Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I have read online and on manufactures website not  to operate a portable generator in the rain or snow unless it is protected from the elements.Is this true?And does it apply for the inverter generators  since they r enclosed?I called a Yamaha dealership and he said a portable generator can be operated in the rain.Just dont store it outside.Who is telling the truth??

I had a Honda 6500 watt that I had installed with a wall plug and manual transfer switches, and when the power went out, I had no problem wheeling it outside, starting it up and letting it run (even in the pouring rain).  I did that for about 7 years.

I always made sure I wiped it down with anti-corrosion oil afterward, and I always stored it indoors.  Never had an issue.  I would sometimes wait for severe thunderstorm to subside before powering up, but that was more about my safety as all kinds of debris was flying around.  I think storing portable generators outside is a mistake, but that's just me.

(I've since replaced with a permanent generator, which comes with a metal enclosure).

mikiewest wrote:
I made portable sheds for my EU2000i's.



Other pics:
http://picasaweb.google.com/audreyappliance/HomemadePortableCoverForHondaEU2000i#

That's a nice rig you built (I assume you made that).  Is that duct material?  Or some sort of aluminum?

What is the odd power cord that has the clamps on one end? (never mind, I just remember that's the 12V out; I never use that).

and now you've inspired me to put an hour meter on my EU2000i.

Nice job.

tkrotchko wrote:
Yeah.. I built two of them.  I used pre-cut aluminum sheets of the following spec:   .063" x 24" x 24"

I put hour meters on everything :-)

Snowmachine, very nice work. I've never used a generator before, but could that same idea be executed in coroplast (that corragated plastic sign material) or would there be a problem with heat somehow? Certainly they wouldn't be as rugged or last as long.

Cheers

GtWtNorth wrote:
Using an EU2000i that would probably work.  Make sure the front and rear are open like mine so airflow isn't obstructed. There is relatively little heat emitted along the side of the generator.  Most is vented out the back with the exhaust.