If your generator is located in a closed space, the exhaust it produces may be a problem. Carbon monoxide is produced as a result of the exhaust gases coming from the generator. Carbon monoxide has no color and no smell so you won’t feel the gas. These gases, like those from a car, can be harmful or even fatal.
Your generator’s extended exhaust can act as a safety precaution by directing harmful pollutants toward a well-ventilated area. You may rest easy knowing that you and your family are safe and protected by extending the exhaust into an exposed location.
Because of the exhaust, it is advised against installing or using generators in your garage. The exhaust will need to be extended if the generator is placed in an outside shelter. This keeps the enclosure secure.
Can a generator exhaust be extended?
Yes, you can expand the exhaust from your generator. Measure the generator’s dimensions before installing a generator exhaust extension then choose the appropriate extension for your generator. The generator exhaust should then be properly cleaned before the extension tube is attached. Place the extension tube in the proper location and clamp it in place. Check the installation once again.
Here’s a quick guide on how to install a generator exhaust extension. Jump right in—I’ve got a full article devoted to this subject!
How to make a generator exhaust extension
So, many people think that the installation of generator exhaust extensions is not so simple. However, there’s no need to worry; in this article, we will elaborately discuss all the steps that are very easy and simple. We will also discuss the tools used in this process. Carefully focus on all the steps, the procedure is fairly simple.
There are 7 steps and if you follow all of them, you are most likely to complete them. These steps are listed below;
Tools Required for Installation
You need the proper equipment to attach the extension. Therefore, check that you have all the essential equipment. Here is what you require:
- Tape and Ruler
- Small Socket Drill
- Vernier Calipers
- Screwdriver
- Exhaust Pipe
Now let’s move toward the step- by step guide;
- Measure the generator dimensions
- Buy an ideal extension
- Make the generator exhaust clean.
- Put the extension tube in place
- Apply the clamp.
- the extension tube is fastened
- Move it to an appropriate area
- Installment testing
The effects are unmatched by anything else, but it will take some effort, imagination, and resolution on your part.
Buy an Extension
This is a difficult task to choose the best extension in the market. Make sure the quality of the extension is excellent because of dirt and smoke accumulating in the exhaust pipe. A bad-quality pipe will disturb your generator’s efficiency.
The surface should be prepared for the installation of the extension by simply wiping it with a cleaning cloth to remove all dirt, grime, and lubricant residue.
If you have carefully taken all the measurements, then relax, you are not going to face any problems now. Just keep in mind to select a pipe that is marginally larger. So that it doesn’t detach over time, a clamp will hold the extension tube to the generator’s exhaust.
Check More: How To Clean A Generator?
Measure the generator dimensions
You cant do this job without finding the precise dimensions of the generator. But this is not very hectic work, fortunately, there are only two things that should be measured. You’ll have to find the dimensions of the extension length and the exhaust diameter of your generator.
While measuring, this is no space for any type of error because any wrong measurement could lead to the failure of the extension installation. The entire effort would be ineffective if the extension pipe didn’t fit.
Try to use a vernier caliper for taking measurements because of the very few chances of any miscalculation by using this tool. You can easily take measure with any ruler but as we have described, it’s best to use a vernier caliper.
To guarantee that the extended tube doesn’t really fit too tightly, make sure to give a clearance of about 0.7 millimeters when recording the reading. However, we can also connect the tube to the exhaust using a clamp or some other tool of this type.
Now, it’s time to place the generator at a place that is far away from you and it must be kept in some open area. For this simply use a measuring tape to get the longest feasible width between those two positions after measuring all conceivable lengths. This is one of the most important measurements.
Apply the clamp
Pipe clamps and hose clamps are the 2 kinds of clamps you will find in stores or online. It is more suitable to choose the pipe clamps because it goes perfectly with flex tubing. Here you need a socket to attach the tube.
Attach the Extension Tube
You will notice that every clamp has two screws located on each side. To position the clamp over the exhaust, simply wiggle them apart till the clamp is free.
To ensure that the clamp fits precisely, place the extension flex tubing on the exhaust and then secure the screws. Make sure not to tighten or loosen the extension pipe.
Place the Extended Exhaust
Find a perfect place for your generator away from your home. Measure that distance and place it there. Now, you take the measurements that how long the extension pipe should be according to your feasibility. You can do it according to your needs, measurement at this step depends only on you. Just remember that it needs to be outdoors and well-ventilated—otherwise, what’s all vain!
Read This: How to Protect Outdoor Extension Cord from Rain DIY
Examine the Installation
Be active and efficient while testing the installation as it will be helpful for you. Perate the generator for just 10 minutes and in that duration, you will look for these things;
- Leakage in flex tube
- Evaporation of gases
- Extension working
There is nothing left for you to do if everything works out as planned. Your generator now has an addition that you’ve added successfully.
Although it might not be true for everyone, to avoid any damage, you should often remove the extension if it’s not going to use anymore for a while. With a long extension attached, storing the generator can be challenging because it needs to be put away after usage. If the tube is not set down in a secure location, it may also sustain harm.
How to Extend and Silence Your Generator?
Portable generators are notorious for the noise they produce and it is observed that people who have used these generators for quite a long time are prone to many health issues. As Health is Wealth so never compromise on quality. This is not true that extension stops the punching sound. But it is sure that it is helpful in reducing some sound.
Place your generator away from workspaces or homes or campsites to make it quieter, or build sound deflectors to lessen the harm.
Other options include setting the generator on silicone feet, fixing any loose parts, or putting it inside a soundproof baffle box.
It is also possible to set the generator on rubber feet, secure any loose pieces, or enclose it in a soundproof baffle box.
Limiting noise pollution should be a concern since it can also have serious health-related issues, just as it is crucial to keep exhaust fumes away from people.
Why Do You Need to Install a Generator Exhaust Extension?
In order to work and power your home or shop at the same time, you are employing a generator that is housed inside a shed or garage. In this instance, an exhaust pipe for your generators is helpful because you can quickly reroute the exhaust air to a separate area and continue working without fear of inhaling dangerous toxins.
And if you’re not in the same area as the generator, ensure sure the area is properly aired because odorless carbon dioxide cannot be retained in a closed space. There won’t be any dangerous gases in the region if an extension pipe or tube is connected to the generator’s exhaust.
Check It: How to Make a Generator Quiet
Extend Generator Exhaust – FAQs
Conclusion
The generator exhaust can be extended most effectively on your own.
The DIY approach is, barring hiring a specialist to add the extender for you, by far the most practical. The outcomes will be worthwhile and far more cost-effective than anything else, even if it will take time and work on your behalf.
Just keep in mind to position the exhaust extension in an area with good airflow, ideally one with lots of vegetation to reduce environmental pollution.
