Generator safety rules to avoid carbon monoxide?

Never run a generator inside your home, garage, basement, or any enclosed space - carbon monoxide from generators kills silently and quickly. Generators must be positioned at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and vents to prevent deadly CO from entering your home.

Proper Generator Placement for Carbon Monoxide Safety

Position your generator outdoors on a dry, level surface with the exhaust pointing away from your home. The 20-foot rule is critical - carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, so you won't know it's entering your home until symptoms appear. Even running a generator in an open garage with the door up can be deadly, as CO can quickly accumulate and seep into living spaces through connected walls or doorways.

Wind direction matters significantly in New Brunswick's variable weather. Position the generator so prevailing winds blow exhaust away from your home, and never run it during severe weather when you might be tempted to move it closer to shelter. The exhaust should point toward open areas, not toward neighboring homes either.

Carbon Monoxide Detection and Symptoms

Install battery-powered or battery-backup CO detectors on every level of your home, especially important during ice storms when power outages are common in New Brunswick. Test these detectors monthly and replace batteries annually. Early CO poisoning symptoms include headache, dizziness, weakness, and nausea - often mistaken for flu symptoms. Severe exposure causes confusion, chest pain, and unconsciousness.

If your CO detector sounds or anyone experiences symptoms, immediately move everyone outside to fresh air and call 911. Don't re-enter the home until emergency responders clear it. Many New Brunswick families have been saved by working CO detectors during generator use after ice storms.

Additional Generator Safety Rules

Never refuel a hot generator - let it cool for at least 15 minutes to prevent fire. Store gasoline in approved containers away from the generator and your home. Keep the generator dry using a canopy-style cover that doesn't enclose the sides, allowing proper ventilation while protecting from New Brunswick's frequent rain and snow.

For whole-home backup generators permanently installed outside, TSANB requires proper permits and professional installation with automatic transfer switches. These systems eliminate the CO risk of portable generators while providing seamless power during our region's frequent ice storms and outages.

Professional Installation Considerations

Licensed electricians can install transfer switches that eliminate dangerous extension cords running through windows or doors. This prevents both CO infiltration and electrical hazards. Many New Brunswick homeowners invest in permanent standby generators given our climate - these must be installed by licensed professionals with proper permits from TSANB and clearances from combustible materials.

Need help finding an electrician for generator installation? New Brunswick Electrical can match you with licensed professionals who understand both electrical codes and carbon monoxide safety requirements for our Maritime climate.