Generator Safety and Selection

Generators provide substantial backup power during outages, capable of running major appliances, HVAC systems, and entire households. However, generators come with serious safety considerations. Carbon monoxide poisoning from improper generator use kills dozens of people annually during power outages.

Choosing the right generator involves understanding power requirements, fuel options, and the critical safety rules that make generator operation safe. This guide covers these fundamentals to help you select and use a generator responsibly.

Safety is not optional with generators. Every death from generator related carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable with proper use. Read and follow all safety guidelines before operating any generator.

Critical Safety Rules

These rules are non negotiable. Violating them can result in death.

Never Run Indoors

Generators produce carbon monoxide (CO), an odorless, colorless gas that kills quickly. Never run a generator inside your home, garage, basement, or any enclosed space. Not even with doors or windows open. Not even "just for a minute."

Placement Distance

Place generators at least 20 feet from any door, window, or vent. Position so exhaust points away from the building. CO can enter homes through small openings and accumulate to dangerous levels.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Install battery powered CO detectors on every level of your home. Test them regularly. During generator use, pay attention to any alarm. If the alarm sounds, evacuate immediately and get fresh air.

Dry Conditions Only

Operate generators in dry conditions. Use a canopy or cover that allows ventilation if rain is possible. Never touch a generator with wet hands or while standing in water.

Proper Refueling

Turn off the generator and let it cool before refueling. Gasoline spilled on a hot engine can ignite. Store fuel safely away from the generator.

Generator Types

Portable Generators

Movable units ranging from 1000 to 10000+ watts. Power devices through extension cords or a transfer switch. Most common for emergency backup. Require manual starting and monitoring.

Best for: Temporary backup, running specific appliances, situations where power needs vary.

Inverter Generators

Produce clean, stable power safe for sensitive electronics. Quieter and more fuel efficient than conventional generators. Generally smaller capacity (1000 to 4000 watts typical).

Best for: Electronics, camping, situations requiring quiet operation, parallel connection for more power.

Standby Generators

Permanently installed units that start automatically during outages. Connected directly to home electrical panel through transfer switch. Run on natural gas or propane. Higher cost but seamless backup.

Best for: Whole house backup, medical equipment dependence, areas with frequent outages.

Dual Fuel Generators

Can run on gasoline or propane, providing fuel flexibility. Propane stores longer and produces cleaner emissions. Useful when one fuel type may be unavailable.

Sizing Your Generator

Calculating Power Needs

List essential devices you need to power. Find the wattage for each (check labels or manuals). Add running watts together. Account for starting watts (motors require extra power to start).

Common Appliance Wattages

Refrigerator: 100 to 400W running, 1200W starting

Freezer: 50 to 100W running, 500W starting

Sump pump: 800W running, 1500W starting

Window AC: 500 to 1500W running, up to 3x starting

Furnace fan: 300 to 1000W running, 2x starting

Lights: 60 to 600W depending on number

TV: 100 to 400W

Computer: 100 to 300W

Sizing Formula

Add all running watts. Add the highest starting wattage (not all starting watts, since appliances do not start simultaneously in practice). Choose a generator rated for at least this total, preferably with 20 to 25 percent margin.

Fuel Considerations

Gasoline

Most common fuel. Widely available during normal conditions. Degrades over time without stabilizer. Volatile and requires careful storage. May be scarce during widespread emergencies.

Storage: Use fuel stabilizer. Rotate every 3 to 6 months. Store in approved containers away from the generator.

Propane

Stores indefinitely without degradation. Cleaner burning than gasoline. Available in portable tanks or large fixed tanks. Less energy dense than gasoline (more fuel needed for same runtime).

Storage: Store tanks outdoors. Inspect valves and connections. Keep spare tanks filled.

Diesel

More energy dense than gasoline. Longer shelf life. Diesel generators typically more durable but noisier. Less common in smaller portable units.

Storage: Add biocide to prevent algae growth. Rotate annually.

Natural Gas

Piped to home, no storage needed. Available during many emergencies (but not all). Primarily for standby generators. Unlimited fuel supply if gas lines function.

Connection Methods

Extension Cords

Simple method for powering individual devices. Use heavy duty outdoor rated cords. Match cord gauge to generator output and cord length. Never run cords through closed doors or windows.

Transfer Switch

Proper method for powering home circuits. Manual or automatic versions available. Isolates your home from the grid (required by code, protects utility workers). Should be installed by licensed electrician.

Never Backfeed

Never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet or breaker. This backfeeds power into utility lines, potentially electrocuting utility workers and damaging equipment. It is illegal and extremely dangerous.

Maintenance and Readiness

Regular Testing

Run your generator monthly for 15 to 30 minutes under load. This keeps seals lubricated, prevents fuel system issues, and verifies operation before you need it.

Oil Changes

Change oil according to manufacturer schedule. Check oil level before each use. Running low on oil damages the engine.

Fuel System

Use fuel stabilizer in stored gasoline. Run carburetor dry before long storage or use fuel shutoff. Stale fuel is the most common cause of generator starting problems.

Spark Plug and Air Filter

Replace spark plugs and clean or replace air filters according to manufacturer schedule. Dirty filters reduce power and efficiency.

Quick Reference Checklist

• Never operate indoors or in enclosed spaces
• Position at least 20 feet from any building opening
• Install and test CO detectors
• Calculate power needs before selecting generator size
• Store fuel safely with stabilizer
• Use transfer switch for home circuit connection
• Never backfeed through wall outlets
• Test run monthly under load
• Change oil and maintain per schedule
• Let generator cool before refueling