One of the most common and dangerous generator mistakes homeowners make is placing the generator too close to the house. While it may seem convenient to keep the generator nearby, improper placement significantly increases the risk of carbon monoxide exposure.
This guide explains how far a generator should be from the house, why distance matters, and how placement decisions affect safety during power outages.
Why Generator Distance Matters
Portable generators produce carbon monoxide as part of normal operation. This gas can travel through open doors, windows, vents, and even small gaps in building materials.
When a generator is placed too close to the home, exhaust gases can accumulate indoors without warning, creating life-threatening conditions.
General Distance Recommendations
As a general guideline, portable generators should be placed at least 20 feet away from the home. This distance helps reduce the likelihood that exhaust will enter living spaces.
Distance recommendations may vary depending on generator size, exhaust direction, and local conditions, but more distance is always safer.
Factors That Affect Safe Placement
Several factors influence how exhaust travels, including wind direction, terrain, and nearby structures. Elevation changes and enclosed areas can cause exhaust to linger.
Home design also plays a role. Open windows, soffit vents, and crawl space openings can draw exhaust inside even when generators appear safely positioned.
Why Garages and Porches Are Unsafe
Running generators in garages, covered patios, or near enclosed spaces is extremely dangerous. Even with doors open, exhaust can build up quickly.
These locations create confined airflows that trap carbon monoxide close to the home.
Electrical Convenience vs Safety
Longer distances may require additional planning for electrical connections. While extension cords and inlet boxes improve convenience, they should never justify unsafe placement.
For safer electrical connections, review generator inlet boxes explained and generator extension cords safety.
Carbon Monoxide Detection Is Still Essential
Even with proper placement, carbon monoxide detectors provide critical early warnings. Placement guidelines and detection strategies are covered in generator carbon monoxide safety.
Conclusion
Placing a generator far enough from the house is one of the most effective ways to reduce carbon monoxide risk. Distance, airflow awareness, and proper detection work together to protect households during outages.
