How quiet are generators? Here is a comparison to help you judge just how quiet the generators are.

Decibel Level

Source

0 dB

The softest sound a person can hear with normal hearing

10 dB

Normal breathing

20 dB

Whispering at 5 feet

30 dB

Soft whisper

40 dB

Quiet office, library, quiet residential area

54-60 dB

Kipor Generators

55 dB

Coffee percolator

60 dB

Normal conversation, sewing machine

70 dB

Freeway traffic

74 dB

Coleman Generators (recent models only. Older units are louder)

80 dB

Manual machine, tools

90 dB

Truck, shouted conversation, tractor

100 dB

Snowmobile, school dance, boom box, factory machinery, woodworking class

110 dB

Symphony concert, shouting in ear