Picture this: You have set up your camping area, and you're just getting ready to sit back, relax, and make yourself some really good coffee when your generator roars to life after you start it. Embarrassing, right? Not only do you get looks, but you might also be asked to leave the place as most campsites have a specific maximum noise rate allowed for generators.
This is the importance of choosing a quiet generator especially when you're a camper. Now, the noise output of a generator is measured through decibels (dB). If you see something like "68-74 dB," note that the first-decibel level refers to the noise your generator makes at 25% load. However, generators usually don't run at this ratethey're most likely operate at above 1/4 load level. The second-decibel number pertains to the amount of noise your unit makes on a full load.
Generally, one factor to consider when determining how loud a generator is would be how far away your generator is from you. This can vary but as a general safety rule, generators are supposed to be at least 5 to 10 feet away from the camper, so you can use this as your starting metric.
How Many Decibels is Considered Quiet For a Generator?
The human ear can only take a decibel level of up to 85dB. Using this as a basis, a generator that reaches 80dB is considered loud, while 50-60dB generators are deemed as quiet generators. This decibel level can be found most of the time in inverter generators, as they are usually designed with noise-reduction features. Inverter generators are constructed with insulated materials that absorb noise during operation, plus, they also come in compact form with a smaller engine that helps lower noise levels.
At Outbax, we have available quiet inverter generators for camping, which have a range of around 58dB at 7 metres. You can even choose depending on the capacity you needwe have 3.5kW generators, 2kW generators, and more. If you want something that makes barely any noise, you can go for portable power stations too, but these are usually lower in capacity compared to generators. The quietest types of generators, meanwhile, fall at below 50dB. The most popular brand and model of this is the Honda EU3000iS at 49dB.
How to Quiet a Generator?
So, you want to go extra and make a quiet generator even quieter? Well, this is actually possibleand easier than you think. First, calculate how much power output you need from a generator so you can avoid purchasing a larger-than-needed unit, which also produces more noise. While camping, try to turn the exhaust pipes away from you and move your generator away from you as well. Since most generator decibels are measured at a 7-metre distance, placing it farther at about 20 feet away from you will make it so much quieter.
You can also use temporary deflectors to minimise your generator's noise or if you don't want to bother with this, you can create your own portable enclosure or baffle box instead to bring along with your generator on trips. Lastly, replacing your muffler with a larger one might be of help too, especially since it's one of the popular ways to further quiet down a silent generator.
Overall, there is no need to tolerate a blaring unit to effectively power your appliances during camping. There are several types of silent inverter generators in the market who can do the job just as good or even better while providing your with a peaceful quiet experience at the same time.
