The placement of a generator in relation to your home is an important safety factor that requires careful attention. Inappropriately positioning your generator can lead to serious hazards such as carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electrical shock, or fire. But how far exactly should you put your generator from your house?
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends placing portable generators at least 20 feet away from your home, including your living quarters and any attached garages or shed-like structures. This recommendation is designed to prevent the dangerous accumulation of carbon monoxide within living spaces.
Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that can cause sudden illness or death. It’s produced any time a fossil fuel is burned, which includes running a gasoline-powered generator. When a generator is too close to a home, CO can seep into the house through windows, doors, or any other openings, reaching potentially fatal levels within minutes.
In addition to the 20-foot rule, generators should never be used in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. This includes basements, crawlspaces, and even larger structures like garages or sheds, unless they’re specifically designed and well-ventilated for generator use.
While keeping the generator at a distance, it’s also important to ensure the exhaust is directed away from your home. Even at 20 feet, if the exhaust is pointed towards doors, windows, or vents, there is a risk of CO entering your home.
The placement of your generator should also consider other factors like rain, snow, and other weather conditions.small portable generators.Never use a generator in wet conditions unless it is under a well-ventilated, canopy-like structure that protects it from moisture but doesn’t restrict airflow.
To further protect yourself, it’s strongly recommended to install battery-operated CO alarms or plug-in CO alarms with battery backup in your home. These devices can provide an early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide.
Finally, while considering how far to place your generator from your house, remember that it should also be in a secure location to deter theft and should be easily accessible for refuelling and maintenance.
In conclusion, the placement of your generator is critical in ensuring safe operation. Keep it at least 20 feet away from your home, direct the exhaust away from the house, and protect it from wet conditions. Adhering to these guidelines will ensure you can use your generator safely and effectively when you need it most.