Can a Generator Cause Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Short answer: absolutely, if it’s used the wrong way. This silent gas can build up fast, turning a lifesaver into a real danger. Keep reading to learn the warning signs, safety tricks, and how to run your generator without risking your family.
Understanding the Danger of Carbon Monoxide from a Generator
A generator can keep the lights on when the power drops, but it can also create one of the deadliest risks around—carbon monoxide (CO). This gas has no smell, no colour, and no warning signs until it’s too late.
It forms whenever fuels like petrol, diesel, or propane don’t burn completely. Fire it up in the wrong spot—like a garage, under a veranda, or too close to an open window—and CO can drift indoors and build up within minutes.
How Much Carbon Monoxide Does a Generator Produce?
You might be surprised at how much CO a single generator can churn out. Some produce the same amount as hundreds of idling cars.
To put it into perspective:
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At 50 ppm, you’re safe for about 8 hours.
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At 200 ppm, you’ll likely have a splitting headache in a couple of hours.
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At 800 ppm, it can be fatal in under an hour.
That’s how quickly a “quick fix” for power can become a life-threatening mistake.
Do Propane Generators Produce Carbon Monoxide?
Yes, they do. Propane burns cleaner than petrol or diesel, but it still gives off CO.
Plenty of people assume a propane generator is the safer choice to run in a shed or tent, but that’s just not the case. Even small portable models need open air and plenty of clearance.
How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from a Generator
Prevention is simple if you treat CO like floodwater—it goes where it wants, and it only takes one slip-up to get inside your home.
Carbon Monoxide from Generator Outside
The golden rule: never use a generator indoors. Even cracking the garage door isn’t enough. CO is heavier than you think and lingers in places you don’t expect.
Always set your generator up at least 5 metres away from your house. Make sure the exhaust is pointing away from doors, windows, and vents. On farms, keep them clear of sheds and animal enclosures. In the suburbs, watch the wind so you’re not blowing fumes straight towards your neighbour’s place.
Carbon Monoxide Detector
A CO detector is one of the cheapest, smartest pieces of kit you can buy. Mount them near bedrooms and living areas, following Australian Standards (AS 5034).
Modern detectors don’t just beep—they show the levels in real time. A quick glance tells you if there’s danger before you feel a thing. Test them monthly and swap batteries before storm or bushfire season.
Recognising Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from a Generator
The reason CO is called the “silent killer” is because it tricks you into thinking you’re just tired or run down. By the time you realise something’s wrong, it can be too late.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
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Headaches, dizziness, nausea
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Fatigue or a heavy, sluggish feeling
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Confusion and blurred vision
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Poor coordination
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Loss of consciousness at very high levels
Kids, older adults, and people with heart or lung conditions feel the effects much quicker. If anyone shows symptoms, shut down the generator, move into fresh air straight away, and call emergency services.
Conclusion
So, can a generator cause carbon monoxide poisoning? Yes—and it doesn’t take much. But the good news is you can avoid it with smart habits: run it outside, give it space, and back yourself up with a decent detector.
A generator should be a lifeline, not a danger. With a bit of planning, regular servicing, and a clear idea of the risks, you can keep the power flowing and your household safe when the grid goes down.
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- What Is a Surge Protector for Generators?
