“How quiet is the generator quiet box?” is one of the most common questions I receive from readers who want to try it out. It’s an essential subject. You do not want something as noisy as a jackhammer operating at night.
The park may have noise restrictions if you use a generator for camping. Although there isn’t a completely silent generator, there are plenty of ways to make your noisy generator quieter than a cricket. The most popular method includes using a generator quiet box.
Whenever you venture into this DIY activity, there are requirements that your soundproof generator box must meet.
They include:
- The DIY generator quiet box must cut the noise problem by at least half. At least 50% noise reduction.
- It should be easy to assemble and disassemble– hence allowing for storage when not in use.
- The box should be airtight and also have an air inlet and outlet to prevent generator overheating.
- It should be safe enough and operate without exposing anyone to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Types of Generator Enclosures
Generator Sound Enclosures
Anyone who has used a generator knows they can be extremely loud. If noise pollution is one of your primary concerns, shop for a soundproof enclosure. Noise-protective enclosures shield your team members from the generator’s loud noise. Long-term exposure to loud noises can result in tinnitus and even permanent hearing loss.
Consequently, noise-protective generator enclosures are essential in ensuring health and safety. Rather than wearing headphones or earbuds, buy a quiet generator enclosure to reduce the noise your machines produce.
As they can muffle sounds that can offend your neighbors, they are helpful if your company is in a high-density location. Many counties have noise ordinances, so a sound-protective generator box can protect your business or home from violating these regulations.
Weather Protective Noise Boxes
If protecting your generator from harsh weather elements is a priority, you may wish to invest in an outdoor generator box. A weatherproof generator box will protect against rains and strong winds. In addition, you can locate an enclosure that protects against extreme weather and heat.
This kind of generator box is ideal for generators stored outside since rain, wind, and sun can damage the machine if exposed to them too often. When used outdoors, diesel generators should be entirely protected by a steel or metallic enclosure rather than a metal grid case.
Walk-In Generator Enclosures
A walk-in enclosure is your best bet if you’re seeking the most protection for your generator. Enclosures accessible by foot allow employees to enter and service the generator. They can also be constructed either with or without wheels based on the portability requirements of the enclosure.
Typically, walk-in enclosures are designed to offer all of these advantages: they are weatherproof, fireproof, soundproof, and wholly insulated for quiet operation. Because they are custom-made, they can be tailored to the specifications of any generator brand or model.
A-List of Portable Generator Quiet Box
When it comes to generator sound reduction, there are two ways to approach this problem. You can either design a soundproof generator box yourself or purchase a premade quiet box. In this guide, we shall be looking at different generator quiet boxes you can get on the market today and a simple guide on making one DIY.
1. The Zombie Box
If you’re not into DIY and would like something that’s already tried and tested, then I would highly recommend the ZombieBox.
The ZombieBox is an enclosure for pumps, vacuum cleaners, blowers, compressors, industrial machinery, and electrical, medical, and laboratory equipment that is lightweight, waterproof, and noise-reducing. It is weatherproof and collapsible, reducing pollution by 50 to 75% and enhancing overall safety and comfort.
It’s considered the WORLD’S FIRST AND ONLY PORTABLE NOISE CONTROL SYSTEM WITH A PATENT. Unique universal design enables anyone with equipment to reduce the decibel level of generators and other machines without impeding ventilation or cooling needs.
Ideal for parties, concerts, contractors, food carts, cabins, and more. No permits are required in ALL 50 states; OSHA and municipal noise ordinance compliant.
ZombieBox boxes are suitable for settings where noise and weather are a concern, as they are designed to reduce noise pollution and provide weather protection. In addition, it is constructed to endure permanent open-air storage and prolonged use of your generator, protecting it from rainfall, snowfall, people, and drifting soil.
ZombieBox goes far beyond soundproofing and weatherproofing. Federal and state agencies, the military, research facilities, data centers, intelligence agencies, and police and fire departments use such enclosures to safeguard sensitive equipment from hostile modern threats and attacks. The manufacturer claims these enclosures offer added safety and security against EMP assault, machinery spying, and various RF and sound attacks when millions of dollars or human lives are at stake.
I hired some guy to install one for my wall air conditioner, and I’m glad that my wall A/C is quieter than before. The Zombie box is perfect for contractors, festivals, food trucks, cabins, and more. It’s highly portable and easy to assemble and requires no tools for assembly.
2. Microfab Generator Enclosure
Another great recommendation for a quiet box for generator is the Microfab Generator Enclosure designed by Microfab Company LLC.
This portable generator enclosure will allow you to enjoy quiet living when your backup generator is powered on. The product measures 43″W x 33″D x 30″H, and it’s large enough to accommodate most portable generators.
Additionally, the surface is boasts powered coated aluminum that helps reduce corrosion. Aluminum is a lightweight material, and this also contributes to the portability of the enclosure.
The enclosure includes 4 mounting holes at the bottom that helps secure the cover into paver blocks or cement.
The hinge front door makes it easy to refuel the generator once it runs out of fuel. The side air windows help keep ventilation, preventing overheating. Microfab LLC also manufacturers soundproof dog crates made from aluminum materials.
3. Plastic Outdoor Storage Shed by Outdoor Home Design
This product measures 51 x 29 x 43.5 inches and is available in beige and taupe colors.
It weighs only 0.69 kilograms, is waterproof but not as highly soundproof as the zombie box and Microfab enclosures above.
This is perfect storage for a generator as well as other types of outdoor products.
The inside walls aren’t fitted with soundproofing materials, which makes it relatively weak when it comes to acoustic insulation.
It’s a versatile storage option designed to remain outside throughout the year.
This makes it a perfect option for storing generators and other home tools.
How to Build A Generator Quiet Box?
You can build a quiet generator box in simple steps at home today. Below is a simple guide that you can follow to accomplish this simple DIY project.
The first step would be to take the measurements of your generator or any other tool that you need to soundproof.
When taking the measurements, ensure that you leave some extra inches on each side.
The second step would be to cut the sides and top of the quiet box.
In this case, you can use a medium-density fiberboard material and cut it according to the size of the measurements obtained above.
The third step involves adding ventilation to the MDF you cut above.
Assemble the box using nails or screws.
I would recommend screw as they’ll allow you to disassemble the unit once not in use.
You can add a layer of soundproofing material to the inside of the box.
I would recommend automotive sound-deadening materials such as Kilmat or Dynamat to offer thermal insulation besides noise reduction.
However, you can still use something like mass-loaded vinyl.
When installing the vents, install vent ducts with lots of bends. The bends will act as a sound baffle hence preventing airborne sound transmission through the ventilation system. (Source)
Final thoughts
Above is a detailed guide on some of my recommended quiet boxes for generators. I’ve also highlighted a simple guide that will help you construct a quiet box for a generator using readily available and affordable materials on the market today.
The best and most effective method I would always recommend in my case would be the Zombie Box. It’s a tried, and tested for noise reduction. It might be an expensive investment, but one that’s worth every penny.
References:
- https://www.zombie-box.com/
- https://www.microfabcompany.com
- https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss/how_does_loud_noise_cause_hearing_loss.html
- https://www.impcorporation.com/blog/3-main-types-of-generator-enclosures
Meet Mike O’Connor, (a DIY enthusiast), living in Cincinnati, a city ranked as the noisiest in the USA.
As a work from home dad, I have a first hand experience of how noise can truly affect your well being.
Soundproofing isn’t something that should be taken as a hobby, it should be a skill that every homeowner should be equipped with.
Most of the work documented on this blog comes from purely first hand experience, and the products recommended work as indicated.
Can a propane fueled generator be used in a zombie box?