How Far Can A Standby Generator Be From The House: Top Placement Tips
Your standby generator keeps your home secure during a power outage caused by facility failures or natural catastrophes.
With the money you are willing to invest, you should carefully select from a variety of brands and models to find one which will fit your needs. It helps to consult with qualified agents and installers to check all your options.
Before installing your chosen generator, its strategic placement in your area is of utmost consideration.
So, how far can a standby generator be from the house?
Generator Placement
Proper generator placement addresses health and safety risks. Generators emit carbon monoxide. Inhaling high levels of this chemical can be deadly.
According to a report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission or CPSC, about 900 people died of carbon monoxide poisoning while using portable generators from 2005 to 2017.
To ensure public safety, standby generator placement regulations are enforced by the National Fire Protection Association or NFPA, power supply companies, local code authorities, and manufacturers.
Be informed of the regulatory requirements in your area before starting the installation of your generator.
How close can a generator be to a house?
Manufacturers advise installing generators outdoors on a flat, level surface. Never place your generator in an enclosed space.
Portable generators are recommended to be installed at least 20 feet away from your house, vents, and flammable materials. And, the exhaust should be facing away from doors and windows. Standby generators, according to sources, should be installed at least five feet away from the house.
Tips
Aside from keeping you safe, the strategic placement of your generator will maximize its efficiency and even help you cut on installation costs.
Follow these tips:
- Consider the fuel source. Have your generator installed near your gas meter. This way, you will need less piping during installation, allowing you to save on material and labor costs. It will also give a consistent source of fuel for your generator.
- Protect your generator from the elements to ensure quality operation. Do not operate a portable generator in the rain.
- Make sure that the generator exhaust faces away from your home. If you are in a windy location, place your generator in an area where the wind blows away from your home. Fumes from the exhaust are poisonous, and you do not want that coming into your house.
- Generators, when in use, produce noise. So, make sure that you place it in an isolated area, away from your bedroom, living area, or from a neighbor’s house.
Conclusion
Now that you know how far can a standby generator be from the house, you will have a clearer picture of where to locate your equipment.
Give the manufacturer and installer a heads up so that they can confirm whether you have decided on a strategic location. Make sure that you comply with all local regulatory requirements before the installation.
Do this to keep your home and your family safe and comfortable.