BG 41-12 Final_Guide Cover 03/07/2012 15:04 Page 1

A BSRIA Guide www.bsria.co.uk

Understanding Acoustic
Performance Data

By Rebecca Hogg

BG 41/2012
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This publication was written by Rebecca Hogg.

Rebecca has a MEng in Acoustic Engineering from the University of

Southampton and is a Member of the Institute of Acoustics. She is an
acoustic consultant at BSRIA, working primarily in the acoustic test
facility in the BSRIA test laboratories. She has carried out acoustic testing
on a range of products including heat pumps, air conditioning units, and
dry air coolers. Prior to joining BSRIA, Rebecca worked as an acoustic
consultant on projects across the UK and Ireland, including
transportation schemes, and domestic and commercial developments.

In the writing of this publication, Rebecca was assisted by a steering

group. Our thanks go to them for their contributions to this publication.

Jeremy Butt Hoare Lea

Alex Krasnic ZBP Acoustics
Mike Lower ISVR Consulting
Malcolm Smith ISVR Consulting
Chris Steel Robin MacKenzie Partnership
Graham Wright Daikin UK

Every opportunity was taken to incorporate the views of the

contributors, but final editorial control rested with BSRIA.
This publication was designed and produced by Joanna Smith

This publication has been printed on Nine Lives Silk recycled paper.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical including photocopying,
recording or otherwise without prior written permission of the publisher.

©BSRIA 56090 July 2012 ISBN 978 0 86022 712 0 Printed by ImageData Ltd

UNDERSTANDING ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE DATA i

© BSRIA BG 41/2012
 CONTENTS

1  INTRODUCTION 1 
2  WHAT IS MEASURED? 2 
2.1  What is sound? 2 
2.2  Sound power vs sound pressure 2 
2.3  Acoustic environments 3 
2.4  Reverberation time 5 
2.5  The decibel unit 5 
2.6  Typical noise levels 6 
2.7  Frequency and A-weighting 6 
2.8  Sound reduction 8 
2.9  Noise Rating curves 8 
3  WHY MEASURE? 10 
3.1  Common noise sources in HVAC 10 
3.2  Paths of noise transmission 10 
3.3  The importance of frequency data 12 
3.4  Product development 13 
3.5  Planning applications 14 
3.6  Test standards and accreditation schemes 14 
4  EXAMPLES OF ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE DATA 15

APPENDICES
APPENDIX A: DECIBEL CALCULATIONS 18
APPENDIX B: ACOUSTIC STANDARDS 19

TABLES
Table 1: Typical sound pressure levels. 6 
Table 2 : Typical sound power levels. 6 
Table 3 : One third octave band centre frequencies and octave band centre
frequencies between100 Hz and 10 kHz. 7 
Table 4 : Insertion loss of a silencer. 8 
Table 5 : Acoustic performance data parameters. 15 

FIGURES
Figure 1 : Sound power emitted by a sound source. 2 
Figure 2 : Sound pressure measurements. 3 
Figure 3 : Sound source located in a hard-walled plant room. 4 
Figure 4 : Sound source located on a hard surface in an open space. 4 
Figure 5 : Sound source located adjacent to two hard surfaces. 4 
Figure 6 : Noise Rating (NR) curves. 9 
Figure 7 : Paths of noise transmission. 11 
Figure 8 : One third octave band centre frequency sound power levels. 12 
Figure 9 : Sound power levels of an air source heat pump. 13 
Figure 10 : Acoustic performance data example 1. 16 
Figure 11 : Acoustic performance data example 2. 16 
Figure 12 : Acoustic performance data example 3. 17 
Figure 13 : Acoustic performance data example 4. 17 

GLOSSARY 21

ii UNDERSTANDING ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE DATA

© BSRIA BG 41/2012
 INTRODUCTION 1

1 INTRODUCTION
With more awareness of noise issues and many developments occurring
in already built-up areas it is essential to provide an accurate specification
of the noise emitted by building services equipment. Heat pumps located
in residential areas, kitchen extract systems in commercial premises,
pumps in plant rooms, and air conditioning units in office buildings are
just a few examples of situations where noise issues can occur.

