Living with Generators (when needed) (and how to get your neighbours to embrace them)

Power disruptions at Lac Sam are a recurring event, and some seasons too recurring. When the outages stretch over days, not hours, we naturally get concerned about the food in our refrigerators.  Living without electric lighting, without modern conveniences such as television and radio and technology should not be difficult. It is a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the peace and tranquility that Lac Sam offers, and for star gazing.   However, losing our food because it spoils is another matter as it can be very costly to replace, and unfortunately wasteful.

Many of us manage to preserve our food during these extended outages with copious amounts of ice and coolers, and many of us use generators to run refrigerators to preserve food, probably with more success.  Whereas there is no impact to the environment by managing with the former, there is with the latter as generators are very loud.  They are heard from quite a distance and with the “mountains’ the sound is magnified.  They are the epitome of noise pollution, and we all endure it, whether we benefit or not from the use of a generator. Those that opt to maintain the comforts of home by continuously running their generators need to be reminded of this.

As well as noise pollution, there is also pollution from the fumes emitted and the fuel burned, which depending on the size of the generator can be the equivalent to driving 240 kilometres each hour the generator runs. 

There are a number of ways that the noise from generators can be reduced and minimized to lessen the impact on others:

1. Only use a generator for essential needs such as preserving food.
2. The further away it is from the lake and your neighbours, the less impact it will have.
3. Buy a newer model that is very quiet (uses Inverter technology)

Newer models produce noise of between 48 and 57 decibels. Some will run for eight hours, on four litres of fuel.

To reduce the noise of a conventional generator:

1. Build a generator enclosure (it can also be used for a compressor). For instructions see    https://www.soundproofguide.com/diy-generator-quiet-box
2. Buy a portable Zombie Box – Designed specifically for generators and compressors.. They are waterproof, portable, and collapsible.  According to the website Zombie Boxes reduce the noise by 99%.      https://www.zombiebox.com
3. Muffle a generator with plywood board. This is the fastest and cheapest method and will reduce sound by 10 decibels. Take four sheets of plywood and place around the generator like an A Frame.  This will push the noise down and it will be absorbed in the ground away from the surrounding area.
4. Place the generator behind a structure (side furthest from the lake) with the exhaust pipe facing away from the lake and your neighbours. The sound waves will travel in the direction the pipe is facing.
5. Place the generator in a storage shed – with consideration for the following:
   1. May require a very long extension cord to the refrigerator
   2. Echo – if the shed is relatively empty the sound will bounce off the walls and be loud. To avoid this place acoustic panels on the walls and ceiling of the shed
   3. Heat – Use a battery-operated fan in shed to keep generator cool
   4. Fumes – need to make sure shed is vented so fumes escape.
6. Buy a sound absorbing mat. The noise from a generator is from the vibrations of it as well as the motor and moving parts. Placing the generator on top of a thick sound absorbing mat will reduce the vibration which will reduce some of the noise.
7. Install a Generator Silencer. It attaches to the exhaust of your generator and is a simple and easy way to reduce the noise. There are good ones and bad ones on the market. A recommended one is supplied by GENSILENCER. https://gensilencer.com
8. Replace generator muffler if faulty. If your generator has become louder over time, it could be the muffler. A small engine mechanic can diagnose this or other possible causes and make necessary adjustments or repairs.

Other things to remember:

–  Generators require regular maintenance whether they are used or not.  Check your manuals.

– A generator does not have to run during the entire time of a power outage. A rule of thumb is one hour  on, for every four hours off, to keep your refrigerator and freezer at the appropriate temperature.    Note: Some at Lac Sam are able to run a generator about every six hours for one hour at a time, to maintain two refrigerators. Try experimenting a little.

–  Only open the refrigerator door as absolutely necessary (applies to those with and without generators). For food safety facts see Canadian Food Inspection Website https://inspection.canada.ca/food-safety-for-consumers/fact-sheets/food-handling/emergency/eng/1331578972167/1331579901110   When in doubt throw it out!                          

– Toilets can be flushed with pails of water from the lake. No pump required.

– A soapless bath can be taken in the lake, also called swimming.  No pump required. – Finally, remember your neighbours.  Not everyone has a generator, and due to the noise they make be glad they don’t!  Offer them some fridge and freezer space.  That will go a long way towards them learning to love your generator