How do I safely use a generator during a power outage?

Using a generator safely during a power outage comes down to one critical rule: never run it indoors or in an attached garage. Carbon monoxide poisoning from generators kills dozens of Canadians every year, and it's entirely preventable with proper placement and setup.

Placement and Ventilation

Your generator must be positioned at least 6 metres (20 feet) away from any doors, windows, or vents — including your neighbours' openings. Carbon monoxide is odourless and colourless, so you won't know it's accumulating until it's too late. Never run a generator in a garage, even with the door open. Rain protection is fine, but use an open canopy structure — never an enclosed space. Install a battery-operated CO detector on every level of your home if you're using a portable generator, and test it before each outage season.

Connecting Your Generator Safely

This is where most homeowners make a dangerous mistake. Never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet — this is called "backfeeding" and it can electrocute utility workers restoring power on the line, and seriously damage your home's wiring. In Ontario, the only legal and safe way to connect a generator to your home's electrical system is through a transfer switch, installed by a licensed electrician with an ESA permit.

For occasional use, the simpler approach is to run heavy-duty extension cords (rated for outdoor use, 12 AWG or heavier) directly from the generator to your essential appliances — fridge, sump pump, a few lights. This avoids the backfeeding risk entirely and requires no special installation.

Fuel and Operational Safety

Always shut the generator off and let it cool before refuelling — gasoline on a hot engine is a fire hazard. Store fuel in approved containers away from living areas, and use a fuel stabilizer if the generator sits unused for more than 30 days. Run your generator under load for about 30 minutes every few months to keep it in working condition before you actually need it.

The Ottawa Context

Ottawa's ice storms and winter outages make generator preparedness genuinely important. If you want your generator integrated properly into your home — powering your furnace, well pump, or multiple circuits automatically — a standby generator with a transfer switch is the right solution. This requires an ESA permit and professional installation, but it means seamless, safe backup power without extension cords or manual startup. Typical installation costs in Ottawa run $3,000 - $8,000+ depending on generator size and electrical panel work required.

For anything beyond running extension cords from a portable unit, call a licensed electrician. Electrical Ottawa installs transfer switches and whole-home standby generators throughout Ottawa — reach out for a free consultation if you want a permanent, code-compliant backup power solution.