Are Gas Generators Loud?

Gas, or petrol generators are super useful, a reliable source of backup power, keeping your house, business or leisure outlet powered up 24/7. When the grid trips out, you can rely on a gas generator to keep you going, whatever your power needs are. This all sounds great, but gas generators have a reputation for being quite noisy. Let’s take a look at what makes gas generators loud, and find out if there is anything we can do to reduce the noise output…

How Loud is Loud?

A typical gas generator will produce noise levels around 60 to 90 decibels. To put this into context, a hairdryer operates at around 80-90 decibels, and a car engine produces around 70-90 decibels of sound. Gas generators are generally quieter than diesel models. Smaller diesel generators produce around 85 dB(A) while some larger models exceed 105dB(A).

The level of noise produced by a gas generator varies depending on the size, model, and how close you are.

What Makes Generators So Loud?

here is an image showing a home generator installed outside

Gas generators are the perfect solution if you want a back up power source for your home, office or mobile facility. They produce reliable, efficient electricity and are available in multiple sizes and designs to satisfy your individual power needs. But they have a downside – they can be quite noisy to run. The noise is created by several factors..

Engine noise – the internal combustion mechanism produces noise from moving parts and vibration.
Exhaust noise – the pressure from combustion gases causes the sound we hear from an exhaust.
Cooling system – whether the generator uses an air or water cooling system, sound is created through turbulence and vibrations.
Wear and tear – a poorly maintained or aged generator creates more noise as a result of loose, worn parts and rubbing machinery parts.

Silent Generators

A silent generator sounds like a great idea, but do they offer the same performance and benefits when compared with a traditional petrol or diesel generator? Let’s take a look.

The first thing to point out is that a silent generator is not actually silent. While they offer significantly less noise than their standard counterparts, they do make noise during operation. To compare, a silent generator produces around 50 to 70 dB(A) sound, ultra-silent generators produce noise within a 50 to 65 dB(A) range, and traditional gas generators produce around 60- 90 dB(A) noise.

The three levels of sound detailed above may not seem too different, but when you consider that a whisper measures 30 dB(A), even a small dB(A) reduction can make a real impact. Sound intensity increases exponentially, meaning that just a 10 dB(A) jump is, in fact, 10 times more intense.

The good news is that silent generators are just as fuel efficient and powerful as other generators. These newer models take advantage of soundproofing technology, use less fuel and operate efficiently. They produce a reliable and cost-effective backup power solution.

Top Tips To Reduce Generator Noise

here is an image showing the volume switched down representing methods to reducing generator noise

Gas generators are powered by an internal combustion engine, similar to a car, so it’s no surprise they create noise during operation. The combination of heavy moving parts, an exhaust system and the cooling process means sound is produced in abundance. Luckily, there are several things you can do to reduce the potential for noise.

Maintenance

A healthy generator is a happy generator. Always maintain oil levels to keep the engine lubricated. And replace worn or loose parts straight away. It’s a good idea to service your generator annually to keep it running in tip-top condition.

Don’t Overload

Besides the electrical safety considerations, it’s vital not to overload your generator. If a generator is forced to work too hard, it will create excessive noise and also shorten its lifespan. It’s also worth mentioning that if you’ve owned a generator for a while, it may not operate at the same capacity levels as when you first bought it. Generators become less capable over time.

Location

Installing a generator too close to living/work spaces can prove problematic due to noise levels. Simply creating more distance between you and the generator can make a real difference. Vibration is also a consideration, and generators installed directly on the ground can project noise and vibration through the floor. Raising its position, or placing it on a soft surface, can help muffle noise.

Sound Deflectors

There are products available to reduce generator noise specifically.

Mufflers – designed to reduce exhaust noise
Anti-Vibration Mounts – isolate vibrations and reduce noise transmission
Acoustic Barriers – fences, walls, and other structures create a sound barrier between you and the generator. If noise is a particular problem, you can create a soundproofed enclosure.

Vital Power is a leading supplier of all types of generators. We provide backup power models for the home, office, and industrial settings. Our range includes portable and leisure generators, powering your adventures wherever you go. The Vital Power service extends to maintenance and support, making us the reliable choice when it comes to contingency power management.