If you've ever experienced a power outage, you know the importance of having a power generator as a backup. Generators don't only come in handy during a power outage, though. They can be super essential whenever you want to make the most of your camping trips in the woods.
Sadly, moments after powering most generators, you might probably get irritated by the noise they produce, especially when you want a quiet and peaceful experience in the woods. Sure, you could always buy a quieter generator beforehand, but there are still some creative ways you can ensure your generator is a tad bit quiet.
In this article, we'll examine different ways of quieting your generator, depending on which resources you have easily accessible.
If you're looking to reduce the noise coming from your generator by about 10-20 decibels, you could consider some of these low-cost methods.
1. Using Sound Deflectors/Plywood Method
Sound deflectors are one of the cheapest and simplest ways of achieving a quieter generator. Ideally, a sound deflector is an object that works by diverting the noise away from where it would naturally go.
To craft a sound deflector, you will need four plywood sheets and a sheet of drywall which is ideal because of its fire-resistant property. Next, place the three plywood sheets at an angle and facing downwards. You can use the drywall on the side of the generator with the exhaust, as it will last longer than the plywood.
You can expect a noise reduction of around 10dB, but this can go lower depending on where you intend to place the generator too. While plywood is usually the best material to use when it comes to sound deflection, you may use wooden boards as well. Nevertheless, you should still consider using a sheet of drywall on the side with the exhaust.
It would be worth noting that sound deflectors do not necessarily make the generator quieter. They only make the environment around you a bit quieter.
2. Adding Padding Under the Generator
Even though most of the noise from a typical generator is because of the movement of its internal components, vibrations that go to the ground also greatly contribute to the noise. Luckily, if you were to add some padding under the generator, there would be slightly less noise.
A generator is more likely to be louder when placed on a solid surface like pavement. However, slipping in something as simple as a fluffy mat or a rag can reduce the vibrations and lead to less noise.
By default, some generators usually come with small pieces of rubber on their feet. By including a rubber carpet pad underneath the generator, you will be able to lower the intensity of the vibrations from the generator significantly. Consequently, the amount of noise that the generator produces will go down.
Equally, you can attach a rubber carpet to a wooden board and place your generator on top of it. Using this in conjunction with other methods of quieting a generator, like using sound deflectors, can lower the overall noise.
3. Placing Exhaust Pipes Vertically
At first, it might seem odd to place your exhaust pipes vertically, as few generators have exhaust pipes that are positioned vertically. In reality, though, placing the generator's exhaust pipes vertically is actually a form of sound deflection in that you will be directing sound from the exhaust pipes upwards rather than horizontally.
Of course, this method won't completely reduce the noise, but it will not be as loud as a generator with horizontally positioned exhaust pipes. It is also possible to combine this method with a few others, such as using sound deflectors and adding padding under the generator. However, you may have to position the drywall on a different side in this case.
If you go with this method, installing an exhaust cap would be a good idea. It will help prevent rain or other foreign objects from getting inside the exhaust, especially when the generator is not in use.
4. Making Your Own Muffle Box
A muffle box ideally combines different methods, such as sound deflection and adding padding under the generator. They go by other names, such as quiet boxes or baffle boxes.
Compared to using four pieces of plywood, building your own muffle box will be far more convenient. This is because you can use it for any other device that equally produces lots of noise like a generator. If you have an air compressor, for example, you will find that your homemade muffle box will have more than plenty of uses.
One major consideration when building a muffle box is to include a good venting system. Unlike the plywood method, where exhaust fumes can easily escape from any side, a muffle box should have a dedicated air inlet and outlet. This will ensure that the generator gets enough air.
In addition, you should also remember to use fire-resistant material like drywall when building your own muffle box. If you have a small budget, you could consider using drywall on the side with the exhaust and opt to use plywood on other sections.
Be sure to build a muffle box with an easily accessible control panel. This will make operating your generator easier.
5. Using Water as The Generator Muffler
It sounds perversely counterintuitive to use water near a power generator. If water gets to certain parts of the generator, it could damage it and require expensive repairs. However, water can be used to muffle the sound coming from your generator.
