How Quiet Should
A Quiet Portable Generator Be?

Power generators used to be monstrous, expensive, and noisy. Today, generators have become lighter, the product range has improved, prices have gone way attractive than before, and maintenance has become easier. But has noise been reduced significantly? Just recently, though, a new category has been added to the list – the quiet portable generator. But, just how quiet should it be?

People normally buy things based on function, form, and of course, price. With power generators, however, the case is different. These three things are not the only factors to be considered when buying. Along with fuel type, noise level is one important criterion home owners should bear in mind. Constant and sufficient power supply during a hurricane or power blackout usually is the main concern why back up generators are used. The quiet portable generator, on the other hand, offers way more than uninterrupted electricity, but also continuous comfort at home.

Sound affects everyday human living. And when you’re staying at the comforts of your own home, noise would be the least thing you want to have. If you are scared of angry voices from your neighbor, unruly pet dogs that are barking at no one, screaming tires from the street, how much more would you be hearing that ugly sound from your portable generator?

It will be an unbearable experience. The sad thing about this part is that more people fall into the pit of false and unwise buying. There are countless stories of barn animals becoming unharmonious because of the noise of the farm generator. There have also been sleepless nights at camp sites brought about by the loudness of traditional portable generators. These nightmares are all caused by the neglect of the dangers of generator’s noise levels.

Noisy generators are not just uncomfortable; these also pose serious risks to hearing. So, in order for you understand how silent portable quiet generators should be, here is a little background on sound intensity.

The intensity or loudness of a sound is generally measured in db or decibels. A sound proofed space with complete quietness produces 10 decibels. The tick of a clock makes 20 db of sound. A simple conversation can be as loud as 30 to 60 decibels. Ordinary traffic noise is 70 decibels loud. A police’s whistle or a car crash produces 80 db. A speeding truck, at 90 decibels, is considered a safe loud noise. Any noise measured at over 90 decibels is considered damaging to an unprotected ear.

100 decibels is the loudness of a car horn. 140 decibels is how disturbing and deafening a passing aircraft is. Ideal noise levels for a quite portable generator should be right between 55 db to 75 db. Machines that produce more than 75 decibels of sound are considered already loud in the industry.

However, it does not have to mean that quiet generators produce less efficient output. In fact, there is a direct relationship between noise levels and performance levels of portable generators. This means that the quieter a machine is the more effective it works. New models can power a television, radio set, desk fan, power tools, microwave oven, coffee maker, and can even power a whole house in certain cases.

With this fact, unfortunately, most low-priced generators come with noisy operation. Do not be like buyers who only go for the cheap price. A quiet type of portable generator should always be on top of your list. Do not just stop and look when buying. Listen as well.