A soundproof box for a portable generator is important because a better noise shield will minimize generator sound by 15-20 dB. Installing a sound insulation box, such as a mega zorbe, can reduce the noise by 5-7 dB.
So, keep the surroundings quiet. It is important to keep the generator soundproof.
But for a user, it is challenging to know how to build a soundproof box for a portable generator. So here we will discuss how to do this.
Building A Soundproof Box for A Portable Generator: 9 Essential Steps
To soundproof a generator, first of all, a few products and equipment are needed. Here is a chart of those products.
Product Name | Their Capabilities |
MDF - Medium Density Fiberboard | It will be the primary element of the box. |
MLV - Mass Loaded Vinyl | The first level of protection, that may can add in a soundproof generating box. |
Foam mats | An extra layer that is mainly helpful when soundproofing something. |
Green glue | A soundproofing product that can also be used to glue the borders together. |
BlocknZorbe Sound Panels | Can be used instead of MLV + foam and it is excellent for outdoors |
Ventilation duct | Offers adequate airflow and power to the generator box. |
Other elements
Here are some additional elements for making a soundproof generator box.
- A tape measure
- Paper and a pencil
- Ruler for right angles
- A sawblade
- Little glue
- Caulk for acoustics
- Nails and screws
- Screwdriver and hammer
- Vent
Step 1- Measure the box
Before creating a soundproof generator box, it’s crucial to understand that generators come in a variety of sizes, and not all generator enclosures are the same size.
As a result, the first step in constructing a soundproof generator box is to measure the generator itself.
Make a note of the measurements. It is quite important. Because if you make a mistake with the measurements, the generator will not fit in the box.
After taking the proper measurements, add a few inches on all sides of the box to allow for insulation thickness and vents.
When the box maker examines everything and adds a few inches on all sides for soundproofing, it will help him make a perceptible noise reduction shell for a generator.
Step 2 – Cutting of the box
In the next step, prepare the MDF fiberboard and cut it down. Furthermore, using medium-density fiberboards isn’t strictly required, but it really helps.
Standard plywood can also be a good option. Have some extra plywood or use it on the box, but plywood is not more effective than fiberboard. Fiberboards are highly recommended in this case.
After that, label the dimensions on the fiberboard with a pencil using the right angle ruler and make sure everything is accurate.
Use a saw to cut. It can be a table saw or a circular saw. Next, pay close attention to the dimensions and labels on the manufactured fiberboard. And after cutting, go to the next step.
Step 3- Setup of the ventilation hole
Measure the dimensions of that ventilation duct. Make some circles on the fiberboard. Two markings should be placed on the ventilation duct as follows:
The first one should be positioned on the top piece of the fiberboard. It would be much better if users arranged it to one side rather than in the center of the beam.
Later, the second one should be put on a board that will be used as a barrier and positioned on the opposite side of the top hole. After marking everything according to the directions, arrange the fiberboard “walls” on the table, with the “ceiling” in the middle and the others around it.
One advantage of ventilation holes is that they can be used to hold the box, which gives a portable generator soundproofing facility that you can transport from one generator to another.
Step 4- Installing Mass-Loaded Vinyl Insulation
Layers are the basic step of soundproofing. These layers of blank space will allow the sound to disperse. And to suppress a generator’s sound, installing mass-loaded vinyl is important. It is something that is always in demand in the case of soundproofing. Vinyl should be the first layer you add to the soundproofing generating cabinet.
To do the process, label the dimensions of the generator silent box, then cut the mass-laden vinyl to fit and glue it to the inside side of the analog synths.
For our generator boxes, we like to use Second Skin Audio’s smaller, more manageable MLV sheets.
Step 5- Caulking the first layer
Green glue works excellent in this case. Use conventional caulk to get effective results on plywood and fiberboards.
Step 6- Glue the foam mate
The foam mat will assist users with the generator enclosure DIY, which will significantly minimize noise. In addition, foam mats will be used as an additional layer on the “walls” and “ceiling” of any soundproof generator box.
Because foam mats are soft, they suppress the sound, and noise cannot cross over the “walls” of the DIY generator box. So next, grab the mat and label the dimensions of the “walls” and “ceiling,” then cut them according to the measurements you took previously. Then glue the carpets to the vinyl layer directly, and then repeat with the borders and acoustic green glue caulk.
Step 7- Building the Box
And now it’s time to collect all of the components and assemble them in the box. Next, build the “walls” around the “ceiling” and secure them with nails and screws. Installing fasteners is another thing you can do to ensure that you have quick access to the generator.
Remember that you will need to readjust the vent hose in such an instance, but a slight change will provide you with much greater access to the item you require.
Step 8 – Putting In the Venting Duct
The venting duct allows airflow in the generator box. If there isn’t enough air, it can begin to overheat and heat up to the point where it could cause a disaster. As a result, even when soundproofing a portable generator, the same criteria apply, and the user should always consider ventilation and heat dissipation.
Step 9- Get the box ready!
After putting the vents on the DIY generator enclosure, utilize a lot of the venting duct and make sure it works well. A lot of noise will be caught and lost in the wrinkles of the venting duct if someone uses a lot of bends while installing it. Next, place the pipes into the holes to tighten them down.
So that it cannot bounce, then put a small vent directly above those apertures, and your generator quit box plan will be complete.
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Ideas About Making a Soundproof Generator Box
There are a few more options for soundproofing generator boxes. Such as,
- Using a baffle box
- portable generator box
- Generator enclosure
- A plastic generator box
- DIY generator box
- Lightweight generator box
- Honda generator box
- Generator Shed plans
Bottom Line
To conclude, if you are planning to make a generator quiet box for a house or generator quit box for camping, follow these steps, and then you will know how to build a soundproof box for a portable generator
