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 open to representing their #'s in a manner which is hard compare to others? Basically, is 60 db the same for Honda, Yamaha, Champion, etc?

Question #1, I don't know.Question #2, you have to read the details. They don't all test at the same distance from the generator. If you test at double the distance, it artificially reduces the dB rating.

Most will give a DB rating and at what foot, usually in the 20-25 foot range, but no more info than that.

Most manufacturers are trying to advance an industry standard of dB(A) at 7 meters (23 feet) with measurements for zero load, 1/4 load, 1/2 load or full load.The European Economic Community has a product standards for generators which allow for a maximum sound level of 71 dBA at 50 feet for low rated electrical output and 73 dBA at 50 feet for high rated electrical output.The National Park Service prohibits devices and equipment which exhibit noise greater than 60 dBA at 50 feet.Cummins/Onan uses a dBA at 10 feet rating.Here is an interesting study by an RVer on generator noise: http://www.klenger.net/RVing/Electrical_Generator_Noise/index.html

For instance, I was just at Northern Tool and they had:Powerhouse PH 3100Ri that showed 65 db @ full loadHonda EU2000i 53db@ 1/4 loadI'm not comparing the two models directly, I'm just saying that one builder advertises at WOT where the other advertises at 1/4 throttle

In Other Words, you can't tell diddly from the published specs.

Generator DB ratings | Good Sam Community

23 Replies

ktmrfs
Explorer II
Oct 30, 2013
patperry2766 wrote:
For instance, I was just at Northern Tool and they had:

Powerhouse PH 3100Ri that showed 65 db @ full load
Honda EU2000i 53db@ 1/4 load

I'm not comparing the two models directly, I'm just saying that one builder advertises at WOT where the other advertises at 1/4 throttle

not complete. Honda spec's and ads also clearly states the db rating at full load as well. 58db on the 2000 IIRC.
patperry2766
Explorer II
Oct 29, 2013
I'm talking decibels,not capabilities
sh410
Explorer
Oct 29, 2013
Wayne Dohnal wrote:
What constitutes rated load?
Echo mode, 1/4 load or WOT?

None of the above:

eu1000i rated load 900 VA
eu2000i rated load 1600 VA
eu3000i rated load 2800 VA
eu3000i Handi rated load 2600 VA
eu6500i rated load 5500 VA

Wayne, wouldn't each of the above rated loads be at WOT?
Wayne_Dohnal
Explorer
Oct 29, 2013
What constitutes rated load?
Echo mode, 1/4 load or WOT?

None of the above:

eu1000i rated load 900 VA
eu2000i rated load 1600 VA
eu3000i rated load 2800 VA
eu3000i Handi rated load 2600 VA
eu6500i rated load 5500 VA
EldIr
Explorer
Oct 29, 2013
patperry2766 wrote:
What constitutes rated load?

Echo mode, 1/4 load or WOT?

WOT - the max load it's "rated" for.
patperry2766
Explorer II
Oct 29, 2013
What constitutes rated load?

Echo mode, 1/4 load or WOT?
C_B_
Explorer
Oct 29, 2013
Per Honda's decibel Chart on page 16 of their literature:

"Noise levels at rated load, measured at 9 feet (3 Meters) from the control panel side of the generator.

EU1000i--------------59dB

EU2000i-----------------59dB

EU2000i Companion-------59dB

EU3000i Handi-----------65dB

EU3000iS----------------58dB

EU6500iS----------------60dB

If you go to their web site you'll find ratings at 1/4 load also.

C.B.
ol_Bombero-JC
Explorer
Oct 29, 2013
Bobbo wrote:
In Other Words, you can't tell diddly from the published specs.

Very true.

More faith in db ratings done by The Prof and others in the 3000w Chinese gensets thread.
Unfortunately - limited to gens in the thread title.

.
Bobbo
Explorer III
Oct 29, 2013
In Other Words, you can't tell diddly from the published specs.
patperry2766
Explorer II
Oct 29, 2013
For instance, I was just at Northern Tool and they had:

Powerhouse PH 3100Ri that showed 65 db @ full load
Honda EU2000i 53db@ 1/4 load

I'm not comparing the two models directly, I'm just saying that one builder advertises at WOT where the other advertises at 1/4 throttle

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Generator DB ratings

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