Generator Noise Reduction Box DIY (Styrofoam)

Generator Noise Reduction Box DIY (Styrofoam). In this video I make a generator noise reduction box or sound box made out of two inch thick styrofoam. Making a sound box for a generator is a simple process and if noise reduction is a priority for your generator use then this DIY project might be something to consider.
Making a noise reduction box out of styrofoam has several advantages over other materials. Styrofoam is relatively sturdy, it’s lightweight and easy to cut. In this video I use Nichrome Hot-wire technology to cut the styrofoam pieces for this build. To assemble the sound box, I used a combination of Great Stuff spray foam as a glue and pieces of all thread to add collapsiblity to my build. I used dryer vent for the exhaust and added an electric fan for a cooling system to complete my build.
This project can be made without collapsibility simply by gluing the box together as a solid unit and the electric fan is optional although recommended.
A generator noise reduction box can be built for as little as $38 using the cost breakdown below. If built as seen in the video it can be made for just under $100.
1. Basic Build
Here is the cost breakdown for this sound box build:
25$ 4x8 - 2” thick styrofoam
9$ Dryer vent (Deflect-o)
4$ Great Stuff spray foam (glue)
= 38$ This is the cost if built as a box without the
Cooling fan & glued as a solid box.
2. Collapsible build option
25$ 4x8 - 2” thick styrofoam
9$ Dryer vent (Deflect-o)
4$ Great Stuff spray foam (glue)
22$ 3/8 all-thread, nuts & washers
= $60 This is the cost if built collapsible w/o fan
3. Complete project as seen in video
25$ 4x8 - 2” thick styrofoam
9$ Dryer vent (Deflect-o)
4$ Great Stuff spray foam (glue)
22$ 3/8 all-thread, nuts & washers
38$ Cooling fan .
= 98$
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#mrfredsdiy #soundbox #generator #diy #generatorbox #foamcutter #howto #handyman #noisereduction

[@MrFredsDIY]

Join me on Instagram & my FB fan page where I share tips & tricks and fun short videos 🟣Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/mrfredsdiy/ 🔵facebook.com/mrfredsdiy/

[@olly69z]

if you cut foam pool noodles to length, and then split them in half, then glue these onto the inside, forming a wave-like corrugated panel, you can get about 25 db reduction.

[@cableguy6843]

Won’t the heat melt the noodles ?

[@unpaidintern7742]

@@cableguy6843 only one way to find out

[@shaun5047]

@@cableguy6843 lol absolutely, I have heard a guy say he bought fireproof foam boards and glued them onto a few pieces of plywood. That sounds like it would work in theory.

[@keithduffield5239]

You do know that 25dB is 316 times quieter. dB is a Logarithmic scale. 3 dB is twice, 6 dB is 4X, 10dB is 10 times. 20dB is 100 times.

[@samson2968]

Rock wool!!

[@ComputerGuyAndy]

Great idea! I've watched countless generator quieting videos and the one thing they all seem to have in common (in almost every iteration) no matter what material they're made from is that the amount of noise reduction is approximately 10db. Styrofoam seems to be the most practical for stowing and portability. - Thank You!

[@duskyman1]

There's a good one a guy did that dropped his 21 db. Basically ~ 3-6 in of rockwool insulation inside of plywood frames, and there's offsets in the blower air supply and vent to make the sound have to go around turns in them. ... And they are insulated with the insulation too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/laKzg3ynYp6IY5Y

[@dattrinh9219]

This channel saved me $1500 for the zoombie generator box they are selling. I make a better version of it by adding a exhaust muffler sound reduction and added sound damp foam inside of the box, the sound from generator is now reduced almost by half. Subbed and likes. Thank you

[@MrFredsDIY]

Sounds like a great build! Thanks for watching!

[@berndmuffe5681]

We have used the kzbin.infoUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y for probably 30 hours with our camper and it’s been great! The noise level is really only noticeable when running the AC and other appliances like the microwave, hair dryer, or coffee pot. It’s not huge like other ones and it has wheels so even at 90lbs, I can move it!

[@jimthompson717]

Gotta love the radio sportscaster voice! And the enclosure is inspired. Nicely done.

[@MrFredsDIY]

Thanks for the comments!

