Portable Generator Hazards
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning
Every year, people die in accidents related to portable generator
use. For example, a young camper was killed by CO from a portable
generator's exhaust tube adjacent to the victim's campsite. Most deaths
involve CO poisoning from portable generators used indoors or in
partially enclosed spaces. The Consumer Product Safety Commission
reports that between 1999 and 2004, portable generators caused 172 CO
poisoning deaths in the U.S.
Generators produce high levels of CO in their exhaust. Carbon monoxide around a generator and its exhaust tube can build up within minutes, even outdoors. Carbon monoxide can linger for hours, even after the generator is shut off.
You cannot see or smell carbon monoxide. So even if you do not smell exhaust fumes, you may still be exposed to CO.
You can help protect yourself by installing CO alarms (battery-operated or plug-in with battery back-up) in your home, RV, boat cabin, and other areas where carbon monoxide may be present. Carbon monoxide detectors should be certified to the latest UL safety standards. Test your CO detector monthly. Replace the batteries in the spring and fall when clocks are changed for daylight saving time.
Generators produce high levels of CO in their exhaust. Carbon monoxide around a generator and its exhaust tube can build up within minutes, even outdoors. Carbon monoxide can linger for hours, even after the generator is shut off.
You cannot see or smell carbon monoxide. So even if you do not smell exhaust fumes, you may still be exposed to CO.
You can help protect yourself by installing CO alarms (battery-operated or plug-in with battery back-up) in your home, RV, boat cabin, and other areas where carbon monoxide may be present. Carbon monoxide detectors should be certified to the latest UL safety standards. Test your CO detector monthly. Replace the batteries in the spring and fall when clocks are changed for daylight saving time.
How to Avoid CO Poisoning
- NEVER use a generator inside a home, garage, crawlspace, shed, or other enclosed area. Locate the unit outdoors and far from doors, windows, and vents.
- Always run your generator in a well-ventilated area, and only if you can vent its exhaust safely. Make sure the exhaust hose is placed far from other campers, tents, boats, cabins, etc.
- Install CO alarms in your home, RV, boat or other area where CO may be present.
Electrical Hazards
Generators pose a risk of shock and electrocution, especially if they
are operated in wet conditions. If you must use a generator when it is
wet outside, operate the generator under an open, canopy-like structure
on a dry surface where water cannot reach it or puddle or drain under
it. Do this without operating the generator indoors or near openings to
any building, in order to help avoid the CO hazard. Dry your hands, if
wet, before touching the generator.
Use only heavy-duty extension cords specifically designed for outdoor use when connecting appliances to a portable generator. Make sure the wattage rating for each cord exceeds the total wattage of all appliances connected to it. Use extension cords that are long enough to allow the generator to be placed outdoors and far away from windows, doors, and vents to the home or to other structures (tents, other RVs, etc.). Check that the entire length of each cord is free of cuts or tears and that the plug has all three prongs. Protect the cord from getting pinched or crushed if it passes through a window or doorway.
NEVER try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. This is sometimes called "backfeeding." Backfeeding is extremely dangerous! It presents an electrocution risk to utility workers and neighbors served by the same utility transformer. It also bypasses some of the built-in household circuit protection devices.
Use only heavy-duty extension cords specifically designed for outdoor use when connecting appliances to a portable generator. Make sure the wattage rating for each cord exceeds the total wattage of all appliances connected to it. Use extension cords that are long enough to allow the generator to be placed outdoors and far away from windows, doors, and vents to the home or to other structures (tents, other RVs, etc.). Check that the entire length of each cord is free of cuts or tears and that the plug has all three prongs. Protect the cord from getting pinched or crushed if it passes through a window or doorway.
NEVER try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. This is sometimes called "backfeeding." Backfeeding is extremely dangerous! It presents an electrocution risk to utility workers and neighbors served by the same utility transformer. It also bypasses some of the built-in household circuit protection devices.
How to Avoid Electrical Hazards
- Keep the generator dry.
- Dry your hands, if wet, before touching the generator.
- Use the right extension cord.
- Check your equipment and cords before use. Double-check where the exhaust is facing, where the generator is located, and the condition of the electrical cords.
- NEVER plug the generator into a wall outlet. "Backfeeding" is extremely dangerous and presents an electrocution risk.
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using your generator.
Fire Hazards
Generators and the fuel you use to run them can cause fire hazards.
Never store fuel for your generator in the home. Gasoline, propane,
kerosene, and other flammable liquids should be stored away from living
areas, and only in properly labeled, non-glass safety containers. Do not
store fuel near a fuel-burning appliance, such as a furnace or water
heater. Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool
down. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.
How to Avoid Fire Hazards
- Never store generator fuel in the home or near an ignition source.
- Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool down.
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using your generator.