How to Reduce the Noise of a Portable Generator

Even though, some are tranquil enough, it is hard to hold a conversation with a friend within close proximity to a generator. The sound can become deafening, especially around portable generators that have gas powered engines. If you have a generator, you can consider removing it from your vicinity, adding materials to it or making sure its level in order to reduce its annoying sound.

1. Place your generator a good distance from your house; this will lessen the noise. In doing this, your neighbors could very well find themselves disturbed by the sound, therefore this may not be an option, if you have neighbors.



2. Buy a padded cushion made out of cushioning wrap as well as poly foam at a retail store. You can find a roll or single pad for a low price. Place your portable generator on top of the padded cushion, as this can help lessen the noise level from vibrations and shakes.



3. Connect the generators exhaust pipe to a 5-gallon tank filled with water. The water inside the tank will muffle the noise making it sound just like an aquarium's air radiator. Even though the water within will immediately become grimy, it ought to last for many days before the high temperatures from the generator ultimately evaporates the water.



4. Check to see if the portable generator is level. A portable generator that's not level can make loud vibrating sounds. Portable generators have leveling “feet” within the bottom of the device. You can unscrew the “feet” from out of the left as well as the right side of the generator. This will stabilize the generator to whatever level you desire. If the generator does not have leveling feet, you can purchase Styrofoam corners. These slip corners are designed to go onto the edges of appliances, in order to balance and level them.



5. Insulate the area around the generator. Insulate the edges of the generator by using sound absorbing foam; these will drown or muffle unwanted sounds. Another idea is to encompass the generator with some sort of flame retardant cloth. You can find long towels from hardware stores that are specially designed not to catch fire. Never use material such as fabric, cloth or soft plastic as these can easily go up in flames due to the extreme heat that a generator gives off while it runs.

Tip

A portable power generator that runs below 75 dB is deemed quiet. Although, the majority of generators will likely be over this specific number, therefore having a good knowledge of exactly what a decibel is can help you understand how loud a generator is. For example, 40 decibels is normal for a working office, although 60 decibels is around how noisy an air conditioning unit is.