y the sheer nature of its functioning, there are certain rules and regulations that the DG Sets fall in. The fundamental functions of these regulations are to curb the noise pollution that DG Sets may cause.
For instance the noise standards for DG Sets (15-500 KVA) should be less than, 94+10 log10 (KVA), dB (A), at the manufacturing stage.
This level ought to fall by five sound unit (A) each 5 years.
These rules are not just for the manufacturer. There is a need for mandatory acoustic enclosure/acoustic treatment of room for stationary DG sets (of 5 KVA and above).
The acoustic enclosure/acoustic treatment of the space ought to be designed for minimum twenty five sound unit(A) Insertion Loss or for meeting the close noise standards, whichever is on the higher side.
The measure for Insertion Loss could also be done at totally different points at zero.5m from the acoustic enclosure/room, and then averaged.
The metric weight unit set ought to even be given correct exhaust muffler with Insertion Loss of minimum twenty five sound unit (A).
For DG sets of 5 KVA and above, the manufacturer should offer to the user a standard acoustic enclosure of 25 dB(A) Insertion Loss and also a suitable exhaust muffler with Insertion Loss of 25 dB(A). Meanwhile the user should make efforts to bring down the noise levels due to the DG set, outside his premises, within the ambient noise requirements by proper sitting and control measures.
The total sound power level of a DG set, at the user’s end, needs to be within 2 dB(A) of the total sound power level of the DG set, at the manufacturing stage. Installation of a DG set needs to be strictly in compliance with the recommendation of the DG set manufacturer. Users are expected to set and follow a proper routine and preventive maintenance procedure for the DG set, which would help prevent noise levels of the DG set from deteriorating with use.
Additionally the generator sets above 5KVA are not allowed to be operated in residential areas between the hours from 10.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m. The only exceptions to this rule are the generator sets of Group Housing Societies and Multi-storey residential apartments”. The diesel generator sets above the capacity of 5 KVA in all areas residential/commercial/industrial shall operate only with the mandatory acoustic enclosures and other standards prescribed in the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986.
Diesel generator sets utilized in social gatherings and public functions shall be allowable given that they need put in obligatory acoustic enclosures and cling to the prescribed standards for noise
and emission as arranged down within the atmosphere (Protection) Rules, 1986.
Flouting of these rules may land the user/manufacturer under trouble. It may be a punishment of imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees, or with both.
So while we use DG Sets to ensure our comfort, we need to ensure compliance with various factors so that the experience is as pleasant for those living around.
