How To Make A Silencer For A Generator? – [Ultimate Guide]
In this article, we have explained How to Make a Silencer for a Generator using DIY methods at home. We can also make the generator quieter using water and rubber feet.
The most common complaint people have about generators is how noisy they can be. It is an absolute pain in the ass if your generator is noisy especially when you are camping near other people.
I don’t even remember how many times I have been scolded by my neighbors while operating a noisy generator. I have learned to get rid of that annoying noise by making my collection generators quieter using some basic techniques.
How To Make A Silencer For A Generator
A. How To Make A Soundproof Box:
Before making a silencer, you need to know the following things that contribute to the noise:
- Exhaust system
- Engine
- Radiator ventilator
- The vibrations generated from the entire structure
This is where silencers and mufflers come in to reduce as much noise as possible. By following this process, you should be able to reduce the pungent noise coming from your generator.
Measure The Dimensions:
To make an acoustic box, we need to take measurements of our generator by allowing a few inches of space on all sides of the generator.
We need to leave some space for the insulation so measure carefully with precision.
Ventilation:
We need to make a channel to allow fresh air for the proper and complete combustion, and let the emissions leave the enclosure. Proper ventilation is extremely important for safety reasons as well.
Make two ducts, one for the clean air to come in, and the second for the emissions.
Generators emit a good amount of carbon monoxide, let’s say your soundproof box doesn’t have a proper ventilation system, and when you go near it or open it, the CO buildup can be very high, making you faint within seconds. A higher concentration of CO can be lethal.
Rubber Surface To Absorb The Vibrations:
The soundproof box will suppress the noise, but the generator produces vibrations through its structure by performing the mechanical task.
To absorb the noise created by vibrations, use a rubber, a dense rubber sheet, or rubber feet. I used the rubber surface and it gave me great results.
Build The Box
Construct the silencer box by gathering plywood sheets together. You can also use normal wood but I would recommend plywood because it has sound-absorbing properties.
Remember it should be a bit bigger than the original generator dimensions to leave some space for ventilation as we discussed above.
Install The Insulation System:
Don’t worry, it is not big of a deal. You can find insulation material like mass-loaded vinyl from any hardware store.
Apply the insulation material on the inside of the box. Allow for a layer of open space between the two insulation sheets to disperse the sound waves. It will significantly cut down the noise.
You can also install an interior layer of plywood to create a barrier or space between the generator and the insulation material.
Put Everything Together:
Now it is time to assemble the box. Use durable stainless steel screws or rivets. Install the ventilation ducts at this point. I have installed a carrying to my soundproof box to move it around easily, you can do it too.
Explosion Prevention:
To prevent explosions and generator overheating, don’t operate it under the sun. It will already get hot because of the heated exhaust accumulation inside the box.
That is why proper ventilation is necessary to let the fresh air in. If you want to run your generator overnight, the soundproof box is necessary to not disturb you and your neighbors.
Check out our guide about the best quiet generators
B. How To Make A Silencer For A Generator Using Rubber Feet
The vibration created by the generators is the cause of the noise. If we can somehow decrease the vibrations, the noise will also decrease.
Instead of placing it on a hard wooden or concrete surface, try a rubber surface or rubber feet. Rigid surfaces contribute to the vibrations, but rubber or foam under the generator absorbs the vibration hence, decreasing the noise.
C. Use Water To suppress Noise
This is the easiest method anyone can apply. All you need is a water container, a clip, and a hose. Before following this method, make sure to check the generator safety methods to avoid accidents.
- Place the generator higher than the water container.
- Clip one end of the hose to the exhaust of the generator, and dip the other end into the water.
- The water will suppress the noise.
D. How To Make A Silencer For A GeneratorUse A Muffler
You can try an automotive muffler to reduce the decibels levels, but it doesn’t reduce the decibels instead, it changes the frequency.
It will reduce the decibels to 1 or 2, but it will make it sound a lot less noisy.
People nowadays are using absorbing mufflers. These mufflers can cut the noise level by 8 or 10 decibels. They work.
Final Words
A normal or absorbing muffler is still a good choice to make your generator quieter, but other methods mentioned above also work if you are ready for some learning process.
A lot of people including me try DIY methods to silence the generator, but if you don’t have the skills to do it, I suggest you shouldn’t try them due to safety reasons.
If you have any questions regarding how to make a silencer for a generator, feel free to ask them in the comments.
Alex Black is a seasoned electrical engineer with a remarkable 8-year track record specializing in appliances, generators, and transfer switches. With extensive hands-on experience in the field, Alex possesses a deep understanding of electrical systems and their intricate workings. Throughout their career, Alex has consistently demonstrated expertise in designing, troubleshooting, and maintaining various electrical appliances.