Generator DB ratings
When comparing generators: #1 Are the posted db ratings at WOT, or at idle in eco mode? #2 Is there a uniform db rating standard that all manufacturers adhere to, or is each manufacturer ope...
Forum Discussion
EsoxLucius wrote:
One can significantly reduce the sound of the "quiet" new portables by making a hinged, collapsible, 3' x 3' four-sided box, open at the top and bottom, of 1/4" plywood glued to two layers of automotive Low-E, notched on the bottom near the intake side for air flow and cord exit.
I have no comment on how well this works for modern "quiet" portable gens, but I read a thesis on generator noise reduction in which they tested various boxes/enclosures that were intended to reduce noise. It was very surprising how often the walls of the box would set up a sympathetic vibration, like a drum, or the sound would leak through cracks in the walls of the box and produce little or no sound reduction. They were able to reduce noise, but it wasn't a trivial task. I believe they were testing gens similar to older Onan designs and larger non-inverter type gens.
