A Silent Generator Set is quite the oxymoron. Typically, generators are loud! It is difficult to have a normal conversation when one is running. When there are power outages, the sound can fill a quiet neighborhood with a constant, unyielding buzz.
Portable generators are reported to be louder than home standby generators. The noise is caused by the engine and exhaust of the generator. The unit of sound is measured in decibels (dB). Here is a list of items and their assessed decibel levels:
* 20 dB the rustling of leaves
* 30 dB whispering at 3 feet
* 40 dB a quiet household
* 50 dB running refrigerator
* 60 dB sewing machine
* 70 dB television set
* 80 dB doorbell
* 90 dB tractor
* 100 dB factory machines
* 105 dB snow blower
* 110 dB power saw
* 115 dB football stadium game
* 120 dB hammering a nail
* 125 dB chain saw
* 130 dB jackhammer
* 135-140 decibels airplane on takeoff
* 140-150 decibels firecracker
* 160-170 decibels guns (rifles, handguns, shotguns)
* 180 decibels a rocket launch
Emergency generators have a noise level than can reach past 100 decibels. Imagine a snow blower or power saw outside your door for hours on end! Therefore, it is very important to be considerate of your neighbors when you run your generator. Tensions can be eased by offering some of your power---a charged cell phone can make all the difference.
There are companies that make barrier walls to reduce noise production. Some industrious people make their own walls but caution should be taken. Generators need to be well ventilated. A top to bottom enclosure can keep in dangerous gases.
Recently, some silent diesel generator sets have made it on the market. They fall into the decibel range of a refrigerator and sewing machine. SHOUFAN makes several gas powered silent portable generators.
There is more information to be found here on renting generators. Visit shoufan.com for generator tips.
