Portable Propane Generator Safety Tips

January 29, 2021 – ,

A portable propane generator can provide safe emergency back-up power during severe weather power outages — but only if it is used properly. Follow these tips to safely operate your portable propane generator during a power outage, or any time you use your portable generator:

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions — Read the manufacturer’s guidelines before setting up and running your propane generator for the first time.

Never use a portable generator indoors — Do not run your generator in your home, garage, basement, shed, crawl space, or other enclosed area. Keep the generator at least 20 feet away from your home and away from open window, vents or doors.

Install a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector in your home – If carbon monoxide fumes enter your home through cracks in your windows, doors, or attic vents, you want to have an alert system in your home so that you can reposition the generator if necessary.

Follow the maintenance plan – Your portable generator will come with a suggested maintenance plan, recommended by the manufacturer. Follow the plan for peak performance and safety, or contact Paraco to learn about our Exterior Maintenance Plans to cover these propane appliances.

Never operate your portable generator near combustible materials.

Use properly rated extension cords – Be sure that all extension cords are the grounded type and are properly rated for the application. Coiled cords can become extremely hot; take caution to uncoil cords and lay them in flat, open locations.

Do not plug your portable generator directly into your home outlet – Ask a qualified electrician about installing a Power Transfer Switch.

Keep your generator as dry as possible – Generators can produce powerful voltage. Take extra precautions to keep your generator from exposure to rain and snow.

Portable Generator Safety Download

4 Comments

  1. Terry. Rolland on July 20, 2023 at 7:02 am

    Trying to have my portal generator hooked up to my propane tanks but because I have propane heating system I am told that the regulations for this the generator has to be 20 feet from the house ?

    • Ines on July 26, 2023 at 2:18 pm

      Hi Terry! NFPA dictates that portable generators should be at least 20ft away from the house and any building opening. Stationary generators are generally set at 5ft away. However this is a standard that can be made more restrictive by state, city, and local jurisdiction so you should always verify with them.

  2. shammy peterson on December 6, 2023 at 10:02 pm

    What stuck out to me the most was when you said that when setting up and running your propane generator for the first time, you must take time to read its manual. My husband and I are planning to find a propane company so we can start utilizing our propane generator. We are looking to have it refilled early next week, so it will make sense for us to follow your tips.

  3. Lily Bridgers on January 17, 2024 at 4:44 pm

    I was in the middle of an intense online gaming session when suddenly the power went out. Panicking, I realized that the storm outside had knocked out the electricity. With no idea when the power would be restored, I remembered the generator in my backyard. Rushing outside, I discovered that it was out of propane. In need of a quick solution, I decided to look for a propane delivery service to ensure my generator could keep running and power would be restored to my home. I will remember that before initially assembling and operating your propane generator, read the manufacturer’s instructions.

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