Making Generator A Quiet Box: Step-by-Step Guide

There is no debate on this issue that generators are a lifesaver. They are trustworthy equipment in the event of a power failure. Power failures aren’t uncommon and if the power goes out for a long time then it causes an interruption in our routine and passing the time without the power can turn out to be a really challenging task.

We need the power at all times to carry out our work with no obstacles. For this reason, generators were created and they have proved themselves to be really handy. The only problem is that they are way too loud.

Everyone in the neighborhood knows that you are using your generator and it can be really frustrating to hear the loud noise for a long time. That really makes you wonder if sitting without electricity is better or listening to a loud generator worth it? The generator is worth it and the problem of the loud noise can be solved with the help of some simple steps.

How to quiet down your generator?

There is a misconception that every generator’s noise can be reduced by simply installing a sound dampening device and the problem is solved. It is quite a common misconception. People believe they can buy an inexpensive generator then reduce its noise; this is a very challenging and difficult task.

Purchasing a quiet muffler for your generator is an option but it isn’t the best one as there’s no guarantee that it will work. Its effectiveness largely depends on the size of the generator in your house. The best option which will work is building a box for your generator as the enclosure helps to dampen the sound and also protect it from external weather conditions. You can also build a storage shed but the cost to build storage shed is high then building a box around it.

Materials Required

The materials you will need for building the box are:

• Slab: As the first step would require you to build a slab around it and the materials required are cement sand, aggregate, and water, shovel, cement mixer, concrete smoothing device.
• Box part: Blocks to make a concrete wall, wood, fans with ventilation, hinges to hold

Generator parts: Generator, earthing rod, cable wire. All of these are available at an electric supply store.

Safety equipment: This is the most important one to ensure to avoid any accidents while building the box. The safety gear includes a dust mask, gloves, and tarp.

Step by Step Guide:

1. The first step is to choose a site. You should select a location on where do you want to build the box around your generator and ensure that it has enough space. A corner of the house will do fine. After this, you will have to measure the generator and on the basis of these dimensions, you should decide the measurements of the box. A gap of 100mm between the box and the generator is fine. Also make sure that the space is enough for additional tools and electrical accessories for when you need to connect the generator to the house.
2. As the slab size is chosen the next thing to do is to build some framework. The framework includes barriers to hold the liquid concrete in. the ideal thing to use for building the barriers would be wood but you can also use plastics or metal if you want to. The wood has to be kept inside the intended area and has to be laid in the shape of “L”. Spray the inner edge of the wood with some cooking oil or smear oil to prevent it to sticking with the concrete. Now use some wooden stakes as outside barriers.
3. The next step is to lay the concrete. You need to mix the concrete with sand and aggregate. You can calculate the amount of concrete required online as there are many calculators which will provide you with an estimate according to the measurements. You can mix it with the help of a cement mixer or a wheelbarrow. After mixing it, put it on the area.
4. After laying it you need to level it properly. If the framework is right then it will be laid perfectly in level once the concrete is in it. Once it is flat let it sit for a while until there is a layer of water on it. You can let it air dry by adding some water to slow down the drying process.
5. Once dry you need to add the brickwork slowly layer by layer. Once two layers are done, let the mortar dry overnight.
6. Once the motor is dry, you need to fill the holes in the wall with concrete to increase the density of the walls and make them stronger. After the holes are filled let it dry for a while and paint it to help it protect it from the weather.
7. The next step would be to build a front door. All you need to do is clamp a vertical piece of wood of where the 4th wall should be and screw the planks till the whole area is covered. Attach the hinges to the end to gain an easy access to it. At the top install two ventilation fans to provide suction when the heat rises.
8. The last step includes setting a gap between the top piece and the front wood wall to help it pivot inwards. You should weather proof the fans with a help of a plastic barrel.

After much research, we have concluded that building a box around the generator is the best remedy to loud noise out there. It not only reduces the noise but also shields your generator from any damage which can be caused due to external weather conditions. Following the above-mentioned steps, you can easily turn your generator to a quiet box instead of buying a new generator.