Generators can be great for providing backup power during outages, but they can also be quite loud. If you’re looking to reduce the noise a generator makes, there are a few things you can do.
A portable generator is a great tool to have during an emergency but can be extremely loud and disruptive. If you are looking for ways to make your portable generator quieter. So the question is portable generator uses is that you can generate electricity anywhere, then the generator would come into play.
Now you don’t need to have a generator for all your power needs. But you can use it to run some of the larger appliances, so the best portable generator helps to have during an emergency situation or when there is a power outage.
The noise level on most generators is usually around 60 decibels which are considered extremely loud. The human ear can only tolerate up to 80 decibels before damage occurs, so that means that even if your generator is relatively far away from you, it can still be very loud.
How to make a portable generator quieter?
So if you want to make your generator quieter, there are a few things that you can do. First of all, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and be careful when modifying or adding any additional components
You’ll first need to remove the existing muffler system on the generator. This may sound like an odd step, but it will allow your exhaust gases to dissipate more smoothly which makes less noise than blowing all those gasses out through the muffler.
The other thing you can do is buy some insulating material to put around the outside of your generator so it doesn’t transfer as much vibration onto the ground. Some customers have also reported using weather stripping around doors and windows to further reduce noise levels.
Your last option is to install a load resistor, but that will require some electrical knowledge. The load resistor can help reduce noise levels by not allowing the generator to produce full power.
You want to be able to consider all your options before doing anything. Be extra careful when checking with local laws on whether or not you are allowed to modify your generator in any way.
It is very important that you make sure everything is connected properly on your generator before you try and power anything up with it since it could cause serious damage if wired improperly.
So what do I need before trying to silence my loud generator?
Well, if you plan on using any of these modifications, you’re going to need certain tools and materials in order for this job to go smoothly including a screwdriver or a wrench, depending on which modification you intend to do.
Also important is that you should always read the instructions carefully and be careful when doing anything to try and modify your generator since damage may occur if done improperly. If you feel like having someone experienced to do it for you, then by all means go ahead and hire someone who knows what they are doing.
Also, certain safety precautions need to be taken before working with generators such as wearing protective eyewear in case any debris gets into your eyes and rubber gloves so that skin oils and acids from your hands don’t come into contact with any components of the generator. Make sure the generator is unplugged before taking off its casing – this will also reduce the chance of electrical shock.
Once you have unplugged the generator, it should be safe to take off the cover and start doing your work on it. Also, make sure that no children or other people are around while you are working so they don’t get hurt by anything falling or flying out of the open generator casing.
Also wear protective gear such as a dust mask or goggles to avoid inhaling any particles or chemicals from the generator’s metal casing. Make sure that your hands are dry when handling parts of a generator since even trace amounts of oil can cause problems with all electrical components in a generator.
Is there a warranty on my noisy portable generator?
This is also important because chances are if you made modifications to your original equipment manufacturer (OEM) generator, you will void your warranty.
Always make sure to check the warranty before trying any modifications to your generator since most of these modifications cannot be undone easily or without causing damage to other components in the system that would then not be covered by the warranty.
Conclusion:
So if you want to make your generator quieter, there are a few things that you can do. First of all, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and only modify the parts on your generator that were intended for this purpose so you don’t cause any unintended damage. Also important is protecting yourself with proper gear while doing this job so nothing goes wrong while working on your noisy portable generator!
FAQs:
Q 1) How do I turn my quiet generator into a loud one again?
If you ever want to undo your modifications, it can be done but will most likely require some electrical knowledge and either the right tools or enough money to hire someone who knows what they are doing. Keep in mind that any changes made to an OEM generator may void its warranty so if any damage occurs during this process, you will have to pay for it yourself.
Q 2) What kind of noise is produced by generators?
A portable generator produces three different sounds: engine noise, electric generator noise, and harmonic vibration. The engine typically produces 55 decibels (dB) of sound pressure level (SPL), whereas the electric motor creates 100 dB SPL at 3 meters. The noise from a portable generator is higher at 3 meters than the background noise in a quiet rural area of 30 dB SPL.
Q 3) What factors contribute to how loud a generator seems?
A number of different factors contribute to the perceived loudness of a power generator, including distance from the unit, surrounding ambient sounds, and structural enclosures that reflect or muffle the sound waves created by the engine.
If you want to be right next to your noisy portable generator while it’s running, there are some more things you can do including wearing earplugs that reduce overall noise levels by about 15 dB. This will allow you accurate readings when trying to gauge just how much louder your generator actually is than normal background sounds so it might not hurt to invest in a set of earplugs for future use.
Q 4) When should I wear ear protection during generator operation?
If your portable generator is located within 3 feet (0.94 m) and noise levels exceed 85 dB SPL, you should protect your hearing with the proper personal protective equipment such as hearing protection or earmuffs designed to block out damaging sound waves. If noise levels reach 105 dB SPL, it is recommended that you wear both hearing protection and eye protection.
