Generators are classified in what is called DBA which is the sound measurement the device makes. When it comes to campgrounds you will want a generator no louder than 60 dba. DB stands for decibels and the A stands for the scale that the pitch or sound is on. The human ear is most sensitive to the A scale – and thus generators are measured in the DBC scale.
In this guide, we will attempt to help you understand the factors you need to take into consideration when buying a generator. On this page – we cover in brief the key factors and in using the site menu, you can dwell deeper into the various elements of buying a quiet generator.
When you are doing research on which quiet generator you are looking to buy – in the specifications you will see a measurement that will tell you the DBA’s of the generator. A heavy duty high power generator will drown out conversation and run at 80 plus DBA’s where a 1500 watt quiet generator will run in the mid 50′s.
When you are selecting a generator your first concern should be what type of power needs do you have and once that is determined, then seek out the quietest generator for your budget.
Begin by thinking about what you are planning on powering – and how much power will typically be used at any given time. For example, an RV air conditioner draws a lot more power than a small television – and if you are running them at the same time, then you need to add the two together, along with any other electrical devices you may also want to run simultaneously.
It’s important when calculating your power use that you take into account that power requirements vary by the type of device or appliance. Items such as microwaves and air conditioners require far more power to get them started than they do to run once going. This surge can overload a generator that is under-equipped to handle the power load.
As you can see in the chart above – a standard 13,500 btu air conditioner uses about 1500 watts continual power but upon start up draws well over 3000 watts meaning a 2000 watt generator may be able to power the unit – but won’t likely have the juice to start it up properly unless your generator is rated to handle the surge in power start up requires.
Sensitive Power Devices
Another element to consider is the types of devices you are running. Computers, televisions and other similar electronics are far more sensitive to fluctuations in power supply and can be damaged by a sudden surge / drop in electricity. The use of power including amps, watts and waveform can be a complicated subject and outside of the range of this article. When ever you plug in your sensitive power devices you should use a power bar with a circuit breaker button on it which will prevent any sudden surge from damaging your device.
The best generators for electronics are inverter generators. These power plants work by creating DC power, storing it and then when required convert the curre
1. Choosing a
Quiet Generator
The basics of what makes a quiet
generator in 8 easy slides !
A special guide from
Quietgeneratorguide.com
2. DBA stands for Decibels on the A Scale by the way...
1. Human conversation takes place at 60 to 65 dba.
2. Generators considered quiet should be under 58 dba.
So that's step one – don't buy a generator with a DBA rating above 58
The Sound of Generators is Measured in DBA
3. Power needs vary – if you are trying to
power an RV air conditioner you'll need
a bigger generator of at least 2500
watts – but if you are only powering a
few small appliances you can get away
with a smaller unit around a 1000
watts.
How Much Power Do You Need ?
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The second key element of
choosing a generator
A special guide from
Quietgeneratorguide.com
4. This allows the engine to work less and
run at variable RPM's rather than at full
speed. It also means the power is clean
and free of spikes that can damage
sensitive electronics.
The Quietest Generators are Called Inverters
14
Inverter Generators work by
converting DC Power to
AC Current
A special guide from
Quietgeneratorguide.com
5. Air conditioners, microwaves, coffee
pots, toaster – they all require a surge
of power to get started.
If your generator is undersized it may
not have the juice to get the appliance
running – or you can damage the unit
or the generator itself.
Surge Power and Continuous Use
Some Appliance Need More
Power to Start than to Run
7
A special guide from
Quietgeneratorguide.com
7. Some generator brands are far more
expensive – Honda for example are
priced at several thousand dollars,
while a brand like Champion are much
less for comparable features.
You can get full reviews or the best
quiet generators at
quietgeneratorguide.com
Do Your Research !
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There can be huge price
differences in Brands
8. QuietGeneratorGuide.com
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