CPSC Outlines Prototype for GPS Enabled Generators

CPSC’s Directorate for Engineering Sciences’ Division of Combustion and Fire Sciences (ESFS) has published an outline of a prototype generator that would use GPS technology to determine if the generator is being used indoors or outdoors.

The prototype, designed to help mitigate carbon monoxide (CO) hazards associated with portable generators, would include a GPS receiver fully integrated with the generator, which could effectively prevent the generator from being used indoors.

Citing the ubiquitous nature of GPS technology in consumer electronics, the report indicates that such a system is not only feasible, but also inexpensive, as it would require only a rudimentary GPS, designed to detect indoor or outdoor status.

After conducting initial testing, CPSC staff concluded that a basic GPS system would prove effective in preventing indoor generator use, consequently mitigating the bulk of CO hazards associated with portable generators.

However, the report also noted that this technology alone should not be regarded as a potential cure-all. CPSC’s primary strategy for reducing generator-related CO hazards remains to reduce CO emission rate, as there still are CO poisoning hazards if generators are used outside but near the opening of a home.

In February, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) published a report on low-CO-emission portable generators as part of an interagency agreement with CPSC (PSL, 4/22/13, p. 1).

The CSC study, titled Investigating the Utility of Global Positioning System (GPS) Technology to Mitigate the Carbon Monoxide (CO) Hazard Associated with Portable Generators, was conducted in support of CPSC’s advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) to address CO hazards associated with portable generators.

The report is at www.cpsc.gov/Global/Research-and-Statistics/Technical-Reports/Home/Carbon-Monoxide/COReportGPSUse.pdf.