[@chuckconners6520]

I’m not sure what you do for a living, but you missed your calling if you are not in the media in some fashion! Great voice and delivery! Thanks for the box video!

[@rogerhamm6921]

Very innovative Fred! Great job!

[@inspiringbuilds]

I enjoyed the sound test. 5 db’s may not sound like a lot until you hear it running all day. 👍🏼

[@MrFredsDIY]

The generator in this video is not particularly loud to begin with so 5db helps a lot. A noisy construction generator could benefit even more I think. Thanks for watching!

[@nancyrice5014]

Wow that was great!! You made it look very simple to make. I watched your other video on cutting styrofoam. I loved it!! I do craft projects and that video made my life much easier! I made a small version and it works great for small projects. Thanks!!!

[@Kevscancave]

Another Cool project ! Thanks Mr. Fred!

[@paulcoote3094]

Can u build a bigger box and put it over that box? Keep adding boxes till it's silent.

[@tjellis1479]

thinking outside the box are ya?

[@wallanderproductions]

Great idea! Im going to use in my mobile detailing van set up.

[@JunkYour925]

You should do the test with a really noisy generator like a Coleman power base 5000 hitting 80-90 dba - you will really hear the difference.

[@docink6175]

Maybe add a sound box over the sound box with the sound opening at the opposite end, it would only need to be an inch or so larger. You could add more baffles between the two boxes as well

[@KenRoberts112]

The generator and engine are air cooled. Enclosing the generator will trap heat generated by the engine which raises the enclosure temperature. It is important to measure the temperature rise inside the enclosure to prevent overheating. The size of the cooling fans are critical for this application. Usually the generator specification will state the maximum operating temperature. The Honda generator I have states maximum operating temperature is 40 C or 107F. So the enclosure temperature should not exceed this. Remember the more load the more heat that is given off so a test of the temperature rise should be at full load. A good item to get is an inexpensive indoor/outdoor thermometer and put the outdoor thermometer inside the enclosure. Then you can get a continuous reading of the enclosure temperature.

[@danielasiqueira7254]

Ótimo, muito obrigado pela ideia 💡

[@JOinLC351]

I had planned to use Styrofoam for my sound box build. After extensive research on acoustic dampening I found that Styrofoam is terrible at sound reduction. I didn't have the $ to buy the materials but ended up getting a great deal on ridiculously heavy rubber mats from a gym. Weighs a ton but I got close to 30DB!

[@MrFredsDIY]

Sound is a funny thing. I just made a video comparing two boxes kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5ywdKF3j7KgaLs Thanks for watching!

[@azteacher26]

I'd love to see Mr. Freds box on top of a heavy horse stall rubber matt. Or maybe you put a large horse stall rubber mat and cut it into 4 pieces and put two on the top two on the bottom of this foam thing.

[@SherlocckHolmez]

Sounds needs mass to be dampened.

[@curtdixon3]

I had an old hatchback car that had some heavy vibration from some subwoofer boxes. The sound dampening mats were WELL out of my price range so I got creative. I got a can of roofing tar and just painted the inside on the metal of the hatchback. 100% eliminated the rattle from the speakers and got an amazing sound increase inside the car. I might try the Styrofoam with a light coating of roofing tar.

[@lulu41397]

buy a non working fridge

[@sandrasotomayor2942]

Me encantó, lo felicito, entendí todo y hablo solo español... gracias 😊

[@NelsonReyesJr]

I didnt think it could get better than your plywood box, but you have outdone yourself sir!

[@MrFredsDIY]

Thanks for commenting and thanks for watching!

[@artbyrobot1]

dense materials like concrete do a better job absorbing sounds. Even a few layers thick of drywall would blow this foam out of the water. Foam is not a good choice if you are going for quiet and no so concerned about portability being lightweight. Doing foam then drywall then foam then drywall would be ideal

[@nicholasdilauro2867]

Thanks!

[@thelonghorncow5084]

If you bury the electric generator 33% to 66% and 100% below ground with a styrofoam cover on top, will this setup make any significant difference??

[@marshallflanders5700]

When we used foam like this on the job we just used a table saw for the cuts before we went to the job site. It seems like a lot of extra work making all those things when one piece of equipment can do the job of all of them.

