What are Silent Generators?

Silent generators are generally used for large or custom homes and small businesses like convenience stores.  They are more quiet than standard stand by generators which sound like an AC unit when running. 

Generac Quiet Source™ Series
 Generac has a QuietSource Series. Ideal for homes requiring backup power for additional living areas, garages and air conditioners, pools, or guest houses.  It's engineered to run at a low 1800 rpm with a liquid-cooled engine for additional power but extra-quiet operation and reduced fuel consumption with fewer emissions.
It features.........
Quiet-Test™
Your home standby genertor runs its weekly self-test at an even lower RPM. It’s quieter than other brands, and consumes even less fuel.  Quiet-Test technology features Generac's exclusive TruePower Technology, Generac automatic standby generators deliver best-in-class power quality for confident operation of heating, cooling, home theaters, computers and more. With less than 5% total harmonic distortion, sound quality and performance are just as smooth and consistent as the output from conventional electrical connections. You'll never notice you're on generator power with TruePower Technology.
Durable Aluminum Enclosure
Aluminum provides the ultimate protection from the elements. And  Power Armor™ finish system that evenly joins paint particles to the metal surface provides consistent coverage. Both provide exceptional protection on both the generator enclosure and the base frame.
These silent generators have a sound emissions rating of 70 when operating at normal load and a rating of 61 when it is in exercising mode.  Take a look at the chart below to compare decibel levels.

A similar unit is the....

Cummins Power Generation Quiet Connect™ Series
It features........

Advanced Enclosure Design
The aesthetically appealing enclosure incorporates special designs that deliver one of the quietest generators of its kind. Aluminum material plus durable powder coat paint provides the best anti-corrosion performance. The robust design is capable of withstanding winds up to 150 MPH and the intelligent design has removable panels and service doors to provide easy access for service and maintenance.
Flexible Exercise mode 
The innovative, flexible exercise mode enables the generator to exercise at a time, frequency and duration that suits the customer’s preference - as little as 2 minutes every 6 months - reducing unnecessary fuel consumption, emissions and noise.

What do Silent Generators Sound Like?

A backup generator is powered by an engine that is designed similar to a tractor engine or an automobile engine, however, it operates on natural gas for its fuel source.

Silent generators have modifications made to the enclosures that are designed to decrease the sound levels as much as possible. In addition, mufflers are installed to further reduce noise.

During a power outage, most of the residential generators produce between 62dB and 72dB (decibels) of sound under a normal load at about twenty-three feet from the unit.

Many manufacturers have made improvements over the years to reduce the noise.  These are usually categorized by the manufacturer as "quiet" or "silent" generators.  Check the generator spec sheet for the "sound emissions" category to see what is required by your local city code or home owners association.

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