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Are there any generators that don't make a lot of noise when they're running? It seems like every one I've used or any of my neighbors have used makes a bunch of racket and I hate it. I don't expect them to be completely quiet, but less noise sure would be nice.

I go to a lot of flea markets and swap meets and I see people using honda generators, they are
small and very quiet. Depending on the size and power you need a lot people use these....cubby

I like the Honda generators, very quiet.

Thank you for the information about Hondas. I want to get one for back-up power in case the electricity goes out, but I just can't take all the noise most generators make. It will be wonderful not to have to listen to that. Should I get a small Honda or are their bigger ones quiet, too?

Good to know! We have been talkig about getting a generator for awhile as well but the noise has definitely been a factor in putting it off. Although I guess if it's really cold or something you won't mind the noise so much!

When you look at them online or in a store - there should be a db (decibel) rating - the lower the number the quieter it will be.

You know I never noticed until you mentioned it that my neighbors generator is pretty loud. They live across the street and I can hear it in my backyard when the power goes out.

When looking for a quiet long lasting generator... Look for a double pole generator... It is designed to turn at 1800 RPM instead of 3600 RPM. That will make it much quieter and it will greatly increase it's life expectancy... The only negative is the price... an 1800 RPM generator will cost a bit more and will be a little heavier... :smile:KennyV

Go with a Honda they are pretty quiet and Very dependable machines. If you want to go for more power, might as well get electric start. I think that Northern Star are good also, some with Honda engines as well. Check em out at Northern Tool online. Cheers

i actually don't mind a noisy generator so when i'm inside the house i can tell its still running and did not shut off for any reason....just as i like a noisy harley davidson in my blind spot(while i'm driving my car) rather than a 'quite biker' so i can 'HEAR' that the motorcycle is there:biggrin:

BKBrown said:

When you look at them online or in a store - there should be a db (decibel) rating - the lower the number the quieter it will be.

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hi
i have a honda EU 2000 and the decilble is 49 and very quiet and
when it stops running you will know its out of gas
dan
good luck
my son inlaw has reg one and is kinda noisy he loves mine

My folks have a Honda generator and it is quite as well. My neighbors, on the other hand, do not and there is a big gap between their house and mine and I can hear their's running. Drives me nuts.

Sally,
Honda makes serveral of the quiet models the 3000w with electric start is a good choice to run a few appliances or small air conditioner. Honda also makes 2000w and 3000w pull start models that are light and portable. If you need more power there is also a 6500w electric start unit just more money. I have a 2000w pull start and a 3000w elec start, both have been very good and dependable. To appreciate how quiet these are you need to hear one running.

I've got a 5000W Coleman. It roars.:tongue:

We have a 8000/10000w Generac and it is fairly loud. Why so big? After working in the electric utility business for 30 years a big generator has the reserve for when the well pump, sump pump, freezer and fridge decide to load up at the same time. I tested our surge load using the meters on the transfer switch. The initial draw was 5900 watts after quickly flipping the 6 switches, the running draw was 1900 watts, and the lowest load was 900 watts. I know electrical equipment is designed to handle surges in load, just look how it is when the power goes out, on-off,on off..etc then out! Each one of those low voltage, high amp cycles reduces the life of electrical equipment. Each time that generator groans the same thing happens. The thing we have uses a lot of gas though.

jenkinsph said:

Sally,
Honda makes serveral of the quiet models the 3000w with electric start is a good choice to run a few appliances or small air conditioner. Honda also makes 2000w and 3000w pull start models that are light and portable. If you need more power there is also a 6500w electric start unit just more money. I have a 2000w pull start and a 3000w elec start, both have been very good and dependable. To appreciate how quiet these are you need to hear one running.

Click to expand...

IMHO, the Honda generators may be "quiet", but they are also "quite" pricey!!! The 3000w is around $2,000!!! I am an RV'er and what bothers me even more is that for $2,000 you don't even get a 30amp RV plug receptacle:0(
Camping World carries a Champion brand and you can get a 4,000w pull-start for $320 and it has a 30amp plugin!!! They even carry a whopping 9,500w electric-startmodel for half what you would pay for the Honda 3,000w model and the Champion has a 30amp...AND...a 50amp(big RV plug receptacle). Even though the Honda 3,0000w is rated at 49-58 decibels and the Champion 4,000w is rated at 68 decibels, I couldn't justify the $1680 price difference for a little extra....10 decibels "noise"(as well as 30amp compatibility). And for half the price I dare ask if you can guess whether I would invest in the Champion 9,500w(rated at 74 decibels) versus the Honda 3,000w regardless of the noise factor. BTW, just for comparisons a Google of decibel loudness comparisons yields:
Normal conversation at 3' is 60-65dB
Telephone dial tone is 80dB
City Traffic (inside car) is 85dB

Based upon those examples I could definitely "tolerate" the Champion 9,5000w's 74 decibels!!! Also:
Level at which sustained exposure may result in hearing loss is 90 - 95dB, so 74 decibels is going to be considerably louder than the Honda @ 49-58. And of course this thread is focused on "quiet generators" so my comments about what "quiet" costs may be out of line for the conversation. If so, I apologize for the sidebar.