The short answer

Outside, at least 20 feet from the house. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says to "Operate portable generators outside only, at least 20 feet away from the house." It also says not to run one on a porch or in a carport, and never to run one inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace, shed or other enclosed space.

Outside only, at least 20 feet away

Here's CPSC's placement guidance from its March 2026 winter weather release:

"Operate portable generators outside only, at least 20 feet away from the house." (CPSC, Mar 16 2026)

Two details stand out:

  • Outside only. The same release says never to run one indoors (more on that below).
  • At least 20 feet. That's CPSC's minimum distance from the house.

Not on the porch or in the carport

A porch or carport can feel like it's outside. CPSC says no:

"Don't operate a generator on a porch or in a carport. It's too close to the home…" (CPSC, Mar 16 2026)

Never inside, even with the doors or windows open

"NEVER operate a portable generator inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace, shed or other enclosed spaces. Opening doors or windows will not provide enough ventilation to prevent the buildup of lethal levels of CO." (CPSC, Mar 16 2026)

That second sentence settles a common question. According to CPSC, opening a door or window doesn't make an enclosed space OK.

Point the exhaust away from entrances

"Direct the generator's exhaust away from your home and other buildings' entrances." (CPSC, Mar 16 2026)

That covers your own doors and the entrances of nearby buildings.

Why the distance matters: carbon monoxide

CPSC's generator safety guide explains the reason in two lines:

"Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide. This is a poison you cannot see or smell." (CPSC, Generators and Engine-Driven Tools)

"Always have a working CO alarm in your house." (CPSC, Generators and Engine-Driven Tools)

Shopping for one? Look for a CO shut-off feature

From CPSC's May 2026 hurricane-season release:

"Look for portable generators that have a carbon monoxide shut-off safety feature. These features automatically shut off generators when dangerous carbon monoxide levels build nearby." (CPSC, May 27 2026)

Before you need it: check, maintain, read the manual

"Regularly check and maintain your portable generator to ensure it works properly when needed. Read and follow all labels, instructions and warnings on the generator and in the owner's manual." (CPSC, Mar 16 2026)

An outage is a hard time to read a manual for the first time. Do this one on a calm day.

Quick checklist before the next outage

Step Details
Pick the outdoor spot now. CPSC: outside only, at least 20 feet from the house, not on a porch or in a carport.
Plan the exhaust direction. CPSC: away from your home and other buildings' entrances.
Check your CO alarm. CPSC: "Always have a working CO alarm in your house."
Check, maintain and read the manual. CPSC: "Read and follow all labels, instructions and warnings on the generator and in the owner's manual."

Limitations

This page quotes CPSC guidance as published in March and May 2026 and in its generator safety guide. It doesn't cover every generator model or setup, and it isn't electrical advice. CPSC says to read and follow all labels, instructions and warnings on the generator and in the owner's manual.

Frequently asked questions

How far from the house should a portable generator be?

CPSC says to "Operate portable generators outside only, at least 20 feet away from the house."

Can I run a generator on a porch or in a carport?

No. CPSC says, "Don't operate a generator on a porch or in a carport. It's too close to the home…"

Which way should a generator's exhaust point?

CPSC says to "Direct the generator's exhaust away from your home and other buildings' entrances."

Do I need a CO alarm if I use a generator?

CPSC says, "Always have a working CO alarm in your house."

Sources and further reading

All quotes above are from these pages.

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