Acoustic testing is important to manufacturers as it enables them to

provide useful data about the noise emitted by their product. Acoustic
data enables specifiers to make an informed decision when selecting a
product for installation in a real life situation. Products that generate
intrusive levels of noise can cause noise nuisance complaints. Noise limits
are also applied as a result of legislation and planning conditions.

The aim of this publication is to explain what is being measured to

obtain acoustic data and why acoustic data is important and useful. Some
examples of product data sheets are also used to demonstrate both good
and bad practice when stating acoustic data for a product. References are
made to current standards and legislation. These references are current at
the time of printing, but care must be taken by the reader to check for
any revisions and amendments.

UNDERSTANDING ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE DATA 1

© BSRIA BG 41/2012
 2 WHAT IS MEASURED?

2 WHAT IS MEASURED?

2.1 WHAT IS SOUND? Sound is any pressure variation in the air that the human ear can detect.
Noise is any sound that is undesired by the recipient. The distinction is
not strictly adhered to and the terms sound and noise are often used
interchangeably.

2.2 SOUND POWER VS A basic analogy for explaining sound is heat. An electric heater emits a
SOUND PRESSURE certain amount of heat, similar to the sound power emitted by a sound
source. In order to quantify the heat emitted by the heater, temperature
measurements may be taken around a room. The measured temperatures
vary around the room and are dependent on the thermal characteristics
of the room, much like sound pressures around a room being dependent
on the acoustic characteristics of the room.

A sound source, such as a heat pump, located in a room, emits sound

power, expressed in Watts (W). The sound power emitted radiates away
from the source, causing small fluctuations in the air pressure throughout
the room, much like ripples across a pond. This is illustrated in figure 1.

Figure 1 : Sound power emitted by a sound source.

Sound power cannot be measured directly, however the pressure

fluctuations can, and are expressed in Pascals (Pa). The sound pressure
will vary around the room, due to the specific acoustic characteristics of
the room and the distance from the noise source. The sound pressure
measured at points A to D in figure 2 will differ, even if the sound power
emitted by the heat pump remains constant.

2 UNDERSTANDING ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE DATA

© BSRIA BG 41/2012
 WHAT IS MEASURED? 2

Figure 2 : Sound pressure measurements.

B C

D
A

2.3 ACOUSTIC As previously stated, sound power is independent of the specific acoustic
ENVIRONMENTS environment, but sound pressure is dependent on the specific acoustic
environment. A basic understanding of how sound is affected by a
specific acoustic environment is helpful when interpreting sound
pressure levels.

The environment surrounding a sound source will affect how sound

Watchpoint power radiates away from the source and how sound pressure varies in
Sound power levels are that environment. When sound energy reaches a surface it will either be
independent of the
specific acoustic
reflected or absorbed, or more commonly a mixture of both. The two
environment, but sound environmental extremes are a reverberation chamber, which has hard
pressure levels are non-parallel surfaces and almost all the sound energy is reflected; and an
dependent on the specific anechoic chamber, which has highly absorptive surfaces and almost all
acoustic environment. the sound energy is absorbed.

If the same sound source, emitting the same sound power is placed in
different environments then the sound pressures measured at a given
distance away from the source will vary. If sound energy is reflected
then the sound pressure measurements will include both the directly
radiated sound energy from the sound source and the sound energy
reflected from surfaces. It is therefore very important to know both the
measurement environment and the environment in which the product is
intended to be installed, allowing an accurate interpretation of acoustic
data. As sound power is independent of the specific acoustic environment
it is applicable in any environment and can be used with parameters of a
specific acoustic environment to predict the sound pressure at given
locations.

Three examples of a product in different acoustic environments are

shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5.

UNDERSTANDING ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE DATA 3

© BSRIA BG 41/2012
 2 WHAT IS MEASURED?

Figure 3 : Sound source located in a hard-walled plant room.

Most of the sound energy is reflected off the surfaces of the room.

Figure 4 : Sound source located on a hard surface in an open space.

Some of the sound energy is reflected off the hard surface

Figure 5 : Sound source located adjacent to two hard surfaces.

