Is it Prefered to keep the generator in the garage or outside, and if it is outside how do you protect the vynal exterior from the salt air, sun and w
1671328
It is required to be OUTSIDE. The Exhaust from natural gas is pretty clean, yet toxic and being so cleaned you won't noticed you are being poisoned. KEEP IT OUTSIDE. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD IT BE IN A GARAGE. I am not yelling, I am just making sure you get it. The plastic is pretty durable, but if you want to extend its life, put a vinyl fence around it for shade. Just make sure to leave enough space to breath and exhaust as well as to do maintenance. Also make sure you instal it with plenty of clearance from the house. At least 3 ft, but check the local code.
1671329
It is required to be OUTSIDE. The Exhaust from natural gas is pretty clean, yet toxic and being so cleaned you won't noticed you are being poisoned. KEEP IT OUTSIDE. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD IT BE IN A GARAGE. I am not yelling, I am just making sure you get it.The plastic is pretty durable, but if you want to extend its life, put a vinyl fence around it for shade. Just make sure to leave enough space to breath and exhaust as well as to do maintenance. Also make sure you instal it with plenty of clearance from the house. At least 3 ft, but check the local code.
1671330
Back up generators must be installed outdoors a specific distance from your building. It comes with a very strong protective covering that protects it.
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I did install outside. Put it up under an eve to protect it from weather. I would recommend using a dome which you can buy at Amazon for less then 60$.
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I am not sure. Although a good cover, I would not risk using it for a generator stored outside. It's a bit thin but good for internal storage
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I use mine in my garage in Central Florida where the humidity is very high most of the year and not had any problems with it. Mine appears to be completely sealed against weather but I suspect it may leak around the contacts where it is plugged in, so never use it outside and exposed to the rain. I use stainless steel bolts, washers and nut on my batteries because they do rust/corrode.
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You should always ground your generator. If you can't ground it to a nearby water "main", then you should get an inexpensive ground rod with a clamp and drive it into the ground.
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I believe you (could) use this outside. I put one of ours in our dogs crate that is in the garage and it is doing just fine. I believe the sun may be the factor or maybe what you lay it on may damage it. It does have a nice rugged cover but it could be punctured by a sharp object ect. I wouldn't leave it outside for an extended period of time. Our dog loves hers, one is in our living room/dining/room and one is on our bed, we sometimes use it in her crate.
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Yes, ours has been outside for years. It is placed on the side of our garage near an outside outlet and we just leave it plugged in and ready to go. We love it and have never had trouble with it. This is our second one that we have purchased. Now I do want to mention that we live in the Deep South and it seldom freezes here so you might take that into consideration. It is left out year round though and has been there for many years. Jean
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I live in western Washington and I store mine in a shed. I would not store outside. We get plenty of rain and some snow and electric mowers are common here. This mower has a cord not a battery so cold should not affect it.
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The only problem as I see it is getting secure electrical power to the unit that's mounted outdoors. Then how do you protect the unit from the elements? My answer to your question is probably "NO"! Perhaps this manufacturer makes an outdoor unit to fulfill your need. Good Luck!
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The purpose that the generator be grounded is protection against electrical shock. The frame of the generator would need to be connected to a brass or copper rod that is put into the ground. The proper grounding wire that is listed in the manual is No. 12 AWG (American Wire Gauge) stranded with copper. That will provide adequate protection against electrical shock. You can also consult with a local electrical for grounding requirements in the area. If you have any more questions please let us know.
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The unit is quiet , I like it .as far as outside , Harsh weather . All electric applications(and gas ) need cover. My opinion
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I agree with other feedback. I would NOT use this where it is exposed to weather. I keep mine on the south facing dash of my infrequently used truck to keep the remote and security system from draining the battery dead.
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No, not weather proof. Need a weather proof enclosure or box rated for exterior use. do not attempt to use a regular panel, only those rated for generator use.
1261300
We bought a small shed-like container and put it up against the inside of our privacy fence about ten feet from the side of the house. Then we used a 20 foot cord from the generator to the breaker box we had installed for the generator. The generator is safe enough that we could have put the little shed enclosing it right against the house. You really don't need any clearance - whatever is convenient for your setup.
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This unit is rated for outdoor use. I use mine for working on motorcycle in the hot Texas summer. If you can get a bit of shade you will find it does a pretty good job of cooling things off. It is humidity dependent so it will not cool as much in humid weather. When it is hot and raining I just run the fan. I bought some liquid additive to keep the tank and filter from getting nasty.
2061133
Hi Deborah. You can use outdoor extension cords, but the safest way to use any generator is to have a transfer switch panel/box installed. The type/size you need will depend on what you need to run off the generator. The transfer switch panels have different numbers of breakers in them. You can call an electrician to get an information and an estimate for which type of transfer panel and how many breakers you will need and what the cost would be. Also, some electric providers offer a type of direct converter which connects directly to your electric meter & takes the place of the transfer panel. Always put your safety & the safety of the electric linemen repairing the lines first! Hope this helps you! Hi Deborah. You can use outdoor extension cords, but the safest way to use any generator is to have a transfer switch panel/box installed. The type/size you need will depend on what you need to run off the generator. The transfer switch panels have different numbers of breakers in them. You can call an electrician to get an information and an estimate for which type of transfer panel and how many breakers you will need and what the cost would be. Also, some electric providers offer a type of direct converter which connects directly to your electric meter & takes the place of the transfer... » Read More Hi Deborah. You can use outdoor extension cords, but the safest way to use any generator is to have a transfer switch panel/box installed. The type/size you need will depend on what you need to run off the generator. The transfer switch panels have different numbers of breakers in them. You can call an electrician to get an information and an estimate for which type of transfer panel and how many breakers you will need and what the cost would be. Also, some electric providers offer a type of direct converter which connects directly to your electric meter & takes the place of the transfer panel. Always put your safety & the safety of the electric linemen repairing the lines first! Hope this helps you! « Show Less
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The solar panels can stay outside. The generator needs to stay dry, inside. They sell an extension cable for the panels to the generator that makes that possible. The generator measures 16"L x 15" H x 13" W. Each Boulder 30 solar panel measures about 18" x 20" x 2" Thick. Hope this helps.