For this, you will need a bucket of water and a hose. Connect the hose to the exhaust pipe of your generator and then place the other end of the hose into the bucket of water. While in operation, the water will muffle some of the sound, resulting in a quieter generator.
To ensure that water doesn't get to the exhaust, consider making a small hole a few inches above the pipe. The hole doesn't need to be too big, though, as it could also leak sound. In addition, use a hose of reasonable length to ensure there is a safe distance between the generator and the bucket. This will ensure that even if the bucket topples over, water will not splash on the generator.
6. Use an Automotive Filter
You could also silence your generator by using an automotive muffler. While this method will reduce the noise by up to 15 decibels, it also requires some welding skills.
Here, the idea is to attach the automotive muffler to the generator's exhaust so that it dampens the noise coming from the exhaust.
To use an automotive muffler on your generator, you should consider welding it onto the generator's exhaust pipe for the best results. If you are unable to weld, you could opt to use clamps, but this will not produce optimal results as some noise could still escape.
You could also use exhaust flex tubing, but just like with clamps, the end result may not be as good since there will still be a lot of vibration. As such, it is advisable to simply weld the automotive muffler.
Most Effective Options for Silencing a Generator
Now that we've already looked at some of the simple ways of quieting your generator, let's take a look at some of the most effective ways to reduce noise from a generator. Note that these methods may involve extra costs, but ultimately, they will produce far better results.
1. Using a Generator Silencer
While there is nothing wrong with using an automotive muffler, your best bet would be to purchase a generator silencer, as it will do a better job. Its installation may still need some welding skills and the purchase of a few special parts, but the process will be generally easier. This is because unlike automotive mufflers, generator silencers are built with generators in mind.
After you've installed everything correctly, you can expect an overall noise reduction of about 10-15 decibels. By incorporating other methods, like using a ready-made baffle box (discussed below), you can reduce the amount of noise produced by a generator even further.
One thing to remember when looking for a generator silencer is to pick one that is made for generators and not a commercial silencer. Since industrial and commercial silencers physically look like generator silencers, it is often easy to buy the wrong type of muffler for your generator. As such, you should know the dimensions of your generator's exhaust and whether the generator muffler you wish to buy will be compatible with your generator.
2. Replacing Your Generator’s Muffler
By now, you are already aware that the majority of the noise from a generator comes from the motor and the exhaust pipe. Since replacing the motor is like changing your generator altogether, the only part you can change is usually the exhaust pipe.
Earlier, we discussed how you can use a generator silencer to reduce the noise from a generator during operation. However, if your generator comes with a muffler, you could also upgrade it so that the generator will be quieter.
You can either choose to get a slightly bigger muffler or change the direction of the exhaust pipe when replacing the muffler. By default, you should strive to get a bigger muffler than the one your generator initially had. This is because a bigger muffler can muffle sounds better than a smaller one.
3. Buying Ready Made Baffle Box
Ready-made baffle boxes are the ideal choice whenever you are looking for a quick solution for a noisy generator. Even though purchasing a ready-made baffle box will cost you a few extra bucks, the convenience they offer is unmatched. They are easy to assemble, and most also consider good safety designs, such as using fireproof material on the inner parts.
You should only purchase a baffle box that will be large enough to contain your generator. Getting a baffle box that just barely encloses your generator is not a good idea as it will limit the amount of air circulation. As such, it is far better to get a baffle box that you can use with other things, such as an air compressor.
Other Useful Considerations for a Quieter Generator
Apart from the methods we've discussed in this article, if you haven't purchased a generator yet, you should consider the generator's power first, as this will affect the amount of noise it produces. Powerful generators tend to produce more noise.
You can also move the generator farther away from you or where you intend to use it. Owning a long extension cable to transmit power from the generator to the source can be helpful.
Conclusion
In conclusion, many generators will still produce noise of some sort, but managing the noise is easy when you know exactly what to do. Deflecting the noise and using baffle boxes are good ways to start, but you should always be careful and ensure that some of the methods do not go against the safety instructions the generator came with.
