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Generator cover: know whether it is for storage or for running

By the Plain Prepper editors. Updated 2026-10-15.

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Quick answer

Generator covers come in two kinds. A storage cover, such as Champion's C90011 or C90016, is a fitted vinyl hood for a generator that is switched off; Champion describes it as protection while in storage. A running cover, such as Champion's Storm Shield made by GenTent, is a framed canopy its makers say lets you run the generator in bad weather. CPSC's hurricane safety alert still says to wait for the rain to pass, because consumer generators are not weatherproof. Never move a generator indoors to keep it dry.

Storage cover or running cover?

Type	Example	Use	What the maker lists
Storage cover	Champion C90011 (2,800 to 4,750 W)	Generator off	Elastic base, weather-resistant vinyl against sun, UV, rain, snow, debris and sap
Storage cover	Champion C90016 (4,800 to 11,500 W)	Generator off	Same design for larger frames; not designed to fit over wheels
Running cover	Champion 100376 Storm Shield by GenTent	Generator on or off	Natural airflow design for operation with the cover on, refueling door, electrical panel apron

A storage cover fits over the whole unit with an elastic base; Champion describes it as protection while the generator is in storage. Only a cover built and marketed for operation, like the Storm Shield, claims to allow running underneath.

Size a storage cover by the frame, not just the watts

Champion lists both a wattage range and a maximum frame size for each storage cover:

• C90011: generators of 2,800 to 4,750 W, or frames up to 25 x 23.6 x 20.3 in.
• C90016: generators of 4,800 to 11,500 W, or frames up to 30.7 x 23.6 x 23.6 in, which is 5.7 in longer and 3.3 in taller than the C90011's limit.

Measure your generator's frame and compare it with the listed limit before ordering. Both covers carry a 1-year warranty.

What running covers claim, and what CPSC says

Champion says its Storm Shield, made by GenTent, allows you to operate your generator safely outside in nearly any type of weather. It lists NFPA-701 flame-retardant vinyl, RF-welded seams, fiberglass frame rods that clamp to the generator, and ratings for 70 mph winds and 18 inches of snow per day. The rain rating is inconsistent on the same page: the description says 12 inches of rain per hour while the feature list says 12 inches per day.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's hurricane safety alert is more cautious: wait for the rain to pass before using a generator, because consumer-grade generators are not weatherproof and can cause electrocution and shock when used in wet conditions. If you buy a running cover, treat it as added protection for a generator you would run anyway, and follow your generator manual's instructions on wet weather.

Never trade carbon monoxide for dryness

The worst response to rain is moving the generator inside. CPSC says never to use a portable generator in a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or shed, even with ventilation, and to run it outdoors at least 20 feet from the home. NFPA adds:

• Keep it at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vent openings, measured from the generator to the building.
• Never use it in an attached garage, even with the door open.
• Point the exhaust so fumes cannot enter through windows, doors or other openings.

GenTent itself cites a CPSC figure of about 85 deaths a year from portable generator carbon monoxide, and says most occur during severe weather when people bring generators inside.

Cords, fuel and storage habits

• Cords: CPSC and NFPA both call for heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords with all three prongs, and CPSC adds a wire gauge adequate for the load.
• House wiring: NFPA says to have a qualified electrician install a properly rated transfer switch if you need to connect to home circuits.
• Fuel: never store gasoline in the home or near a fuel-burning appliance; NFPA says to use containers made and labeled for fuel and keep them outside living areas.
• Storage cover use: fit a storage cover only when the generator is off; Champion designs it to keep a stored generator clean and dry between outages.

What to look for when you buy

Questions people ask

Can I run a generator with a cover on?

Only with a cover designed for operation, such as Champion's Storm Shield. Champion describes its C90011 and C90016 covers as storage covers.

Can I run a generator in the rain?

CPSC advises waiting for the rain to pass because consumer generators are not weatherproof. Never move one indoors or into a garage to keep it dry.

What size generator cover do I need?

Match the maker's frame limit as well as wattage: Champion's C90011 fits frames up to 25 x 23.6 x 20.3 in and the C90016 up to 30.7 x 23.6 x 23.6 in.

How far from the house should a generator run?

At least 20 feet, outdoors, with exhaust pointed away from doors, windows and vents, per CPSC and NFPA.

Sources

• Safety alert: surviving the aftermath of a hurricane, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
• Generator safety tips, National Fire Protection Association
• C90011 2800-4750W generator cover, Champion Power Equipment
• C90016 4800-11,500W generator cover, Champion Power Equipment
• 100376 Storm Shield generator cover, Champion Power Equipment
• Consumer Product Safety Commission (generator cover safety page), GenTent Safety Canopies

Sources checked 2026-10-15.