Generators come in multiple styles and sizes, but how to define a quiet generator? What to look for? Is there anything else to consider besides the actual noise level?

When living or working in a neighborhood with noise restrictions in place, finding a generator that complies with the local regulations is tricky, a loud generator is also a pain if you need it for leisure purposes.

This guide aims to show you all you need to know before adventuring in your quest of finding the right unit for you.

Understanding Generators

What is the main thing you check in a generator? If you’re like most consumers, that’s perhaps the rated wattage. Or the overall size of the unit. However, when looking for a quiet generator, the main thing to check is the technology that produces energy.

Generators consist of an engine and an alternator; the former delivers power to the latter, which is responsible for creating electricity. And the first component to check in a quiet generator is precisely the alternator.

There are two types of alternators, conventional and inverters.

Understanding Noise

Once you’ve understood why you need an inverter generator if you aim for quiet operation, it is time to understand noise and its levels.

Noise is measured in decibels (dB) – often referred to as A-weighted decibels (dBA). The international standards define as 0 decibels the lowest sound the human ear can hear. Therefore zero decibels don’t mean the absence of noise, but instead its lowest level.

The upper threshold is 160 decibels, a sound level high enough to destroy your eardrums permanently.

Everything in-between is rated as low, moderate, or loud.

Now, the logic would tell us that a 160 dB sound is 160 times higher than zero. But the noise level is algorithmic, not mathematics. The decibels levels and the perceived volume change don’t go hand in hand. And specialists say that the perceived volume doubles with every three decibels added.

To give you a practical example, a 60 dB appliance will seem twice as loud to your ears than a 50 dB appliance, despite a mere 10 dB difference between them. An 80 dB appliance is perceived four times louder, and so on.

How Does This Affect Generators?

The algorithmic increment of the noise level has a direct impact on the noise level of a generator. Quiet generators are intended as generators producing a rated noise level lower than 65 decibels at full load.

To translate this into real life, a normal conversation is conducted at around 60 decibels.

Most of the quietest generators have noise levels lower than 60 dB, but the perceived volume of a 53 dB generator will be twice as loud as the perceived volume of a 50 dB generator.

How To Assess The Quietness Of A Generator?

With all the above in mind, you should now assess what quiet means to you. What is the acceptable noise level you’re looking for?

Manufacturers often take advantage by the lack of an international standard when describing their machines as quiet. Furthermore, many manufacturers only disclose the rated noise levels when the generator is running at 25% load. But a generator is the loudest when running at full capacity.

Not only you’ll have to find this number to assess the actual noise level of the machine you like, but you’ll also have to look for a unit rated under 65 decibels at full load.

Another thing to keep in mind is that measurements are often conducted at the standard distance of 23 feet. This means the volume perceived if you’re sitting right next to a running unit can be much louder.

In broad terms, the sound level of generators ranges from 50 dB to 110 dB, with the former being considered quiet while the latter may provoke irreversible hearing damage upon exposure.

What Else Matters?

Besides the actual noise level ratings stated by the manufacturer, there are other things to consider. Power is one of them. Then portability and size. Ultimately, you need a generator that serves its purpose.

Power

Portable generators can output from as little as 240 watts to over 15,000 watts. It is easy to understand that the higher the output, the larger the motor and alternator. Thus, the loudest the generator.

If you want to find the best compromise between noise level and power, assess first your real needs.

Quiet generators can often output as much as 3,500 surge watts, with some models being capable of generating even more power. At this rate, the machine can supply energy to a small household in the event of an outage. Smaller generators are more suitable for occasional use.

In general terms, you will need:

Since you’re pretty much considering an inverter generator by now, you’ll be pleased to know that all units come with a nice perk. Parallel capability.

The parallel capability is the generator’s capability of connecting to another identical or compatible generator to form a system that outputs more power. Most units on the market can connect to an identical generator, which means you can double the power (and the noise level) if needed.

Runtime

At first glance, the runtime has nothing to do with the noise level. But since everything is intertwined in life, it does.

A fuel efficient generator – thus an inverter generator – is quieter than a conventional system.

Fuel efficiency comes with many benefits. On the one hand, inverter generators only produce electricity on demand. Complex throttle systems allow the units to cease fuel consumption almost entirely at no load and reassume their function when a load is applied.

Regardless of the actual noise level when the unit is running, the throttle system reduces the noise when the generator runs on a low load and when no load is applied. And this makes the whole experience much more bearable.

Power quality

A feature that really has nothing to do with the noise level of the machine, but that has a direct impact on your appliances.

