Generator 'Cover/Shed/?'

[Kyle241]

Just curious about where people store their portable generators other than an enclosed garage/shop. I did a search in the forums and did not see anything referenced. I am looking to build a 'shed' for my generator or some form of cover as it currently sits on the side of my house under some tarps. I would like to have something more weather-proof and not have to clear snow off it every time I want to use it. The shed idea (cannot think of a better description) would allow for fresh air and allow for exhaust to the outside. Also I am looking to be able to open the front doors and top if it's a small shed, e.g. 4ft tall. Does anyone have something similar? Or is everyone keeping them in their garage/barn and just open the doors when in use? Mine is primarily for failover when power goes out but I do use it occasionally for other things. It is a diesel generator by the way.

Thanks for any feedback or ideas.

 

[Craig Clayton]

Type your inquiry in Google because I have found Canadian agriculture sites with some simple designs. Think in terms of a fire hazard in an enclosed building.
Craig Clayton

 

[MossRoad]

I keep mine in my shed with a dirt floor. When I want to use it, I open the shed door, move the genny to the front, ground it and fire it up. If the weather is nasty, I just prop the door open enough to allow ventilation.

I would like to have a small doghouse on the side of the garage just for the generator, but then it would have to be secured to discourage theft.

The big UPS generator that I am familiar with is in a garage with louvered sides. They open up when the huge diesel sucks air! :laughing:

 

[jeffah]

I built one for my little 8 HP generator on top of a pallet.
Looks like a dog house - just left one side wide open.
Park it behind the shed and can use the tractor forks to move it around when needed. Can put it by the house for power outage, move it anywhere in the yard for projects.

If theft is a concern the portability may not be an advantage.

 

[Mousefield]

I keep two of mine inside my shop and the other one in my garage. When I need to use them they go outside. If yours is a heavier diesel and hard to move around then some kind of enclosure would be a good idea. Perhaps something with a steel roof and sides and a large front door that opens when needed, don't forget to chain or bolt it down, you want it there when you need it. You also have to think of refueling it, all three of my generators fill from the top.

 

[techman]

I keep mine in my shed. Exhaust ported to the outside. Window in the rear, or front door can be opened for long runs if needed.

Paul

 

[ray66v]

I keep mine in my shed. Exhaust ported to the outside. Window in the rear, or front door can be opened for long runs if needed.

Paul

Now that's a Binford generator. :thumbsup:

I can't justify that, but if I could....

I run my generator inside my detached garage mahal, with the O/H door open about 4 inches. Unless it is nice weather, then of course, I run it outside.

 

[Travelover]

Neighbor built a little 5 sided shed with a nearly flat roof out of 1/2" plywood. Sides have hinged flaps that can be opened when you want to run it. Front has a hinged plywood door to access the controls. Simple, but it is easy to roll it out to service it and it is protected from the weather.

 

[reb]

I built a small shed on a concrete foundation to keep mine in. I used gable vents on three sides for ventilation. The top is hinged to allow access to the generator and to keep the door (on one end) closed. There is a hasp and padlock to lock the top down. It is located next to an my garage, where I have a weatherproof box for connecting the power cord. When I need to use it all I have to do is to run the power cord through a normally covered hole in the side to the box, fire up the generator and throw the transfer switch at the electric panel. Since the generator has an electric starter, even the wife can handle it if I'm not around when the power goes out.

 

[Ken]

Be careful what you build.
When I retrired 15 yrs. ago had time to build a 8'X12' metal covered and insulated building for the S/B gen about 10' from the house. Just perfect for the wife to hang a "few" front porch plants to keep from freezing in the winter weather. Then a few shelves to hold garden chemicals and plant food . then tools needed to garden . then wheel barrow and sacks of mulch and a table to hold her plants to redo the pots.
I moved out and now S/B gen in on a trailer in the tractor shed.
Just a warning.
ken