How to Muffle Home Generator Noise
Attaching a Muffler
Most generators contain a box-like component on the outside of the motor that serves as the exhaust as well as a spark-suppressor. The good news is that you can modify this part and create a fitting to attach a small to mid-sized muffler. The amount of modifications that you will need to make will depend on how the generator is designed.
Some exhausts have a plate that has a connecting tube and screw holes that will align with standard exhaust pipes. Some generator manufacturers produce products specifically for this option as well. If your generator is fitted with this type of component, then you won’t have to do much work to attach the muffler. Simply remove the screws and plate and attach the exhaust pipe leading to the muffler. Make sure to apply some sealant or gasket before bolting the pipe into place. Just make sure that you choose an exhaust pipe with the same diameter as the connector on the generator.
Other exhausts do not have standardized muffler fittings, so you will have to make your own. You can easily do this by marking where the bolt holes will go on the exhaust plate. Remove the plate, drill the holes with a diameter appropriate for the bolts that you will be using. Place the head of each bolt through the inside of the plate so that the bolts stick outward. Place the muffler attachment to the plate and bolt it securely in place. Attach the rest of the exhaust pipe, as well as the muffler if necessary, before bolting the plate cover back on the generator. Make sure to use sealant for the connection as well.
It is usually easiest to attach the connections and exhaust pipe before the muffler itself. However, this may not always be the case, so use your best judgment and choose the order of steps based on what’s best for you. The only real concern is to make sure that the weight of the muffler and connector will not cause it to tear or deform as it rests in place. You may need to brace the assembly to the generator in order to make it more secure and durable.
You can use an exhaust pipe or flexible metallic tubing for attaching the muffler to the generator as well. Flexible tubing gives you more options in terms of where the muffler can be placed, but they are not always as durable as solid pipe.
Baffle Box
You can also create a boxed enclosure that will cover the generator and greatly reduce noise output. All you need to do is build a wood frame, secure it with brackets, and install some special sound-suppressing material. Many home improvement stores sell products called quiet boards or quiet rock. They are similar to drywall, just not as heavy, and they are designed specifically to absorb sound waves and reduce noise.
Simply install them over frame and encase the outer layer of the box with some ½ inch thick plywood. All you need to do is make sure that the box is big enough to cover the generator, and you can make it as simple or as complex as you like. However, it is very important that you cut out a portion of one of the sides to allow for air flow and the expulsion of exhaust gases. You can make the cuts according to your needs or preferences, but the holes should represent about 25 percent of the area on that side of the box. This side of the box will also be the noisiest, so you want to have it facing away from where noise will be most noticeable.
These are two inexpensive and relatively-easy mods that you can make to significantly reduce generator noise. However, you can also find after-market parts or accessories that include noise suppression for many newer generator models as well. Give this mod some consideration because the benefits of noise-suppression may be well worth the effort.
