{"id":1826,"date":"2024-03-31T23:22:33","date_gmt":"2024-03-31T23:22:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pluggedinacademy.com\/?p=1826"},"modified":"2024-03-31T23:22:33","modified_gmt":"2024-03-31T23:22:33","slug":"can-you-run-a-portable-generator-in-a-shed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pluggedinacademy.com\/generators\/can-you-run-a-portable-generator-in-a-shed\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Run A Portable Generator In A Shed?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Have you ever asked yourself, can you run a portable generator in a shed? You are probably already aware that you can\u2019t have a running portable generator in your house, but what about in a shed?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Portable generators cannot be run in enclosed spaces, and that includes sheds. There are several associated risks, including carbon monoxide poisoning, fire hazards<\/strong><\/strong> and burn risks. Portable generators do need to be protected from rain damage, but your shed is not a safe spot for your generator.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fact is, it’s never safe to run your portable generator in the shed even if the doors are open or using a fan to expel the exhaust fumes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from the generator could kill you. CO<\/a> is a colorless, odorless gas produced when burning fossil fuels like natural gas or other fuels that contain carbon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breathing in high levels of CO can cause headaches, dizziness, and vomiting, and in extreme cases can be fatal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this post, we\u2019ll look in more detail at how to safely use and protect a portable generator while it’s running, and why it should never be used in a shed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Can’t You Run a Portable Generator In a Shed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Portable generators need lots of airflow to operate safely. And while it might seem like a good idea to run a generator in a shed, they simply do not have sufficient ventilation and airflow to be a good spot for one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, portable generators should have at least three to four feet<\/a><\/strong> of open space for proper operation, as recommended by OHSA. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several reasons for this. Not only does it help cool the generator, but also allows any CO produced from the machine to properly disperse into the atmosphere. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Truth is, portable generators need a good degree of airflow so that the fumes can escape, rather than building up around the generator and creating a fire hazard. As an example, a generator’s exhaust’s temperature can reach as hot as 575 to 935 degrees Fahrenheit!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carbon monoxide poisoning is extremely difficult to detect and is probably the biggest hazard however, but the fire risk should not<\/em> be dismissed either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So when asked the question, can you run a portable generator in a shed, answer is always going to be no. It’s just not safe for the operator or the generator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can I Run a Generator in a Shed With the Door Open?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even if you have the door(s) and windows open, sheds are just too well sealed for the fumes from the generator to escape.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This puts you at high risk of carbon monoxide poisoning<\/a>, which can kill you in 5 minutes<\/strong>. Not to mention running a generator in a shed massively increases the fire risk too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Much Ventilation Does a Portable Generator Need?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Proper ventilation is critical when running a portable generator. Always keep the generator at least 20 feet<\/strong> away from the house. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try to position the generator so that the exhaust fumes are in the opposite direction<\/strong> of any windows or doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might be surprised how far exhaust fumes can spread. They can travel for several hundred feet on windy days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And if you plan to build a custom enclosure for your generator, be sure to add at least 36 inches<\/strong> of open space around the generator. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will provide the necessary cooling and ventilation for the unit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without enough ventilation, carbon monoxide poisoning becomes a serious concern. It can happen quickly and without warning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning to be aware of include headache, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, get to fresh air immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the good news is, some portable generators feature a built-in sensor that triggers an automatic shutoff if CO build up rises to a dangerous level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But this still doesn’t mean it’s safe to run in an enclosed space, such as a shed. It just provides a safety measure to help protect you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can You Keep A Portable Generator Dry?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can now see why the answer to \u201ccan you run a portable generator in a shed\u201d is a definite no, but how else can you keep your generator dry? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After all, it cannot be operated in wet conditions<\/a> either, so you need some form of shelter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ideally, you should purchase a canopy or generator enclosure kit that has been specifically designed to keep a generator dry and allow the fumes to vent away from it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The manufacturer you purchase the generator from may stock these, or you may have to buy one from a separate seller, but don\u2019t neglect this step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re handy with tools, you can build a custom enclosure for your generator. This will protect it from the elements and keep you safe from CO positioning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Building an enclosure with the proper generator shed exhaust system will expel exhaust fumes safety out into the atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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