There are many different uses for a generator that make them an excellent investment. Whether it is a way to back up a home if the power goes out, or something to take on an outdoor adventure, investing in a generator makes a lot of sense.
Unfortunately, there is no generator out there that is completely silent. Sure, some generators market themselves as not making a lot of noise, but it is still going to be noticeable.
One way to kill the sound and make life a little more peaceful is to invest in a generator soundproof box or cover to go around it. There are do it yourself options out there, but also some ready-made solutions that people are willing to invest in.
First, we take a look at some of the best soundproof box options out there for generators. You can also go with a DIY Generator Enclosure.
After that, we take a look at some common questions and provide additional tips. Finally, there is a quick look at what people can do if they want to go to do it yourself route.
IGAN Generator Tent Cover
This is one great option that a lot of people use not only to help control sound, but protect the generator when it is in bad weather. Most of the time, people are using generators in all types of weather, and they can start to wear down if there is no storage available.
Overall, it is a pretty lightweight cover that sets up fairly easily, allowing the generator to work as it should and not get in the way at all. There is a way to access everything that needs some attention, but then there is also the opportunity to cover everything up as much as possible fully.
The material is pretty lightweight, but strong enough that it is going to provide 100% waterproof coverage. It is also thick enough that it helps to kill the sound a bit, which is something that a lot of people love about the cover.
The IGAN Generator Tent Cover comes in a few different sizes so that people can get exactly what they need, and it is overall a very solid choice for people who do not want to spend too much money.
Is it 100% designed to help with soundproofing? NO, but it still provides a lot of benefits for people who do not want to worry too much about having to replace a generator all that often. If a generator gets extremely wet, it can start to make more noise as well, so the shield helps when you’re cought in the rain.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable.
- 100% waterproof.
- Covers the loudest areas of the generator.
Cons
- Not designed entirely for soundproofing.
- Starts to show wear if left outside for too long.
Click Here for the current price for this IGAN Cover from Amazon!
Zombie Box
A lot of people have fallen in love with what is billed as the world’s first patented portable noise control system for a generator. Not only can it help with generators, but it helps with compressors, pumps, vacuums, and other loud pieces of equipment. It comes in a pretty standard size that can fit many things in, and it helps people stay a lot quieter overall.
It might seem like a permit would be required for something like this, but it is noise compliant everywhere. All people need to do is put the generator inside, and it can be fully protected and muffled quite a bit. It almost seems as though the generator disappears once it is placed down and everything is closed up.
Ventilation is also very solid, which is important for people who rely on the generator all the time. It is very hard to provide a dependable enclosure that is not super close in size to the actual generator, but they found a way to allow it to breathe enough that it is not going to be compromised at all.
The cost of the Zombie Box depends on what dimensions a person needs. They are a bit expensive, but a lot of people are blown away with the overall quality that is provided.
Some of the enclosures are under $1000, but the more heavy-duty and large ones can be rather costly. The good news is that the Zombie Box should last even longer than a typical generator, so a person will be able to use it for years to come.
Pros
- Built specifically for noise control with generators.
- Heavy-duty.
- Fits almost all portable generators.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Might be too much coverage than what people actually need.
Microfab Generator Enclosure for Portable Generators
Microfab’s Generator Enclosure is a rather simple solution from the outside, but it works as it should and makes everything a lot safer overall. This portable generator enclosure keeps people a lot more relaxed at home, or when they are on the road and in need of a generator running all the time.
From the outside, it blends in with everything else that might be around. This is good news for people who want simplicity, and some added noise control that just makes sense.
Ventilation is a huge key for something like this, and it is easy to see that there is plenty of breathing room for the generator inside. There is also a place for the exhaust pipe to come out of, which always comes in handy for anything like this.
Some might be a little worried about the structure of the material used, as it seems like a good way to amplify sound if anything gets stuck. It could indeed rattle around if there is a problem with the enclosure, but most of the time, it is going to be just fine.
This will not want any style points, but it is a very simple solution for people who do not want their generator exposed the elements. This is definitely an investment worth looking into when buying something brand new.
Pros
- Solid enclosure that fits generators nicely
- Excellent ventilation
- Capable of sitting outside 24 hours a day
Cons
- Basic look
- Can potentially rattle and make noise if damaged even slightly
GenTent 10K Generator Tent Running Cover
This is a simplistic cover for any portable generator that might be stuck in bad weather. It is entirely waterproof and keeps the water away from any of the sensitive areas. It does not need to be removed to add any fuel to the generator, which makes it about as easy to use as possible.
GenTent’s design is something that really stands out with this cover, as it allows a good amount of airflow so that it never overheats in any way.
People can continue using the generator as a portable solution, instead of constantly having to go through an assembly process for somethign a bit more intricate.
As far as soundproofing is concerned, this is not going to do as well as some of the more durable and permanent options out there.
However, the material is very thick, and it helps to muffle the sound with the shape of the cover as well. It can block everything that makes a lot of noise, and people definitely notice a difference almost right away.
People will not have to break the bank when going with any cover, as it is so much more affordable than a more permanent type of structure.
There are pros and cons for sure, but a lot of people who are now wanting to spend too much money in the beginning will go with something like this at first.
Pros
- Very lightweight and protable.
