Where Should You Put Your New Home Generator?

March 21, 2025

Installing a home generator is a great way to provide power to your household during an outage. However, choosing the right location for your new generator is crucial for ease of maintenance and compliance with national and local safety codes. This guide will help you understand where to place your generator and why consulting a professional is the smartest choice.



What a Safe Generator Installation Site Looks Like

Proper generator sites are determined by national and local codes, which include everything from overhead clearance of structures and vegetation to the proximity of combustibles. Here is a brief list of the most pertinent details to keep in mind when planning household generator installation sites:


  • Generators must be placed at least 18 inches from permanent structures such as homes or sheds.
  • Generators must be at least five feet from openings such as windows, doors, and vents.
  • There must be at least three feet of complete clearance on the generator’s front and back sides.
  • Generators must have at least four feet of overhead clearance from awnings, roofs, or projections.
  • Exhaust should be directed away from windows, vents, and neighboring structures.
  • Generators must be installed on a level, reinforced surface such as a concrete slab.


By keeping these site requirements in mind, you can determine the best location to place your home generator for optimal performance and safety.


Why You Should Consult Generator Installation Professionals

Although understanding safety guidelines is essential, partnering with professionals will simplify the generator installation process even further. Expert generator installers possess knowledge of local building codes and safety regulations to recommend the safest and most efficient placement for your generator. Their expertise can help you avoid costly mistakes, legal fines, or dangerous setups.


Partnering with NW Generator Pros for seamless generator installation is a valuable investment in your home’s safety and convenience. Our Generac generator installers handle everything from site preparation to utility connections so your new home generator runs safely and performs effectively for years to come. Contact us for a free, no-contact estimate today.

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