Can You Run An Inverter Generator Indoors?

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No, you can not run an inverter generator indoors. This is extremely dangerous.

Inverter generators produce carbon monoxide as a byproduct while converting fuel into usable electricity. Since carbon monoxide is a deadly gas this is something you really want to avoid.

For this reason, inverter generator manuals always specify to run your machine outdoors and far enough away from any building.

There are power stations (basically a battery with outlets) and solar generators too. These should not produce harmful fumes.

However, when in doubt about the nature of your machine, you just don’t want to risk it. Carbon monoxide is seriously dangerous.

Why should you not run an inverter generator indoors?

You should not run an inverter generator indoors because it produces deadly fumes. These deadly fumes can not go away when you are inside the house.

Inverter generators (not including solar ones) convert fuel into usable electricity by burning it and using the resulting force to generate electricity.

In this process of burning gasoline, propane, diesel, natural gas, etc. you produce carbon monoxide.

Because this gas is lethal, you should never run an inverter generator indoors.

Even just putting your machine outside is not enough to be considered safe. Even the best inverter generators need to be far enough away from houses too.

On top of the dangers of carbon monoxide, there is also simply a fire hazard when running something like an inverter generator inside.

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FAQ

Do inverter generators produce less carbon monoxide?

Yes, you can say that inverter generators produce just a bit less carbon monoxide at lower loads since they lower their fuel usage. However, keep in mind that inverter generators still produce enough carbon monoxide to make it dangerous to run them indoors.

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Author:

Mats is the founder and head editor of Generator Decision. With a combination of critical thinking, tireless research, and a healthy interest in electronics he helps people find the right generators and how to use these. At this point in the journey, Mats has done research on hundreds of portable generators.