Are you trying to learn How to Make a Generator Quieter for your mobile detailing business? Learn 6 great tips that will each lower the decibel level of a noisy generator.
Generators can be an essential part of mobile detailing, powering your essential tools and equipment on the go.
Whether you use your generator for smaller tasks, such as running your detailing lights, or something larger, like powering your water pump or air compressor, they can come in handy while detailing vehicles on location.
The downside of using a generator to power your mobile detailing equipment is, of course, the noise it makes.
You’re in the right place if you’ve ever wondered “how to make a generator more quiet” for your mobile detailing business. We’re going to break down the top 6 tips for how to make a generator quieter so you can have a more peaceful and productive detailing experience without losing out on the power you need.
1. Purchase a Generator That Will Suit You
Also, let it be known that before you make your purchase, you would have known your power needs. With this regard, if you know your power needs before buying, you might avoid the noisy generator scenario.
The amount of power the generator can put out is proportionally related to the noise it will make. Weigh how much power is necessary versus how much noise is acceptable and how much money you want to be spent on a generator.
So, some mobile detailers may only need the power to recharge their essential tools, such as their detailing lights, polishers, and vacuums. If you plan to power these gadgets, a smaller and less powerful generator can do the job. Indeed, generators with a capacity of a few thousand watts can handle these tasks without trouble.
If you wanted to power bigger equipment, such as your mobile detailing trailer’s air compressor, water pump, or high-powered lighting system, then you would want a generator with higher wattage output. For such heavy-duty applications, the output that one may require varies between 5,000 to 12,000 watts.
Generator 2000w and 12000w
Some generators are designed with more wattage power and, on the other hand, are quieter than others. They usually come at a higher price, providing both worlds with their best.
2. Face The Exhaust Pipes Up or Away From You
The first thing to remember when you use your generator to power your mobile detailing equipment is the position of the generator itself. In particular the exhaust end of the generator. You should always remove this side of the generator from your detailing area.
With some generator models, it’s also possible to point the exhaust pipes upward toward the sky.
Either of these positions will direct the noise created directly from the exhaust away from you and your customers, allowing you to focus on detailing vehicles without distraction.
3. Move Your Generator Further Away
The next thing to remember when considering how to make a generator quieter for your mobile detailing business is the distance you place it from your detailing area. This is one of the most important factors in making sure your detailing experience stays quieter while using a generator.
Move Your Generator Further Away
Now the distance you can place your generator from your detailing area will depend on a few factors. The first thing to consider is whether you’re detailing in a busy parking lot or in a secluded area.
For example, if you’re detailing in a busy parking lot, then obviously you need to keep your customers and other vehicles in mind. You don’t want to disturb them with the noise from your generator by placing it closer to their vehicles.
If you’re detailing in a secluded area with no other people around, the biggest factor to consider is the length of your extension cords and how much you like walking. The further away you place your generator from your detailing area, the quieter it will get.
Most generator brands will show what the decibel rating of that particular model is. These decibel ratings are measured at about 7 meters out from the operating generator in most cases. So a good rule of thumb is to keep your generator at least 20 feet away from your detailing area if you want to operate in that decibel range.
If you have the space and lack of foot traffic, investing in heavy-duty extra-long extension cords will allow you to place your generator as far away as you’d like.
By keeping your generator at least 20 or more feet away from your detailing area, you can vastly cut down on the noise and focus on detailing vehicles without distraction.
4. Place The Generator On a Soft Surface
Another important factor to consider when figuring out how to make a generator quieter for your mobile detailing business is the surface that you leave it on while it’s running. Once you’ve found a good distance to place your generator, you need to place it on a surface that will dampen the noise instead of amplifying it.
It’s best that you avoid all hard surfaces. So don’t place the generator on concrete, wood, or asphalt as these surfaces will only increase the noise and disturb your detailing work.
Usually, if you’re detailing in a parking lot or a driveway, the best and only options to set your generator on are simply a rubber mat or a thick cloth. These are both great solutions as a surface to place your generator on. Both will absorb and dampen the sound the rumbling generator creates, allowing you to focus on detailing vehicles without distraction.
Say you’re in a situation where you don’t have softer ground to place your generator on. Anti-vibration mats are a great solution here. Anti-vibration mats are generally made of rubber and help soften the vibration and noise from the generator, making it ideal for mobile detailing operations.
5. Use Sound Deflectors To Quiet Your Generator
Now that you have your generator placed on a soft surface, far away from your detailing area, the next best thing you can do to quiet it further is to use sound deflectors.
While it sounds technical, this is a very simple thing to execute. It can go a long way if you’re trying to understand how to make a generator as quiet as possible, especially when detailing vehicles in a quiet neighborhood or residential area.
The only things you’ll need are 4 sheets of plywood and a sheet of non-flammable material. Drywall is a good material for this as it is relatively fire-resistant. Each of the pieces should be around 4 feet wide and 3 feet tall.
You can prop each piece against the generator at specific angles. Be sure to use the piece of drywall for the side of the generator that houses the exhaust. You don’t want your deflectors catching fire!
6. Build An Acoustic Enclosure or Baffle Box
Another idea similar to creating deflectors is to build an acoustic enclosure or baffle box for your mobile detailing generator.
Build An Acoustic Enclosure or Baffle Box
The reason this solution works is the same reason that deflectors work well. The enclosure will contain the sound waves and drastically lower the noise decibels from the generator, allowing you to detail vehicles without disturbing the surrounding area.
The best part about an acoustic enclosure or baffle box is that it’s much more compact than lugging around equipment in your mobile detailing trailer or van. The other nice thing is that you can purchase a baffle box or make your own, making it a convenient and effective solution for mobile detailers.
Something to keep in mind if you do plan on using a homemade baffle box for your mobile detailing generator is that you need to include holes for airflow.
This is very important because if there isn’t significant airflow in the baffle box enclosure, the heat will damage the generator and compromise your ability to power your detailing equipment. Cut holes in the side of the box where the generator’s exhaust is located, ensuring your generator stays cool and runs efficiently while you’re detailing vehicles on the go.
How to Make a Generator Quieter Conclusion
By combining these 6 tips on how to make a generator quieter, you can lower the overall noise level of your generator and, by extension, your mobile detailing operation.
After all, isn’t the point of mobile detailing to provide a professional and peaceful experience for your customers, no matter where they are?
We hope this article will help you keep your mobile detailing business running smoothly and quietly. Happy detailing!
Let us know your thoughts on this guide by commenting or rating below.
Marion Woods is an accomplished generator technology expert with over 15 years of experience, currently serving as the Chief Technology Officer at GenTech Power Solutions. She holds a Master’s degree from MIT and specializes in enhancing generator efficiency and integrating renewable energy sources. Marion is a respected author and speaker in the engineering community, dedicated to pioneering sustainable power solutions.
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