• Generators should have at least 3 to 4 feet of clear space on all sides and above them for adequate ventilation
• Keep the generator on a stable, level surface to prevent fuel spillage and ensure proper operation.
• Install battery-powered carbon monoxide alarms inside your home to alert you of dangerous levels. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommended placement.
Never Run A Generator In A Garage, Shed, or Enclosed Space
• Using a generator indoors can kill you in minutes. Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide, this is a poison you cannot see or smell. You don't run your car indoors; don't run your generator inside either.
• Always place the generator in a well-ventilated outdoor area, away from anything that can catch fire.
Watch Our Video Covering Safety Guidelines
Never Plug A Generator Directly Into Your Home’s Wiring
This is called backfeeding, and not only can it cause electric shocks and damage to your home’s wiring, it can send electricity back through the utility lines and injure or kill line workers who are trying to restore electric power.
Instead, you should have a transfer switch installed by a qualified electrician. This is the only safe way to connect your portable generator to your home’s electrical system. View our Installer Locator to find qualified professionals in your area.
Read Your Generator's Manual
To fully understand your generator, read through the manual provided in the box. PDF versions of manuals are also available online for easy viewing