how far does a generator need to be from the house
For most homes, a safe rule of thumb is to place a portable generator at least 20 feet away from the house and any other structure, with the exhaust pointed away from doors, windows, and vents.
Key distances in simple terms
- Portable generators:
- At least 20 feet from the house, garage, shed, or any structure.
* Keep 20 feet from doors, windows, and vents, and aim the exhaust in the opposite direction.
- Standby / whole‑home generators (per many codes and manufacturers):
- Many safety experts still recommend 20 feet for CO safety, but exact placement often follows a “5‑foot rule” from openings: at least 5 feet from windows, doors, and air intakes.
* Some codes allow as close as about 1.5 feet to a **non‑combustible** wall (brick, concrete) if the manufacturer allows it, but still require 5 feet from operable openings.
* Often must also be a few feet away from gas meters, electric panels, and AC units (commonly 3 feet, depending on local rules and manufacturer).
Why distance matters (not just a “nice to have”)
- Carbon monoxide (CO) can build up quickly and travel into the home through tiny openings, especially if the generator is too close or the exhaust points toward the house.
- Fire risk increases if the unit sits too close to combustible siding, decks, or vegetation.
- Noise and vibration also drop as you move the generator farther away, which matters during long outages.
A common safety approach in 2025–2026 guidance is: “Outside, 20 feet away, exhaust pointed away, never in a garage or on a covered porch.”
Quick practical checklist
- Keep your generator:
- Outside only (never in a home, basement, crawlspace, or garage).
* On a stable, level surface, not on a deck right against the wall.
* At least 20 feet from all structures if it’s portable.
* With exhaust pointing away from all doors, windows, vents, and neighboring homes.
- Also:
- Use CO detectors inside the house on every level, especially near bedrooms.
* Check local building codes and your generator’s manual; some areas require more than the minimum distance or have special clearance rules.
Mini table of common recommendations
| Generator type | Typical safe distance | Key notes |
|---|---|---|
| Portable generator | ≥ 20 ft from any structure | [7][9][5]Outside only, exhaust away from openings, no garages/porches. | [5][7]
| Standby / whole-home | Often 5 ft from openings; local rules may require more, some allow ~1.5 ft from non‑combustible wall. | [1][3]Must follow manufacturer clearances, local code, and utility spacing rules. | [3][9][1]
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.