Propane Generator Help??????????

Question

We all know you can not use gasoline generators inside a house..... It is dangerous because of carbon monoxide....But I here it is okay to use a propane generator inside a house because it does not exhaust carbon monoxide....... But this is just what I heard....Is this true?

Answer 1

Forklifts have been burning propane in internal combustion engines for years in indoor applications. Propane burns relatively clean when compared to gasoline. It puts out carbon dioxide and water vapour mostly, but there is still small amounts of carbon monoxide and other gases produced.

When we convert small engines to propane, we actually set the mixer to run slightly rich to protect the engine. We could set the mixer to produce less emissions, but if we do that we risk running the engine too lean and that very quickly burns out engine valves and other components.

Regardless, it is not considered a safe practice to run a generator indoors. Put the generator outside and run your power cords in from there.

Answer 2

No.  Carbon monoxide is formed by the incomplete burning of any carbon containing material.  You can build up CO from propane as easily as from gasoline.  For a gas engine to completely burn the gas you need a ratio of 150 to 1 the average engine is between 15 and 20 to 1.  Propane has similar requirements.  If you notice, gas water heaters even need a chimney.

Answer 3

Check with your fire department.

It's legal to have natural gas furnaces and hot water heaters in the basement, if properly vented. It's probably to have furnaces and hot water heaters run from propane, so it's not a big stretch to allow a propane generator, if it is properly vented.

but check.

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