How to Reduce the Noise of a Portable Generator

Reducing the noise of a portable generator can be a difficult task. The power generator can really help you when disaster strikes or when there are other emergencies. However, the constant noise from the generator can be detrimental to your health. Studies have shown that loud sustained noises increase your risk of heart attack, destroy concentration and make quality sleep impossible.

The noise from a generator comes from two places on the portable generator, vibrations in the engine housing and the exhaust system. You can change the exhaust to make it more efficient and create an enclosure around the generator that will allow it to “breathe” for air cooling purposes, while restricting noise. Each of the following steps will reduce the noise in different ways, if you do all three, your portable generator will be significantly quieter.

Step 1: Padding

Decide on the area where you wish to locate the generator. You will need to place it as far as possible from the structure you are trying to protect, such as the house or recreation vehicle. Lay the rubber waffle pads on the ground and place the generator on top of them.

Step 2: Exhaust

The use of a motorcycle exhaust is recommended. You can find a used stock motorcycle exhaust at a local motorcycle custom shop for a small amount as most cyclists prefer custom exhausts. You will need to create a custom pipe system to attach it. The exhaust must be vertical to the generator.

Step 3: Anti-vibration for the Engine Housing

To get the maximum reduction in motor noise, you will need to use a sound and vibration dampening material on the engine block. The stock screws will usually have a rubber gasket already attached for noise reduction, but you can double that by adding another rubber washer and longer bolts.

If you look at the frame around the engine, you will see where the screws attach the engine to the frame. Attach the rubber washers to these screws to reduce the vibrations and thus the noise.

For this application you will need to unscrew one stock bolt, replace it with a new bolt and add a rubber washer to the outside of the metal wash allowing the frame to be sandwiched between rubber. From left to right it will be bolt head, metal washer, rubber washer, frame, rubber washer, metal washer bolt.  Repeat this for all of the frame bolts and tighten securely.

Step 4: The Enclosure

Next, you will need to build an enclosure around the generator. The walls should be on three sides of the generator with the switches and connections on the open side for easy access. Cinder block is the best wall material as it does not need to be sealed. Keep it stacked to a height of one foot taller than the generator and leave a breathing space of 6 inches to 1 ft between the generator and the wall.