Carbon monoxide placement
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says portable generators must run outside only, at least 20 feet from the house, with exhaust directed away from the home and other buildings. A garage, carport, porch, shed, doorway or open window is not a safe location. Use working battery-powered or battery-backup carbon-monoxide alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas.
Never backfeed a receptacle
A homemade double-male cord can energize utility lines, kill line workers, start a fire and damage equipment. Household backup needs listed transfer equipment or another code-compliant isolation method. A qualified electrician should match the inlet, transfer switch or interlock to the panel, generator neutral arrangement and local code.
Prevent shock and fire
Keep the machine dry without enclosing it or restricting cooling and exhaust. Use outdoor-rated cords sized for the load, fully uncoil them, inspect them and keep connections off wet ground. Shut down and cool the engine before refueling. Store fuel only in approved containers away from living areas and ignition sources.
Prepare before the outage
Label the circuits or cords, decide which large loads will be alternated, and keep the manual, correct oil, approved fuel containers and suitable cords together. Plan the outdoor operating location, weather protection and exhaust direction in advance. Follow the model manual on grounding because requirements depend on the connection method and local authority.
Sources and further reading
- U.S. CPSC portable-generator guidance
- Honda generator selection guide
- Briggs & Stratton wattage guidance
Confirm current specifications and all operating instructions in the manufacturer manual. Electrical work should follow local code and be completed by a qualified professional.