A generator sounds like a great friend of yours when you are very much in need of an emergency power supply. The problem starts when it is heavier than you realized and you are not able to move it by yourself. Worse, when you turn it on, it sounds like a jet engine and your neighbors don’t hesitate to complain.
Noise might not be at the top of the list of your concern when you purchase a generator, but it is a hugely important factor when you start using it. So if you are struggling with the annoying noise of your generator, we will show you how to quiet a generator right now!
Why Are Generators So Noisy?
Generally, Portable generators generate electrical energy through the engine, which produces a lot of noise even in some expensive models. The noise level is measured in decibels.
Most of the generators produce noise levels in a range from 60 to 90. But sometimes it crosses over the 100dB sound level. Most likely, the more inexpensive a generator is, the louder it will be.
A generator that contains 60 to 70 decibels will seem as loud as a vacuum cleaner or a dishwasher. While the noise of a dishwasher or laundry machine is quite tolerable for a short period of time, the constant sound may become overwhelming.
In some other cases, a generator may start to produce more noise when it needs repair. If you notice any smoke, or if you are having difficulty starting it up or experience frequent power shortages, you should call a professional to have a look.
How Loud Are Generators?
Many residential areas have noise restrictions, especially at night which puts a drawback on using a generator. So if you are intending to purchase a generator for home use or a work shed, you have to consider its noise level of it.
Also, loud generators are not a good choice for camping or even for your home unless you want to turn your neighbors into your enemy.
According to the National Institutes of HealthSounds at or below 70 dBA are generally considered safe. Any sound at or above 85 dBA is more likely to damage your hearing over time. Researchers have found that people who are exposed over long periods of time to noise levels at 85 dBA or higher are at a much greater risk for hearing loss.
Luckily most of the generators are measured on a standard noise scale in the factory that ensures it is perfectly fine to run it under any circumstances.
Normally most of the expensive and great models have a noise production level from 60 to 90 Dbls. However, some generators contain a noise level of 80 to 90.
There are a few generators that exceed 100 DBls. So, you can either use a generator sound deflector or use some materials to reduce the pollution that your generator is causing.
Why Should I Silence My Generator?
Silencing or muffling a generator is not only a reason to keep yourself free from being bothered but also a kind and generous act for other people around you.
Generators will definitely make a little bit of noise but you are at least trying to keep it low which means you are concerned about their problems and hardships which will increase the mutual understanding between you and your neighbor.
Moreover, you don’t want your kids to grow up in an environment where sound pollution is at its peak. While camping, you should not scare wild animals and birds. So silencing or muffling your generator is a must-act to perform.
Can You Put A Silencer On A Generator?
The generator companies are capable of building quiet generators by using soundproof technology and silencers that can make a generator quieter than usual. The silencers are made of rubber which makes sure the generator produces low noise levels and prevents vibrations.
This is the most effective process to make a generator quiet. The process is called muffling or silencing the generator. The generator box contains special technologies that make your generator produce less noise and vibrations.
This soundproofing technology is embedded in almost every new model generator. The generators also contain an exclusive (water bucket) trick. All these together reduce the noise level to a tolerable range.
10 Ways to Make Your Generator Quieter
You don’t need to spend a lot of dollars to make your generator silent. Generator mufflers or silencers are a more affordable way to make your generator quieter.
A professional company can safely make a muffler box for your generator using soundproof technology and ideal materials, which can manage to absorb most of the sound while ensuring the generator is still capable of its efficiency.
You should also place your generator as far away from your general living area as possible to prevent noise pollution.
Here are the 10 best ways to make your generator quiet as a cricket at an affordable cost.
1. Purchase A Generator That Fits Your Demands
Number one, you must identify the amount of power you need then, you should choose the ideal generator that matches your desire. It is obvious that as much power the generator generates as much fuel as it needs as much noise it produces.
Whether you need one for camping or tailgating or for running home appliances, the amount of power varies. And there are generators of different powers, it’s pretty much that, how much you are willing to spend.
Sometimes the sound level depends on the size of the generators.
Some people require energy to just power their small electronic devices such as smartphones or laptops while camping, which requires a low amount of energy.
If you are willing to power up larger appliances for instance refrigerators or microwaves or air conditioners then you will need to have a generator with a higher wattage output ranging from 2000 to 5000 watts.
Some generators are made in a way that they produce a huge amount of power with a low sound level that makes them the best of both worlds.
2. Keep Your Generator Away From You
The position of the generator itself should be your first consideration when using a generator while camping. While you are having a camping experience outside you must make sure the generator is in such a position by facing away from the campsite and 20 feet away from the place where you are having your party going on.
For that, you must point out the exhaust pipes. That must be in a neutral direction facing toward the air up above. This will help you reduce the noise a little bit in both your camping area and your living residence.
