Generator Noise Reduction: How to Quiet Down a Generator

Depending on your facility type, noisy generators may present an inconvenience or a more serious issue if the noise is loud enough to be distracting. If you’re wondering how to quiet down a generator, you’re in the right spot. There are a variety of ways to reduce noise, such as careful generator placement and the installation of sound deflectors. Below, we’ve listed five suggestions for noise reduction along with brief descriptions of each method.

5 Tips on How to Quiet Down a Generator

There are a number of ways to reduce noise when it comes to power generators. Five ideas on how to quiet down a generator include:

1. Generator Placement: A key way to reduce the impact of the noise of a generator is to be smart with generator placement. The more distance between a generator and those affected by its noise (employees, customers, etc.), the less the sound will be bothersome. Choosing generator rooms in remote yet accessible locations will greatly reduce the level of noise. Likewise, rooftop generators placed at greater distances from operations will be less audibly noticeable.
2. Sound Deflectors: The more acoustic barriers, the more sound deflection as sound waves will reflect sound waves. Examples of acoustic barriers include walls, screens and fences.
3. Acoustic Insulation: Taking measures to sound-proof generator rooms or other rooms where you’d like to prevent generator noise from being heard is a fairly easy step. Insulation helps to absorb sounds, preventing them from carrying to areas where you need peace and quiet. Think about acoustic insulation when designing generator rooms for maximum efficiency.
4. Anti-Vibration Mounts: Instead of installing generators on a wooden floor, choose an anti-vibration mount to help absorb vibrations and minimize generator noise. Anti-vibration mounts, or AVMs, also offer support and can help to protect your generator from damage.
5. Sound Attenuators: Sound attenuators, also known as sound traps and mufflers, are designed to reduce sounds generated by different kinds of equipment. Attenuators can be installed by the intake or discharge areas of a generator where they help to minimize sound output.

Sound-proofing rooms of your facility and taking measures to prevent sounds from carrying are great ways to reduce generator noise. By employing one, or several, of the noise reduction methods listed above, your facility won’t suffer the effects of a noisy generator for long!