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

EsoxLucius
Explorer
Oct 29, 2013
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
patperry2766
Explorer II
Oct 29, 2013
Most will give a DB rating and at what foot, usually in the 20-25 foot range, but no more info than that.
Bobbo
Explorer III
Oct 29, 2013
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.

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Generator DB ratings

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