Can a Generator Get Wet? How to Safely Protect Your Generator

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Generators are essential in emergencies, especially during hurricanes, storms, or power outages. However, using them safely requires extra care, particularly when dealing with water. So, what happens if your generator gets wet, and how can you prevent water damage? In this guide, we’ll answer these questions and provide you with practical tips to ensure your generator stays safe and functional when you need it most.

Looking for more tips? Explore our other articles to stay prepared!

Can a Generator Get Wet?

No, your generator should never get wet. Water and electricity don’t mix, and using a wet generator could lead to short-circuits, damage to the generator itself, or worse—serious injury from electric shock. Even small amounts of water in the wrong places can cause dangerous situations. This is why it’s crucial to protect your generator from the elements, especially rain and flooding.

Why You Need to Keep Your Generator Dry

Here are a few reasons why keeping your generator dry is essential:

Electrical Short Circuits: Moisture can cause components inside the generator to short-circuit, leading to permanent damage.
Fire Risk: Wet electrical components can spark, leading to a fire hazard.
Electric Shock: Water conducts electricity, and touching a wet generator could result in a life-threatening shock.
Reduced Longevity: Constant exposure to moisture can wear down the generator, reducing its lifespan.

How to Protect Your Generator from Rain and Water

Now that you know why it’s crucial to keep your generator dry, let’s look at practical ways to do so. Whether you’re dealing with light rain or a full-blown storm, these tips will help keep your generator safe and dry.

Before we even start, we need to make sure to follow all safety procedures related to operating your generator safely. Operating a generator improperly can be deadly.

From the Take Your Generator Outside website: If you must operate your portable generator in rain or damp locations, do not operate without proper protection of the electrical components (as described in the manufacturers owner’s manual) to prevent shock or an electrocution hazard. Never operate the portable generator inside any building, garage, basement, crawlspace, shed, enclosure, compartment, or near any windows, doors, air intake vents or other openings to prevent dangerous and poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) from entering into your home.

It’s also crucial to follow all safety guidelines when operating your generator, including the manufacturer’s instructions.

1. Use a Generator Tent or Cover

One of the best ways to keep your generator dry is to use a generator tent or cover specifically designed for this purpose. These tents provide adequate ventilation while ensuring the generator stays protected from rain or snow.

Recommended Product: IGAN Generator Tent Cover – This affordable, weather-resistant cover provides 100% waterproof protection and ensures your generator is safe to use in wet conditions.

2. Create a DIY Shelter

If you’re on a budget or need a quick solution, you can build a simple shelter using materials like tarps, PVC pipes, or even 2x4s and plywood. Both options will provide effective protection for your generator, but it’s important to ensure the shelter is well-ventilated and elevated to keep the generator dry while allowing for proper airflow.

PVC and Tarp Shelter: This is quick to set up and portable. PVC pipes are easy to assemble, and you can attach a heavy-duty tarp with bungee cords for a makeshift waterproof cover.
2x4s and Plywood Shelter: For a more durable and long-term solution, consider using 2x4s as the frame and plywood as the roof and sides. This creates a more stable structure, especially in areas prone to heavy winds.

What You’ll Need:

Heavy Duty Tarp
PVC Pipe Kit or 2×4 Lumber
Bungee Cords or Plywood Sheets

Check out this youtube video where he creates a shelter with PVC

Here’s a video using 2x4s and plywood to create a simple shelter

These options will ensure your generator is protected from rain while still allowing ventilation for safe operation.

3. Place the Generator on Elevated Ground

In addition to covering the generator, it’s important to place it on elevated ground to prevent water from pooling around it. If you’re in a flood-prone area, this becomes even more crucial. You can use wooden pallets or concrete blocks to lift the generator off the ground.

Recommended Product: These heavy duty RV leveling blocks are easily stackable to raise your generator above potential flood zones.

4. Invest in a Weatherproof Enclosure

If you live in an area prone to frequent storms, investing in a more permanent weatherproof enclosure may be the best solution. These enclosures are typically made of steel and are designed to protect your generator from all kinds of weather conditions.

Recommended Product: The ultimate product to protect your generator and allow it to run with reduced noise is probably the ZombieBox – check them out here

Many people create a DIY version of this using a SunCast shed. This type of shed provides long term storage, protection from the elements, and with a few adjustments to account for heat and exhaust, you can run your generator inside of one. Check out this video and this one.

Quick Tips for Running a Generator in Wet Conditions

If you’re caught in a storm or heavy rain and need to run your generator, follow these quick tips to stay safe:

Keep it Covered: Never operate a generator in the open during rain or snow. Always use a cover, shelter, or enclosure.
Check the Grounding: Make sure your generator is properly grounded to reduce the risk of electric shock.
Turn It Off First: If the generator gets wet, turn it off immediately and let it dry completely before restarting.
Keep Cords Dry: Ensure that all extension cords and outlets remain dry and are rated for outdoor use.
You can also consider investing in a “solar generator,” which is basically a battery / inverter combo, to power important devices until the rain has passed. More information on solar generators in this article.