On Sep 29, 8:22 am, Caesar Romano wrote:
On Sat, 29 Sep 2007 03:52:46 GMT, "Smarty" wrote
Re Propane Generator and Transfer Switch:

The noise level of the Generac is not terribly loud, but similar to a lawn
mower / tractor of comparable capacity when running full load. The weekly
test mode for 12 minutes of run time runs unloaded at a lower noise level.
To those of us who have subsequently lived with the generator during an
outage, the sound of the generator is sweet music. It is the silence which
occurs when it is not running but needed that I would call deafening! I
would advise to simply put the generator away from the major sleeping areas
of the house, and non fret about it.

Good points and good advice. I might also suggest that if possible
build a small shed for the generator. The shed will lower the noise
level considerably. Note that I wrote "build". A small commercial shed
won't do unless you make a lot of modifications for ventilation.

When I installed my generator ( a loud cheap brand ) 15-years ago I
designed/built a small shed as it was cheaper and easier than having
to modify a commercial model. It works well to this day.

Honda has some of the quietest units and publishes db ratings and
comparisons. 87 is alot and the low frequency of the sound travels
through walls, it rumbles as its a large motor. The lower the
frequency, the longer the wave and the more difficulty you have in
stopping it. You wont like it. Honda has portables you dont really
notice at 15ft or so, or be annoyed. You will have a monthly test mode
which will consume a noticable amount of gas. If outages are rare
consider a portable you wheel out and plug into a transfer swtch and
manualy control. How often does the power go out and for how long, If
its once a year for a few hours a portable is best, like a Tri Fuel
Honda. The Generac is a 3600 rpm unit with maybe 2-3000 hr life, An
inverter series Honda or yamaha run easy at 1600-1800 rpm can easily
last 10,000 hours, rpm is load dependant unlike what you are looking
at, unless their design has changed.