How Far from the House Should a Generator Be?
Do you remember the feeling of the darkness of a power outage when you were a child? Maybe you were scared, but also excited to use your imagination and make your home into a spooky adventure. You could have fun with the darkness, but there are also some real dangers to power outages, especially if they happen in the winter or during a storm.
That’s why many people invest in a generator. A generator can provide a lot of peace of mind, knowing that you’ll have power if the grid goes down. But before you buy a generator, there are a few things you need to know, including how far away from your house you should place it.
Generator Safety
The most important thing to consider when placing your generator is safety. Generators produce carbon monoxide, which is a deadly gas. That’s why it’s important to never operate a generator indoors or in a garage *too* close to your home.
To avoid having the exhaust reach an enclosure where people or animals are present, the generator should be placed at least 20 feet away from your home. This will help to ensure that the exhaust gases are dissipated before they reach your living space.
Fuel Safety
Another important safety consideration is fuel. Generators are typically powered by gasoline, which is a flammable liquid. That’s why it’s important to store fuel safely and to avoid spills.
The best place to store fuel is in an approved container. Never store fuel in your home or in a garage where it could be exposed to heat or sparks. And always keep fuel out of the reach of children.
Noise Considerations
Generators can also be noisy, so it’s important to consider the noise level when placing your generator. If you live in a densely populated area, you may want to place your generator as far away from your neighbors as possible.
You can also reduce the noise level by using a generator with a muffler. And if you’re going to be using your generator for a long period of time, you may want to consider placing it in a soundproof enclosure.
Conclusion
If you’re considering buying a generator, be sure to do your research and follow all safety guidelines. By taking the proper precautions, you can help to ensure that your generator is a safe and reliable source of power during an outage.
Is there anything else you’d like to know about generators?
FAQs
- How big of a generator do I need?
- The size of generator you need will depend on the appliances and devices you want to power during an outage. To determine the size of generator you need, add up the wattage of all the appliances and devices you want to power. Then, add an additional 20% to account for starting wattage.
- How long will a generator run on a full tank of gas?
- The runtime of a generator on a full tank of gas will vary depending on the size of the generator and the load it is powering. A typical generator will run for 6 to 8 hours on a full tank of gas.
- Can I use a generator in the rain?
- Most generators are not designed to be used in the rain. If you need to use a generator in the rain, be sure to place it in a covered area and protect it from the elements.
