A generator can provide backup electricity during a power outage, helping you run selected appliances at home or equipment at work. Choosing the right generator is only part of the preparation. Safe placement, connections and fuel handling are just as important.
Whether you are comparing inverter generators or diesel generators, take time to understand the model’s operating instructions before using it. Fuel powered generators produce carbon monoxide and must always be operated outdoors.
These generator safety tips explain what to check before starting, how to avoid common hazards and when to involve a licensed electrician.
Understand Your Generator and Its Intended Use
Generator categories can help you narrow down your options, but capacity and features vary between models. An inverter generator is not necessarily small or quiet, and an open frame design does not automatically mean a generator can run every tool on a worksite.
If you are considering an off grid generator, confirm its suitability for your inverter, charger and expected operating hours. The term off grid does not mean a generator can run indefinitely without servicing, refuelling or other checks.
Choose according to the equipment you intend to power, its starting demand and the proposed connection. MaxWatt’s generator selection guides can help you assess your requirements.
Read the Operating Manual Before Starting
Read the instructions for your exact model, including its setup, clearances, startup and shutdown procedures. Check which fuel and oil it requires and how its controls and protective features work.
Keep a copy available before an outage. You can find model information through the MaxWatt operation manuals. If anything is unclear, ask for advice before operating or connecting the generator.
Always Operate Fuel Powered Generators Outdoors
Never run a fuel powered generator inside a home, garage, shed, basement, tent or other enclosed or partly enclosed space. Opening a garage door or window does not make indoor operation safe.
Exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an invisible gas with no smell that can cause fatal poisoning. Keep the generator well away from doors, windows and vents, including those of neighbouring properties. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends more than 20 feet, approximately 6.1 metres, from these openings. Follow any greater clearance required by your manual and direct exhaust away from occupied buildings.
Use battery powered or battery backup carbon monoxide alarms in your home according to their installation instructions. An alarm does not replace safe outdoor placement.
If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, or anyone develops a headache, dizziness, nausea or weakness while a generator is running, move everyone to fresh air immediately and call 000. Do not re-enter the affected area to investigate.
Keep the Generator Dry on a Stable Surface
Place the generator on a firm, level, dry surface where it cannot tip or sit in water. Do not use it in rain or wet conditions, or touch it with wet hands.
Plan weather protection before use. Queensland’s Electrical Safety Office describes an open canopy style structure as a way to protect a generator from moisture. Any arrangement must also meet the manufacturer’s clearance requirements and allow exhaust and cooling air to disperse freely.
Do not move the generator into a garage to shelter it, or cover a running unit with a tarp. If you cannot keep it dry while maintaining safe outdoor placement, do not operate it. Keep plugs and lead connections away from wet areas. A weather resistant outlet or extension lead does not make the whole setup safe in rain.
Use a Licensed Electrician for Building Connections
Any connection to a home’s or business’s fixed wiring must be arranged by a licensed electrician. Suitable changeover equipment isolates the generator supply from the electricity network.
Never connect generator power to a wall socket or use a lead with exposed male plugs at both ends. This can feed electricity back into the network and endanger people working to restore power.
The electrician must confirm that the generator, wiring and safety switches are compatible. Do not modify plugs, bypass protection or improvise earthing connections. Generator protection arrangements vary, so follow the manual and obtain qualified advice.
Choose Suitable Leads and Avoid Overloading
Where the manual permits direct appliance connections, use sound leads suitable for outdoor use and rated for the connected load. Inspect the plugs and cable before use. Replace damaged leads rather than repairing them with tape, and fully unwind cable reels according to their instructions.
Keep cables clear of vehicles, sharp edges and hot exhaust parts. Check the generator’s continuous output and each outlet’s rating before connecting equipment. Appliances with motors can need extra power when starting.
Start appliances one at a time and stay within the generator’s limits. Maximum output is not a continuous operating rating. A tripping breaker is a reason to investigate the load or fault, rather than repeatedly reset it.
Switch Off and Cool Down Before Refuelling
Never refuel a running or hot generator. Stop the engine and let it cool as directed in the manual. Keep smoking, flames and other ignition sources away from the refuelling area.
Use the correct fuel and approved, labelled fuel containers. Avoid overfilling and deal with spills safely before restarting. Store fuel outside living areas, away from heat and ignition sources, in accordance with local requirements.
Maintain and Store Your Generator Correctly
Follow the manufacturer’s servicing schedule for oil, filters, fuel system checks and battery care. Spark plug maintenance applies to petrol engines, rather than diesel engines. Leave major servicing and electrical repairs to qualified technicians.
Before storage, switch off the generator and allow it to cool. Follow the manual’s instructions for cleaning, fuel management and battery storage. Do not assume every model needs its tank emptied or fuel stabiliser added. Fuel removed for disposal should go through an appropriate waste service.
Prepare Your Backup Power Setup Before an Outage
Decide which appliances you need, where the generator can operate safely and how you will connect it. Arrange any electrical installation and required servicing before storm season.
For help choosing from the MaxWatt generator range, contact MaxWatt with your equipment and usage requirements. You can also review the Electrical Safety Office’s generator safety guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Generator Safety
Can I run a generator in a garage with the door open?
No. Fuel powered generators must never operate in a garage, even with the door open. Run them outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents.
Can I connect a generator to my home’s wiring?
Only through a suitable connection arranged by a licensed electrician, including the necessary changeover equipment. Never supply power through a wall socket.
Can I use a generator in the rain?
Do not operate it in rain or wet conditions. Plan suitable outdoor weather protection that meets the manual’s ventilation and clearance requirements. If safe, dry operation is not possible, do not use it.
How far should a generator be from doors and windows?
The CDC recommends more than 20 feet, approximately 6.1 metres, from doors, windows and vents. Follow any greater clearance in the manual and keep exhaust directed away from occupied buildings.
What extension lead should I use with a generator?
Use an undamaged lead suitable for outdoor use and rated for the load, where permitted by the generator manual. Keep connections dry and fully unwind cable reels as instructed.
Can I refuel a generator while it is running?
No. Switch it off and allow it to cool before refuelling. Fuel spilled on hot engine or exhaust parts can ignite.
Does an inverter generator still produce carbon monoxide?
Yes. A fuel powered inverter generator produces exhaust and must operate outdoors. Inverter technology changes how electricity is produced, but does not remove the exhaust hazard.