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Chapter 12 — ENERGY SYSTEMS

Section 1204

California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9) · 2022 edition · updated 2026-09-10 · California

CBSC: official editions, supplements and errata

Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.

1204.1 Portable generators.

The use, operation and maintenance of portable generators shall comply with this section.

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1204.2 Listing.

Portable generators manufactured after January 1, 2021, shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2201.

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1204.3 Operation and maintenance. Portable generators

shall be operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Copyright © 2022 by, or licensed to, International Code Council, Inc. (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED); licensed to California Building Standards Commission pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions is authorized. Any unauthorized reproduction or distribution is a violation of the federal copyright act and the license agreement, and subject to civil and criminal penalties thereunder.

ENERGY SYSTEMS

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1204.4 Grounding. Portable generators shall be grounded in

accordance with the California Electrical Code .

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1204.5 Operating locations. Portable generators shall be

operated only outdoors a minimum of 5 feet (1524 mm) from any building openings such as windows and doors or air intakes. Portable generators shall not be operated within buildings or enclosed areas. Additional separation shall be provided for tents, membrane structures and outdoor assembly events as specified in Chapter 31.

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1204.6 Cords and wiring. Extension cords and temporary

wiring used to connect portable generators shall be in accordance with Section 603 and shall be provided with GFCI protection.

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1204.7 Connections to premise wiring. Connections to a

premise wiring system shall comply with all of the following:

  1. Power shall not be provided in a manner that “backfeeds” receptacles or the premise wiring system.

  2. Connection to a premise served by commercial power shall be made through a listed transfer switch installed, used and maintained in accordance with the California Electrical Code .

  3. Connection to buildings not served by commercial power shall comply with the California Electrical Code .

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1204.8 Refueling. Portable generators shall not be refueled

while operating.

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1204.9 Storage and repair. Storage and repair of fuel-fired

portable generators shall comply with Section 313.

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1204.10 Fire extinguisher.

A listed portable fire extinguisher complying with Section 906 with a minimum rating of 2-A:20-B:C shall be provided not more than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from the portable generator.

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