# Securing a portable generator. **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 21, 2017, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/securing-a-portable-generator/796897 "2017-09-21T15:29:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 16\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2017, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/securing-a-portable-generator/796897/1 "2017-09-21T15:29:38Z")
I have a portable generator. We used it to run the gas furnace when the power went out during an ice storm. When I lived in the woods, security wasn’t a problem, but in the city where two guys with bolt cutters can hoist it into a pickup, and in a neighborhood where cars are broken into regularly, I am worried. I can’t run it inside the garage for obvious reasons. How do you secure yours? ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2017, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/securing-a-portable-generator/796897/2 "2017-09-21T15:41:22Z")
A strong steel cable and a hardened padlock would be the first step. Both are tough or impossible to cut with standard bolt cutters. To really go nuts, bolt it to an oversized and awkward frame to discourage theft. Or build a concrete pad to bolt it to. ---
**Author:** ![Machine\_Elf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/82dd89/32.png) [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2017, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/securing-a-portable-generator/796897/3 "2017-09-21T15:51:23Z")
I don’t have a portable generator. But if I did, I’m thinking of some combination of these things: -chain that’s large enough to make it difficult for a bolt cutter to get through -[security screws](https://www.mcmaster.com/#screws/=19hbvjk) to attach the chain to the generator (and whatever you anchor it to -Either a very obvious security camera to discourage theft, or a very well-hidden one (or more) to provide evidence that can be used to find and prosecute the thieves Cameras are affordable these days, and generally include motion sensing (so they only record when they spot activity) and remote storage of video footage. Some are wireless, [like this one,](https://www.arlo.com/en-us/default.aspx) so installation is extremely easy. If your goal is to preserve video evidence of a theft, you’ll want to set up at least one cam to get a look at their vehicle and/or license plate. And of course you’ll want a UPS for your computer/router/modem so that the camera keeps working even if the bad guys steal the generator. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2017, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/securing-a-portable-generator/796897/4 "2017-09-21T16:02:03Z")
Get a big dog and chain it to the generator…just kidding…I think there is some danger in running it inside closed areas…carbon monoxide. ---
**Author:** ![anomalous1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e56c9b/32.png) [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2017, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/securing-a-portable-generator/796897/5 "2017-09-21T16:18:16Z")
A pair of U Shape pieces of rebar and a bag of cement. Dig a hole, pour the concrete in and wedge the pieces of rebar in. Let it dry for a couple days. Then attach the generator with two thick braided steel cables and the highest security lock you can get. At least this way, you can put it anywhere you need to in your yard. $50 should cover everything. Rebar is near impossible to cut through (with hacksaws and quieter methods) and the braided cables will pretty much prevent bolt cutters. edit: big bag of cement, as much as you can put in the ground to make it impossible to lift out. ---
**Author:** ![SamuelA](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c77e96/32.png) [@SamuelA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SamuelA)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2017, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/securing-a-portable-generator/796897/6 "2017-09-21T16:42:25Z")
So, you have a garage but no backyard? If this is a condo, are there not outdoor stairs with a steel railing leading upstairs? Or a balcony? I think you just need a bicycle chain and a generator inexpensive enough that it’s not the end of the world if someone swipes it. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2017, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/securing-a-portable-generator/796897/7 "2017-09-21T16:50:22Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > A strong steel cable and a hardened padlock would be the first step. Both are tough or impossible to cut with standard bolt cutters. I didn’t know that a steel cable was that tough. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Machine\_Elf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/82dd89/32.png) [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2017, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/securing-a-portable-generator/796897/8 "2017-09-21T17:16:30Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > Get a big dog and chain it to the generator…just kidding…I think there is some danger in running it inside closed areas…carbon monoxide. [Not just _some_ danger.](https://www.google.com/search?q=generator+%22carbon+monoxide%22&source=lnms&tbm=nws&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjuzp-z47bWAhXE4iYKHaZHDjIQ_AUIDCgD&biw=1012&bih=735) If you run it in an attached garage, or even in close proximity to your house, the CO can get into your living area and make you sick/dead. Thieves incentivize owners to run these things in their garages or right next to their house, and that’s how the owners end up appearing posthumously on the evening news. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2017, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/securing-a-portable-generator/796897/9 "2017-09-21T19:51:06Z")
