What Is the Biggest Risk Associated With Portable Generators?
Every Aussie loves a bit of backup power when the lights go out — but that generator humming away in your shed could be doing more harm than good if you're not careful. The biggest risk? Carbon monoxide poisoning. It's silent, invisible, and deadly.
Why a Generator's Exhaust is a Deadly Threat
The Invisible and Odourless Nature of Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is known as the silent killer for a reason. You can’t see it, you can’t smell it, and you sure can’t hear it coming. It sneaks into your lungs, replacing oxygen in your bloodstream and leaving you dizzy, nauseous, or worse. A few minutes in a poorly ventilated space can turn deadly.
How Carbon Monoxide from a Generator Enters Your Home
It doesn’t take much. Set a generator too close to a window, or run it in a garage with the door half-open, and that CO has a straight path inside. It can float in through vents, open doors, or even cracks in the wall. If it builds up while you're asleep, there's a real risk you won't wake up.
Essential Steps to Prevent Generator Poisoning
The Importance of Safe Generator Placement
Always set your generator outdoors — not in the garage, not under the verandah, not even under a carport. It needs to be at least four metres away from windows and doors. Place it on stable, level ground so it doesn’t tip. And make sure the exhaust is pointed away from your home or tent.
The Critical Role of Carbon Monoxide Detectors
CO detectors are your early warning system. Stick one in every sleeping area, and test it regularly. Battery-backed models are best for blackout-prone regions. Brands like Ryobi and Honda offer reliable options built with Aussie conditions in mind. A $40 detector could save your family’s life — no exaggeration.
Recognising the Symptoms of Generator Poisoning
CO poisoning starts subtly. You might feel dizzy, headachey, or nauseous — like a bad hangover. Left too long, it causes confusion, chest pain, and eventually unconsciousness. If multiple people start feeling crook at once, get outside and call 000. Don’t wait it out.
The Electrical Risks of a Generator
Generators can be just as dangerous on the electrical side if you’re not playing it safe.
Understanding Generator Backfeeding and Electrocution
The Danger of Plugging a Generator Directly into Your Home's Electrical System
Backfeeding is when you plug a generator straight into a power point or switchboard without a transfer switch. It sends electricity backward through your home wiring and into the grid. That puts linesmen and other workers at risk of electrocution — even if they're kilometres away. It’s also illegal in most parts of Australia.
Best Practices for Safe Generator Connections
Using the Right Extension Cords with a Generator
Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords that are designed for generator use. Look for cords with thick insulation and a 3-prong (earthed) design. Keep the cord length to a minimum — under 20 metres — to reduce voltage drop. And never run extension leads through water or pinch them under doors.
Protecting Your Generator from Wet Conditions
Generators don’t play nice with water. Keep yours under a canopy or weatherproof cover, and never operate it in the rain unless it’s properly protected. Water and electricity are a deadly combo — don’t take chances. Wet ground? Elevate the generator on a dry, stable surface like a wooden pallet.
The Fire Hazards Associated with a Generator
Why Your Generator is a Potential Fire Risk
The Danger of Refuelling a Hot Generator
Petrol vapours and hot engine parts don’t mix. Let your generator cool for at least 15 minutes before topping up the tank. Never smoke or light up while refuelling. Use a funnel to avoid spills, and wipe down any drips straight away. It’s not worth the risk just to get back online a bit faster.
The Importance of Proper Fuel Storage
Petrol expands in the heat — up to 1% per 4°C. Store it in an AS/NZS 2906-approved container with a flame arrestor, away from anything flammable. Keep fuel locked in a shed or box, not your caravan or garage. And label it clearly so no one confuses it with water or other liquids.
How to Mitigate Fire Hazards with a Generator
Maintaining a Safe Distance from Flammable Materials
Generators get hot — really hot. So don’t park one next to your tent, firewood stack, or gas bottles. Keep a clear zone around it, and make sure airflow isn’t blocked. A fire extinguisher nearby is a smart addition. One simple spark in a dry area can cause chaos.
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