Can You Run a Generator Inside?

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says no.

Generators produce large amounts of carbon monoxide and are unsafe to run inside or even in a garage. For the greatest safety, you should run the machine at least 20 feet from your house, directing the generator exhaust away from your home. 

While moving your generator outside during a power outage saves your household from carbon monoxide poisoning, it introduces a new concern in the form of poor weather. Severe weather events often knock out power stations, tempting homeowners to run a generator inside or in the garage, so the unit isn't damaged by moisture, lightning or other severe weather. Unfortunately, running a generator inside introduces the risk of carbon monoxide exposure, so keeping your generator outside is always the best option.

Avoiding Generator Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

In 2022, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released a new report on carbon monoxide fatalities caused by generator operations. This report outlines the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning from generator use.

According to the report, one portable generator produces the same amount of carbon monoxide as hundreds of cars — as you may know, leaving even one vehicle running in an enclosed space can be hazardous or fatal.

The report also notes that about 85 consumers die yearly from portable generator carbon monoxide emissions. Of these deaths, most occur during severe weather, where individuals run generators inside to protect them from storms. 

To protect yourself from this danger, keep your generator far away from your house during operation. For added safety, be sure to learn the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning so you know when to seek fresh air. You can also install carbon monoxide alarms to monitor gas levels and alert you to unsafe conditions.

A Weatherproof Solution

While moving your generator outside can protect your household or business from carbon monoxide emissions, it introduces a new danger. Moisture like rain and snow might damage electrical elements, creating a potential fire hazard. The presence of moisture in electrical components also results in increased electrocution risks for operators.

GenTent generator covers offer a solution to the dangers of carbon monoxide and severe weather. These covers use coated marine-grade vinyl material to protect your generator from rain and heat. They also use a sturdy frame made with dual-cast rods to keep the tent in place through wind, heavy snow and more. 

Benefits of the GenTent System

Our American-made weather protection system is perfect for running your generator outside in severe weather. Here are a few advantages of the GenTent cover:

  • Safety: Our top priority is increasing generator safety, so we submitted our system to independent lab testing to assess its performance.
  • Adaptability: Our system fits over 3,000 generators. To find the right fit for your generator, enter its make and model on our site to browse compatible products.
  • Portability: The GenTent system anchors to your generator rather than the ground, making it ideal if you only use your generator a few times a year or need to transport it to different locations.

Keep Your Household Safe From Generator Exhaust 

GenTent's primary goal is safe generator use. We provide awareness and education to help you use your generator without the danger of poisoning or weather damage. Our team strives to provide a safe product solution and continued support, so you can keep your home protected. Contact us today to learn more.