3. Purchase A High-Quality Generator with Low Noise Level
There are many types of portable inverter generators of different brands available on the market. The cost is in different ranges.
The highly efficient generators are made with advanced soundproof technology that helps the generator reduce the noise level.
The generators may cost a little bit of extra money, though they are worth it. Get yourself a high-quality generator if your budget is enough.
Also, the expensive high-quality generators are well made with airflow features and extension cords to help them work.
Some of the generators have a built-in ventilation system that allows the air inside the generator to pass through.
4. Place The Generator On a Soft Surface
Another big factor we highly recommend is placing it on a soft surface while it is on a running session. You should place your generator on a soft surface in order to reduce the vibrations and generator noise levels.
It is one of the most effective steps you can follow in this case. It’s better not to put your generator on a hard surface as it will increase the sound range.
When you go camping, install the generator on grass or soft sand as it will absorb the vibrations and ultimately will produce less noise.
In case you can’t find a softer place to put your generator, you can buy an Anti-vibration mat. This anti-vibration mat is made of rubber and prevents the generator to produce extra vibrations and which will reduce the noise levels.
5. Use Sound Deflectors To Quiet Your Generator
After you made sure that you place your generator on a soft surface, another effective method is to use a sound deflector. We highly recommend this method as it is considered to be the most effective method to reduce noise
The things you’ll need are 4 sheets of plywood and non-flammable materials. Place these woods around the generator at an angle, the system will automatically reduce the noise range of the generator and make it much quieter.
Follow the picture above, You will know how to use the method. Just use some plywood and place them in an angular position to pass the noise down in the ground. You will almost not hear the sound from 20 feet distance.
6. Build An Acoustic Enclosure
Another method to make your noisy generator quieter is building an acoustic enclosure. The best part of an acoustic enclosure is that it’s much more portable and compact than lugging around 5 panels of deflecting plywood in your RV.
Another matter of impression is you make make it your own without purchasing it.
In the picture above you can see how to make an enclosure box using plywood. It is not only for a noisy generator that makes a huge amount of noise but also for quiet generators to have a minimal sound level.
One most important advantages of this method is that, in the case of a loud generator, you won’t hear a huge amount of sound without placing them away from your home.
7. Find A Muffler Silencer That Fits Your Generator
Muffle your generator. The muffler is a piece of equipment used to muffle the generator’s noise. It doesn’t matter what the size of your generator is, how much fuel it consumes, or how loud it sounds. Just muffle the noise.
After installing the generator on a proper surface, muffling is the most effective part you should do. You have to bear in mind that finding a muffler for your car is far easier than finding one for your generator.
Because there are different types of generators on the market with different-sized exhaust pipes. You cant get a built-in muffler silencer for your generator. So, the best option is to speak to a specialized system repairman.
They will help you by all means to change your generator’s muffler.
8. Use Water As Your Generator Muffler
If your installed muffler silencer sounds too much you can use water instead to make your generator quiet. Still, you will need some customization. All you need is just a hose, 5 gallons of water, and a clamp in case of securing the hose to the exhaust pipe.
Don’t forget to place the generator in a higher place than the bucket of water if you don’t want the water to flow back to the exhaust pipe.
Make sure you poke a small hole in the hose in case of being extra careful. The setup is very simple. You just have to connect the hose to the exhaust pipe by using the clamp.
And connect the other side with the bucket of water, as the water will work as a muffler by putting down the sound waves and keeping your generator quiet.
9. Installing the Generator on a Sturdy, Sound-Absorbing Floor
Another idea to silence the noisy generators is to set them up on hard surfaces. . Install your generator on a hard board or a sound-amplifying floor of your room for noise reduction.
You can use silencers, and You can muffle your generator, but the place you are putting it on is the most important part to reduce the noise range. The best way is to keep it on a sturdy surface that absorbs the sound.
For any portable generator, the surface is a very important matter of concern that you must take into consideration. For a peaceful camping experience, you just need a quiet generator that will not ruin the environment.
10. Clean Your Generator Often
Clean the extra oil that is stuck into the outer surface of the generator. Sometimes the exhaust pipes remain oily and sticky. Clean away the extra oils and dust from the generator. You always can not just keep your generator far away from your home.
So you have to concentrate on other factors to make it work. As clean you will keep the generator, as good service it will provide. It doesn’t make a big difference but it’s important to get the maximum benefit out of the generator.
Conclusion
Everyone wants a super quiet generator by any means. One thing you must remember is that there is no such way to make your generator the quietest one. By combining each of these 10 tips you can reduce the overall sound level of the generator.
Reducing the level from 10 to 15 decibels will make a big difference that you will really appreciate. We hope this article will help you to keep your camping place a bit more quieter and peaceful.
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So purchase a quieter generator and follow our tips to make it more applicable.