Super Quiet Backup Generator in McLean VA

[05clenharth]

If you want quiet then you should hear a lister cs startomatic

[MrSCOOTEROCKET]

Loud? Maybe not. Annoying? Yes. Add a 6 foot concrete wall around it lined with sound absorbing material and I might call it "super quiet."

[twobears99]

So where and how much? I've been looking around the Houston, Tx area to no avail.

[twobears99]

So where and how much? I've been looking around the Houston, Tx area to no avail.

[BackupGenerators]

the NEWEST models are possibly even a tad quieter, smoother - which is saying a lot. They're using the GM Vortec engine. To their credit Briggs & Stratton is using them as well in their 30 -45kw liquid cooled units. It's a great engine.

[mpwelk]

@BackupGenerators I drive a Cat forklift at work... LP powered with a V6 Vortec. Sounds supercharged, but maybe it could be the hydro pump as well.

[BackupGenerators]

in the end, they're for EMERGENCIES or for some remote parts of the world, actually the source of power. But for homes or businesses in a developed world, I don't know anyone who says, "You know, I'm not going to get a generator to keep my food safe, to use my computer for work, or to keep my wife's oxygen tank going. I'm going to get it to bother my neighbors." It's for an emergency. If the power companies had the power up, they wouldn't be used.

[BackupGenerators]

Yes, that sounds accurate based on CAT specs. That's a common system for us in the Bethesda area - or a 45kw CAT/Olympian

[BackupGenerators]

OldHowlingHound is correct I believe. I'm not the tech at our company, but know a little. And this makes sense based on listening to both test and half and full load. FYI guys, this model does go under the name Olympian. CAT owns that name. The CAT site is a bit more industrial, different than say Briggs & Stratton, totally designed with the home consumer in mind (and by the way, Briggs air cooled units have proven really reliable for our clients needing smaller units...not as quiet as CAT).

[rudyamador]

do you know the rpm´s at quiet test mode?

[BackupGenerators]

I don't know. Let me see if I can find out. It's 1800 rpm generator.

[kc03300]

have you ever ran it at 3 in the morning with no complaints from a neighbor?

[BackupGenerators]

Yes, we've had scores of clients run for 3-4 days straight, and some for 7 days straight during the Hurricane Isabelle aftermath. And that's here in the Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia area. Most people don't complain even with the air cooled units - as they know it's a power outage. But this CAT unit never gets a complaint. It satisfied one cranky neighbor who objected before hearing it, then was amazed at the sound level.

[kydrythm]

I would like to hear it under a max load though...

[BackupGenerators]

The difference under max load is really not drastically different. Next power outage, I'll see if I can't get to a client's generator and record for you.

[1viewer6]

Yes, it does appear to be quiet. Posting what manufacturer (did you say Caterpillar?), model, price, and where to buy would be helpful.

[BackupGenerators]

So sorry for not replying sooner. Never saw this. I will be posting more. Yes, it's Caterpillar 25kw with sound attenuated enclosure. This is powering a 200 Amp panel from a 400 Amp house. Turnkey installation price (all gas, electric, pad, generator, ATS was about $23,000).

[strumpickenz]

you can barely hear that thing! I dont think this generator can be put in the "Super-Quiet" category...

[BackupGenerators]

You can't be that picky with a generator. I'd love to hear a quieter home generator.