- Inexpensive.
- Fits most generators well.
Cons
- Lacks in high-end soundproofing.
- Does not hold up well when outside permanently.
Click for the Current Pricing for the GenTent Generator Enclosure from Amazon!
Outdoor Home Design Plastic Outdoor Storage Shed
It seems simple enough, but the 30 cubic feet Outdoor Home Design plastic storage shed (Amazon) is perfect for just about anything a person can imagine using it for. Some people use this as a place to store a bunch of different types of outdoor products, but it is the perfect size for a generator to go inside and be perfectly protected as well.
It might not be set up specifically for a generator, which is a good and bad thing in several ways. The good news is that this is versatile enough that it could be used for other things when a generator is not in use. Some people do not use their generator all that much, so they are giving a different type of opportunity available to them.
To make it even better with soundproofing, a person can cover the inside with material that will help out. This is going to smooth the process of putting the generator inside and allowing it to do its thing. Since it opens pretty easily, there is no problem with potentially not giving it enough space to breathe.
Pros
- Versatile storage option for many different needs.
- Built to be outside all the time.
- Capable of having other soundproofing material attached inside.
Cons
- Plastic might not be durable enough for some people.
- Does not have the proper ventilation options as other solutions.
What are some other ways to soundproof a generator?
Whether it is looking to add additional soundproof measures, or use it as a replacement to a soundproof box, there are many reasons why people will look into ways to make a generator a little quieter.
Most people can’t go completely without electricity, but does it always have to be so loud?
These are just a few of the easiest ways to make things a little bit quieter without having to go without electricity. There is no perfect solution, but a combination of these with or without a soundproof box can help.
Purchase a generator that markets itself as quiet
Of course you can build a DIY generator enclosure or you can just go with a quiet generator from the begining.
A lot of generators out there these days understand that people want to stay as quiet as possible when they are operating a generator. That is why it is becoming a major selling feature to put how many decibels the generator produces when it is in operation.
Not only does a generator need to advertise itself as being quiet, but shopping for the right size is also important. For example, if only a generator is needed for smaller amounts of watts, do not feel like it is necessary to go out and get a huge generator.
It is going to make more noise, and be overkill. Not only that, but a person will be spending more money and wasting more space storing a bigger generator.
Place the generator in the right location
Something as simple as where the generator goes can make a huge difference in how much noise a person hears. For example, the first thing that a person should do is figure out how far away they can put a generator while still being serviceable.
This comes in handy when at a campsite, because people will have a little bit more freedom. If it is a generator at home, it might only be able to go in a few different areas, so getting a lot of isolation might be impossible.
Even the direction of the generator can make a difference when it comes to soundproofing as much as possible. Try to point the exhaust end of the generator away from where people are going to spend their time. This is because that is what makes most of the noise, along with the engine.
Some generators also have their exhaust pipes that point upwards. This is going to be very beneficial as well, since it is not directed towards where people are located.
Remember that a generator needs to be quiet not only for the people who are using it but any neighbors as well. It makes sense to have the exhaust pipes pointing away from a campsite or home, but do not point the pipe directly at someone else either. This is a great way to get complaints from the neighbors relatively quickly.
Soft surfaces only
A generator works best when it is on fairly soft surfaces only, as the vibrations will be limited a bit. Anything too hard like concrete or asphalt is just asking for amplified noise.
Try to put a generator outdoors on either dirt or grass. If it is indoors, putting it on top of rubber or some other type of mat will provide some noise reduction. Just make sure that whatever surface it is placed on still has a little bit of structure to it, but soft makes a difference.
Deflecting sound
A person could possibly make a very simplified version of a soundproof blockers for their generator if they want to. Having sound reflectors is one opportunity out there, even doing something as simple as putting sheets of plywood around the generator.
Using foam or some softer type of material also works, but not everyone will have access to that.
Use a different type of muffler
The final option is a little costly, but a lot of people have had success with it in the past. Replacing the muffler that originally comes with a generator can make sense, as it helps directly with the sound coming out of the exhaust light.
A muffler can reduce the sound of a generator by 10 to 15 dB, which is nothing small by any means. The tricky part is finding a muffler that will be able to fit a generator perfectly.
It sometimes takes talking to a mechanic who has a better understanding of how small engines work to find something that fits. They might be able to provide a custom my solution, or pointed person in the right direction.
Is It worth Investing in a Generator Soundproof Box?
The more often the generator is used, the more important it is to have something that will provide the right amount of noise reduction and soundproofing. Most of the options are fairly affordable, and it saves a lot of hassle trying to build a soundproof box from scratch.
Just make sure to take all the proper measurements before getting into the process. Do not be afraid to see if there are nice prices online before making a final decision. If the plan is to move things around quite a bit, it also needs to be fairly lightweight and easy to collapse.
Do-it-yourself options are always going to be available for people who want to give it a try, but the prices are so low that it does not make much sense in the beginning. Try a few of the cheaper options out first, and see if any of them do the trick.
If it seems like the only solution is to go with something more expensive, that is when it might be time to explore some of the do-it-yourself options and see what all is available.
A soundproof box is something that will help quiet a generator, but there is something to be said for getting used to a faint hum when it is in use from time to time.