Generator noise can be more than a nuisance for you and the people around you. Choosing the right generator noise accessories helps you measure sound levels, reduce noise safely, and stay protected from carbon monoxide (CO). This guide explains what to look for before you buy, without recommending specific brands or prices. Safety always comes first, especially when dealing with exhaust and airflow.

Short version: Look for sound level meters with A-weighting and calibration, noise reduction products that keep airflow clear, three-prong extension cords, and CO alarms with battery backup. Always put carbon monoxide safety ahead of noise concerns.

Decide what problem you are solving

Before you shop, think about your main goal. Do you need to measure how loud your generator is? Do you want to reduce the noise it makes? Or are you looking for accessories that make generator use safer and more convenient? Each goal points to a different type of gear. A sound level meter or app helps you understand the noise level. Noise reduction products like pads, barriers, and covers can lower the sound that reaches your ears or a neighbor’s property. Extension cords let you place the generator farther away, which is one of the simplest ways to reduce perceived noise. And CO alarms are not noise accessories, but they are essential safety devices that should be part of every generator setup. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that carbon monoxide from portable generators can kill in minutes, so safety must always come before noise concerns.

Sound level meters and smartphone apps

Measuring generator noise helps you know if you are in a hazardous range. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lists several types of instruments for measuring workplace noise: sound level meters, noise dosimeters, octave band analyzers, and apps for phones. For a generator owner, a simple sound level meter or a well-chosen smartphone app is usually enough.

When you look at a sound level meter, check that it uses A-weighting (dBA). A-weighting adjusts the measurement to match how the human ear perceives loudness. OSHA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) both use A-weighted decibels in their exposure guidelines. Also look for a meter that states a class rating, such as Class 2 according to IEC 61672 or ANSI S1.4. A class rating tells you the instrument meets certain accuracy standards. Calibration is another important feature. Some meters come with a calibrator or can be field-calibrated to keep readings accurate over time.

Smartphone apps can be a convenient alternative, but not all apps are reliable. Safety+Health magazine reports that NIOSH researchers reviewed more than 130 iOS apps and 62 Android apps, and only 10 iOS apps and 4 Android apps met their selection criteria. Some of the Apple apps measured within plus or minus 2 dBA, while the Android apps did not show the functionality needed for occupational noise assessments. A separate NIOSH paper showed that a sound level meter app combined with an external microphone can meet most requirements for Class 2 of IEC 61672/ANSI S1.4-2014. So if you plan to use a phone app, look for one that supports A-weighting, offers calibration, and ideally works with an external microphone. For more background on noise measurement, see our guide on measuring generator noise.

Noise reduction products: pads, barriers, and covers

Once you know the noise level, you may want to reduce it. Several types of accessories claim to lower generator noise: acoustic pads, sound barriers, and generator covers. The key thing to check is whether the product allows enough airflow and keeps the exhaust path clear. Generators produce a lot of heat and deadly carbon monoxide. Blocking ventilation can cause overheating, fire, or CO buildup.

Never fully enclose a running generator, block its airflow, or modify the exhaust or muffler, and use only manufacturer-approved accessories on exhaust or cooling components. When you look at a noise reduction product, check that it is designed specifically for your generator model or type, and that the manufacturer states it does not restrict cooling or exhaust. Pads that sit under the generator can reduce vibration and the noise that travels through the ground, but they must not block the generator’s underside vents. Barriers placed between the generator and a listening area can deflect sound, but they must be positioned far enough away to avoid trapping heat or exhaust. A cover or enclosure used while the generator runs should be one that the generator’s manufacturer approves for that model; homemade boxes are not a safe substitute. For more on safe placement and barriers, read our articles on placement and distance and sound barriers.

Extension cords: more than just a cable

Moving the generator farther away is one of the most effective and safest ways to reduce noise at your location. But that requires a proper extension cord. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) advises using only extension cords that have a three-pronged plug and are rated for the intended load. A three-prong plug includes a grounding pin, which helps protect against electric shock. The cord must also be thick enough to handle the generator’s output without overheating. Check the cord’s gauge and length against the wattage you plan to draw. A cord that is too thin or too long can cause voltage drop and become a fire hazard. Never use a cord that feels warm during use, and always inspect it for damage before plugging it in.

Carbon monoxide safety comes first

Even the quietest generator can be deadly if CO builds up. The CPSC says an average of about 100 consumers die in the U.S. each year from CO poisoning from portable generators. The CPSC says CO is colorless and odorless, and exposed people may become unconscious before recognizing symptoms such as nausea, dizziness or weakness. Correct placement is the first protection; a CO alarm is the accessory that warns you if something goes wrong.

The CPSC recommends installing battery-operated CO alarms or plug-in alarms with battery backup on each level of the home and outside separate sleeping areas. The CPSC prefers interconnected alarms, because when one sounds, they all sound. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests considering a detector with a digital readout. This type can show the highest CO concentration in your home, giving you more information than an alarm alone. Follow the alarm manufacturer’s instructions on replacement.

In addition to alarms, the CPSC advises looking for portable generators that have a CO shut-off safety feature. While this feature is part of the generator itself, it is worth checking for when you buy a new generator or evaluate your current setup. Remember, no noise accessory is worth the risk of CO poisoning. Always operate the generator outdoors, at least 20 feet from doors, windows, and vents, and direct the exhaust away from occupied areas.

Quick comparison: what to check and why

Item What to check Why
Sound level meter or app A-weighting (dBA), class rating (e.g., Class 2), calibration option, external microphone support for apps Ensures readings match how the ear hears and meet accuracy standards; calibration keeps measurements reliable
Noise reduction accessory (pad, barrier, cover) Does not block airflow or exhaust; manufacturer-approved for your generator; allows proper cooling Prevents overheating, fire, and CO buildup; safe noise reduction
Extension cord Three-prong plug, rated for the load (correct gauge and length), undamaged Prevents electric shock, voltage drop, and fire; allows safe distance placement
CO alarm Battery-operated or battery backup; installed on each level and outside sleeping areas; interconnected if possible; digital readout option Early warning of deadly CO; interconnected alarms alert the whole home; digital readout shows peak levels
Generator CO shut-off A CO shut-off safety feature listed in the generator’s specifications Adds a layer of protection if CO reaches dangerous levels near the generator

Frequently asked questions

Can I use my phone as a sound level meter for my generator?

Some smartphone apps can give useful spot measurements, but accuracy varies. NIOSH found that only certain iOS apps were within plus or minus 2 dBA, while Android apps lacked needed functions. For more reliable readings, use an app that supports an external microphone and A-weighting, or consider a dedicated sound level meter.

Do noise reduction covers make the generator overheat?

They can if they block airflow or trap exhaust. Always check that any cover or barrier is designed for your generator and does not restrict cooling. Never fully enclose a running generator or modify its exhaust, and only use manufacturer-approved accessories that keep ventilation clear.

Which accessory matters most for generator safety?

A working CO alarm, used alongside correct placement. The CPSC says CO from portable generators can kill in minutes, and the CDC recommends a battery-powered or battery-backup CO detector in the home when using a generator. The CPSC advises alarms on each level and outside sleeping areas, checked monthly.

For more detailed buying advice, explore our Noise Buying Guides section, which covers noise measurement tools, noise reduction products, and generator accessories.

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