[@steveanimatrix3887]

Yes, but using hotwire seals where you cut, so you don't have little loose pieces of styrofoam coming off everywhere for the next 10 years.

[@marshallflanders5700]

@@steveanimatrix3887 true. I guess we just used a broom and a shovel when we were done 🤷‍♂️

[@user-vv9bq4ed3q]

Good stream!!!

[@daltonapache2967]

Question what is to stop a strong wind from just blowing the box off the generator and lets not sell yourself short this could also be used to protect the generator in bad storms thats when you really need benerator when power goes out so lets protect the styrafoam how about rino liner sprayed on outside ideas?

[@SlightReturn666]

I would think a sound box made of much denser material would work far better. And i think the smooth foil interior would just reflect sound, no? Also, the boxes I've seen have multiple push and pull fans to keep serious air flow going through there. My generator (Winco 6000 open-frame) is pretty darn loud but the manual specifically says to leave it in the open air and not do anything that would compromise air flow. It is surely an annoyance to the neighbors but fortunately is hardly ever needed.

[@josephtiger-]

My friend changed the oil on his and it made smooth

[@hannonm]

okay what if you double it? would it be whisper quiet?

[@emmanuelalva6597]

Going to need to run an external cooler to keep it from burning up the piston seals

[@MrFredsDIY]

It might surprise you how cool it runs! Here’s a temperature testing video I did. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqqbkn1oes2Sjas

[@lyleb4399]

Viewing multiple variations of sound boxes. Still not clear on exhaust venting. Do you just align the exhaust with the vent, or is there some sort of actual connection? Thanks.

[@MrFredsDIY]

With this design I simply align the exhaust with the vent. A more recent design that I made has an open back. Thanks for watching! Here is that video kzbin.info/www/bejne/aabKfaiJesdnrqc

[@pamwargopalani5769]

Great video. Just what the doctor ordered. I have Costco Firman tri fuel generator. I plan to use it during power outages, otherwise, it will stay in the garage. I have gas and electrical work done by the professionals.I am not sure about what size styrofoam I need. I do plan to purchase items through your links. I will use a knife or saw to cut the foam. Even though your cutting method looks pretty interesting.

[@MrFredsDIY]

I have an upcoming video for another sound dampening design that is also made from styrofoam and could possibly be even easier to make. I just finished filming to construction phase today. We are going to take it this week camping in the mountains and film the sound testing. Thanks for watching!

[@FlightSim2703]

Well do you recommend styrofoam to kill the noisy pump??

[@johnhess3091]

What size and generator are yall running im having to look into oone to run my 5th wheel on back 40. So this video helps alot with builing the box

[@MrFredsDIY]

We use the Harbor Freight Predator 3500 generator it’s pretty quiet and affordable. Be sure to “break in” the engine the first few times you use it. Here is my latest sound box design ▶️kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZ_CeHlnh7aipdksi=wFATbZzCBA4FdbUA

[@glamfamcampers]

how does the fan work or power?

[@matt89447]

We use to put a dog house over our generator but it would finally overheat and power would slowly go down. We'd run outside and flip the top off so it could breathe and it would Rev right back up. Ours was wood. A real dog house, with a good sized door.

[@MrFredsDIY]

On a design like this a fan is definitely necessary to move some air! Thanks for watching!

[@andrewd5135]

Try using Sonopan on your next build would love to see your results

[@dangonzalez2585]

I may have missed it but did you build yours for a specific gap between your generator to box? Would the sound be louder or quieter by building the box larger?

[@MrFredsDIY]

That’s an interesting question. I built the box to have a few inches around each side but the thought of “more space” is intriguing. Thanks for the comments!

[@dangonzalez2585]

@@MrFredsDIY I’m currently watching your other video with the angled roof 👍🏼 Good stuff.

[@likejury]

Nice video. Does the sound box over heat the engine?

[@MrFredsDIY]

We have run the generator with the styrofoam and wooden sound boxes with no apparent issues. I am currently working on a “sound box temperature” analysis video. Temperatures inside the box and oil temperature with and without the box. Thanks for watching the video!

[@likejury]

@@MrFredsDIY Thank you for quick response. A temperature video would be great thank you.

