Posted by Tim on July 11, 2007, 8:37 am
does a portable generator need a rain cover for those models that do not have a
fuel
tank that runs the length of the frame?
in case it helps to pinpoint the question, I have a northstar 6.6kw honda engine
generator, this model
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_211724_211724
the question arose because as you may able to tell from the image (click on view
larger image), about half of the engine is exposed with several small guidewires
to
the throttle position, what looks like an alternator, lots of electrical
component
looking bits and I'm afraid placing this unit outside after a hurricane would
cause
serious damage to these parts due to water.
are there general guidelines to protecting these as it obviously may be
necessary to
run it while it's not sunny outside?
just get a couple sheets of plywood from home depot and ensure there is
sufficient
airspace at the top of the unit ?
Posted by Ulysses on July 11, 2007, 2:14 pm
> does a portable generator need a rain cover for those models that do not
have a fuel
> tank that runs the length of the frame?
> in case it helps to pinpoint the question, I have a northstar 6.6kw honda
engine
> generator, this model
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_211724_211724
> the question arose because as you may able to tell from the image (click
on view
> larger image), about half of the engine is exposed with several small
guidewires to
> the throttle position, what looks like an alternator, lots of electrical
component
> looking bits and I'm afraid placing this unit outside after a hurricane
would cause
> serious damage to these parts due to water.
> are there general guidelines to protecting these as it obviously may be
necessary to
> run it while it's not sunny outside?
> just get a couple sheets of plywood from home depot and ensure there is
sufficient
> airspace at the top of the unit ?
Personally I wouldn't leave any (of this type) portable generator out in the
rain. I've used a sheet of plywood with a brick or two holding it and had
no problems. A sheet of acrylic is even nicer if you happen to have one.
The plywood can also shade it from the sun. Generators tend to lose power
when they get too hot but you don't want to obstruct the air circulation
either so I'd only overlap the frame by a foot or so at the most. I've also
leaned another, smaller sheet in front of my generator if the wind was
blowing rain onto it.
Posted by Steve Cothran on July 11, 2007, 9:00 pm
One of my neighbors cut a 50-gallon plastic drum in two lengthwise and
used one of the halves as a cover. Works great, and he has a spare.
Posted by z on July 11, 2007, 8:52 pm
> does a portable generator need a rain cover for those models that do
> not have a fuel tank that runs the length of the frame?
>
well its never a good idea to leave an engine out in the rain all winter
long. I mean it'll probably run OK while its raining, but you know what to
expect when stuff gets wet. Rust, corrosion of connections and all that.
You'll have a longer life out of it if you get some kind of cover over it,
and thats true of pretty much anything, including your car!
Like you say build a little frame around it and put some plywood over it..
you probably don't even need to close it up on all sides. If you do close
it in make enough venting. Closing at least the side to your house would
also reduce the noise
all the best
-z
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