Super Quiet Backup Generator in McLean VA

This Caterpillar 25kw natural gas automatic backup generator is the quietest system we've heard for homes.

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Howto & Style

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• backup
• generators
• mclean
• va

[OldHowlingHound]

Today I got to see one of this model actually in use and under load. They are NICE, NICE, NICE. What a difference even from a current model Generac.!!! We had several local power failures last night and today because of stormy weather. I'm so lucky not to have had the power fail but in a way I wish it would.

[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.

[OldHowlingHound]

People that get upset about seeing an installed standby generator being installed are scared it will be like a 500KW Diesel engine driven one from out of the past where it makes window busting noise and blasts out loads of smoke & stink. The natural gas fueled small packages of today are very different. They are small, neet and don't make lots of noise or fumes.

[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.

[OldHowlingHound]

I did find some info on an Olympian / CAT model G25LTA packaged unit. It is rated at 54 DB no load and 60 DB full load at 7 meters (23 feet) from the unit. The engine runs at close to 1800 RPM all the time. It is 2.4L 4 cylinder inline liquid cooled. The famous cheaper brand similar model is 1.6 L 4 cylinder and screams at 3600 RPM under load.

[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

[strumpickenz]

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

[kydrythm]

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

[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.

[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.

[OldHowlingHound]

More T-storms and more on the way for the Nation's Capital area. There have been some long power failures in the area so these should really be in high demand now. What a nice difference from the loud Generac model with a screaming engine in it. They cost less but they are JUNK.

[OldHowlingHound]

Great ... If anyone worries about GMC going under, just remember that filters, spark plugs and such won't become an issue. Internal engine parts might be, but given good care unless DOA they should last a long time. It's not like you run them 24/7 making prime power. Well, I hope not anyway.

[OldHowlingHound]

Anyone ever see and hear a worn out huge Detroit Diesel engine powering a large standby generator where the noise is just far too much to take and the fumes have you calling the fire department? Anymore they are far and few but there are some still in use. It's those few that give people all the wrong thoughts. Today machinery can be very civilized.