How to Make a Generator Quiet in 6 steps
Last Updated on July 4, 2022
The generator is essentially a loud machine that can sometimes be irritating and pestilent. The constant noise produced by a vibrating engine can be especially a nuisance that needs attending to. The good news is that there are several strategies that anyone can use to deal with this menace. Below are 6 of these strategies that have been proven as effective in reducing the noise levels in generators:
Extend the distance from sound source
Isn’t this solution simply too obvious and common sense? Yet it works! Just increase the distance between your house or residence and the location of the generator. For many, this alone may be the needed remedy.
What practical steps may be taken to better achieve this? You can invest in long extension cords. This strategy achieves two main objectives: It makes sure that the location of the generator is not too close to your residence. It also makes the sound waves to be spread over a wider area, thereby significantly lowering noise levels.
As a general rule, when you double the distance between your residence and the generator, you achieve as much as a 6-decibel level of noise reduction. A caveat is in order here, though. While doing this, do not disturb your neighbour’s peace. In addition, make sure you keep the generator in a dry stable place. This minimizes damage to your machine.
Position your generator well
Always remember that the position in which you place the generator directly affects the noise levels. As long as the place where you actually place the machine is not level then what you can expect is more noise. The noise is a direct result of vibration sounds from the engine. To solve this, simply ensure your generator is placed on a flat, level surface. Essentially, how may this be done? Using levelling feet, go ahead and make the generator as stable as possible in a position desired. Moreover, make sure that the exhaust pipe is pointed from home or that campsite. Again, this is a common sense solution that significantly reduces the noise menace.
Place the exhaust in a vertical position
Many exhaust pipes are generally placed in horizontal position. The effect is that the sound waves spread in one direction. To remedy this, place the exhaust pipe vertically. In this way, the sound waves get directed up, instead of out.
Upgrade, get a better exhaust
Remember that the exhaust is the loudest component of that machine. To optimize noise reduction efforts, you can use a standard silencer for your generator. Don’t forget that, the longer the exhaust piping used, the greater the noise reduction achieved. Therefore, go ahead and upgrade. One awesome solution is to replace the exhaust with a car or motorcycle muffler. To do this, just create a custom pipe system then link it to the exhaust.
Build an enclosure for the generator
Certainly, this can be one of the most effective ways to counter noise. It helps in absorption and deflection of noise. While at this, get to ensure the generator gets enough airflow to cool and that the air to burn flows undeterred. This prevents overheating. Ensure the housing is spacious enough to achieve this. Before buying one, check the different designs and settle on the right design for a whisper quiet generator. It has been proved that good enclosures reduce levels of noise by up to 10 decibels.
Insulate enclosure
Doing this creates greater barrier options. How can you do it? You can do the following:
- Use sound-absorbing foam.
- Rubber waffle pads.
- Acoustic barriers
- Insulate with sound-absorbing materials.
NB: Just in case the above methods don’t prove effective enough, consider upgrading. In time, you can obtain the quietest generator.