> [@Machine\_Elf](#): > > [Not just _some_ danger.](https://www.google.com/search?q=generator+%22carbon+monoxide%22&source=lnms&tbm=nws&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjuzp-z47bWAhXE4iYKHaZHDjIQ_AUIDCgD&biw=1012&bih=735) If you run it in an attached garage, or even in close proximity to your house, the CO can get into your living area and make you sick/dead. Thieves incentivize owners to run these things in their garages or right next to their house, and that’s how the owners end up appearing posthumously on the evening news. Indeed. ---
**Author:** ![SamuelA](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c77e96/32.png) [@SamuelA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SamuelA)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2017, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/securing-a-portable-generator/796897/10 "2017-09-21T22:02:38Z")
One of the linked stories had this bit " The 15,000-watt generator — capable of powering a home’s central air-conditioning system — was \*\*outside \*\*the home, near the garage. The garage door had been left open a few inches, and with the generator pointed toward it, the fumes were able to seep in, Borroto said from the scene Thursday." So don’t run one anywhere close to a building, and have a CO detector. With this kind of danger, maybe you need 2 CO detectors, in case the first one is faulty. ---
**Author:** ![excavating\_for\_a\_mind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e8c25b/32.png) [@excavating\_for\_a\_mind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/excavating_for_a_mind)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2017, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/securing-a-portable-generator/796897/11 "2017-09-22T00:37:21Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > I have a portable generator. We used it to run the gas furnace when the power went out during an ice storm. When I lived in the woods, security wasn’t a problem, but in the city where two guys with bolt cutters can hoist it into a pickup, and in a neighborhood where cars are broken into regularly, I am worried. I can’t run it inside the garage for obvious reasons. How do you secure yours? Just in case somebody has missed it: > [@](#): > > …I can’t run it inside the garage for obvious reasons… Now, to get back to the OP, if it is really a portable generator, store it in the garage. When you have the need, move it outside a safe distance, connect it (in a safe manner) to those items that need the power. The “P” in portable stands for “Portable”. Use that to your advantage. ---
**Author:** ![boytyperanma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2017, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/securing-a-portable-generator/796897/12 "2017-09-22T01:25:20Z")
Unfortunately not much you can do to stop determined thieves. You just put a chain on it to stop thefts of opportunity. Nothing you use is going to stop an angle grinder, they don’t even need to have a cordless one because there is that convenient generator. You can aim a trail cam at it from an inconspicuous location to help catch any would be thieves. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2017, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/securing-a-portable-generator/796897/13 "2017-09-22T01:58:19Z")
Alas, I can not stay up all night and shoot the thief. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2017, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/securing-a-portable-generator/796897/14 "2017-09-22T02:06:27Z")
> [@boytyperanma](#): > > Unfortunately not much you can do to stop determined thieves. You just put a chain on it to stop thefts of opportunity. Nothing you use is going to stop an angle grinder, they don’t even need to have a cordless one because there is that convenient generator. > > You can aim a trail cam at it from an inconspicuous location to help catch any would be thieves. The idea is to deter a casual thief. Bolt cutters & pry bars are common carry items in theory, angle grinders not so much. ---
**Author:** ![boytyperanma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2017, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/securing-a-portable-generator/796897/15 "2017-09-22T02:12:34Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > The idea is to deter a casual thief. Bolt cutters & pry bars are common carry items in theory, angle grinders not so much. Angle grinders are becoming more common than bolt cutters. Bolt cutters usually being larger and harder to conceal. A hardened chain or cable is about all you can do. ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2017, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/securing-a-portable-generator/796897/16 "2017-09-22T03:02:44Z")
If you have a concrete pad to put it on, sink some big concrete anchors into it, and then make (weld) a box for the lock to go into, somewhere under the generator, so that a hand with a key can reach it, but bolt cutters or grinders can’t.