure, it’ll start up once you refill it, but it won’t generate power.

You’ll have to haul it into a repair shop and pay a pro to repair the “field.” That will cost you about $40. But, good luck getting it serviced in the aftermath of a big storm. Instead, turn off the electrical load and shut down the generator before it runs out of fuel. Let it cool. Then refill it, restart it and connect the load.

Bad Fuel Can Stop You in Your Tracks

Stale fuel is the number one cause of starting problems on all gas-powered small engines. Every generator manufacturer recommends adding fuel stabilizer to the gas to minimize fuel breakdown and varnish and gum buildup. But they stressed that it’s still no guarantee against future problems.

So, many of the manufacturers and most repair shops recommend emptying the fuel tank and running the carburetor dry (run the engine until it stalls) once you’re past the storm season. If your unit has a carburetor drain petcock, wait for the engine to cool and drain it manually. Dump the gas in your vehicle or take it to a recycling center. Always use fresh stabilized gas in your generator.

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Q: Recent power outages prompted me to buy a portable generator, but it operates on gas, so I need to set it up outside where it would be vulnerable to the elements. Can you run a generator in the rain, or will I need to think of a different solution? 

A: “Can you run a portable generator in the rain?” and “Can a generator get wet?” are questions many people ask because emergency power is often associated with rain or lightning storms. The answer to both questions is no. If you run an uncovered generator in the rain, you risk damaging the generator’s wiring and, worse, electrocuting yourself. That said, if it’s raining lightly and the weather isn’t too windy, it’s possible to use a generator tent to keep the generator safe and dry during use. There are also many generator cover ideas that are easy to find online so you can make a DIY generator cover if you don’t want to look for a prefabricated cover or tent.

Homeowners can solve the problem of recurring power outages by investing in a whole-home generator; these have protective covers and can operate safely in inclement weather. Continue reading to learn more about safely operating a generator in the rain.

RELATED: Solved! How Big of a Generator Do I Need?

Whole-house backup generators can operate in the rain.

There are significant differences between portable generators and whole-house generators. The answers to questions like “Can generators get wet?” and “Are generators waterproof?” are different than they are for portable generators if your home has a whole-house backup generator installed. This is because whole-house backup generators are made with protective housing that keeps them safe in rain, sleet, and snow. These generators are the most reliable option for providing power to the entire home in an emergency, in any weather.

If you are concerned about the usual rush to the gas stations during a power outage, it may be a good idea to invest in a whole-house backup generator that operates on natural gas. You can also get models that run on propane or diesel fuel and produce enough energy to run the home for several days.

Portable generators without protective covers should not be used in the rain.

While you don’t need to worry about inclement weather when you have a whole-house backup generator, you’ll want to confirm whether know whether you can run a portable generator in the rain before purchasing one and using it in stormy weather. Most manufacturers will clearly state that a portable generator is not designed to be used in the rain or other wet conditions because the water can damage the generator and pose a safety risk to anyone nearby.

Generators operate by burning flammable fuels. They are designed to produce powerful voltage and when moisture gets into the outlets or seeps into the engine, it can result in electrocution or an explosion. Do not allow a portable generator to get wet or operate uncovered in the rain.

Portable generators can be stored—but never used—indoors.

The entire purpose of a generator is to create electricity that can be used to power your electrical devices, lights, and appliances.  In order to generate that electricity, however, a portable generator must burn a fuel source like propane, gasoline, or diesel. When these fuels are burned, they produce fumes that can quickly accumulate and become toxic in a sealed or enclosed space, like the garage or inside the home.

Some people may feel that it’s okay to use a portable generator in the garage as long as the door is open, but they are wrong. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, tasteless, odorless gas that can easily seep through the garage and into your home. You can store the generator inside when it’s not in use, but always make sure that you only run the generator outdoors.

RELATED: How Much Does a Whole House Generator Cost?

Operational generator covers allow for use during precipitation, but not in severe weather.

You won’t be able to use a portable generator in severe storms, even with an operational generator cover because the cover can be blown off or otherwise dislodged, leaving the generator vulnerable to rain. “Operational cover” is the term used to describe a generator cover that protects the generator while it is being operated. This is different from a cover that can only be used when the generator is off, because an operational cover needs appropriate ventilation to allow for proper use without overheating. An operational cover can be used while a generator is running in light to heavy rainstorms to provide power to the home or to the campsite. Choose between a steel enclosure, plastic shed, pop-up canopy, or opt for building your own DIY generator cover.

• Steel enclosures offer the highest level of durability and safety, though it’s recommended to have these enclosures professionally installed to ensure that they are waterproof.
• Plastic sheds can work as a generator cover and are more durable than a light cloth or plastic covering, but plastic sheds often have problems with overheating because they insulate the generator. If you choose this route, make sure the shed is properly ventilated.
• Pop-up canopy tents are affordable and easy to use, though they lack durability and are prone to being blown away by powerful wind.
• Custom DIY generator covers can also be effective, but you need to know what you are doing, otherwise the cover may not be properly waterproofed or it may not have the right ventilation, resulting in the generator overheating.

RELATED: The Best Standby Generators for Backup Power Solutions

How to Protect a Portable Generator So it Can Be Used in the Rain

Follow these steps to protect the generator from the elements.

1. Designate a solid, dry, outdoor space for operating the generator.

When it rains or snows, you will need to protect the generator on all sides, including its underside. It’s important to find a solid, dry space outdoors where the generator can sit. Do not place it in areas that tend to puddle or pool with water during rain. Instead, look for a place that sits higher than the rest of the yard. If you don’t have a solid, dry place for the generator, consider doing some landscaping to create an appropriate place for it.

2. Add an operational cover suitable for the generator.

With the generator located in a suitable location, the next step is to find a cover that can protect the top and sides of the generator without causing the machine to overheat. Consider whether it would be best to invest in a steel enclosure, a plastic shed, a simple pop-up canopy, or build your own custom generator cover. If you choose to DIY a solution, carefully consider the ventilation requirements to keep the generator cool and running efficiently.

Our Recommendation: GenTent Generator Running Cover on Amazon for $159.99
A sturdy steel pole attaches to the generator’s frame via a set of clamps, making this cover strong enough to resist winds up to 70 miles per hour or 18 inches of snow.

3. Ensure the power cord connected to your home is weatherproof.

Where you position a generator and how you protect it from the elements aren’t the only things to worry about. You also need a weatherproof power cord that can travel between the generator and your appliances. Locking power cords help prevent the cord from coming loose during heavy winds— just make sure you choose a power cord that is both weatherproof and compatible with your generator.

Our Recommendation: Yodotek Generator Locking Power Cord on Amazon for $58.88
The weather-, water-, and fire-resistant design ensures that this locking power cord will stay safe during rain, sleet, and snowstorms.

The prices listed here are accurate as of the last update on 4/4/22.