Skip to main content
  • Feature Story

A New Standard for Portable Generators

PortGen_header_620 x 300

March 26, 2018

UL Certifies the first ever product to ANSI/UL 2201

Portable generators are used, and misused, in various conditions. Though these generators offer convenience, they also present risks if not used in the correct environment. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) receives reports of incidents, including death, involving CO poisoning from portable generators each year. From 2005-2016, CPSC reported 780 non-fire deaths caused by portable generators.

ANSI/UL 2201, Standard for Carbon Monoxide (CO) Emission Rate of Portable Generators, addresses performance requirements for portable generators to mitigate the risk of CO poisoning, and the first certified portable generator is the Ryobi brand (model RY907022FI) in March 2018. When purchasing a portable generator, consumers should look for the UL holographic label and Enhanced Mark on the product to help ensure they’re purchasing the safest possible product.

“We are delighted that the industry is proactively heading down a safer path with ANSI/UL 2201 certification that addresses carbon monoxide emission rate for portable generators.  This represents a public safety milestone for the industry,” said Ibrahim Jilani, senior business development manager of Energy Systems and e-Mobility at UL.

Click here to learn more about ANSI/UL 2201 or contact us to request a quote.