Generators are extensively used these days in homes, offices and other commercial places as well. They are also widely used at camping sites to arrange for the electricity needs in those remote areas. However, a big concern of people with generators is their excessive noise.
It could be a fun-spoiler especially at camping sites and when you want to have a peaceful sleep there. It is for this reason, people are very concerned about the noise levels of generators, well ahead of the purchase they make. This is a good practice so you can make up your mind that with what level of noise you will be dealing with once the purchase is done.
Table of Contents
#1, Understanding Noise Measurements:
You will hear a lot of people saying that they will need to sleep with those “earmuffs” on after buying and using a 68dB generator. This cannot be said right away about the noise levels of such generators until we evaluate some other factors involved that drive the sound. Sound is measured in the unit of decibels, which is 1/10th of one ‘bel’. The noise levels are determined when you hear from a certain object while at a specific distance.
A passenger car would produce a noise of 77 dB at a speed of 65 MPH when heard from a distance of 25 feet. Music played in the living room of your house would produce a noise of approximately 76 dB. A vacuum cleaner would give a noise level of 70 dB.
In the same way, central air conditioners would generate noise of 68 dB, when you are at a distance of 20 feet. Understanding these everyday noise sound levels would allow us to make our case regarding the generator producing 68 dB.
One more critical thing to understand here is that doubling a certain dB level wouldn’t mean that the noise would be doubled with precision. For example, a generator of 70 dB could be twice as loud as a generator with a 60 dB sound level. 60 dB generator, by the way, is considered quite low in sound.
#2,Is 68 dB generator too loud?
A 68 dB generator is just about right and it makes a good deal in terms of the noise production when you are purchasing a generator. It can be safely stated that a 68 dB generator produces a medium level of noise. If you apply some good soundproofing and noise reduction techniques, then its noise level could be kept at the bare minimum or negligible level.
People are having the misconception that 68 dB is too loud and could also damage hearing. This, however, is not correct. Sound levels can lead to dangerous levels when they are at any level on or above 80 dB. The damage at this high sound intensity level, however, could be experienced when exposed to that high level of sound for some 8 continuous hours.
Another great and satisfying thing in this regard is that the quality manufacturers are offering modern generators that comply with the noise levels of residential areas. This compliance also makes them suitable for your camping sites no matter, wherever you are in the wilderness. Moreover, such 68 dB generators are quite common to have these days from multiple brands.
The best residential and camping sites generators are offered with noise levels of 62 dB, 64 dB, 68 dB, and 69 dB sound levels. The lowest among these (62 dB) offers noise level, which would be just like the noise of having a normal conversation in a reasonably crowded restaurant.
As mentioned in the above section, the noise level of 68 dB generator precisely would be as loud or as quiet as a central air conditioner, when you try to hear it from a distance of 20 feet. This isn’t that much loud from such a distance.
If you are considering such a generator with such a noise level then it is a good decision, which will offer a good power generator for your domestic or portable use.
More noise in a way means more powerful generator as well, but this is not always true. You need to shop well and wisely to get the right generator with the desired efficiency and then the sound production level.
#3,What to do if your generator is too loud?
Many users have generators installed in homes. Most probably if your residence has a limited area, keeping a heavy-duty, noisy generator is never easy. You need space and reasonable distance to keep the noise bearable for your ears.
If you have 68 DB generator and you can keep it away around 20 feet from your living space then it will easily be accommodated and noise will be bearable. But in case if you need to keep up with your space limits, you always need to assure that you find a low noise generator that will not pose you with hearing issues with consistent or prolonged usage and exposure to noise.
You can opt for low noise and quiet generators that are available online and in local markets as well.
But always be informed that you have to compare the noise level according to your available space so that it will not be a nightmare for your household.
These may be available at different costs and more sophisticated options may cost a bit higher than average so it is up to your overall requirements and you can choose which generator works best for your space.
How Loud Is A Portable Generator?
Video Credit: Champion Power Equipment
Final verdict:
A 68 dB generator is neither too loud nor too quiet. It offers an average level of noise, which is as good as the noise coming from a central air conditioner when heard from a distance of 20 feet. Generators with this level of sound are quite common and offer a good balance with the efficiency on offer as well.
They make a good choice for domestic use or your camping site. If you still find it loud then you can look to apply some proven soundproofing techniques to further cut down on the sound.
You can also find other in-depth reviews and buyer’s guides on Generac gp6500 review, Yamaha EF 2000isv2 Review, Yamaha EF 2000isv2 Review, How to Quiet a Generator, How Was Solar Energy Used In The Past and Best Generators in the Energy category where we provide you a hand-picked list of top-rated products on the market with specific reviews, pros, and cons to help you easily choose the best products for your needs and preference.
