Generator Safety Tips: How to Stay Safe During Power Outages

Critical safety fact: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), carbon monoxide poisoning from portable generators causes an average of 85 deaths per year in the United States. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that an additional 4,000+ people are treated in emergency rooms annually for non-fatal CO poisoning from generators. Understanding and following generator safety guidelines is essential to protecting your family during power outages.

1. Carbon Monoxide: The Invisible Danger

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by all fuel-burning generators. According to the CDC and CPSC, it is the most serious safety risk associated with generator use.

Critical CO Safety Rules

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission's generator safety guidelines:

Never operate a generator indoors, including in garages, basements, crawl spaces, or any partially enclosed area
Place generators at least 20 feet from any building opening (windows, doors, and vents), with the exhaust directed away from the structure
Install battery-operated CO detectors on every level of your home, particularly near sleeping areas. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends CO alarms that meet UL 2034 standards

Self-contained answer: According to the CPSC, generators must be placed at least 20 feet from any door, window, or vent, with the exhaust pointed away from the building. Even with proper outdoor placement, battery-operated CO detectors should be installed on every level of the home as an additional safety measure.

Why Standby Generators Are Safer

Professionally installed standby generators, like the Generac systems installed by Generators of Texas, have significant safety advantages over portable generators:

Permanent outdoor installation with engineered exhaust routing, eliminating the risk of indoor CO exposure
Automatic operation that doesn't require manual starting during dangerous storm conditions
Hardwired transfer switches that prevent backfeeding, protecting utility workers and your home
Weather-rated enclosures that allow safe operation in rain, snow, and extreme temperatures

According to CPSC incident data, the vast majority of generator-related CO deaths involve portable generators operated in or near enclosed spaces. Permanently installed standby generators account for virtually zero CO-related fatalities when properly installed to code.

2. Electrical Safety and Backfeeding Prevention

What Is Backfeeding?

Backfeeding occurs when a generator is improperly connected to a home's electrical system, sending power back through the utility lines. According to the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):

Backfeeding can kill utility workers who assume de-energized lines are safe to handle
It can damage your generator, appliances, and your home's electrical system
Backfeeding is illegal in all 50 states and violates NEC Article 702

Transfer Switch Requirement

According to the National Electrical Code (NEC Article 702), a listed transfer switch is required for any generator connected to a building's electrical system. This device:

Isolates your home from the utility grid when the generator is running, preventing backfeeding
Automatically switches between utility and generator power (in standby generator installations)
Must be installed by a licensed electrician in compliance with local building codes

Self-contained answer: A transfer switch is legally required by the National Electrical Code (NEC Article 702) for any generator connected to a home's electrical system. It prevents dangerous backfeeding that can electrocute utility workers and damage equipment. Professional installation by a licensed electrician is mandatory.

3. Fuel Safety Guidelines

Natural Gas and Propane Safety

For standby generators connected to natural gas or propane, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 54) provides these guidelines:

Gas line connections must be performed by a licensed professional and inspected by the local authority
Propane tank placement must comply with NFPA 58 distance requirements (minimum 10 feet from building openings)
Regular leak testing should be performed at gas connections during annual maintenance

Portable Generator Fuel Safety

If using a portable generator, the CPSC recommends:

Turn off the generator and let it cool for at least 5 minutes before refueling. Gasoline spilled on hot engine components can ignite instantly
Store fuel in approved containers (UL-listed or FM-approved) in a cool, well-ventilated location away from the home
Never store fuel indoors or near any ignition source
Use fresh fuel and treat stored gasoline with stabilizer if stored for more than 30 days

4. Professional Installation Requirements

Why Professional Installation Matters

According to the Electrical Generating Systems Association (EGSA) and local building codes, professional generator installation is critical for safety:

Electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician who understands NEC requirements, local codes, and utility interconnection standards
Gas connections require a licensed plumber or gas fitter
Permits are required in most Texas jurisdictions, including inspections by the local building authority
Improper installation voids the manufacturer's warranty and may not be covered by homeowner's insurance in the event of a claim

Generators of Texas employs Generac-certified master electricians who handle all permits, inspections, and installation to the highest standards, ensuring your system is safe, legal, and fully warranted.

Proper Placement Requirements

According to Generac's installation guidelines and local building codes:

Minimum 18 inches clearance on all sides for proper ventilation
5 feet from any opening (doors, windows, vents) per most local codes
Elevated placement above expected flood levels in flood-prone areas
Level, stable surface such as a concrete pad or approved composite pad
Compliance with setback requirements from property lines and structures

5. Ongoing Maintenance for Safety

Why Maintenance Is a Safety Issue

According to EGSA and Generac's maintenance guidelines, a poorly maintained generator is a safety hazard:

Fuel leaks from deteriorated connections or hoses can create fire and explosion risks
Exhaust leaks can allow CO to escape at unintended locations
Electrical faults from corroded connections can cause fires or shock hazards
Battery failure can prevent automatic start during emergencies when you need it most

Recommended Maintenance Schedule

Generac recommends the following maintenance schedule to ensure safe operation:

Weekly: Run the generator for its automatic exercise cycle (typically 12 minutes per week, configured at installation)
Monthly: Visual inspection of the generator and surrounding area
Annually: Professional maintenance service including oil change, filter replacement, battery test, and comprehensive safety inspection
After every extended use: Full service within 48 hours of any outage lasting more than 24 hours

Self-contained answer: Generac recommends professional maintenance at least annually and after any extended outage lasting more than 24 hours. Weekly automatic exercise cycles and monthly visual inspections help identify potential safety issues before they become dangerous.

Generator Safety Checklist

Before every storm season, review this safety checklist based on CPSC, NFPA, and Generac guidelines:

CO detectors installed and batteries tested (NFPA recommendation)
Generator placed 20+ feet from building openings (CPSC requirement)
Transfer switch installed and tested (NEC Article 702)
All gas connections inspected for leaks (NFPA 54)
Annual professional maintenance completed (Generac recommendation)
Oil and filter levels checked
Battery tested and terminals clean
Area around generator clear of debris and combustibles (minimum 3 feet per NFPA)
Family members know generator location and emergency procedures

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a generator kill you?

Yes, improperly used generators can be fatal. According to the CDC, carbon monoxide from generators kills an average of 85 people per year in the United States. These deaths are almost entirely preventable by placing generators outdoors, at least 20 feet from any building opening, and installing CO detectors in your home. Professionally installed standby generators virtually eliminate this risk through permanent outdoor installation.

Do I need a permit to install a generator in Texas?

Yes, most Texas municipalities require electrical and sometimes plumbing permits for generator installation. According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician, and installations must pass inspection by the local building authority. Generators of Texas handles all permitting and inspection requirements as part of our installation process.

How often should I test my generator?

Generac recommends that standby generators run an automatic exercise cycle once per week, typically for 12 minutes. This keeps the engine lubricated, charges the battery, and verifies the system is ready for the next outage. Annual professional maintenance should include a comprehensive load test and safety inspection.

Last updated: January 2025. Safety data sourced from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and Generac Power Systems. Contact Generators of Texas at (832) 850-4816 for professional generator installation and maintenance.