Portable Generator For Sale

Where should I put a gas generator to use it?

My power is out and a friend of mine is letting me borrow his generator. My fiance said we can put it out it in the garage and open the garage door a bit. People at work are saying to put it outside. What should I do?

Public Comments

1. Outside. Even if you have to chain and lock it. The exhaust can kill you. Best to put on East or West side of house if wind is from North or South to keep exhaust in the wind. North or South side if wind is from East or West.
2. The ONLY way you should use it inside the garage is if you can ensure NONE of the exhaust can infiltrate your living space through poorly weatherstripped door, vents, or by any other means. You MIGHT be safe if the garage door is open as you describe AND another door can be held open securely in order to provide cross-ventilation. Even then, if there's no breeze or significant airflow, carbon monoxide can build up enough that it could get into the house. By all means you should have a working CO detector inside the house if you attempt to run the generator in the garage, no matter how well it's ventilated.
3. I like the idea of putting in the garage. Don't forget that his is a co2 machine and you'll have to shut it off every time you enter the garage and work. If the garage is attached to the house, don't put it in the garage. If you had an out building, it would be better, but remember a generator disturbs the neighbors and you're trying to remain a good neighbor.
4. A gas generator and running a car in the garage is the same thing. It will poison the air. And if the house is connected to the garage it will find a way inside. You need the exhaust gas going outside somehow someway
5. Outside! Just opening the garage door a bit, (or even wide open), is Playing Russian roulette with CO poisoning. Even with the genny outside, you should see that the windows near it are closed so the wind doesn't blow exhaust through the house.
6. I've been watching Houston TV Channel 11 and they have been continually warning people to NOT put those generators in garages. There was a fatality in Houston before due to a running generator in a garage.
7. Keep it outdoors. It isn't worth risking your life over turning on the lights. http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/coftsht.html Read through my generator page for safe operation and connection suggestions.
8. Outside. I know it would be more convenient in that garage...but that is looking for certain health problems - possibly death from carbon monoxide poisioning. You could make a "dog house" for your generator when used outside. You make a frame from 1x1 around the genny - leave a clearance of 4-6" on each side and top. Take exterior plywood and cut it to fit around - leaving the section of the genny with the exaust open. When you have to use it and it is raining, snowing, you can slip this over it. Yeah, start it and have it running then put it on - it will protect it from the elements. For security from the thieves who might be lurking around - put a cable around the frame and lock it to something substantial.