I have a question about generators I haven't seen addressed before. My wife seems intent on getting a genny " just in case" and while I don't want to spend the money I want to do it right. Meaning enough power to run the 15k AC. And QUIET! My question is if I bought 2 generators to run in parallel that are rated at, say, 55 decibels each and ran them both at the same time would the total noise level still be 55 decibels? 60 decibels? 110? (kidding). Or maybe the noise level would be the same yet twice as annoying?

That's an interesting question. I'll answer it with a question: What's more annoying in the campsite next to yours. One yipping dog or two yipping dogs? :)

gbop, the answer is MY 2 freakin' dogs.

Decibels are a logarithmic scale. Double the noise would be a 3 Db increase. Your 55 Db would then be 58Db.

tenbear wrote:Decibels are a logarithmic scale. Double the noise would be a 3 Db increase. Your 55 Db would then be 58Db.How does that equate to yipping dogs :@

gbopp wrote:tenbear wrote:Decibels are a logarithmic scale. Double the noise would be a 3 Db increase. Your 55 Db would then be 58Db.How does that equate to yipping dogs :@Ha

How loud are 2? | Good Sam Community

time2roll
Nomad
Sep 13, 2014
I am thinking 2 at 50% might be a lower tone than 1 running flat out.
Just in case is more like find some hookups.
byronlj
Explorer
Sep 13, 2014
It would never be louder than 55db. If they were out of phase noise wise, noise could decrease by canceling each others sound waves, but not likely.
Dave
2oldman
Explorer II
Sep 13, 2014
mamasmax wrote:
if I bought 2 generators to run in parallel that are rated at, say, 55 decibels each and ran them both at the same time would the total noise level still be 55 decibels?
No. I have 2 Honda 2ks in parallel for running air, and it seems the sound is noticeably louder, but nothing horrible.

It's certainly quieter than trying to run air on one, which is screaming!
Gene_Ginny
Explorer
Sep 13, 2014
... and with 2 you get stereo. :C

If you could get the sound waves 180 degrees out of phase they would cancel and it would be 0 DBa.
tenbear
Explorer
Sep 13, 2014
gbopp wrote:
tenbear wrote:
Decibels are a logarithmic scale. Double the noise would be a 3 Db increase. Your 55 Db would then be 58Db.

How does that equate to yipping dogs :@

If one dog yipping is 55 Db, then-

If the dogs yip at the same time, each yip would be 2x as loud, 58Db. However, if they take turns yipping they would be the same loudness as one, but 2x as annoying, 55 Db.

TV is kind of boring tonight.:B
BFL13
Explorer II
Sep 13, 2014
Never mind air conditioning, one gen has its limits. EG my Honda 3000 can run a total of non-PF corrected chargers making 130amps. Turn the chargers up to 135 amps total and the Honda conks out.

So two 2000w Hondas in parallel (available in the States but not in Canada) could do more amps of charging than one 3000.

So, IMO, OP should get the two 2000s and use one at a time if that is all that is needed, and use both as required.
greenrvgreen
Explorer
Sep 13, 2014
^ This.
DutchmenSport
Explorer
Sep 13, 2014
Decibles? Really .... it doesn't matter what you want! 1 generator or 2? It doesn't matter how loud they are either, or how annoying they are. No generator is quiet enough when the wife is screaching! Just get a Honda, pay the price and keep the Mrs. happy. If you don't, I'm VERY sure you'll be hearing DECIBLES all right!
tenbear
Explorer
Sep 13, 2014
With his 2 freakin' dogs who cares. No one will hear the gennys.
rwjejits
Explorer
Sep 13, 2014
gbopp wrote:
tenbear wrote:
Decibels are a logarithmic scale. Double the noise would be a 3 Db increase. Your 55 Db would then be 58Db.

How does that equate to yipping dogs :@

Ha

Forum Discussion

How loud are 2?

About Technical Issues

Related Content

loud generators

Loud Pickups

loud refrigerator

Thinking out Loud

Loud Noise