Soundproof generator enclosures

1. Full Enclosure

Let's start with what most people consider the obvious choice, a generator box or enclosure. This method fully encapsulates the noisy generator but not only does it trap the noise, it also traps the heat. Without proper ventilation the generator will quickly overheat and the motor will seize. To avoid this problem and to ensure sufficient ventilation we utilise two commercial grade fans to move air through the soundproof enclosure. The fans must be wired (by your electrician) to the generator so that when the generator starts the fans also start. A delay switch must also be installed so they when the mains come on the fans don't immediately switch off, as the generator is still hot and needs time to cool down. The fans must continue to operate for another 30 - 60 minutes to allow the generator the necessary time to cool. If you're not sure how long is long enough then do a temperature check after your generator has been running for an hour or two and continue to monitor the temperature every 5-10 minutes once it has shutdown until it has returned to the normal ambient temperature. Never do a touch test as a generator may run at 60 degrees or more and you don't want to burn your hand. We suggest using an infra red digital thermometer to be safe.

Making large openings for airflow will also allow the noise to escape, so to overcome this problem so we install acoustic baffles over the air inlet and outlet which allow airflow but attenuate the noise.

A generator box or enclosure is a premium option. It has the best results in terms of soundproofing but they come in at a higher price point than our noise barrier panels. Noise barrier panels may not initially be an obvious choice but they are very effective and worthy of consideration, I go into the pro's and con's further on in the article.

The 4 Benefits of a Full Enclosure:

1. Maximum sound isolation - about 30dBA

2. Smaller footprint

3. They can be installed both inside or outside. Exhaust fumes must be ventilated to a safe place.

4. Will protect your generator from the elements

The 2 Types of Full Enclosures

LF125 "Fixed" Generator Enclosure

I want to fix my enclosure to a wall.

The LF125 fixed soundproof generator enclosure is designed to be fixed to a brick wall. It's ideal for placement inside a garage or fixed to an exterior wall outside your home or business. Prefabricated and then installed by our team on site.

Three Standard Sizes

✪ Small

✪ Medium

✪ Large

LF125 "Framed" Generator Enclosure

I require a stand alone structure.

The LF125 framed soundproof generator enclosure stands independently from any existing walls. We provide access hatches for refuelling but the sides can also be fully removed for full access from any side. It is prefabricated and then installed by our team on site.

Three Standard Sizes:

✪ Small

✪ Medium

✪ Large

2. LF125 Modular Noise Barrier Panels

✪ The LF125 modular noise barrier panels are stacked around your generator

to create whatever size & shape is required.

✪ The top remains open therefore heat rises naturally into the atmosphere

and this is a big advantage as the generator can never overheat.

✪ This method is only suited to outdoor installations.

✪ We offer a weather guard which stands over the generator

so that it is not fully exposed to the elements. The sides remain open

for ventilation and it has a hinged roof for easy access.

The 3 Benefits of Genesis LF125 Noise Barrier Panels:

1. They more cost effective both in the short and long term.

An electrician is not needed - as there are no fans to install.

There are no fans to maintain or replace down the line. This is a big

deal as fans are expensive to replace and they don't last forever.

2. It's a simpler design as there is no need for fans and baffles.

In this instance, simple is a very good thing.

3. Sound isolation of about 24dBA at 1m meter. Bear in mind

that sound decays over distance so at your boundary wall it

will be much, much quieter.

The amount of attenuation also depends on the height

and thickness of the noise barrier panels.

LF125 Modular Noise Barrier Panels

The LF125 noise barrier panels are stacked around the generator to form a modular noise barrier wall. As the top is left open, the heat from the generator rises naturally into the atmosphere, so there is no need for special ventilation. This saves on cost and greatly simplifies the design and maintenance.

Features & Benefits

✪ NRC: 0.85 - 1.05

✪ Sound attenuation: About 24-30dBA

Depends on the thickness & height of the panels.

✪ Large range of standard sizes

✪ Custom sizes

✪ Thicknesses: 30mm, 53mm & 108mm

✪ Exterior grade panels

✪ Panels can be hinged for ease of access

✪ Strong and robust

✪ Modular design

3. Generator Room

In almost all residential jobs that we do, this is a room that

has been repurposed to become a generator room.

It might have been a tool room, store room etc.

The 4 Main Benefits of a Generator Room

1. Mass i.e. brick walls are heavy and therefore efficient at blocking noise

2. The room is secure and your generator can be locked away.

3. It's probably close to the house and therefore easily accessible.

4. Protection from the elements.

The One Major Downside of a Generator Room

To state the obvious, you will lose your old storeroom, tool room, bike room etc.

so these items will have to find a new secure place to be stored.

It's probably for this reason that we do the least amount of this type of installation.

There may or may not be any cost saving.

This depends largely on the size of the room but there are other factors as well.

Will you have to buy a new shed? Factor this into your decision.

Generator Room

I have an existing room, which I want to convert to house my generator.

Genesis Acoustics will supply and install soundproofing products for the:

✪ Walls

✪ Ceiling

✪ Roof / ceiling cavity

✪ Window

✪ Door

✪ Commercial grade fans

✪ Acoustic baffles

✪ Exhaust oulet

We're available:

✪ In store (Johannesburg & Port Elizabeth)

✪ By consultation in Cape Town

✪ By e-mail

✪ Over the phone / Skype / Zoom / Facetime etc.

✪ Site inspections / consultations are also available at a cost, this will depend on where you're located.

There are 3 Basic Methods

to Soundproof Your Noisy Generator