Hazards and correct controls
| Hazard | Unsafe action | Required control |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon monoxide | Running in a house, garage, carport or near openings. | Operate outdoors with exhaust directed away and use CO alarms where people sleep. |
| Backfeed | Connecting generator output to a wall socket. | Approved changeover or transfer equipment installed by a qualified electrician. |
| Shock and fire | Wet generator, damaged cable, wrong protection or overloaded socket. | Dry protected placement, correct cable, breaker, RCD where required and earthing design. |
Safe installation method
- Choose an outdoor location well away from doors, windows and air intakes.
- Keep the generator dry without enclosing exhaust or cooling airflow.
- Use a qualified electrician for changeover, neutral-earth arrangement and protection.
- Use correctly rated cables, plugs, breakers and distribution equipment.
- Test the installation and teach users emergency shutdown and refuelling rules.
Common dangerous mistakes
- Thinking open doors make indoor generator use safe.
- Using a double-male cable to backfeed a house.
- Copying another site's grounding arrangement without checking the system.
- Refuelling a hot or running generator.
- Operating in rain with wet hands, damaged plugs or exposed joints.
Emergency safety note
Applicable equipment and support
These rules apply to diesel and gasoline generators of every size. Larger fixed installations need a site-specific electrical and ventilation design.
Need help with your actual equipment?
Send the equipment nameplates, your location and the loads that must run together.