How quiet are silent generators? - Model Engineer

As a christmas present to myself I am about to get a new generator. My current one is a clarke 94dB machine. The one I am looking at claims to be 58dB.

Dingbo Product Page

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wolf-800w-2-6HP-4-Stroke-Petrol-Inverter-Suitcase-Portable-Generator-240v-12v/?epid=&hash=item41d3fb:g:RKsAAOSwVlVZ6H-8

Looking at a decibel example chart I would be taking it from a ear damaging level to the sound of a conversation. Physical smallness and portability will also be nice to have.

Before I drop £200 though can I check if anyone can comment on the quality? Any issues? As quiet as advertised? So on? I have some old wolf tools and know them to be pretty damn good, of course that says nothing for the ones made under new ownership.

Just about I think. My lathe is 550w. My mill has a 1.5kw motor (it was the only motor to hand) sitting on it but I dont think the rest of the machine can keep up to it, its more built for 0.75kw. Im going to stick an amp meter of the vfd remote control box so I can be sure not to cut too hard. Add 50w of lighting on top of anything else. I guess it limits further expansion into industrial grade lathes but that might not be a bad thing

Rainbows

With generator noise level specifications its important to verify what generator output it refers to. Many of the small suitcase style specify the noise at a zero power output, idle, mode with the engine turning slowly on closed throttle. Start drawing power and the noise ramps up seriously. Running flat out is noisy and thirsty. We reckoned about 2/3 rds output was the sweet spot on trials work.

My back up is an old water-cooled Honda EX which, in their day, were reckoned to be the quietest out there. Maybe 64 dB at full output. It came from a film equipment hire specialist who mostly only supplied Hondas considering all the other makes to be too loud for indiscriminate use on film sets et al. They reckoned the newer Honda EU series "super quiet" models to be a bit of a backwards step noise wise as being little louder than the EX model. After demoing the one I'd just bought to prove it actually was good they promptly started the later one up to prove it. A bit louder but still reasonably OK to run inside a building. As i recall it specs for that were 58 dB idle, 65 dB full power.

I reckon anything louder than my Honda will be a nuisance. However the film hire people were fairly sanguine about supplying the compact diesel powered ones as not being too intrusive for catering and similar use well away from sound areas. Not complimentary about build standards and reliability tho' regardless of the name on the box. Allegedly "all the same" and "throw away are a year" quality. But a hire outfit has to be able to rely on supplying stuff that "just works" every time.

Clive.

Out here in rural wales we get the ocassional power cut. Whenthat happens we lose even water from our borehole pump. It happened early on here when local builder happend to have left his ancient frame based honda 2kW genny and that powered things nicely. So I bought a fancy inverter 2.5kW suitcase genny (can't remember the brand) to have as a handy standby. The problem with the fancy modern thing was that it's internal cutouts couldn't cope with the start-up draw of the borehole pump, it was actually a very heavy luggable thing and my wife couldn't get the hang of pull-starting it even if she could lift it from storage. I sold it and for not much more bought a 7kW Wolf genny on wheels with electric start. Parked outside it makes very little noise with a more efficient silencer system, obviously has no start-up current problems..can run the borehole, fridge&freezers, downstairs lights, internet/PC's and even boil the kettle. As you will gather if you have storage space then better to have spare capacity and more than enough power than minimums.

To be honest I would have thought a 800w genie would be way underpowered to run your lathe plus the lights plus the coolant pump you will add plus the USB charger etc etc. 800w will be the max output for only a very short time. A lot of these cheapy type gennies only have a 50/60% duty cycle. It would be likely to stall a bit when you lathe starts up from cold. I have a 2kw Honda propane powered set and even that will sound a bit bogged down running a couple of good industrial tools. ie, chop saw & a mag drill. It will run my 180amp stick welder but that's the limit. I would think you need to be in the 2kw to 3 kw range as a minimum to be comfortable. The other thing to consider is that the VFD may not even like to run on a gen set. They usually want a nice clean supply and a good earth. Maybe a check with the VFD manufacturer before you take the plunge would be a good idea. Also consider hiring a gen set for a couple of days to get an idea how things will run. Its not that expensive for the hire.

regards

From a thread by the same poster, about 6 months ago:

“I do have a petrol generator in there (2.8kw?) which matches my planned needs (2kw?) for small 1ph workshop machines but the noise it makes is pretty bad. Would also be nice to have 6kw-ish for a big welder I have.”

