If you’ve lived through a few New York storms, you already know how this usually goes. The power goes out, rain is coming down sideways, and suddenly you’re staring at your generator wondering if it’s safe to use at all.

It’s a fair question, and one we hear a lot: Can you run a generator in the rain?

The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends on the type of generator and how it’s set up. And getting it wrong can be dangerous, which is why it’s worth understanding before you’re dealing with an outage in bad weather.

The Risks of Running a Generator in the Rain in New York

Rain creates problems fast when electricity is involved. Portable generators are the biggest concern here.

Moisture can reach live electrical parts quicker than most people expect, even if the rain doesn’t seem heavy. That opens the door to several risks:

• Electric shock if water contacts energized components
• Short circuits that damage internal wiring
• Corrosion that slowly ruins the generator over time
• Fire hazards from wet or overheated connections

Generator safety in rain becomes an issue when people try to improvise. Covering a generator with a tarp or sliding it into a garage to “keep it dry” feels logical in the moment, but both choices can create serious hazards.

Carbon monoxide is the biggest one. Running generators during storms in garages, near doors, or close to windows can allow exhaust fumes to enter the home, even if the generator itself is outside.

How Standby Generators Handle Wet Weather

Standby generators are built for this situation.

These systems are permanently installed outdoors and enclosed in weather-resistant housings. The internal components are sealed, airflow is controlled, and the unit is designed to operate in rain, snow, and freezing conditions.

That’s why standby generators can run automatically during storms without anyone going outside. Generator rain safety is built into the system, assuming it’s installed properly and kept up with regular maintenance.

For many homeowners, that peace of mind is the main reason they switch from portable units. There’s no guessing and no rushing around in bad weather trying to keep equipment dry.

Safe Ways to Operate a Generator During Rain in New York

If you’re using a portable generator, extra caution is always required.

Some basic safety practices include:

• Never running a generator in standing water
• Placing the unit on a dry, raised surface
• Using manufacturer-approved covers made for wet conditions
• Keeping the generator well away from doors, windows, and vents
• Making sure extension cords are rated for outdoor use and stay dry

Even when you follow these steps, portable generators still come with limits. Conditions can change quickly during storms, and rain isn’t always the only concern. Wind, flooding, and debris all play a role.

This is usually where homeowners start realizing that portable generators are more hands-on than they expected.

Choosing the Best Generator for Your New York Home

Homes across New York vary widely, and so do their power needs. Choosing the right generator means thinking about how you actually live during an outage.

Some things to consider:

• Which appliances and systems you truly need powered
• Whether you want whole-home backup or just essentials
• How often outages happen in your area
• Fuel availability, like natural gas or propane

Sizing matters here. A generator that’s too small won’t keep up. One that’s too large can cycle inefficiently and wear down faster. This is where professional guidance usually saves homeowners time and frustration.

If you’re looking into generator installation, working with someone who understands local weather patterns and code requirements makes the process much smoother.

Why New York Homeowners Choose Home Power Systems

Home Power Systems works with homeowners across New York to design backup power solutions that hold up during storms.

We help homeowners move away from risky setups and toward systems designed for wet weather and long outages. That includes proper sizing, code-compliant installation, and clear guidance on safe operation.

You can view our service areas to see where we work and what types of homes we typically serve.

Get Expert Help Choosing the Right Generator

If you’re asking whether you can run a generator in the rain, it’s usually because you want something safer.

Portable generators can work, but they demand constant attention during bad weather. Standby generators are designed to take that stress out of the equation.

Home Power Systems can help you compare options, explain generator rain safety in plain terms, and handle installation if you’re ready. We also offer generator financing options to make whole-home backup power more accessible.

Contact us today to talk through what makes sense for your home and your location.