Some of the sound energy is reflected off the two surfaces

4 UNDERSTANDING ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE DATA

© BSRIA BG 41/2012
 WHAT IS MEASURED? 2

2.4 REVERBERATION Reverberation time is a measure of how acoustically absorptive a room

TIME is, with shorter reverberation times for more absorptive rooms. The
reverberation time can be utilised to describe the acoustic quality of a
room and is an important parameter for describing speech intelligibility.
Reverberation times are affected by the size of a room, the surface
coverings of a room (for example carpets and plasterboard), and the
contents of a room (for example people and furniture). Reverberation
times can vary from less than 0.1 seconds in an anechoic chamber to
more than 8 seconds in a large cathedral. An office should ideally have a
reverberation time between 0.8 – 1 second. Reverberation times are
used when determining some of the quantities, such as sound power
levels and sound insulation, which are described in this publication.

2.5 THE DECIBEL Sound power levels and sound pressure levels are stated using the
UNIT decibel (dB) unit. The decibel can be confusing as it is often assumed to
be an absolute unit, like metres or grams. The decibel is actually a
logarithm of a ratio of two quantities; a measured value and a reference
value.

One of the main reasons for using the decibel is to make the range of
Watchpoint
values easier to handle. The sound pressure that is just audible by a
Sound power levels and
person with normal hearing is approximately 20 µPa (20 millionth of a
sound pressure levels are
both stated in decibels, Pascal) so this is used as the reference pressure in all sound pressure level
but relative to different measurements. The sound pressure that is the threshold of pain for a
reference values, person is approximately a million times greater; 20 Pa.
therefore sound pressure
levels do not equal sound The reference power in all sound power measurements is 1 pW (a
power levels.
millionth of a millionth of a Watt). The sound power emitted by a jet
engine is approximately 10 kW (ten thousand Watts). This demonstrates
the enormous range of values required for sound powers and sound
pressures. Using the decibel unit provides a more convenient range of
values, which correlates well with the dynamic range of human hearing.

Further details of the formulae used to calculate sound pressure levels and
sound power levels and how to carry out decibel arithmetic are given in
Appendix A.

UNDERSTANDING ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE DATA 5

© BSRIA BG 41/2012
 2 WHAT IS MEASURED?

2.6 TYPICAL NOISE A sound pressure level of 0 dB is the threshold of human hearing and a
LEVELS sound pressure level of 120 dB is the threshold of pain. Table 1 gives
typical sound pressures and sound pressure levels for a range of sound
sources and environments. The notation Lp is often used to describe a
sound pressure level.

Table 1: Typical sound pressure levels.

Sound source/ Sound Pressure

Sound Pressure
Environment Level, Lp re 20 µPa
Jet engine at 50 m 200 Pa 140 dB
Threshold of pain 20 Pa 120 dB
Pneumatic hammer at 1 m 2 Pa 100 dB
Car at 10 m 0.2 Pa 80 dB
Conversation at 1 m 0.02 Pa 60 dB
Quiet library 0.002 Pa 40 dB
Quiet rural location at night 0.0002 Pa 20 dB
Threshold of hearing 0.00002 Pa (20 Pa) 0 dB

Table 2 gives typical sound powers and sound power levels for a range of
sound sources. The notation Lw is often used to describe a sound power
level.

Table 2 : Typical sound power levels.

Sound Power
Sound Source Sound Power
Level, Lw re 1 pW
Jet engine 10,000 W 160 dB
Loudspeaker rock 100 W 140 dB
Pneumatic hammer 1W 120 dB
Outboard motor 0.01 W 100 dB
Dishwasher 0.0001 W 80 dB
Office Equipment 0.000001 W 60 dB
Fridge 0.00000001 W 40 dB
Rustling leaves 0.0000000001 W 20 dB
Reference value 0.000000000001 W (1 pW) 0 dB

2.7 FREQUENCY AND As stated previously, sound is air pressure fluctuations that are
A-WEIGHTING perceptible by the human ear. The number of pressure fluctuations per
second, or frequency of the sound is measured in Hertz (Hz). In terms
of sound, frequency is akin to the musical idea of pitch. A bass drum
produces a sound at a low frequency (low pitch) and a triangle produces
a sound at a high frequency (high pitch).

Sounds are typically a combination of a range of frequencies. If a single

value is given for a sound level then this represents the sum contribution
of all the sound energy in all the frequency bands. Sometimes it is

6 UNDERSTANDING ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE DATA

© BSRIA BG 41/2012
 WHAT IS MEASURED? 2
beneficial to state separately sound levels for different frequencies in order
to show if a particular sound source produces more noise at a certain
frequency.

