Decibel Shield
Decibel chart › Generator
How loud is a generator?
A generator measures 79–97 dB, roughly as loud as a movie theater. At 97 dB it is at or above the 85 dB line where hearing damage starts: NIOSH puts the safe limit at about 30 minutes a day. Normal conversation runs about 60 dB for comparison.
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| Decibel level | 79–97 dB |
|---|---|
| Hearing risk | High risk — OSHA's technical-manual example: 97 dBA at 25 ft, 85 dBA at 100 ft, 79 dBA at 200 ft; every doubling of distance drops about 6 dB |
| Safe exposure (NIOSH) | About 30 minutes a day |
| Typical setting | work |
Figures sourced to OSHA. See the full decibel levels chart for every source.
How a generator compares
On the decibel scale, 79–97 dB sits above the 85 dB line where sustained exposure damages hearing. Sounds at a similar level:
- Movie theater 74–104 dB
- Shouted conversation 90 dB
- Hair dryer 80–90 dB
- Kitchen blender 80–90 dB
Everything at this level, with safe exposure times: how loud is 88 dB? →
How loud is a generator?
A generator measures 79–97 dB, roughly as loud as a movie theater. At 97 dB it is at or above the 85 dB line where hearing damage starts: NIOSH puts the safe limit at about 30 minutes a day. Normal conversation runs about 60 dB for comparison.
Is a generator dangerous to hearing?
Yes — at 97 dB, a generator is loud enough to damage hearing over time. NIOSH limits safe exposure to about 30 minutes a day; use hearing protection beyond that.
Measure it yourself
Decibel levels vary with distance and surroundings. Check the real level where you are with the free online decibel meter — no install, nothing recorded — or see the full decibel levels chart.