I am wondering what has changed since then. I can’t envisage a small suitcase genny of 800W (per JB) being of much use at all. Likely only 700W for rated running. Might not even start a freezer compressor motor (160W) let alone a one horse, especially if it has start windings.

Edited By not done it yet on 25/12/ 21:31:36

I have a Kipor w for use with a motor home and wish I had bought the w model. I found the w will cut out if the microwave is used on anything over half power. No chance with hair dryer etc. Noise levels are not bad but most campsites ban them after 11pm as they certainly are not "quiet". Also make sure the one you buy is sine wave as there are some cases of blown circuits after using a cheap generator that was designed to run floodlights on building sites etc. Lots of posts on motor home forums on generators, almost as many as arguments on which oil to use on motorcycle forums and don't even start on ethanol in unleaded petrol! Colin

This one works quite well, it depends on how you load it up but it's nice and quiet and not to greedy on fuel **LINK**

You should be able to find one closer to home. I use one for when a storm takes out the power though never tried the microwave on it, it runs a few portable lights and the pc ok though.

Isolate it from the mains and run required devices through extension cords as one does not want a repair person hanging off the power lines being zapped by your generator. So be aware of safe practices when running a generator at home.

I don't even think of going to the workshop with no power, other priorities!

* Danny M *

Rainbows,

I was in the same position as you but required it for use on a small boat in crowded anchorages – hence the need for it to be silent.

I carried out a lot of research and came back to the same make of generator each time – Honda suitcase units (in your case I would recommend the Honda EU20i). They are very reliable and probably the quietest on the market, without going to an exotic MOD spec or water cooled unit.

I have been using it for a year and can confirm that they are silent – we run it on deck and it is not at all intrusive to us or others in the anchorage. We run it about 15 feet away from where we sit and read books, hold quiet conversations and even eat meals. The only downside, we find is we sometimes smell exhaust fumes when the wind is in certain directions compared to the tidal current.

They are expensive (about £2K new) but can be had for about a quarter of that second hand.

There are other clones about but we wary, they are not as reliable and getting spares, should you need them, can be difficult.

Have a great New Year

Steve

The Honda EU10i, EU20i and EU30i were always astounding quiet in the pits and paddock area – but your not going to pick one of those up anytime soon for a few hundred quid! (1kw, 2kw and 3kw respectively)

You could walk past an EU30i onload with a set of tyre warmers on and not even realise it was on. They’ve got enough power to run the warmers and the microwave at the same time, but not warmers and the kettle.

The inverter regulates the engine rpm, so when output is low, the engine rpm drops, unlike a traditional vacuum controlled genny. The inverter corrects the frequncy and the fancier the inverter, the higher/lower range the generator can operate at. An expensive Honda might be 5% more efficient, that’s 5% less load on the engine.

I can't comment on the actual generator as I've never used one, but it's about the same level of noise as my Honda NX650 which is quite unobtrusive to most people.

I do like the idea of a solid state clean output that claims to be suitable for PCs etc. though I'd be inclined to ask both the inverter and generator makers before committing.

When I first bought my Honda genny, years ago, I checked it under varying loads, including unloaded, and it seemed pretty stable. A friend borrowed it and as well as using it for a light in the evening, also used it for battery charging some 2 way radios, ready for the following days Landrover event.

All was fine, except the following afternoon when the light wasn't plugged in; the current dropped, as one might expect, but the voltage rose to something appreciable over 300v when very lightly loaded; exit one radio charger.

Fortunately repairing such things was his profession, so no major harm done. Everything was eventually fine, when we gave the genny a proper service, and set it up exactly according to the manual.

Rainbows

Interesting generator in that E-Bay link. Second feedback guy says its noisy. Unsurprising as its knock off of a Honda look-alike knock-off. Personally nothing I'd touch with a barge, let alone the pole, as spares'n service items are likely to be problematical. 58 dB will be zero output idle noise at, probably, the alternative 10 metres measurement distance often used for the big factory/industrial emergency power genesets rather than the 7 metres normally applicable to baby ones.