[@bobelaviador]

You may use an old working (19 ~20 volt) lap top computer power supply as a hot NiCr wire. Guitar string works nice as well (0.008")

[@frontcentermusician]

8's on a guitar. yikes that's way too light.

[@knowsive329]

When i go camping, i like it quiet and nature filled. My buddy likes to come but doesnt want the feeling of leaving his living room. So after many years of sound reduction tests, the most effective and free method is to grab a few sugar packets when youre out and dump them in the fuel tank. Then be overly sympathetic about not having tv and an electric heater in the woods.

[@danielbellucci630]

"the con " is the generator it need ventilation from heat specially if going to run for long period of time in a black out.

[@stephan7127]

would it make a difference if i built this exact box in 3/4 Water resistant MDF?? would it be better?

[@MrFredsDIY]

It might be pretty heavy 🤷‍♂️

[@Benmeglei1]

Could I make one big enough to fit in myself with a track saw? It would be placed in my completely empty 10’x12’ 2nd bedroom in my condo.

[@MrFredsDIY]

I’ll bet you could! 4x8 sheets are $25 you could use white duct tape to hold it together. Thanks for watching!

[@JasonPullara]

An interesting project, hope that 5db helps you with your generator noise ;) I've found the only way to really quiet a generator is to build an acoustic dampening box with an intake and exhaust that is above the roof line of whatever building it's next to, preferably with baffles. You certainly won't accomplish that at $25/panel though ;)

[@MrFredsDIY]

I am working on a head to head video for the foam box and the one made out of plywood. I am going to add a polyurethane foam to the foam box. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@SmuggiNOLA]

A 3db decrease is about half as loud and a 5db decrease is about a third as loud. So getting a 50-70% (if my arithmetic is correct) decrease in the level of sound is pretty darn good for $25 in materials in my book. I have the same generator and we're heading into peak hurricane season here in Southeast Louisiana. I might do a combo of both your projects (plywood and styrofoam) for sound dampening and a bit of added security. Maybe make it more of a lockable box that can be chained to a tree or something. Everybody around here has heard the horror stories of stolen generators being swapped out for running lawnmowers.

[@anothersomebody8195]

@@SmuggiNOLA People are horrible

[@danieltimisan6820]

great attempt … but it will overhear terrible in the summer you need to have the exhaust pipe out of the box and a big fan to pull all the hot air out I have 4 fans like yours and it still overheats in 90 degrees

[@hdw5831]

Am I right that at full throttle with the box the generator produces more noise (64.5 dB) than without the box (62 dB)?

[@christopherknee5756]

Yup, this guy just assumes that his BOX will work - despite evidence to the contrary. Why is it NON ACOUSTIC people think they know about sound attenuation and measurement?

[@MikeJordanUnCamplicated]

The exhaust doesn't melt the styrofoam?

[@MrFredsDIY]

Not as of yet! That was a concern of mine in the beginning. With the exhaust fan and the dryer vent it seems to be working well. If the generator moves inside of the box all bets are off! Thanks for watching!

[@mikefeddersen2476]

Listening to you, makes me wonder if you are related to OneYardRevolution here on KZbin?

[@goaheadmakeourdayscooterpe9644]

It will really be quiet when it seizes the piston. Try doing a temp check with generator under a constant load near max amp output for a hour or two not just at fast idle.

[@MrFredsDIY]

Thanks for watching! No piston seizure with this box. I’ve done extensive thermal testing with this and other boxes. Here is that that video ➡️Are Generator Sound Boxes Bad? kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqqbkn1oes2Sjas

[@SebastianDra]

Instead of the expanding foam: try to use wood glue.

[@glensmith5688]

My concern is with heat build up Does it get hot enough to melt the Styrofoam or affect air flow to the carburetor? Thanks for the video.

[@MrFredsDIY]

Great questions! Here’s the follow up video Generator Noise Reduction Box Heat Testing kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqqbkn1oes2Sjas

[@FlightSim2703]

What material beats all these five different materials, is any of you experienced it ? I'm a contractor and a homeowner asked me to build a sound proof cover for his entire pool equipments a room but I'm still worried to accept the job, since if he isn't satisfied with the noise, I will lose the cost for the entire material, which is estimated $450,-

[@MrFredsDIY]

Maybe something like what I did in this video. You could always put a piece of metal roofing or even asphalt shingles like a “doghouse”. No need to make it collapsible either. Maybe a removable lid for access?➡️kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6Okamdqlp51rMUsi=422iq1wnOhwu6ud_

[@mikem5823]

What about heat? the generator will cook in there with out ventilation. engine oil life and heating the gasoline making vapors .with no way to escape can be bad..

