Generator Carbon Monoxide Safety: CPSC Rules to Follow in an Outage
Portable generators can kill in minutes. These are the CPSC rules, plus an exhaust-free alternative for indoor loads.
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Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless. The CPSC says an average of nearly 100 people die in the US each year from CO poisoning caused by portable generators, and that CO poisoning from a gasoline generator can kill in minutes.
The CPSC rules
- Never run a portable generator inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace, shed or other enclosed space. Open doors and windows do not make it safe.
- Run it outside only, at least 20 feet from the house. Not on a porch or in a carport.
- Point the exhaust away from your home and other buildings’ doors, windows and vents.
- Follow the maker instructions for rain and snow, which may include an NFPA-rated noncombustible generator tent.
- Look for a generator with a CO shut-off feature.
CO alarms
Install battery-operated CO alarms, or alarms with battery backup, on each level and outside sleeping areas. Interconnected alarms are best. Test them monthly. Plug-in alarms fail when the power is out, which is exactly when you need them.
Know the symptoms
Headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness and confusion. If you suspect CO poisoning, get outside to fresh air right away, then call 911.
An exhaust-free option
A battery power station makes no exhaust, so it can sit indoors near a fridge or CPAP. Many households pair the two. Read power station vs generator and size it with the home backup sizing guide.
Generator CO rules at a glance
| Rule (CPSC) | Detail |
|---|---|
| Placement | Outside only, at least 20 feet from the house |
| Never | Home, garage, basement, crawlspace, shed, porch or carport |
| Exhaust | Pointed away from doors, windows and vents |
| Features | Look for CO shut-off |
| Alarms | Battery or battery-backup, each level and outside sleeping areas; test monthly |
Related: EcoFlow vs Jackery, best portable power stations, power station UPS mode.
Frequently asked questions
How far from the house should a generator be?
The CPSC says at least 20 feet away, with the exhaust pointed away from the home and other buildings.
Is opening the garage door enough?
No. The CPSC says opening doors or windows will not provide enough ventilation to prevent lethal CO buildup.
Are battery power stations safe indoors?
They have no engine, so they make no exhaust or CO. Follow the maker placement and charging instructions.