A more reputable Honda look-alike knock off is the Hyundai (badged not made) HYSi. Claims 64 dBA at full load which is more like it but, to my ears, Hyundai use bigger dBAs than Honda. No distance specified so probably 10 metres nominal not the proper 7. At full output the Hyundai motor runs at 5,500 rpm so no wonder its pretty loud. I'd be unsurprised to discover that the cheapie runs even faster. For example car alternators deliver their rated current at 6,000 rpm yet are mechanically safe to 10,000 or more. 200 + amp types can be found quite easily so that means up to 3 (spec sheet!) KW is readily obtained from cheap, off the shelf, standard technology. Inverter needs DC input and doesn't care how fast the generator is turning so long as it has enough amps in to support the amps out demanded.

Old technology, direct AC, generators usually run around 3.500 rpm which helps keep noise down at high output. Especially with water-cooled motors as per the old Hondas. High speed motor and air cooling means serious work if its to be quiet.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website silent diesel generator set.

Bottom line is 60 dBA at 7 m means you can talk normally if standing close together but the genset can clearly be heard underneath. 65 dBA and you are shouting.

In some ways the Euro LWA noise specification is more reliable for relative ratings as thats really for hand held / operator close by tools and equipment. Pretty much noise level when you are standing next to it rather than the usual out in the middle of a (small) field situation. On LWA figures even the quiet Hondas are loud.

Clive.

Edited By Clive Foster on 27/12/ 15:01:55

I would be cautious if you plan to get one of these – there is an on-line report that they are very noisy. I would check that spares are, and will be, readily available.

I got the price for the 2kW EU20l Honda wrong – they are well under £1K and if you can source a good second hand one at half that price you may find in the long run that it is more economical, reliable and maintainable (regarding parts).

I do know that people who have bought low cost Honda clones have regretted it and then went to a Honda suitcase unit.

Rainbows, I too would be cautious of these–there does not appear to be a brand name ? Some years ago i purchased a Kipor Honda 10i knock off, it ran ok but was noisier than the Honda and it soon became clear it would not last the course so sold it on and bought a Honda — no regrets except I should have bought the 20i

As far as power out put is concerned you do need to asses what you are intending to drive with it, my 10i is fine for most power tools, lights and at one time caravan etc but you also need to consider startup load which is normally considerably higher than the motor for normal run/load.

Personally I would buy a known brand and you will not regret Honda.

Forgive the ramblings of someone who doesn't really understand electricity, but my workshop is powered by a generator. In my case noise isn't that important because the location is close to the shore and not close to houses, and the worst noise is deflected seawards by baffles. Started off with a 2.5kw generator, not realising that although none of my electric motors were very big, I hadn't allowed for the starting current which, in some cases, put the lights out and all but stalled the generator. Now electricity is provided by a 5.5kw Honda-powered Pramac, which does the job perfectly. I'm a great fan of Honda industrial engines – 100 per cent reliable – touch wood!

One of the nicest little units I'v had anything to do with is a 3Kw Robin diesel, made by Subaru, pull start, instructions say pull quietly over two compresions, if more than two pulls required to start, read instructions. Very quiet, can't remember the Db, but it was used aboard my brother in law's first boat. In his second boat, a 16 metre power cat he had a 6Kw diesel generator unit, but I don't know much about that one, I know the first one(bought second hand on line) for that boat was basicly a spare anchor, and before heading off shore it got replaced with a new one.

Ian S C

Having a backup generator can provide peace of mind by ensuring you have power during an outage. However, traditional gas-powered generators can generate a lot of noise that may disturb your neighbours. This is why you need to look for a quiet electric generator.

If you're considering installing a generator in your backyard, it's important to weigh options for quieter models. It will help you maintain backyard and neighbourhood harmony. In this article, we will share more details to help you buy that perfect small electric generator for your needs.

Quiet Electric Generator Vs. Silent Diesel Generator: How Does Noise Come?

When evaluating generator options for backyard use, one of the most important considerations is the noise output and sources. Understanding where the sound comes from and potential volumes can help determine suitability based on your context. Below is a comparison of common sources of noise and decibel ranges for both diesel and solar generators:

Diesel Generators

• Noise Level Range: 95-125 decibels
• Major Noise Sources:
  • The combustion process of the diesel engine itself
  • Mechanical moving parts like fans, alternators, and engine body vibrations
  • Exhaust noise as byproducts are expelled
  • General wear and tear lead to loose parts and more noise over time
• The motor of a diesel generator has multiple components that must ignite fuel and spin at high RPMs. This creates noticeable noise emissions. And over time, with more use, the increased vibrations from wear can cause even louder noise, sometimes up to 105 decibels from 30 feet away.

