Can it sit out and run in rain or snow? The instructions say it must be used in a dry location. That would be pretty limiting for a backup generator!
1326618
I don't know about the snow but the first time I used mine it rained for three days. Mine ran fine the whole time. I used it on propane as well as the gas. It seemed to run the same on both gasoline and propane. I did have a piece of plywood that kept most of the rain, but not all, off the unit.
1326619
It was dry when we used it. It isn't used as a backup for a house but for just running a couple of appliances for the camper while camping in the forest. It's covered or in the garage the rest of the time. If the instructions say to use dry then I wouldn't try it any other way.
1326620
Yes, it must stay dry. In my case I use it for camping, as the RV I bought didn't have a Gen. Set. I have used it in the rain and out in the open, but with a 1/2 ' thickness Baltic Birch cover in the shape of a high pitch roof that I fabricated. Sealed the whole thing with Urethane. Works well. Hope this helps. p.s. don't forget to ground the unit....
1326621
Cannot be run in rain or snow as the water will get into the electronics. As a backup generator, it can be run after the rain or snowstorm to power a few appliances until power is restored. Or it can be run under an outdoor covered area such as a carport (not enclosed in an attached garage or house) - as long as it isn't getting wet.
650293
You can run it as long as you have air flow out. Also, you will not be able to use the rain guard which runs down at a angle. Just don't install that piece but the main thing is air flow and that should not be a problem. It's a great unit. Joe R.
744137
Hi there, I use it to power my 15 Amp chainsaw and it is great but I do not leave it sitting out in the weather when not in use. The plug and socket are normal heavy-duty and do not have anything I would call weather proofing around them. For my purposes, it was a great buy.
1364901
Yes,you can leave it out in the rain on, works fine. But you should put it away for winter before it freezes.
1725118
This unit must not be exposed to the weather. The only part that can go outside is the weather proof outlet box that you would plug the cord into.
162835
Yes indeed. I have had mine outside in rain and snow for the past year or more. Just make sure it is snapped closed!
197017
To be safest, I would plug the cord end of this into a "GFCI" rated outlet. In this way snow and rain could pose no real threat or danger.
1618260
It's oil cooled... really needs to be stored in a warm place before use... turn it on and use it if you have stored in a warmer place... trip circuit breakers left and right if you have left it out in the cold. Really doesn't want to run other wise. Personally, I love it. Runs like a champ, just does not like any cold starts.
1923872
the motor isn't designed to get wet, if you are able to keep the motor dry outside use would be OK as long as temps are above freezing,
1361199
We have used this generator in below freezing temperatures and it worked fine. I never saw anything in the manual however.
494573
The instructions say that it only turns on below 60 degrees. However, I only plug it in when it snows. Otherwise it'll run all the time when it's cold. I've been happy with it this winter, it keeps things melted several inches around it. However, downstream from it, water runs under the snow and it's a little icy.
1318510
This question is older but in case the original poster or someone else still wants an answer:Yes, you can set it up outside in the winter. I would recommend putting a tarp under it to keep the bottom dry. Don't leave it out to get damp. If it does get damp / wet, set it up in your garage or similar covered area and run it till it is dry. You do not want to fold it up and put it away with it being damp. Also, I know this may be obvious, but don't set it up and run it in the rain.
1820388
No portable residential/light commercial generator that I"ve seen was OK to be used under any sort of precipitation -- rain or snow. Simply get a 3x3 sheet of nice and thick plywood and put it on top of the generator, which should protect it from rain adequately, unless there is a strong crosswind. If there is, prop another sheet of plywood against the where the wind blows.
1777530
Since it runs on propane, I would not run it in an unvented enclosed space. I haven't used it below 40 yet. I hope in an open garage it can be used in low temps. I suspect it can be.
2015078
It is not intened to be in the rain, however, it was snowing hard the last 2 times when I used it and I put a garbage bag over the top portion only. It was not mentioned in the manual but I felt it would not be a problem as long as I did not block the venting. In short, it was fine and I was not concerned about it causing damage. I would discribe the smoker as water resistant but best not to leave outside for long periods.
1696518
Hi Francy, I too live in Colorado and bought this unit for our solar backup generator. Like you I wanted to put the unit inside our garage and plumb the exhaust outside. Because of the way the unit is designed with an integrated housing and exhaust system built under the motor there is no way this could be done. That being said, I really like the unit and it works well. (We ended up with it outside) The reserve oil system with the extra capacity sure beats our old Onan. The Generac is also much more quite than our previous generator. Unless they have changed them the manuals are really poor, stating the obvious and omitting what you really need to know, but this can be overcome for the most part with help from their tech support with enough calls!
678773
As long as its a continuous wire no breaks and you have the power box dry I would imagine it would be just fine. We just put ours in in sw washington and it rains alot in the winter. Havent had any issues yet. Hope that helps