Running the Generator in the Garage

hogger9 · 09-23-2008, 11:20 AM

Hello to All...

I know that I am setting myself up for a lot of S*** But here Goes:

If I have the Generator as close to the overhead door with the exhaust

outward, opposite window (36 x 36) open, service door open and possibly

a fan helping blow the exhaust out...

Can I run a portable generator in the attached Garage

(standard 2-1/2 car) just so it don't get wet????.

Let it Fly!!!! Tom

RippySkippy · 09-23-2008, 11:23 AM

I'll go first...

Sure you can and as a bonus you MIGHT get a nomination for a Darwin Award....only if your lucky and try harder....

handyman78 · 09-23-2008, 11:23 AM

Might be safer to either have it outside with a cover (like a dog shed roof) over it or arrange it with ducting so you can exhaust to outside.

hogger9 · 09-23-2008, 11:37 AM

"Sure you can and as a bonus you MIGHT get a nomination for a Darwin Award....only if your lucky and try harder...."

I never was that lucky... Would standing in a puddle of water move me up the ladder??

RippySkippy · 09-23-2008, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hogger9

"Sure you can and as a bonus you MIGHT get a nomination for a Darwin Award....only if your lucky and try harder...."

I never was that lucky... Would standing in a puddle of water move me up the ladder??

Only if you were pre-wired with 240 first!

Not much help huh?

hogger9 · 09-23-2008, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by handyman78

Might be safer to either have it outside with a cover (like a dog shed roof) over it or arrange it with ducting so you can exhaust to outside.

Thanks... Got me thinking....(No Dog) Somthing like a temporary pvc & tarp thing
I really don't NEED any awards!!

J. V. · 09-23-2008, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by handyman78

Might be safer to either have it outside with a cover (like a dog shed roof) over it or arrange it with ducting so you can exhaust to outside.

Ducting the exhaust is a no no too. You cannot garranty that it will remove all emisions and is plain dangerous.

I built a small table that I can roll the genset under, then I just got some good tarp and covered it up leaving the exhaust side open. Make sure you leave plenty room around the gen. so the tarp is not near any moving parts or hot spots.
The table when not in use for the genset, makes a great light work table in my basement.

handyman78 · 09-23-2008, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J. V.

Ducting the exhaust is a no no too. You cannot garranty that it will remove all emisions and is plain dangerous.

Not sure if you can adequately connect to the exhaust, but garages and gas stations in my area have been ducting to the outside for years while working on cars in inclement weather. A CO alarm would also be a worthwhile investment.

frenchelectrican · 09-23-2008, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by handyman78

Not sure if you can adequately connect to the exhaust, but garages and gas stations in my area have been ducting to the outside for years while working on cars in inclement weather. A CO alarm would also be a worthwhile investment.

Those hose ya talking about those are ratied for low to med tempture only and the small gas engine the exhaust tempture is much higher than automovite exhaust at idle.

Typically the well loaded small gas engine exhaust tempture will be about 1000°F - 1300°F depending on the set up.

so you can understand why for the small portable generators they are not designed for piped unless specifed by manufacter.

Merci,Marc

**Termite** · 09-23-2008, 11:01 PM

Ducting this thing is bad advice. Period. As mentioned already, I'd build a little shelter to put the generator in when it is needed, and operate it outdoors.

hogger9 · 09-24-2008, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J. V.

Ducting the exhaust is a no no too. You cannot garranty that it will remove all emisions and is plain dangerous.

I built a small table that I can roll the genset under, then I just got some good tarp and covered it up leaving the exhaust side open. Make sure you leave plenty room around the gen. so the tarp is not near any moving parts or hot spots.
The table when not in use for the genset, makes a great light work table in my basement.

Thanks... Got me thinking about using a folding card table with a tarp!!!

hogger9 · 09-24-2008, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frenchelectrican

Those hose ya talking about those are ratied for low to med tempture only and the small gas engine the exhaust tempture is much higher than automovite exhaust at idle.

Typically the well loaded small gas engine exhaust tempture will be about 1000°F - 1300°F depending on the set up.

so you can understand why for the small portable generators they are not designed for piped unless specifed by manufacter.

Merci,Marc

Thanks for the Specs. Good Info!!

borninpa · 09-24-2008, 02:40 PM

in addition to exhaust, consider the dangers of refilling the gas tank. If the generator is anywhere near the house and you have to keep it running 24/7 (such as during a long power outage), you have the dangerous task of filling the tank while the generator is hot. If fuel is spilled... it can catch on fire. I have a friend who had this happen. Unfortunately it also cause the garage on fire and then burned down the entire house.

Be careful with these things. Let them cool before refilling. If you must keep them running while refilling...do not fill anywhere near the house.

BorninPA

hogger9 · 09-24-2008, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by borninpa

in addition to exhaust, consider the dangers of refilling the gas tank. If the generator is anywhere near the house and you have to keep it running 24/7 (such as during a long power outage), you have the dangerous task of filling the tank while the generator is hot. If fuel is spilled... it can catch on fire. I have a friend who had this happen. Unfortunately it also cause the garage on fire and then burned down the entire house.

Be careful with these things. Let them cool before refilling. If you must keep them running while refilling...do not fill anywhere near the house.

BorninPA

Good Words... Every power outage I am always hearing about fires due to this!!!! ALWAYS LET IT COOL DOWN!!!!!

biggles · 09-24-2008, 09:49 PM

here's my location in an seperate 2 car garage about 20' from my back yard door.i run it every saturday for 30 minutes to cycle the gas with no loads connected.my mufler/exhaust has a 3/4 stub but in calling the manufacturer they don't want it piped out.so here is what i do ...i connect a 12" piece of greenfield with a radiator clamp onto the stud and slip it up into flex dryer exhaust piping bending that up and out.i am going to put a metal dryer vent on the exterior of the garage wall and make the connection(hot exhuast rises).i always run it with the one door open as seen and sometimes open a back window to cross vent the air.make that thing stationary up on a butcher block of 4 x 4s and get a system to get the gas in while it is running...size down on that 5 gallon container put it in a gallon container(easy pour)with a liter soda bottle bottom cut off.