Solar Generators

• Noise Level Range: Extremely low to none
• Major Noise Sources:
  • Minor humming from the power inverter converting solar-captured DC electricity to AC
  • No engine, exhaust, or mechanical components involved in the conversion and supply of electricity
• With a silent operating solar panel system capturing the sun's energy and a power station for storage, solar generators can offer virtually silent operation. The only sound emitted would be a low hum from the inverter when drawing electricity for use with appliances plugged in which is unlikely to be noticed from even a few feet away. This makes them ideal for close neighbourhood living spaces.

The dramatic differences in sound levels and sources should be strongly considered when choosing between diesel and solar for your needs. While diesel offers high power output, the noise tradeoffs may not be suitable for tight backyard spaces where solar can provide quiet, renewable energy.

Attempting to Reduce Diesel Generator Noise

While diesel generators can provide high levels of backup power, their significant noise remains a reality. However, there are some techniques that can dampen and direct sound emissions away from neighbours in a backyard setting. It's unlikely that a hobbyist-level diesel generator will ever be completely silent, but the following methods can help reduce noise disturbances:

1.Installing Exhaust System Mufflers

Most portable diesel generators contain integrated exhaust mufflers. However, you can choose models featuring larger, high-density mufflers. Or you can have an exhaust shop professionally outfit extra-strength external mufflers onto the generator. It routes the expelled byproducts through sound-dampening materials. This redirects some of the noise into the muffler compartment rather than blasting straight into the open environment.

Potential Side Effects

Larger muffler systems add more back pressure, requiring the generator engine to work harder. This can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, more emissions, and faster engine wear over extended outages.

2.Noise Enclosures and Barriers

Specially designed enclosures made of dense materials like reinforced steel or sound-dampening mesh wrap around the generator, acting as a buffer. The enclosure contains some of the vibration, engine operation noise, and exhaust noise before it disperses into the air. Strategic placement behind sound barriers like walls or fences adds another layer of protection, redirecting emissions away from neighbours.

Potential Side Effects

Enclosures can lead to increased operating temperatures, which accelerates system wear. They also add cost for the box materials and space needed to house the enclosure in the yard. Barriers mainly redirect rather than eliminate noise, which could impact other neighbours.

3.Vibration Dampening Mounts

Installing the generator with shock-absorbing rubber mounts helps minimize contact vibrations with the ground that amplify operational noise. This suspends the unit and allows some noises to be absorbed rather than amplified outwards through hard material contact. High-density pads under the generator also dampen vibrations, decreasing noise translation.

Potential Side Effects

The best vibration-dampening materials tend to be more expensive. Rubber mounts also need to be precisely calibrated so as not to overly isolate the generator, causing operational problems if the unit rocks excessively on its mounts.

4.Regular Maintenance

Keeping the mechanical diesel systems properly maintained prevents abnormal loose parts, oil leakage, and filthy components, which all could increase noise above normal operating levels for that model generator over time. Well-tuned and lubricated systems run more quietly and efficiently.

Potential Side Effects

While regular costs for technicians to service and tune the diesel generator help limit noise increases from dysfunctional operation, it does not eliminate the baseline mechanical noise emitted even from models in good working order.

5.Observing Community Hours

Local noise ordinances often restrict higher decibel equipment usage to weekday daylight hours or weekends. Refraining from running loud diesel generators at night very early/late demonstrates consideration for others' rest and quality of life - especially for bedrooms positioned near the source location wall.

Potential Side Effects

Usage limited to specific permitted hours means backup power would remain unavailable for your home overnight during an outage. A quiet electric generator, by comparison, could continue quietly sustaining critical loads all night.

While each technique above offers some sound reduction for diesel generators, implementing them all likely will not reduce noise to levels compatible with tight residential spaces. This is why you should think about getting a quiet electric generator. In the next section, we will share some of the best small electric generator options available out there to consider.

Upgrading to Affordable Silent Solar Power

After covering techniques like sound enclosures and taller fences to marginally reduce diesel generator noise, implementing these solutions still leaves significant sound emissions. Short of excavating an underground bunker that fully contains the blast radius, diesel engines realistically will never be silent.