[@MrFredsDIY]

Valid concerns! Here is a “Heat testing video” for these boxes. Generator Noise Reduction Box Heat Testing kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqqbkn1oes2Sjas

[@KINGSTONSPRIDE]

You did the test with an already quiet generator.

[@mrgauth]

Only 5db? Was considering a gas generator but cant have the racket. This wont help me sadly.

[@vtecbanger3180]

Buy 2 hondas

[@demonscheatagain7175]

You should try out the new electric generator the Bingding Administration is pushing along with the electric cars, its super quiet but they havent got it to make power yet.

[@BigSlicks2004]

So much vibration, I was hopin he used those Foam pieces that the use in literal… Sound proofing rooms for music, etc. Light Exterior weight, with interior with that interior material.

[@ThatJerkFromCali]

line it with amazon sound deadning and it would probably cut the sound in half

[@MrFredsDIY]

That’s next! The weather is holding up the sound testing for the next build. Thanks for watching!

[@PnoyWonderBoy]

Can you update your styrofoam with mlv?

[@MrFredsDIY]

That’s a fantastic idea and one that I have been considering. The problem is, it will cost about $180 to line this box with MLV. I have not ruled out making a video using MLV. Perhaps I will consider adding that video to my production schedule this summer! Thanks for the comment!

[@PnoyWonderBoy]

@@MrFredsDIY i'll be waiting, Im about to copy your design.thanks

[@MrFredsDIY]

Here is another design to consider ▶️kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4vaXoFtr91pfcU

[@mrzif0013]

is'nt that an air cooled engine?

[@MileyonDisney]

One backfire and you have a serious fire problem.

[@letzgobrandon5007]

That is already a really quiet generator. Not sure why this was necessary.

[@oleksandrzhukov7722]

Generator can overheat

[@Fredman2410]

Be careful when refueling - Styrofoam does not play nice with gasoline (melts).

[@anothersomebody8195]

Same with epoxy (tried to fiberglass a styrofoam sailboat)

[@deandee8082]

if you want to quiet them add more MUFFLER! thick pipe! theyhave SHYT for mufllers, nothing, a little steel wool, add a car muffler its as quiet of not quieter than your car, be sure to ceramic coat for heat dispersion, so quiet you cant tell if its running .. then insulation, be careful of overheating in these boxes tho, they are air cooled, fans?

[@MrFredsDIY]

These generators are a great alternative to Honda especially for the price. They are not without their issues though. Here is my newest sound box.▶️kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6Okamdqlp51rMUsi=5A1OXTFvM42rNxJI

[@johanna006]

Con - needs fuel to run the exhaust fan.

[@SoaringSimulator]

There is no difference because it is light; there is no dampening and holes with no 90° where sound escapes.

[@MrFredsDIY]

Thanks for taking the time to comment! Here is a video of my latest design, and this thing is pretty amazing.▶️kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6Okamdqlp51rMUsi=P4lWxpqlcZlAWd-L

[@imnotahealthandsafetyperso4889]

Engine killers over heat no airflow .tell the manufacturer the idea and see if you get warranty 😂

[@MrFredsDIY]

Thanks for watching the video! Heat is not an issue with this box. I have done thorough heat/temperature testing on this box and others. Here is that video kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqqbkn1oes2Sjas

[@harrysylvester2736]

Styrofoam is terrible for this. Use open cell PU foam instead, you will have much better luck.

[@atnstn]

25$ per sheet. This is shamelessly expensive.

[@MrFredsDIY]

Agreed! 1/2” plywood is nearly $50 these days. Thanks for watching!

[@shawncell1247]

lol

[@laryangel4082]

Tt

[@thomasgibson8025]

Your going to overheat that generator.

[@ramjet4025]

God I hate the self promotion and the sound of his voice. It begs other questions and raises a lot of red flags.

[@MrFredsDIY]

Thanks for watching the video!

[@frankw9836]

not really worth it