Quiet generators

M

Mircosid

Member
Anyone have tips on the best quiet generators? I want to shoot in an abandoned mansion that doesn't have any electricity. We should be able to put the generator in another room and maybe even close the door, I just want as little sound as possible. Price range, rentals? Thanks!

-M
 
Far away is always better. You also have carbon monoxiode issues inside. Get some big extension cords and put the generator outside.
 
...and build an insulated "doghouse" for it, with holes/connectors/tubes for air intake and exhaust (which should go through a second auto muffler).

Remember to have some occasionally "let the dog out" between shots so it doesn't overheat (usually done by opening the top cover.)

I've seen this arrangement several times, and is very quiet -- even for large diesel generators.
 
First off, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER put a generator indoors. Carbon Monoxide will KILL you. You can't smell it so might never know. Second, you can not generally run extension cords from a generator more than 100 feet. That includes al the cable it takes to get to a light.
 
Walter_Graff said:
. Second, you can not generally run extension cords from a generator more than 100 feet. That includes al the cable it takes to get to a light.
Click to expand...
How do they manage on construction sites with the 100ft limit?
 
Because they use cables rated for longer distances. All cables are not the same. A 12 gauge cable is able to handle more current at longer distances than a 16 gauge cable whereas a 6 gauge is able to handle more current compared to both. Every cable has resistance in it. Longer runs make cables that get hot and a drop in voltage. The longer the cable, the more resistance. Thicker cables offer less resistance. At 100 feet a 16 gauge cable has a resistance that makes the voltage at the other end about 16 volts less. A 12 gauge cable losses about 6 volts at 100 feet. Or said another way, a 16 gauge extension 50 feet in length or less can handle 1625 watts. A 16 gauge cable that is 100 feet in length can 1250 watts of power. The general rule for home style extension cords is that 100 feet is the maximum run.
 
"Go with some heavy duty cords like these and you should be able to safely push 125-150'
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProd...2EionC ords%2F"

If they were safe to run at 150 feet, they'd sell them at 150 foot lengths. Just because you see the word "contractor", doesn't mean it's anymore special or safer. Contractors are supposed to see what the rating of their equipment is and use appropriate cables for the appliance, not just buy a contractor grade cable and expect it to do everything. Cable ratings are by the size of the cables inside, nothing more. Or put it this way, at 150 feet, you could be loosing 20 volts of power. That causes the cable to heat up and you could have a fire.
 
...and don't keep loose cable in a tight loop either. At high currents it creates a large magnetic field and heats up considerably -- too hot to touch in some cases.
 
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