Reservekanister.de Guidance. Safety. Choice.
Fuel for a generator

Fuel cans for generators and emergency power

A generator needs the correct fuel, a safe operating location and a practical refuelling routine. Can size, spout and reserve should be planned together with the equipment manual.

Reading time: 9 min
Basic rule: never run a combustion generator in an enclosed space and do not refuel a hot engine. Fuel type, tank capacity and refuelling procedure come from the specific manual.

Carbon monoxide comes first

Honda warns that GX engine exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide and that the engine must not be operated indoors. The German BBK also treats installation and fuel type as core parts of emergency-power planning.

Stop and cool before refuelling

Honda instructs users of petrol engines to stop the engine and let it cool before refuelling, while keeping heat, sparks and flames away. This matters more than choosing the largest possible spare can.

10 or 20 litres?

Base the reserve on the generator’s real fuel consumption, expected running time and a legal, suitable storage location. A 20-litre can reduces refill trips but is heavy when full; several smaller cans can be easier to handle.

Use compatible transfer equipment

A suitable spout can make a small filler neck easier to reach. Some manufacturers also offer dedicated suction systems to feed engines from compatible cans. Do not improvise a direct-feed system: use only equipment intended for the can and engine involved.

Plan the reserve

  1. Confirm fuel type and tank capacity from the manual.
  2. Determine realistic consumption at the expected load.
  3. Choose the required operating hours.
  4. Split the reserve into containers that can be carried and stored safely.
  5. Include fuel ageing, maintenance and regular test runs in the plan.
More than fuel: exhaust, electrical connection, installation, fire safety and maintenance are equally important. Building connection work requires qualified professional planning.

Sources for this guide

The following authorities and documents were used for this guide. Where rules change, the current original source takes precedence.

  1. Honda GX120/GX160/GX200 – Owner’s ManualHonda Motor Co., Ltd. / Honda Engines EuropeCarbon monoxide, outdoor operation, hot engine parts and cooling before refuelling
  2. German study on autonomous emergency power supply [German]Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK)Context for petrol and diesel generators plus safety considerations for installation and fuel
  3. Fuel and motor – accessories and spare parts for fuel canshünersdorff GmbHSpouts, filling systems, holders, suction systems and replacement seals