Conventional generators require the motor to rotate at full speed constantly to produce alternating current. A drop in that speed caused perhaps by the lack of fuel, can cause current fluctuations that can damage the devices connected to the generator.

An inverter generator, on the other hand, doesn’t deliver the alternating current directly to the appliances, but first inverts it.

The process is complicated, but in broad terms, the unit transforms the initial alternating current into direct current to then invert it into alternating current again. This smooth sine wave is then delivered to the devices.

These systems are thus capable of providing a constant flow of energy that is cleaner and safer. You won’t have to worry about current fluctuations and can plug in all your sensitive devices, including the laptop and smartphone.

When the quietest generator isn’t quiet enough, you can use various strategies to reduce the noise level even more. Here are some methods proved to work.

1. Pay attention to the load

We already mentioned that the higher the charge, the louder the generator would run. So, if you want to enjoy a quiet evening in the wilds, you should keep the load as low as possible.

To make sure you’ll not overload your generator, we recommend buying a unit with a capacity higher than what you actually require. For instance, if all the appliances you want to run require 2,000 watts, buy a generator capable of outputting at least 3,000 watts.

Even if a larger generator is louder than a smaller one, a large unit used at half of a quarter of its load is much more bearable in terms of noise than a small generator run at full load.

2. Get good mufflers

Most generators come with noise reduction mufflers, but even if the manufacturer advertises them, it doesn’t mean they are up to any good.

Some mufflers could be too small or just have poor quality. Replacing them with high-quality mufflers will have a positive outcome in your quest of reducing the noise level of your generator. If you’re good at mechanics, it sometimes helps to change the exhaust altogether, replacing it with a car or motorcycle muffler.

3. Insulate the engine

Does this sound weird? Well, it isn’t. Many generators don’t have any kind of sound vibration dampening material placed between the housing the and engine. Vibrations mean louder operation, so you’ll want to reduce them as much as possible.

Luckily, there are sound and vibration dampening materials you can use. For instance, you can install thick rubber gaskets between the screws and the frame to reduce both noise and vibrations.

Furthermore, there are multiple types of spring mounts and rubber mounts or dampeners you can use to insulate your engine and keep vibration and noise at a minimum.

4. Move your muffler vertically

Mufflers are typically installed horizontally. We can see them in a vertical position though on some lawn care machines, such as the tractors. Did you know why they are installed vertically on these loud vehicles?

Yes, you’ve guessed it right. To reduce noise. An exhaust pipe installed vertically channels the waves up, dampening the noise.

This means that if your generator is rated quieter than normal conversation, you can make the unit pretty quiet by simply changing the muffler’s position.

5. Build an enclosure

Regardless of what measures you take, a generator can still be louder than you’d like it. The easiest way to reduce the noise is by placing it in an insulated enclosure. Build the box from materials known to absorb vibrations and sound, such as plywood.

Insulate the enclosure with absorbing foam or rubber waffle pads, then cut some ventilation holes.

Place rubber waffle pads on the bottom of the box, then place your generator inside. Close the box with an insulated lid and see if you achieved the desired effect.

6. Keep your generator at a distance

While this strategy won’t make your generator quieter, it will increase your comfort level. And in the end, that’s the whole purpose, isn’t it?

Since some appliances can have short cords, we recommend investing in long extension cords that allow you to place the generator as far away as you like. Moving the generator further away from you can cut off up to 10 decibels, which is quite a lot.

7. Buy the quietest generator

Want to have a generator that is whisper quiet? Buy the quietest generator in the first place, then use all tips above to make it quieter. Wondering which are the advantages?

To begin with, in instances when it’s impossible to place the generator too far (for example in a campsite), you’ll still be able to enjoy the outdoors and an evening with your friends without being annoyed by a loud machine.

Or perhaps you don’t have the knowledge or skills to apply some of the tips above. By investing in the quietest generator, you’ll be able to simply turn the music up and cover the generator’s noise.

Having the quietest generator could be insufficient if the machine you have doesn’t meet its scope. To have the best quietest generator, check the unit you like also comes with these important features.

Investing in the quietest generator is no doubt the wisest idea, regardless of the use you’ll make out of your unit. But the quietest generator for a camper might not be the quietest unit for a contractor.

There is a myriad of other things to consider before saying the most silent generator on the market is for you.

As highlighted above, it’s sometimes better to get a bigger generator and load it at 25% capacity than investing in a small unit to use at full load.

Beyond this, you must decide what type of generator you need and what features you’d like it to have.

We told you why an inverter generator is your best bet, and also showed you which are some of the most promising units. But now it’s your turn to evaluate your needs, weigh in advantages and benefits, and pick the best quietest generator for you.