A generator is a source of power supply. Generators are the only power source in case of power outages due to natural calamities, excessive rain, or during camping time.
But when these generators are turned on to supply electricity, they produce very loud distracting, ear-splitting, or headache-inducing noises.
If you are using this generator around a camper or for outside work or while waiting for power to come back on at home, it becomes imperative that you limit the noise.
In that case, building a soundproof generator box around the generator can greatly reduce the noise level without interfering with the generator. You can make these boxes yourself, which is a simple process and requires no extra skills.
While building this box you must take care that it is not too close to the wall and that there is a hole in the box for adequate air flow or ventilation. Adding too much mass to the generator box will not absorb too much sound, remember that sound-absorbing materials will act as soundproof if properly added.
So let’s find out exactly how to make this generator box. We have provided step by step guide below.
Required Tools and Materials
The following are the necessary tools and materials required to make a soundproof generator box.
#Tools
Here are the tools in the guide to quickly build a soundproof generator box (but you can use other adequate tools):
- measuring tape
- the hammer
- saw (circular saw)
- Drill/driver
- Level tool
- oscillating multi-tool
#Materials
You can use the following materials given below:
- Use three 3′ x 5′ panels of lightweight tile backer board.
- Acoustic caulk
- Use three 2″ x 2″ x 8′ furring strip boards.
- Screwdriver and screws
- A can of high-heat spray paint
- a handle
How to Build a Soundproof Generator Box: Step-By-Step Guide
Now that we have all the tools and materials ready to build a soundproof generator box let’s see how we get started.
Here we will not provide measurements for building a soundproof generator box because how big the box will be depends on the size of your generator.
So let’s know how to follow the step-by-step process.
Step 1: Measure the Generator
Before building the generator box you need to measure the generator. That’s because generators come in different shapes and sizes, so the first thing to do before building a soundproof generator box is to measure the height, width, and height of the generator well.
This measurement doesn’t have to be perfect but should be a little larger than an inch or two around so that the soundproof generator box can completely cover the generator.
After looking at the importance of soundproofing the generator box, the importance of lining, and ventilation features you need to leave a few inches of space on each side of the box. By doing this you minimize the risk of cutting the wrong size box.
Step 2: Measure and Mark the Materials
After taking the measurements, you write down the values on a piece of paper but don’t forget to add a few inches from all sides.
According to the measurement, you will cut the stains on the material with a sketch pencil so that no pieces are lost after cutting. Of course, you should remember that measure twice and finally cut once.
Since the zener box uses very fine materials (such as MDF or plywood), a fine tooth saw should be cut with a saw.
Step 3: Cut the MDF Materials into Pieces
Practically you can use different types of wood but MDF is a good choice because it is made of wood pulp and is therefore much thicker than a standard wood. With the help of a fine saw you cut the MDF according to the score.
After you have finished cutting your MDF it is reasonable to cut the materials that require soundproofing as well. You can use any knife to cut the relevant word materials.
Step 4: Make the Ventilation Hole or Add a Duct
A large amount of heat is generated during the generator, so the box needs a ventilation hole to get the heat out. Otherwise, the generator will overheat and break.
The ventilation hole should be one on the top of the lid and on the opposite side of the lid. The hole in the lid should be close to the center of the top edge but choose the farthest edge from the side air movement hole.
For example, if the ventilation of the lid is in the right corner, the wall vent will go to the left side of the box. Mark a mark for the vents on the right side and then cut them out using a tool with a small ballet, then screw those vents.
Step 5: Adding the MLV and Acoustic Foam
Generator motors produce a lot of noise so a MLV seat needs to be placed inside the box as a reflective layer. To cover the inner surface of the MDF, cut the MLV and stick it to its surface with green glue.
You can use staples or small tacks instead of green glue. MLV is used as a sound barrier element inside the enclosure.
Adding acoustic foam to your soundproof generator box reduces its inner noise levels drastically. Acoustic foam is open-celled and soft, meaning sound waves are absorbed when jumping from one surface to the other.
The acoustic from the panel usually comes on the panel so cut them to the right size and stick them over the MLV with some glue. While doing this one should be careful so that a small amount of glue is used.
Step 6: Assemble the Piece To Build up
Now, it’s time to assemble your soundproof generator enclosure. Attach four walls one by one with nails and skew.
Finally, attach the top of the perimeter and securely lower the screw side. You can use other things besides skew, but if necessary you can separate your soundproof box if you use screws.
Step 7: Seal the Gaps Using Acoustic Caulk
The edges of the generator box may still be cracked even after it’s all bolted together. Sound can come out of those cracks.
Acoustic caulk is used to fill these holes. This not only helps to close any small gaps but also helps to reduce the sound quality. Also, many gaps are closed using the greens.
Step 8: Install a Handle
You can install a handle on the top of the box to make it portable from the generator box. For this, you need to screw a small block of firm strip board inside the panel and then screw the handle in from the outside.
Step 9: Paint the Box Surrounding
After the soundproof generator box is complete, you can use high-end spray paint. You can use any color you like outside the box.
Coloring the box does not help reduce the noise but its beauty is aesthetic.
Step 10: Add Final Touches
Now that your soundproof generator box is built you can fix any minor issues. You can check that all the joints are completely sealed with caulk.
Make sure the vents you installed are angled correctly. You can use a duct hose instead of venting.
Because sound waves travel in straight lines through duct hoses rather than vents, the noise level is relatively reduced.
If your generator is large, it is necessary to install several vents because smaller generators will require more air. You can apply a sealant or a shade of paint over the wood or MDF you used to repel water.
Final Thoughts
If you’re concerned about generator noise, our guide will come in handy.
Making a soundproof generator box will not be difficult for you if you follow step by step the step-by-step guide we mentioned for making a generator box. But of course, if you have the budget then you can buy its alternative from the market.
Perhaps you have built a soundproof generator box using the materials and methods provided in our guide, if so be sure to let us know how it works.
Frequently Asked Question
1. What material is used to soundproof the generator?
Ans. Some of the materials you can use to soundproof your generator are Mega Zorbe – open cell foam, Thermal Wave Pro – jute insulation, and Luxury Liner – mass-loaded vinyl.
2. What is the best way to make a soundproof generator box?
Ans. There are two methods for soundproofing the generator box. First method: You can use very thick glass. Using very thick glass does not vibrate easily. Second method: You can use glass sandwich pans as they have a vacuum inside them, preventing the air molecules from vibrating.
3. How you can make a generator quieter?
Ans. Using a soundproof generator box does not reduce overall noise. However, noise levels can be reduced by up to ten decibels. If sound reduction cannot be achieved with this sound box alone, additional barriers must be used.
4. How do you install the generator?
Ans. To install a soundproof generator you must first measure your generator and then cut the selected material, cut the ventilation holes, apply the first layer of soundproofing, and add a secondary soundproofing layer. You assemble the soundproof box, and finally, you install the ventilation ducts
5. How do quiet generators work?
Ans. Generators usually produce noise to produce electricity. An external generator box is used to silence it. The material that this generator box is made of absorbs sound energy and converts it into heat
6. Which material is required for soundproofing a noisy generator?
Ans. Acoustic caulk made of silicone is used in the soundproof generator box for sound insulation. A layer of mass-loaded vinyl is also stuck around the box or MDF or wood with green glue. Acoustic foam is also often used. These two soundproofing materials block and absorb sound waves.
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