Generator Sound Level

[rideandslide]

I have looked at different db charts, but just looking for some human input. How loud is 70db as far as campgroung use ?

Thanks Jim

[lynnmor]

Originally Posted by rideandslide

I have looked at different db charts, but just looking for some human input. How loud is 70db as far as campgroung use ?

Thanks Jim

LOUD!


Honda Generators - Selecting the right portable generator for you

[rideandslide]

Thanks, I know Honda's are the way to go, but unfortunately my pockets arn't that deep.

[Fast0ne]

If I were you go with Honda or Yamaha. I know your pockets may not be deep but check craigslist or some other type of form.

I got my yamaha 2400 watt inverter generator for $600 with 20hrs on it. Most of the cheap knock off generators are selling for that new. Shop around you will find something.

[caissiel]

Originally Posted by rideandslide

I have looked at different db charts, but just looking for some human input. How loud is 70db as far as campgroung use ?

Thanks Jim

Same level as I listen to the TV in my living room.
Same level as I speak to my friends in a normal conversation.
Only Honda owners complain about that much noise.

[pasdad1]

Originally Posted by rideandslide

I have looked at different db charts, but just looking for some human input. How loud is 70db as far as campgroung use ? Thanks Jim

Take a look at this

[CampDaven]

Originally Posted by rideandslide

I have looked at different db charts, but just looking for some human input. How loud is 70db as far as campgroung use ? Thanks Jim

Generators use is generally not permitted in campgrounds, and I have never heard one running there except one time when the local power was out. The only ones I know that run them are boondockers.

[Cumminsfan]

Originally Posted by CampDaven

Generators use is generally not permitted in campgrounds, and I have never heard one running there except one time when the local power was out. The only ones I know that run them are boondockers.

Wow where have you been camping? I camp all over Oregon in FS campgrounds and there are gens in everyone. I don't mean all campers have them, it just depends on the time we're there. Only place I can recall not being able to use a gen would be a st campground. Naturally RV parks don't allow them, they have elec anyway. RV parks are not camping anyhow.

To the OP IMO 70db is too loud for continuous running. My Honda 2000w is around 70db at full throttle and 50 at idle. Most of the time it's ideling when charging batteries or running some small items. It will kick up to full throttle for the coffee pot or the wifes hair dryer. I wouldn't like to be around me if my gen was running at 70db's for 2-3 hrs charging batteries. When I'm out camping in a campground with other campers I always try and place the gen as far away as possible and face the exhaust away from other people. I try and stick it behind a tree or a bush to quell some of the noise. Usually when it idling I can barely hear it at 25' when behind a tree. My wife thinks I'm really anal going to the extremes I do. But I feel that not everyone that goes camping wants to hear a gen. I just try and be as polite as possible. Makes me fell better about what I'm doing and I'm sure my neighbors feel the same. I'm not of the mind thought that it's all about me.

[scubastevee]

Remember ... 70dB is a reference of loudness. The distance this is measured from is key. A lot of manufacturers measure at 21 feet, while others measure at only 7 - 10 feet.

Always check the detailed specifications of any generator you are interested in purchasing to see how the noise rating is measured.

[gggplaya]

Here's a noise test done on the honda generator by some university students. It seems national parks standard are ratings done at 50ft, and need to be less than 60db on the A-weigted rating scale to comply. The A-rating scale makes the decibels seem like less than they really are because it's only for lower frequency noises. The actual db of the generator are much higher as you can see in their graphs. http://www.me.ua.edu/stal/Pages/PDF/HondaNoiseTests.pdf

To give you perspective, for the honda eu2000i you are looking at about 67db on the non-weighted measurement, and 56db on the weighted measurement for 50feet. That's like someone have a full conversation right outside your window while you're trying to sleep. If your neighbors are closer than that, it will be much louder.

Even with a honda eu2000i, which we use at work. They are still really loud up close. I'd probably put one in an enclosure with some dynamat if you want to use it in a park.

[wanderso]

Originally Posted by Cumminsfan

Wow where have you been camping? I camp all over Oregon in FS campgrounds and there are gens in everyone. I don't mean all campers have them, it just depends on the time we're there. Only place I can recall not being able to use a gen would be a st campground. Naturally RV parks don't allow them, they have elec anyway. RV parks are not camping anyhow. To the OP IMO 70db is too loud for continuous running. My Honda 2000w is around 70db at full throttle and 50 at idle. Most of the time it's ideling when charging batteries or running some small items. It will kick up to full throttle for the coffee pot or the wifes hair dryer. I wouldn't like to be around me if my gen was running at 70db's for 2-3 hrs charging batteries. When I'm out camping in a campground with other campers I always try and place the gen as far away as possible and face the exhaust away from other people. I try and stick it behind a tree or a bush to quell some of the noise. Usually when it idling I can barely hear it at 25' when behind a tree. My wife thinks I'm really anal going to the extremes I do. But I feel that not everyone that goes camping wants to hear a gen. I just try and be as polite as possible. Makes me fell better about what I'm doing and I'm sure my neighbors feel the same. I'm not of the mind thought that it's all about me.

And we appreciate the effort that you do to make it better for others. When in a woodsy campground area, being able to hear the nature rather than technology is a very welcome thing.

[unyalli]

Your pockets don't have to be deep to own a quality proven 2000i type inverter generator. Click here. Some of the best customer support out there as well.

You can own a twin stack of these with parallel kit for around the cost of one Honda and there every bit as quiet and fuel efficient.

-Jeff

[Ray,IN]

I recommend checking out the Boliy invertor genset. It has a continuous output of 3,000W, surge wattage is 3,300. It is rated quieter than a Honda 3000, which is not only heavier, but has less continuous output. For every 3db noise increase the perceived sound is twice as loud.
My 2008 model serves my uses well.

[unyalli]

Here's another Boliy source that will out fit the unit with extended run tank.