Fuel, Venting, and Grounding: What You Should Know Before Using a Rental Generator
Here’s a quick question: if your entire show depends on a single generator, how confident are you in the way it’s set up? If your answer is “pretty confident” but you’ve never really thought about grounding or venting, it might be time for a tune-up—not for the generator, but for your knowledge.
At Eagle Production Company, we’ve powered everything from mobile stages to remote film sets and multi-day festivals. And while renting a generator might seem like the easy part of the job, the real success lies in the planning: where it’s placed, how it’s grounded, how it’s fueled, and how it’s ventilated.
Why Generators Aren’t Just “Plug and Play”
Generators are workhorses, but they’re not magic boxes. Whether you’re using a small tow-behind unit or a 100kW diesel beast, you’re dealing with live power, exhaust emissions, and flammable fuel. That means you need to be intentional and informed.
"A generator can save your event—or end it—depending on how well it's deployed."
Let’s break down the three most critical aspects: fuel, venting, and grounding.
Fuel: Plan for More Than Just Full
The number one mistake we see? Assuming a “full tank” means you're covered. Not quite.
- Runtime vs. Load: A generator rated for 12 hours of runtime often assumes a 50% load. If you’re running closer to 80%, that drops significantly.
- Fuel Type: Most rental generators run on diesel, but always confirm. Mixing fuels—or not having enough—can shut down a show real fast.
- Refueling: For longer events, plan a safe, spill-proof way to refuel without downtime. Some vendors offer external tanks or hot-swap options.
Pro tip: Track your fuel burn rate early in the event so you’re not guessing when it counts.
Venting: Don’t Trap Carbon Monoxide
Generators produce heat and emissions, including carbon monoxide (CO), which can be deadly in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas. Even in outdoor settings, wind direction and enclosure placement can matter.
- Always place generators outdoors or in open-sided structures with adequate airflow.
- Keep a minimum of 10-15 feet between the exhaust side and any tent, wall, or intake area.
- Use signage or barriers to prevent people from congregating near exhaust areas.
At Eagle, we once saw a rooftop event nearly derailed because a generator was venting directly into a stairwell. A reposition and a few barricades saved the day—and probably more than that.
Grounding: The Quiet Risk That’s Easy to Miss
Here’s a topic not enough people talk about: grounding portable generators. Without proper grounding, you risk damage to gear—or worse, injury to crew.
Depending on the generator type and the distribution system, you may need to drive a grounding rod and bond it to the generator’s frame and neutral. Always refer to:
- Local electrical codes (many require grounding on larger units)
- Manufacturer instructions for bonding and ground fault protection
- Qualified electricians when you're not 100% certain
"If you're using Camlock tie-ins or distributing 208V power, treat grounding as a non-negotiable."
Load Testing and Distribution
Before you go live, it’s smart practice to load test your generator setup. Use dummy loads or ramp up your actual gear incrementally while watching for:
- Voltage stability
- Overheating or exhaust changes
- Breaker behavior and distro balance
Make sure you’ve mapped your distro properly, balancing load across phases if running 3-phase power. Unbalanced loads can overwork your generator—and underpower your show.
Real-World Example: A Festival Power Plan Done Right
For a recent weekend-long festival, Eagle AV Rental deployed two synced 70kW diesel generators. We used:
- External 200-gallon fuel tanks to reduce refueling needs
- Custom vent ducting to keep CO away from vendor tents
- Properly bonded grounding rods and inline GFCI breakers
The result? Zero power issues over 48 hours. And the client never once had to think about the generators—which is exactly how it should be.
Final Checklist Before You Fire Up
- ✔ Fuel type and levels confirmed
- ✔ Generator placement allows for safe venting
- ✔ Grounding plan meets code and equipment needs
- ✔ Distribution mapped and labeled
- ✔ Load test completed before full activation
Double-check this list, and you’re already ahead of most on-site teams.
Wrap-Up: Smart Planning Equals Smooth Power
Generators don’t have to be intimidating—but they do demand respect. Fuel, venting, and grounding might sound like technical footnotes, but in reality, they’re the foundation of a safe and successful show.
If you’re unsure about any part of your power setup, ask. At Eagle AV Rental, we’ve supported hundreds of generator-based rigs, and we’re happy to help you plan yours with confidence—whether you’re running a wedding tent, a movie set, or a 10-acre music fest.
Reach out any time. We’re here to help you power up, safely and smartly.
