How to Pick the Right Spot for Your Standby Generator

Hint: No, it can’t just go “anywhere.”

At Edick Electric Power, we hear it all the time:

“You can just put the generator anywhere, right?”
Or,
“It doesn’t really matter where it goes.”

Well… it does matter. A lot more than people think. Choosing the right location for your standby generator isn’t just about convenience—it’s about safety, performance, and cost. Let’s break it down.

Start With Safety – The 555 Rule

The very first thing to consider is safety, especially when it comes to fire and carbon monoxide. At Edick Electric Power, we follow what we call the 555 Rule:

Keep the generator at least 5 feet from:
• Any structure (walls, fences, etc.)
• Any opening (windows, doors, intake or exhaust vents)
• Any combustibles (trees, shrubs, etc.)

Standby generators get hot, and they emit carbon monoxide—the silent killer. That’s why distance matters. Even though many manufacturers only require 18" or 36" clearances in some situations, we stick with 5 feet to be safe and to avoid any issues with inspectors or future property changes.

Now Let’s Talk Snow (Because We Live in the Northeast)

Living in Central New York means dealing with snow—sometimes a lot of it. That brings in two major concerns:

1. Snow Drifts
   Avoid placing your generator where snow tends to accumulate or drift. These units need airflow to operate properly, and if they’re buried in snow, they may fail when you need them most.

2. Roof Pitch & Snow/Ice Fall
   Look up. Is your roof likely to shed snow and ice in that spot? A heavy sheet of ice falling off a roof can do serious damage to your generator. Try to avoid any area beneath an eave or valley where snow slides off.

You Found the Perfect Spot? One More Thing…

Let’s say you’ve found a location with:

✅ No structure clearance issues
✅ No windows or vents nearby
✅ No combustibles
✅ No drifting snow
✅ No overhead ice hazards

You’re almost there.

Now consider this: how far is it from your electric service meter?

The most economical installs are where the meter, automatic transfer switch, and generator are all close together. The generator itself doesn’t care how far away it is—but your wallet might. Longer distances mean more wire, more conduit, and more labor.

We’re Here to Help

This might sound complicated, but don’t worry—we make it easy. At Edick Electric Power, we’ve installed generators all over Central New York. We know what to look for, and we’ll walk you through the entire process to make sure your system is safe, reliable, and cost-effective.

Got questions? Want help planning your install?
Visit our website or give us a call. We’re happy to help.