Getting a generator for your home, office, or when going camping is always a good idea. Unfortunately, most generators can often be noisy and irritating. It is exceedingly important that you take into account the noise requirements when choosing a generator. There are numerous techniques to reduce noise from a generator. Some of these are as simple as ensuring that the breaking-in procedure is done correctly while others can be much more complicated. We have looked at some of the more elaborate techniques that are proven to work best. Here are some effective ways to make your generator quieter.
Keep it at a Distance
If you are using a generator in an open area, you can keep it at a distance to keep the noise levels down. The idea works well if you are camping or using a generator in a home with a large field. Make sure that you have long extension cords that can accumulate the distance. If you are camping, ensure the generator is not near other people that are camping near you. The advised distance to keep your generator is about twenty meters.
Make A Soundproof Generator Box
If you use the generator for your home or office building, you can build a soundproof box around it. It works well if you are not planning on moving the generator and is an option to ensure your generator doesn’t get wet. You will most likely reduce the sound to a minimum, although less sound will still pass through the vents of the box. A soundproof box will reduce noise significantly and allow you to use the generator close to your building, especially if you cannot move it to keep the noise away.
You can also make a baffle box to reduce the noise from your generator. The baffle box is placed on top of the generator such that you do not have to lift your generator as the box does not have a bottom. The method is not as effective as a soundproof box, but it works well if you put some distance between the generator and your property.
Building Acoustic Enclosures
Building an acoustic wall or fence around the generator will reduce the noise by about 10 decibels. The surfaces will limit the transmission of sound, meaning your generator will be quieter. You can create an acoustic wall and then fence around it to ensure the sound is less and to also protect your generator from the elements.
Additionally, you can have acoustic insulation to keep the noise down. The room you build can absorb the noise and the vibration when the generator is operating, but making sure the walls are insulated will ascertain the lowest levels of noise from the generator. You can install acoustic ceiling tiles and sound-absorbing materials for the wall panels.
Place The Exhaust Pipes Away From You
If you have a modern generator, you can place the exhaust pipes up and away from you so that the noise is reduced significantly. Alternatively, you can use water to quiet down the exhaust noise. You can fix a hosepipe down one end of the exhaust and put the other one in a bucket of water. The option is best if you have a generator for your home or when camping and cannot move the generator away from your campsite.
Using AVM (Anti-vibration Mounts)
There are various options for anti-vibration mounts, such as spring mounts, dampers, and rubber mounts. These reduce the noise from the source by isolating the vibrations from the generator while it is in use. Apart from ensuring the noise levels from your generator is low, anti-vibration mounts also ensure there is no damage to the generator caused by vibrations.
Use Attenuators
Attenuators are effective because they allow air to pass through them, limiting the noise your generator produces. They are perfect for large generators. The attenuators are made from sheet metal with a rock wall infill of high density. It ensures that the sound is absorbed and reduces the wavelength.
Installing A Muffler for The Exhaust Pipe
A muffler is designed to fit the exhaust pipe of your generator and reduce the noise levels produced by your generator when in use. The muffler has perforated tubes that deflect the sound waves and reduce noise from getting far. Although an exhaust muffler does not reduce the noise produced by the generator’s engine, it will lower the noise by about ten to twelve decibels. Mufflers for your generator’s exhaust pipe are different for each model of generator. Getting the help of an expert is a good way to ensure you get one that is suitable for your generator.
