How to Quiet A Generator? 9 Ways to Make Your Generator Quiet

Generators are vital to power your house or campsite during power shortages. But, a generator that makes too much noise is unbearable. Don’t worry if you have purchased the generator that produces intolerable noises, in this article, some epic techniques are discussed to quiet a generator. Let’s dive deeper and learn.

Reasons That Make Your Generator Louder

According to a Cummings White Paper by Senior Acoustics Specialist Dennis Aaberg, whether it is a residential generator or a commercial generator, noise is produced by six major sources. The sources include engine noise, cooling fan noise, alternator noise, induction noise, engine exhaust, and mechanical noise. 

Different types of generators have different noise levels. For instance, standby generators and portable generators, both have varying noise levels. Two primary sources produce noise in portable generators, the engine block, and the exhaust system.

Like the rest of the motors, a generator motor produces a lot of heat and needs a cooling system to prevent overheating. Standby generators can either be air-cooled or liquid-cooled. The significant difference between both the cooling systems is that air-cooled systems are louder and not effective. Liquid-cooled systems are quieter and more effective, however, expensive to purchase and maintain. 

Another mechanical part responsible for causing annoying noise in your generator is the muffler that does not work well anymore. Mufflers are meant to reduce machine noise. A malfunctioning muffler can play havoc with your properly functioning generators.

1. Wong Location of Your Generator 

The placement of the generator is the most important factor to consider when it comes to reducing the noise level of your generator. 

The type of material on which your generator is placed matters the most. If you place your generator on a metal bench, the noise would be higher. So avoid placing the generator on the surfaces that work as amplifiers. 

Moreover, unstable and hard surfaces like asphalt, metal, wooden and concrete are a Big No for generators because such surfaces enhance the vibrations and ultimately increase the noise level. Instead, place the generator on stable and soft ground like flat soil. By doing so, the ground will absorb the vibrations.

2. Energy Level Of The Generator

One of the reasons your generator is noisy is the power output your generator is producing. The larger power generators with larger engines and produce more power are likely to cause louder noise.

3. The Technology Used For Manufacturing The Generator

A generator equipped with newer technology is most likely quieter. 

The inverter generators are among those generators with the latest technology making them quiet and more compact. Additionally, these inverter generators are equipped with sound deflectors and mufflers to reduce the noise. Inverter generators are also called eco-mode generators because they make less noise. 

9 Awesome Tricks to Make Your Generator Quiet

Pretty sure now you must be familiar with the primary reasons causing the noise in your generators.

Now let’s look at the solutions to make your generators quiet. The first and foremost tip is to buy one of the quietest model generators. 

Not all generators have the same noise levels; some are upgraded ones and some noisy beasts. WEN 56203i, the quietest generator among all, functions on 51 dB and delivers 2000 starting and 1700 running watts. 

However, if you have already purchased a generator, then you want a way to reduce the noise so stick to the article for some helpful tips.

1. Fit Generator Silencers

Generator silencers work the same as the mufflers do but more specifically the silencers reduce the noise produced during combustion. Generator silencers are categorized under three main categories, and each category determines the level of noise reduction of your generator.

2. Construct A Shelter Box for Your Generator

It would be a very good option if you construct a shelter box or a soundproof cage around your generator. Once the generator is caged, the noise will be muffled while dampening the noise levels. You can not soundproof your generator truly, so be smart in knowing the methods for reducing its noise.

3. Use the Water Bucket Trick

Connect the hose pipe to the exhaust of the generator and put the other end in the water bucket (5-gallon bucket). This technique dampens the noise level of the generator produced by the exhaust pipe. 

For preventing the water from getting into the generator, create a small hole at the highpoint of the hose pipe. 

4. Keep Your Generator Far Away

When you go camping, always place your generator a minimum of 20 feet (7 meters) away from your camp. Also, ensure that the exhaust pipe is facing away from you. 

At home, keep the generator out of the house while ensuring that the generator is not directly placed near the living rooms or bedrooms.

5. Install Rubber Feet on the Generator

Another way is to cover your generator’s feet with rubber. It will stop the vibrations caused by generators while operating. Ultimately it will have an impact on reducing the noise levels. Similarly, putting your generator on a soundproof mat will also reduce noise pollution.  Anti-vibration pads or a rubber mat is another great technique to quiet your generator. 

6. Soundproof Your Home and Camping Tent

Soundproofing is a very good option for mitigating noise levels. Open holes are the major issue when it comes to soundproofing, but don’t go too serious with this as it is almost impossible to block them all.

Generators need good airflow to prevent them from catching fire. Make sure while working with noise levels, you don’t forget to manage the airflow. 

7. Inspect the Generator’s Muffler

Another mechanical part responsible for causing annoying noise in your generator is the muffler. Mufflers are meant to reduce machine noise. A malfunctioning muffler can play havoc with your properly functioning generators. 

8. Install A Sound Deflector

Installing sound deflectors is another great way to reduce the noise levels of your generators. A sound deflector is a device that helps in deflecting the noise away from a specific area. It is a worth buying device to install in the areas you don’t want to hear generator noise from. 

This device doesn’t make the generator itself quieter or reduce any of the noise it makes; it only keeps the noise away from reaching you. Sound deflectors are readily available in the market. So a sound deflector is an ideal temporary solution. 

If you are looking for something more permanent, to improve the effectiveness of your generator, you can combine sound deflectors with several other options.

9. Keep The Generator’s Exhaust Pipes In a Vertical Position

The way the generator’s exhaust pipes are placed holds considerable significance. When they are turned horizontally, they are blowing the air outside, which means that they are blowing the noise horizontally as well. However, if you set the pipes vertical, the sound will go in that direction as well, and make less noise, and it will not be as loud. 

Most Common Questions on Making Generators Quiet

How to quiet a generator?

There are many practical ways to quiet a generator. Using a generator silencer or muffler, installing rubber feet, grounding on a soft surface, keeping the generator away, setting the exhaust pipe vertical and using a sound deflector are some of the most effective ways to quiet a generator. 

What is the quietest generator?

The quietest generator is WEN 56200i with only a 51 dBA noise level. Other than that, there are a few awesome quiet generators in the market but you need to clear the purpose before selecting one. 

How to make a generator quiet for camping?

One of the best ways to make your generator quiet at camping is to place the generator away from the camp. Soundproof your generator by encasing it in a box or using rubber pads to reduce the vibrations caused by the generator. 

Final Thoughts

There is a never-ending list of great tips to make your generators quiet. Whichever method you choose, make sure the generator can still work properly. 

According to our experiences, grounding your generator on a soft surface and using a shelter box are the simplest and most effective methods to make your generator quiet. If you decide to build the box, consider adding more layers of mass loaded with vinyl to ensure you’re reducing noise effectively. 

It’s something pretty obvious any of these adjustments will not make your generator completely quiet, but reduce the unpleasant sound that it is making. Overall, such measures will surely save your ears from the loud noise of generators.