Acoustical Products Made in USA.
Electrical cabinets are critical for vessel operation—but they are also a common source of persistent humming noise that spreads through surrounding workspaces.
Â
The most effective way to reduce electrical cabinet vibration noise is by applying a viscoelastic damping system that controls panel resonance and limits structure-borne sound at the source.
Transformers, relays, and cooling systems inside these cabinets generate continuous vibration, typically producing 75–90 dB(A). When this vibration excites steel cabinet panels, it creates a tonal hum that travels through walls, floors, and connected structures.
Under Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards followed in New York:
- 85 dB(A) → Action Level (8-hour TWA)
- 90 dB(A) → Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)
Why Electrical Cabinet Noise Becomes a Problem
In New York shipyards, ferries, and port operations, electrical cabinets are often installed in clusters near control zones and maintenance areas. This creates a compounded vibration issue:
Panel Resonance
- Thin steel cabinet walls have low damping
- Continuous vibration causes panel resonance (structure-borne noise)
- Cabinets begin acting as noise radiators
Vibration Transfer
- Energy travels through:
- Mounting frames
- Decks and bulkheads
- Adjacent equipment
The result:
- Constant humming noise in workspaces
- Reduced communication clarity
- Increased operator fatigue over time
Why Standard Fixes Don’t Work
- Insulation → does not stop cabinet vibration
- Acoustic foam → reduces echo but not the source
- Barriers → block sound but allow panels to resonate
The vibration remains active inside the structure.
Recommended Solution: Targeted Vibration Damping
MassiCore® Marine Vibration Tile 9 (ANC-VDT9-M)
- Converts vibration energy into heat (viscoelastic damping)
- Stops panel resonance directly at the cabinet surface
- Lightweight and ideal for tight mechanical areas
- Adhesive-applied for full contact and consistent performance
Application in Marine Electrical Systems
- Installed directly on cabinet panels
- Applied to transformer and relay enclosures
- Used on clustered cabinet systems
- Integrated into maintenance and control areas
Creates a controlled environment by stopping vibration before it radiates.
Performance + OSHA Compliance 📊
With proper installation:
- Noise reduced from 75–90 dB(A) → 55–65 dB(A)
- Tonal humming significantly reduced
- Improved communication clarity
- Lower fatigue in operational areas
- Supports OSHA compliance in New York
Why do electrical cabinets make a humming noise?
 Because internal electrical components create continuous vibration that excites metal panels, causing them to resonate and radiate sound.
How do you reduce electrical cabinet vibration noise?
 Apply a viscoelastic damping material directly to cabinet panels to absorb vibration and stop resonance.
What is the best solution for cabinet panel resonance?
 A vibration damping system that treats the panel surface itself, preventing it from acting as a noise source.