The costs of industrial mitigation efforts often rival the generator purchase itself. This leaves upgrading your backup power system to an inherently quiet solar generator as the most affordable and effective permanent noise solution.

A small electric generator uses silent renewable energy from the sun rather than combustible fuels. By removing the mechanical engine and directly storing electricity in integrated batteries, they generate no operational noise when used. Leading brand Jackery offers user-friendly solar generators built for home backyard needs rather than noisy diesel models designed for large-scale construction sites. Their affordable Explorer models provide essential backup capability without noise or emissions. Let’s take a look at a few options available under the Jackery brand for anyone seeking a quiet electric generator.

Jackery Solar Generator Plus

• Powerful -watt output from lithium battery storage quietly sustains fridges, lamps, internet modems, and more overnight.
• Fast solar recharging in hours(with 6 Jackery SolarSaga 200W solar panels) lets you repetitively capture the sun’s silent energy for 10+ years of reliable use.
• Advanced BMS battery management and cell balancing safely optimize each charge cycle.
• Rolling suitcase design neatly fits in small yards without noise enclosures needed.

Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus

• Perfect personal-sized small electric generator for powering backyard garden lights all night silently.

Safe battery technology prevents overheating for clean, renewable power anywhere outdoors.

• Support neighbourhood harmony as the smallest and most affordable Jackery model at under 1 cubic foot in size.

As you can see, upgrading to a Jackery small electric generator is the best option available to overcome noise issues in a traditional generator. You don’t need to go through a complex installation process after getting a quiet electric generator as well. All you have to do is to plug it and play, without any wiring work.

It is true that a silent diesel generator can be muted. However, a quiet electric generator from Jackery doesn’t require any muffing at all. Such a small power generator is more silent than a super quiet generator powered by diesel. Therefore, people who live in your house will never be disturbed by the noise as well. You will fall in love with the quiet electric generator and the benefits it can offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

When exploring generators for backyard use, some common questions arise around models with lower noise outputs. Here we address a few of these FAQs:

Are there quiet diesel generators?

There are "quieter" diesel generators on the market, but reaching extreme noise reductions remains challenging. Some industrial models boast specialized enclosures and exhaust systems claiming decibel levels under 80 dB.

However, open-frame portable diesel generators in affordable backyard sizes often still produce 95-120dB in operation - equivalent to a roaring jet taking off. While marginal sound dampening helps, expecting a fuel-burning engine to run truly silent places limitations. This is why you should go for a small electric generator.

Would a small electric generator be quieter?

Yes, a small electric generator will obviously be a quiet option available. They don’t have a mechanical engine as you would see in a gas or diesel powered generator. Instead, a quiet electric generator will use solar panels to generate electricity. Hence, there are no moving components. This mechanism makes a small electric generator super-silent.

What are the benefits of a quiet electric generator?

A small electric generator with under 60dB running volume offers multiple advantages:

• Sustain power overnight without disturbing the sleep of you or your neighbours
• Blend into background ambient noise to avoid disruption
• Qualify for noise ordinances that restrict loud generators
• Prevent conflicts stemming from loud generator operation
• Safely run indoors to power appliances if fumes are contained

The gold standard for quiet, affordable, capable backyard power lies with solar generators. Their silent, renewable operation from solar panels and integrated batteries produces no emissions or engine noise. Leading Jackery Explorer models can seamlessly sustain essential loads overnight with zero noise or disturbances. Even directly next to the unit, faint humming from the inverter barely registers above a whisper. For blackout resilience without noise consequences, solar generators lead the category. Hence, anyone looking for a small electric generator with silent operation can stick to Jackery products.

Final Words

When choosing a backup generator for backyard use, you need to pay special attention to the noise levels. Traditional diesel generators are notoriously loud - creating discord even when attempting sound reduction methods. Upgrading to a quiet electric generator like Jackery's affordable models proves the superior solution.

By storing power in integrated batteries directly from solar panels, Jackery's small electric generator options operate free of toxic emissions or sound. Such a quiet electric generator enhances community harmony in shared spaces. Moreover, their quiet capability reliably sustains essential loads overnight off-grid.

For more information, please visit 400kw diesel generator.