Is Electric Equipment Quieter Than Their Diesel-Operated Equipment?

Does the loud noise on the construction site bother you? Well, when it comes to construction work sites, one thing that ultimately comes to mind is relentless noise. These noises are coming from heavy equipment operations, drill pounding, dirt rumbling etc.

In addition to upsetting the surrounding populations, this continuous noise pollution has an adverse effect on the health of the employees who work there. 

All the concerned agencies have now moved their focus to this segment as it is taking the lives of the employees. One solution that has been approved and appreciated until now is the use of electric equipment. 

Electric equipment is not only reducing the adverse effects of noise but is much more efficient in terms of cost and productivity. 

What problems occur with the construction noise?

One of the noisiest places in cities is a construction site. Sound levels produced by heavy machinery, diesel engines, and drilling operations frequently surpass 90 decibels (dB), which is similar to the sound of a passing train or a lawnmower. 

Can you even imagine how loud this would be?

These levels put local people and employees at risk for stress, sleep disorders, and long-term health problems.

As a contributing factor to cardiovascular diseases, cognitive impairment, and other severe ailments, noise pollution is an increasing environmental health concern, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). 

On the other hand, chronic exposure to noise levels exceeding 55 dB has been recognized by the European Environmental Noise Directive as having a harmful effect on health.

But unfortunately, many cities have exceeded this limit and people in those cities are already at risk. 

Are electric machines better alternatives?

Compared to conventional diesel-powered equipment, electric construction machines may run with a lot less noise, which is one of their biggest advantages. 

Electric heavy equipment only makes noise when they are moving or under stress, in contrast to diesel engines, which make noise continuously even when they are not moving. 

This significantly reduces total site noise levels by getting rid of extraneous background noise.

For instance, the Volvo EC18 Electric Excavator for sale runs at about 80 dB, while its diesel counterpart operates at 93 dB. It is clearly a major difference.

Even though this difference might not seem significant, it is important to remember that sound perception is logarithmic, meaning that a 10 dB drop is interpreted as half as loud. 

This indicates that people find electric excavators to be roughly 50% quieter than diesel ones.

Now does this seem amazing?

Electric equipment provides better work conditions

Electric equipment makes the workplace more comfortable and less stressful. For operators and site workers, lower noise and vibration levels lessen fatigue and the chance of long-term hearing impairment. 

Since workers can coordinate without using hand signals or stopping machinery, improved on-site communication improves efficiency and safety.

Electric equipment does not disturb the neighbors

Strict noise rules frequently affect urban building projects, reducing working hours and lengthening project durations. 

Work can be done early in the morning or late at night without breaking noise restrictions thanks to quieter electric machinery. 

This minimizes complaints from companies and residents while enabling a quicker completion of the project.

These machines help following the strict noise rules

Construction firms need to adjust as cities impose stricter noise control regulations. 

There are already noise limits in place in many cities, and adopting electric machines allows firms to comply without compromising output.

They are beneficial for environment as well

Electric construction machines are a sustainable substitute for diesel equipment since they not only reduce noise but also remove exhaust pollutants. 

Because they have fewer moving parts and use less fuel, they also provide cheaper maintenance costs, which helps construction companies save money over time.

Should we opt for electric equipment?

As technology develops, the use of electric construction equipment is only anticipated to increase. 

Electric machines will continue to become more useful and efficient for a greater variety of applications as advancements in battery life, power output, and charging infrastructure are made.

Aside from cutting pollution, switching to electric-powered equipment will change how construction interacts with urban life. Electric machines improve working conditions, expedite project timetables, and improve community quality of life by drastically reducing noise pollution. 

In short, electric construction equipment is set to become the new norm for contemporary job sites as the industry moves toward a cleaner and quieter future.