Home Backup Power Safety in Freezing Temps: Generators and Batteries

Winter outages push generators and batteries hard. Follow these safety practices to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, and equipment damage in freezing conditions.

Generator Safety Essentials

• Never indoors: Operate outside, 20+ feet from doors/windows; CO kills silently.
• Transfer switch: Use an interlock/transfer switch—never back‑feed through an outlet.
• Cold starts: Use correct oil viscosity; consider a cold‑weather kit if supported.
• Fuel storage: Stabilize gasoline; rotate stock; store safely and legally.

Battery Power in the Cold

• Lithium batteries lose capacity below freezing; keep power stations warm indoors.
• Charge above 32°F unless your unit supports low‑temp charging protection.
• Prioritize critical loads: heat source ignition, communications, lighting.

Extension Cords and Loading

• Use outdoor‑rated, heavy‑gauge cords sized for the load and distance.
• Avoid daisy‑chains; check for warmth at plugs—warmth indicates resistance and risk.

CO and Fire Protection

• Install CO alarms on every level; test batteries before storms.
• Keep a fire extinguisher accessible near generator storage and transfer switch.

When in doubt, consult a licensed electrician for transfer switch installation and safe load management. Safety first.