A generator is a handy appliance during electrical blackouts or camping trips. Despite its usefulness, the constant buzz and roaring sound of a running generator can be very irritating. It can disturb you while sleeping, working, or relaxing on a campsite.
This article will discuss the best methods to hush up your generator and enjoy a comparatively quieter electrical power supply during blackout or camping trips.
Note: If you haven’t bought a generator yet or plan to buy a new generator, consider these quiet generators before choosing one.
Table of Contents
Ways to make your Generator Quiet
1. The Positioning of your Generator
This is the most basic way to reduce your generator’s noise. If you are using a home generator, make sure you install it at a place far away from your living room or bedroom. If you have a portable generator for your home use or camping, make sure to keep it as far as possible while it is running. Keep in mind that you will have to spend some extra amount of money on wires if you are planning to move your generator away from you. Also, see this guide to know why portable generators are so loud?
Read More: Generators and Boondocking: 5 Important Thing to Know
2. Adjusting the Exhaust Pipes
Another basic way to reduce the generator’s noise is to point the exhaust pipes upward or in the opposite direction. The engine and exhaust system produce most of the sound. While you cannot do anything about the position of the engine, you can decrease the generator’s noise by adjusting the exhaust pipes.
3. Reducing the Vibrations
Most of the sound a generator produces is due to vibrating parts while the generator is running. The best way to get rid of this vibration is to get an anti-vibration mat or pads, or you can do it yourself by placing your generator on an old household mat. Old clothes can also serve this purpose. You can find some on Amazon.
4. Building a Generator Box
A little bit difficult, but one of the most effective ways to counter the buzz from your generator is to build a soundproof generator box. For building a generator box, you will need cardboard, glue or screws, foam mats, and ventilation ducts. First of all, measure your generator, then cut the cardboard (make sure you add at least 6 inches on each side for easy placement of your generator), attach the pieces and place the mat on the surface of your box.
Now cut holes of venting and connect ventilation ducts for your generator. Make sure that your generator gets an ample air supply and enough space for the exhaust. If there is not enough exchange of air, the unit can get heated, and it will be problematic for your generator. The generator box method is very useful, but it has a couple of disadvantages as well. Firstly, it reduces the portability of your generator. Secondly, it may not be able to handle all the exhaust heat. You can also buy a generator box online or get one made from a carpenter.
Check out this Youtube video:
5. Muffler or Silencer
It may be possible that the silencer or muffler of your generator is out of order, or it has completed its age and is unable to silence your generator. You can get a new muffler with better sound reducing qualities, and it can significantly reduce the buzzing of your generator.
6. Sound Deflectors
This solution is mainly for people who have installed a massive generator at homes or work sites. A sound deflector does not reduce the noise, but it deflects it and stops it from reaching you. You can get help from professionals for installing sound deflectors.
7. Deal the Noise with Water
It may sound a bit crazy to you, but this is possible, and many people are doing it. You can try it for once, and if it works well for you, you have found a cheap way to eliminate all the roaring of your generator. You will need a hosepipe and bucket of water for this method. Attach the hose pipe to the exhaust of the generator and place the other end in a bucket of water. Now start your generator and check for bubbles in the water. If there are bubbles, everything is perfect.
A few all-time Measure to keep your Generator Quiet
A new generator does not produce much noise. You can take the following measure to ensure that there is less noise production from your generator as it gets old.
- Ensure that the oil level remains above the danger line, so there is no friction in the engine and moving parts.
- Always run or install your generator on leveled ground. Avoid placing it on tiled floors, so that the earth can absorb the vibration and sound.
- Get your generator serviced by a professional at the recommended time. This helps in the overall maintenance of your generator.
Conclusion
There is no way that you can completely silence your generator. Yes, you can reduce the generator’s noise by acting on any of the above 7 ways. Your generator must get a proper inlet and outlet for heat exchange; otherwise, it will go bad and cause problems for you.