Safety and Performance of Portable Generators
New Standards for Portable Generator Safety and Performance introduced by the Portable Generator Manufacturer’s Association and adopted as an ANSI standard address carbon monoxide dangers, add requirements for portable generators fueled by natural gas, and other revisions to the G300-2018 standard. The ANSI Board of Standards Review approved the revision as an American National Standard in December 2023 with an effective date of January 1, 2025.
Any portable generator manufactured after January 1, 2025 that claims to comply with the G300 standard must comply with the current or future revision of the PGMA G300 Standard.
Carbon Monoxide Auto Shutoff
Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, tasteless gas. It binds to hemoglobin when inhaled and prevents the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Carbon Monoxide poisoning results in more than 20,000 non-fire related emergency department visits a year and more than 400 non-fire related deaths a year.
Every Home and Dwelling Should Have a Carbon Monoxide Detector on Each Level of the Home and Near Sleeping Areas.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, often described as flu-like, include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Shortness of Breath
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Chest Pain
- Confusion
Large exposures can cause:
- Loss of consciousness
- Arrhythmias (heart palpitations)
- Seizures
- Cherry red skin (uncommon)
- Death
A Carbon Monoxide Auto Shutoff safety feature prevents potential generator misuse caused by intentionally running the generator indoors. Portable generators are for outdoor use only, away from buildings or enclosed spaces, and placed where exhaust is unlikely to enter a building or concentrate.
Click Image to Enlarge. Like other engine driven power equipment, misuse of portable generators can cause injury or even death. Follow the Safety Rules.
Image by PGMA.
The generator’s CO Analyzer samples the air continuously at once per second. The generator must shut off if carbon monoxide levels reach 600 parts per million, or a 10 minute rolling average of 400 parts per million.
Despite an ongoing campaign to educate consumers on the dangers of running a generator indoors, some consumers continue to ignore the safety warnings in the manual and on decals placed on the generator that clearly outline the deadly nature of carbon monoxide. Research has shown a 99% drop in carbon monoxide poisoning associated with generators equipped with a Carbon Monoxide Auto Shutoff safety feature.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
The portable generator shall have a shutoff valve on the fuel container or on the hose between the fuel container and the generator.
Portable Generators must have a provision to allow for mechanical expansion, contraction, jarring, and vibration. Flexible connections accomplish this requirement.
The generators must have an automatic shutoff valve that prevents the flow of fuel to the mixer when the ignition is off and the engine is not operating.
Portable Generators must have a provision to allow for mechanical expansion, contraction, jarring, and vibration. Flexible connections accomplish this requirement.
LP cylinders supplied by the manufacturer must be certified vapor withdrawal DOT vertical cylinders with a manual shutoff valve.
First stage (high pressure) regulators must have a minimum input pressure rating of 250 psi. The second stage output pressure must be within the limits of the mixer for the engine.
Hoses subject to vibration and movement must be flexible. Flexible hose couplings and connectors must be UL 21 or UL569 listed. The hose material must be resistant to natural gas and oil. Wire braid and protective sheathing used to reinforce the hose must be corrosion resistant.
High pressure hoses must have a working pressure rating of at least 250 psig. Low pressure hoses must have a working pressure rating of at least 1 psig.
Sealing compound on threaded joints must be resistant to LPG.
Natural Gas (NG)
Natural Gas is a readily available fuel in most municipalities. It is cost effective, clean burning, and delivered directly to homes and businesses through a network of pipelines and local distribution lines. Utilities mix the gas with a compound to give it a distinctive odor to assist consumers in detecting leaks or appliances that were not shut off.
Portable Generators must have a provision to allow for mechanical expansion, contraction, jarring, and vibration. Flexible connections accomplish this requirement.
An automatic valve which controls the flow of Natural Gas to the engine must shut off the gas automatically if the engine stops for any reason.
Generators must also have an automatic safety valve that controls the natural gas supply to the engine that closes upon command from the engine control system when the engine is shut down. The valve may operate mechanically, electrically, use a fuel pressure diaphragm, or any other means.
Natural Gas flexible hoses, couplings, and connectors must be UL 21 and UL 569 or equivalent. Gas hose connectors listed by ANSI Z21.54/CSA 8.4 and quick disconnect fittings listed by ANSI Z21.41/CSA 6.9. The hose material must be resistant to natural gas and oil. Wire braid and protective sheathing used to reinforce the hose must be corrosion resistant.
All threaded joints on the portable generator natural gas system must use a sealing compound resistant to Natural Gas.
The portable generator must have a natural gas regulator rated to the limits of the specific mixer used by the engine.
Portable Generator Manufacturer’s Association
The Portable Generators Manufacturer’s Association (PGMA) is a trade organization that develops and influences the safety and performance standards for Portable Generators. Members include a significant majority of industry manufacturers. PGMA developed the ANSI/PGMA G300 standard, a comprehensive guide for portable generator safety and performance. The 2018 G300 revision included provisions for carbon monoxide (CO) sensing technology that shuts the generator off when CO levels rise above a certain level. The organization dedicates itself to educating consumers on the safe use of Portable Generators, including the development of the “Take it Outside” campaign.
American National Standards Institute
ANSI is the American National Standards Institute, a private non-profit organization that develops and manages voluntary standards for products, services, and systems in the United States. ANSI is responsible for the development of American National Standards, the accrediting the procedures of standard-developing organizations, and representing the United States to the International Organization for Standardization (IOS) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
ANSI standards are voluntary and intended as guides for manufacturers, consumers, and the general public. ANSI standards are subject to periodic review and may change at any time. Users should exercise caution and obtain the latest editions of any standard they are using.
