Generators are handy little devices to have when you go camping or when you’re experiencing a power outage. But, these portable devices can be loud. 

In this guide, we’re going to attempt to overcome that noisy generator issue. You’ll learn how to make your generator quiet as a cricket so that you can go camping without disturbing others or nature.

How to Make Your Generator Quiet

Generators are pretty loud. Most of these devices generate a noise that varies from 60 – 100 decibels and these sounds are also accompanied by engine vibrations, fan noise, alternator noise, and exhaust fumes. Even when you close all the doors in your home, you can probably still hear the generator humming loudly from outside.

There are quite a few steps you can take to reduce the noise that generators make. Here’s a quick look at some of the best and most affordable methods for reducing that loud roaring sound these devices make when they are used to power your electrical goods and home!

Get a Sound Absorbent Bat for the Base

One of the simplest ways to reduce the annoying noise and vibrations of these devices is by positioning your generator on top of an anti-vibration mat.

These mats are designed to absorb annoying buzzing sounds caused by vibrations. They can be made of a variety of materials like rubber, foam, and mass-loaded vinyl. 

This is a pretty easy upgrade since all you need to do is simply lay the mat down and place the generator on top without making any permanent modifications to your device!

Upgrade the Muffler

Most generators come with a muffler. This device is intended to reduce the motor’s noise and reduce the vibrations generated by the engine. The muffler also helps the motor run a lot smoother, the same way the muffler on your car helps your engine run quieter and smoother. 

If you have a cheap or old generator, then the chances are pretty good that the exhaust muffler might not be of the best quality or it might be small. Some generators are even sold without a muffler in their design.

Upgrading to a bigger muffler or adding a muffler to a generator that doesn’t have one will help reduce the noise level and vibrations your generator produces. 

Just make sure about the technical aspects of your generator to ensure that the muffler you buy will be compatible with the type of generator you have.

Build a Baffle Box

If you’re creative and good with your hands, then you can certainly consider building a baffle box!

A baffle box is a homemade box or cover that encloses the entire generator. The box is usually made off or filled with soundproofing materials. These soundproofing materials are intended to absorb the sound of the generator and will make a huge difference in the noise it makes.

Here’s a quick look at the best steps for building your own baffle box:

Step 1: Gather the Materials and Tools Needed

You can build the box from all sorts of materials and then line it with any acoustic or soundproofing material. Lots of people prefer mass-loaded vinyl since it’s a very effective and common material. But, you can choose acoustic foam or other soundproofing materials to line the interior of your baffle box.

Step 2: Measure the Generator

Next, you will need to know how big your box should be. Measure the generator and add extra space around your generator so you can line the entire box with soundproofing sheets. The materials will need to cover all sides of the box on the inside from top to bottom.

Step 3: Build the Exterior Box

Once you have the measurements, you can begin to construct the box. Most people construct the exterior from drywall since it’s a heat-resistant and water-resistant material, but you can choose to construct it from plywood.

Create ventilation holes and leave some space for your generator fan. Without proper ventilation, the generator won’t be able to run effectively. Remember to create an opening lid so you can insert the generator with ease.

Step 4: Line the Box

Once you’ve constructed the exterior box or crate, you will need to line the entire interior surface with your soundproofing material. The acoustic film can be attached to the walls by using green glue. You can also get acoustic caulk to help seal off the edges of the crate to make it completely soundproof!

Keep the soundproofing materials away from your vent duct so you won’t block off circulation. Once your soundproof box has been constructed, the generator should run extremely softly and you can keep running it without disturbing others. 

Install Stronger Feet

You can also reduce the vibration sounds by strengthening the generator base. A sturdier base will also keep it from moving around. 

Try installing support beams underneath the generator to keep it firmly in place. Once it stops moving around while running, you can strengthen it further by placing a rubber mat underneath the generator or by installing a rubber lining beneath the beams. 

You can also purchase ready-made rubber feet that are easy to install to keep your generator firmly in place and to reduce any vibration sounds.

Buy a Soundproof Box

Soundproof boxes are very much like a baffle box. These boxes can be pricey but are an ideal solution for those who want to permanently position a generator. Soundproof boxes are a bit heavy, but they are a worthy investment if you regularly use the generator.

For these boxes, you might need to make a few conversions since they usually don’t come with a ventilation duct. Without ventilation, the soundproof generator box will smother the motor of your generator since generators require air for the fuel combustion process to properly function.

Consider a Portable Inverter Generator

Standard generators make a lot more loud noise than portable generators. Inverter generators are the latest type of generator and are considered the quietest generator types since they produce the least amount of noise.

Since this silent generator is typically a lot smaller, it won’t produce as much energy as your standard engine-operated generator. However, these smaller units can be very handy for camping adventures since they don’t take up much space and are much lighter.

Install Sound Deflectors

A great way to reduce the noise you hear inside your home, workplace, or at a campsite is by setting up sound deflectors. Sound deflectors will direct the generator in a different direction, but these panels can be bulky.

You can make sound deflectors from plywood and install a layer of soundproofing material over the plywood barrier. This method won’t eliminate the sound entirely but it will take off the edge.

Try Using Water to Quiet the Exhaust

Running the exhaust through water can also greatly diminish the sounds your generator makes. Grab a hose and connect it to your generator exhaust pipe. Next, place the end of the hose in a bucket of water.

To keep water out of your generator, you can make a small hole in the hosepipe to reduce any pressure build-up. The water should absorb most of the vibrations and exhaust noise from the machine.

Angle the Exhaust Away From Your Site

One of the easiest ways to reduce some of the loud noises coming from your powerful generator is by angling the exhaust away from your campsite. This will direct most of the sound waves in an opposite direction. 

Angling the exhaust away will also keep toxic gasses away from your campsite!

Position the Loud Generator at a Distance

A longer extension cable sure does come in handy for eliminating annoying generator sounds. The further you can position the generator from your campsite or your work area the better!

However, keep in mind that it’s probably a good idea not to put the noisy device too close to your neighbors.

Final Thoughts

We hope that this guide offered some helpful tips on how to make your generator quiet as a cricket. If you combine a couple of these techniques then you should be able to drown out enough generator noise for you to live and work comfortably and eliminate noise pollution.

If you need other great soundproofing products or advice then you should take a look at some of the other guides we have on Soundproofing Solution. With our site, you are bound to find peace and quiet no matter where you might find yourself!