enahs wrote:
We have two Honda EU2000 generators. Normally we run them alternately unless the AC is needed. So each one has about 400 hours. DW says they are louder than when new — confirmed by a db meter check (iPhone app). Any ideas on why or what to do? New muffler runs whopping $140. Have cleaned the spark arrestor — will do again.
to get an accurate db check you need to know which db scale was used by honda, there are multiple db scales based on a variety of conditions.
Second, having used calibrated verified NIST traceable db meters I can tell you that inexpensive (<$250) db meters can vary all over the place in accuracy. the inexpensive ones are good for a side by side qualitative test, but not a quantitative test.
And finally test conditions are usually done under controlled conditions, either indoors in a chamber or outdoors in what is called an "open field" test where the ground is flat and level without any ground cover or trees/shrubs etc. to reflect the sound.
So, your iphone "db meter" may be ok for comparing one generator to another, but not comparing a generator to a published specification.