Generator safety and placement checklist
Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which you cannot see or smell. Tick each step before you start the engine. This follows US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) guidance and typical maker manuals; your own manual comes first.
Extension cord gauge picker
Basis: NEC 2023 Article 400 and Table 400.5(A)(1) for flexible cord ampacity, with ratings rounded down to common cord ratings (16 AWG 10 A, 14 AWG 15 A, 12 AWG 20 A, 10 AWG 25 A, 8 AWG 35 A, 6 AWG 45 A). Voltage drop uses copper resistance from NEC Chapter 9 Table 8 and a 3% limit. Cord labels and the generator's receptacle rating always limit you further.
Related gear
Things to look for: plug-in CO alarms with battery backup, outdoor-rated generator cords, a generator canopy, and a power inlet with an interlock kit installed by an electrician. See also generator size and fuel and runtime.