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Generators are emergency equipment that provide a secondary source of power when there is an electric failure.
Using generators safely is crucial to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, electrical hazards, and other deadly risks.
Generators can produce carbon monoxide (CO), an odorless, colorless gas that can be fatal. Protect yourself and your family by following these guidelines:
Run your generator outdoors, at least 20 feet from your home, doors, and windows.
Never use a generator in an enclosed area, such as a garage, shed, or basement—even if doors or windows are open.
Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home. These devices can alert you to dangerous CO levels.
Prevent Electrical Hazards
Improper generator use can lead to electrocution or fire. Follow these tips to prevent electrical hazards:
Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords to connect appliances. Make sure the cords are undamaged.
Never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet—this can cause “backfeeding,” which is dangerous for utility workers repairing power lines.
Hire a qualified electrician to install a transfer switch if you need to connect your generator to your home’s electrical system.
Handle Fuel Safely
Incorrect fuel handling can cause fires or explosions. Follow these fuel safety tips:
Store fuel in approved containers and keep it away from heat sources.
Turn off the generator and let it cool before refueling to prevent fires.
Be Aware of Hazards
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Fire
Electrocution
Safety Tips
Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use the generator.
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Do not assume that you are safe. Carbon monoxide from generators is completely colorless and odorless, so you won’t know if it’s there. It could kill your family and your pets.
Do not use a generator indoors or in partially enclosed spaces- including homes, garages, and crawl spaces – even those areas with partial ventilation.
Do not operate near open doors and windows. Using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide build-up in the home.
Install battery-powered carbon monoxide alarms inside your home to alert you of dangerous levels. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended placement.
Electrocution or electric shock
Always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.
Hooking up your generator directly into your home power supply could increase the voltage or could cause a surge to the outside power lines and potentially injure or electrocute an unaware utility lineman. It also bypasses some of the built-in household circuit protection devices. Connecting the generator to your home could cause a surge in electricity that might result in injury or death to yourself or your family.
Use a qualified electrician to install the appropriate equipment in accordance with local electrical codes or ask your utility company to install an appropriate power transfer switch.
Fire
Keep your generator outside and fuel your generator outside.
Do not store fuel for your generator in your house. Gasoline, propane, kerosene, diesel and other flammable liquids should be stored outside living areas in properly labeled, non-glass safety containers.
Do not store fuel near a fuel-burning appliance, for example a gas stove.
If the fuel is spilled or the container is not sealed properly, invisible vapors from the fuel can travel along the ground and be ignited by the appliance’s pilot light or by arcs from electric switches.
Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool down. Gasoline or other flammable liquids spilled on hot engine parts could ignite, and invisible vapors from the fuel can travel along the ground and be ignited by the generator’s pilot light or by arcs from electric switches in the appliance.
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