Covers & Enclosures
A generator is a significant investment that often lives in a garage, shed, or outdoors under a carport. A quality cover protects against rain, snow, UV damage, dust, and pests. But there's an important distinction between storage covers and running covers — a storage cover seals the generator against the elements when it's not in use, while a running cover provides weather protection during operation with adequate ventilation for exhaust and cooling airflow.
Never use a sealed storage cover on a running generator. The engine needs airflow for cooling and the exhaust must vent freely to prevent carbon monoxide buildup and overheating. Running covers (sometimes called "generator tents" or "rain shelters") are open on at least two sides with a canopy overhead. They're especially useful for running a generator during rain — which you'll inevitably need to do during storm-driven outages.
Extension Cords & Power Distribution
The extension cord connecting your generator to appliances is part of the electrical circuit — an undersized cord creates a bottleneck that causes voltage drop, overheating, and potentially fire. For generators, always use outdoor-rated cords with the correct gauge for your load and distance.
| Wire Gauge | Max Load | Max Length (at rated load) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 AWG | 15A (1,800W) | 50 ft | Lights, small electronics |
| 12 AWG | 20A (2,400W) | 100 ft | Refrigerators, power tools |
| 10 AWG | 30A (3,600W) | 100 ft | AC units, well pumps, multiple circuits |
Wheel Kits & Mobility
Many portable generators in the 3,000–10,000 watt range weigh 100–200+ pounds. Some come with wheel kits from the factory; others don't. If yours doesn't, an aftermarket wheel kit is one of the best accessories you can buy. Look for kits with never-flat (solid rubber or foam-filled) tires — a flat pneumatic tire when you need to move a generator during an emergency is a frustrating complication.
Folding handles are more useful than fixed handles because they allow the generator to fit in tighter storage spaces. Some premium wheel kits include locking casters for stable operation on hard surfaces.
Fuel Management
Fuel stabilizer is arguably the most important generator accessory that people forget to buy. Untreated gasoline begins degrading within 30 days. After 3–6 months, it can gum up carburetors, clog fuel lines, and cause hard-starting or no-starting — exactly when you need the generator most. Adding stabilizer to every tank of gas extends the shelf life to 12–24 months depending on the product.
Other fuel management essentials include approved fuel containers (red for gasoline, blue for kerosene, yellow for diesel by convention), a funnel with a fine mesh screen to filter debris, and a siphon pump for transferring fuel between containers without spilling.
Safety Accessories
Carbon monoxide detectors (battery-powered) are non-negotiable if you own a fuel-burning generator. Install them on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas. A portable CO detector near the generator's operating location provides early warning if exhaust is drifting toward occupied spaces.
A fire extinguisher rated for Class B (flammable liquids) should be accessible near your generator's operating and fuel storage locations. Grounding rods with copper wire provide an additional safety layer for generators not connected through a transfer switch.
Top Accessories
Generator Covers & Enclosures
Price: $–$$Weather-resistant covers protect your generator during storage and running. Look for covers with venting for operation, UV-resistant fabric, and snug fit for your specific model. Running covers are different from storage covers — don't suffocate an operating generator.
Heavy-Duty Extension Cords (10-gauge)
Price: $The right cord makes or breaks your generator setup. 10-gauge, outdoor-rated cords are essential for high-draw appliances like AC units and refrigerators. Look for SJTW-rated cords with lighted ends to confirm power flow. 50–100 foot lengths cover most residential setups.
Generator Wheel Kits & Handles
Price: $Aftermarket wheel kits transform a heavy generator from an immovable object into something one person can position. Never-flat tires and folding handles are the features that matter. Match the kit to your generator's frame dimensions.
Fuel Stabilizer & Maintenance Supplies
Price: $STA-BIL, Sea Foam, and similar fuel stabilizers extend gasoline shelf life to 12–24 months. Pair with a maintenance kit including oil, spark plugs, air filters, and funnel for complete seasonal prep.
Parallel Kits: Double Your Power
Many inverter generators support parallel operation — connecting two identical units together to double the available wattage. A parallel kit consists of a cable set and sometimes a companion panel that links two generators' outputs into a single power source. Two 2,200W inverter generators in parallel produce 4,400W — enough to run most household essentials including a medium window AC unit.
The advantages of parallel operation over buying a single larger generator are significant. Two smaller generators are easier to transport, store, and maintain than one large unit. You can use a single generator for lighter loads (camping, tailgating) and connect both when you need full power (home backup). If one generator fails, you still have half your power rather than none. And two small inverter generators in parallel are typically quieter than a single conventional generator of equivalent wattage.
The key requirement is that both generators must be the same make and model (or explicitly compatible per the manufacturer). Mismatched generators can produce out-of-phase power that damages connected equipment and the generators themselves. Always use the manufacturer's parallel kit rather than attempting to jury-rig a connection.
Cord Management and Organization
During an extended outage, extension cords become the circulatory system of your home — and a tangled, disorganized cord setup is both a safety hazard and a source of frustration. Invest in a cord management system before you need it. Heavy-duty cord reels keep cords organized and accessible. Cable labels or colored tape on each cord identify which circuit or appliance each one serves. A simple diagram taped to your breaker panel showing which cords go where saves time during stressful middle-of-the-night deployments.
Store your generator extension cords with your generator, not in a separate location. Searching for cords in a dark garage during a storm is a recipe for frustration. Keep a dedicated "generator go bag" that contains your extension cords (pre-labeled), a flashlight, work gloves, the generator's oil and funnel, spare spark plug, and a laminated startup checklist. Everything you need in one grab.
Grounding Rods and Accessories
Whether your portable generator needs a separate grounding rod depends on how it's connected to loads. If you're plugging appliances directly into the generator via extension cords, most portable generators are self-grounding through their frame — the frame serves as the ground path. If your generator connects to your home's electrical system through a transfer switch, the home's grounding system provides the ground path.
A separate grounding rod is recommended (and sometimes required by local codes) when the generator powers a structure or system that isn't connected to an existing grounding electrode. This includes powering a detached shed, a separate subpanel, or a construction site temporary power setup. A basic grounding kit — 4-foot copper rod, ground clamp, and 6-gauge copper wire — costs under twenty dollars and takes minutes to install. Drive the rod at least 2 feet into the ground near the generator and connect the wire to the generator's grounding terminal.