Portable generators are most often involved in accidents during power outages and severe weather—when people bring generators closer to homes, run them in enclosed or semi-enclosed areas, or connect them improperly. The biggest risk category is carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, followed by fires/burns and electrical shock/electrocution.
generator accident statistics
Key generator accident statistics
102 deaths (estimated) in 2021 were linked to generators as a source of non-fire CO poisoning in the U.S. (CPSC consumer product CO death estimates).
Since 2011, portable generators alone have been associated with an estimated 858 non-fire CO poisoning deaths (CPSC).
CPSC’s fatal incident summary for 2011–2021 (reported-to-CPSC minimum counts) lists 900 non-fire CO deaths tied to engine-driven tools, including 770 deaths associated with generators only.
For 2004–2021, CPSC’s rulemaking materials cite 1,332 fatalities and an estimated 77,658 medically attended CO injuries associated with generators.
Estimated residential structure fires involving portable generators (2004–2012): 1,000 fires, 110 injuries, 10 deaths, and $55.9 million in property/content loss (NFIRS + NFPA estimates, summarized by CPSC staff).
For 2004–2014, CPSC staff recorded 6 reported non-work-related electrocutions and 5 reported electric shock injuries associated with engine-driven generators (reported-to-CPSC incidents; not a national estimate).
Estimated CO deaths by major consumer-product category (2021)
The chart below uses CPSC’s estimated 2021 non-fire CO poisoning deaths associated with consumer products. Generators are the single product associated with the most CO deaths in that reporting year.
Label
Bar
Value
Generators (estimated CO deaths, 2021)
102
Heating appliances (estimated CO deaths, 2021)
63
Other consumer products (estimated CO deaths, 2021)
39
Max = 102 deaths. Widths: Generators 100.00%, Heating appliances 61.76%, Other consumer products 38.24%.
Portable generator fire losses (2004–2012 totals)
Generator-related fires are less common than CO incidents, but they still create injury risk and property loss—especially when generators are refueled while hot, placed too close to combustibles, or operated in ways that overheat cords and equipment.
Estimated generator-related CO injuries by treatment setting (2004–2021)
CPSC rulemaking materials include estimates of generator-related CO injuries treated in emergency departments (ED) and in other medical settings. These figures focus on CO exposure incidents linked to generators (not fires).
Label
Bar
Value
Injuries treated in non-ED medical settings (estimated, 2004–2021)
52,782
ED treated & released (estimated, 2004–2021)
17,569
Hospitalized (estimated, 2004–2021)
5,727
Max = 52,782 injuries. Widths: Non-ED medical settings 100.00%, ED treated & released 33.29%, Hospitalized 10.85%.
What causes most generator accidents?
1) Carbon monoxide poisoning
Running a generator in a garage (even with the door open), basement, shed, crawlspace, or near doors/windows/vents.
Placing a generator too close to the home so exhaust re-enters the building.
Using generators during storms/power outages when people are tired, stressed, or trying to prevent theft.
2) Fires and burns
Refueling a hot generator (gasoline ignition).
Operating too close to combustibles (siding, mulch, deck railings) or under eaves.
Overloaded cords, damaged cords, or poor-quality power strips causing overheating.
3) Electric shock and electrocution
Using generators in wet conditions without proper protection (shock hazard).
Backfeeding a home without a transfer switch (dangerous to occupants and utility workers).
Improper extension cords, exposed wiring, or unsafe connections.
Safety checklist (reduces the biggest accident risks)
Run generators outdoors only and keep them at least 20 feet from doors, windows, and vents (follow manufacturer guidance if more conservative).
Install CO alarms (and test them) before outage season.
Let the generator cool before refueling; store gasoline safely.
Use the right cords (heavy-duty, outdoor-rated) and avoid overloading circuits.
Never backfeed a home’s wiring without a properly installed transfer switch by a qualified electrician.
Sources
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) — Non-Fire Carbon Monoxide Deaths Associated with the Use of Consumer Products: 2021 Annual Estimates (FY24). https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/Non-Fire-Carbon-Monoxide-Deaths-Associated-with-the-Use-of-Consumer-Products-2021-Annual-Estimates-FY24.pdf
CPSC — Fatal Incidents Associated with Non-Fire Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from Engine-Driven Generators and Other Engine-Driven Tools, 2011–2021. https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/Fatal-Incidents-Associated-with-Non-Fire-Carbon-Monoxide-Poisioning-from-Engine-Driven-Generators-and-Other-Engine-Driven-Tools-2011-2021.pdf
CPSC staff memo compilation (includes NFIRS/NFPA portable generator fire estimates and generator electrocution/shock summaries). https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/EpiMemosSupportGeneratorNPRpackage_1.pdf
CPSC — Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (SNPR) vote sheet for portable generators (CO injury/fatality estimates used in rulemaking). https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/SupplementalNoticeofProposedRulemakingSNPRSafetyStandardforPortableGenerators.pdf
U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA — Using Portable Generators Safely (electrical shock/backfeeding guidance). https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3286.pdf