The most common descriptors used are octave band centre frequencies
and one-third octave band centre frequencies. Table 3 details the
standard centre frequencies for octave bands and one-third octave bands
between 100 Hz and 10 kHz (10,000 hertz). Noise assessments, test
standards and accreditation schemes often stipulate the frequency range of
sound levels that should be stated and whether one-third octave band
centre frequencies or octave band centre frequencies are acceptable.

Table 3 : One third octave band centre frequencies and octave band centre
frequencies between100 Hz and 10 kHz.

One-third octave band centre Octave band centre frequency (Hz)

frequency (Hz)
100
125 125
160
200
250 250
315
400
500 500
630
800
1000 1000
1250
1600
2000 2000
2500
3000
4000 4000
5000
6300
8000 8000
10000

An adult with normal hearing can perceive sounds from 20 Hz to 20

Watchpoint
kHz. The sensitivity of the human ear is frequency dependent, being
The A-weighing filter is
most sensitive in the 1 kHz to 2.5 kHz range, and much less sensitive at
an approximation as to
how the human ear very low frequencies. Sound levels can be weighted to represent a range
perceives sound. A- of frequency responses. The A-weighing filter is an approximation as to
weighted sound levels are how the human ear perceives sound. A-weighted sound levels are
expressed in dB(A). expressed in dB(A).

One third octave band or octave band centre frequency noise levels are
typically unweighted. Single value noise levels are more often
A-weighted.

UNDERSTANDING ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE DATA 7

© BSRIA BG 41/2012
 2 WHAT IS MEASURED?

2.8 SOUND Sound power levels and sound pressure levels are quantities used to
REDUCTION describe the noise produced by a product. If a product, such as a louvre,
silencer or window is designed to stop the transmission of noise then
different quantities are used.

Sound insulation is mainly used when describing the sound reduction

through walls, floors, windows and other building constructions. Sound
insulation is stated using the decibel unit and the higher the value, the
better the product is at stopping the transmission of sound. Further details
about sound insulation can be found in Approved Document E (see
Appendix B).

Speech privacy between rooms is important and is partly determined by

the sound insulation of the separating wall or floor construction. Speech
privacy is also influenced by the background noise level in the receiving
room and the noise level of the speech in the source room. Poor sound
insulation and a low background noise level in the receiving room will
usually lead to poor speech privacy.

When describing the performance of silencers, attenuators and other

ducting products it is common to describe the sound reduction of the
product in terms of an insertion loss. The insertion loss is the reduction
in the sound level at a given point in a duct due to the insertion of a
silencer or other noise control device. It is calculated as the difference
between the sound level at a given point in the duct with and without
the silencer installed. The higher the insertion loss the better the product
is at stopping the transmission of sound through the duct. Usually the
static insertion loss is given which represents the acoustic performance of
the silencer under zero flow conditions.

Further details about insertion loss is given in BS EN ISO 7235:2009

(see appendix B) and an example of the insertion loss of a silencer is
shown in Table 4.

Table 4 : Insertion loss of a silencer.

Octave band centre frequency (Hz)

63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000
Insertion Loss (dB) 8 14 42 49 47 38 29 22

2.9 NOISE RATING Noise Rating (NR) curves are another noise descriptor that can be used.
CURVES NR values are often specified in design criteria. NR curves were
developed by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO)
and are outlined in ISO 1996 and originally developed by Kosten and van
Os (1962). NR curves use the 1000 Hz octave band as a reference
point. For example NR 50 has a level of 50 dB at 1000 Hz. NR curves
are predominantly utilised in Europe. In the USA Noise Criterion (NC)
curves are used. Figure 6 shows NR curves.

8 UNDERSTANDING ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE DATA

© BSRIA BG 41/2012
 WHAT IS MEASURED? 2
Figure 6 : Noise Rating (NR) curves.

120

115

110 110

105

100 100

95

90 90

85

80
80
Octave band sound pressure level dB re. 20 µPa

75

70
70
65

60
60
55

50
50
45

40
40
35

30
30
25

20
20
15

10
10
5

0
0
31.5 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000

Octave band centre frequency (Hz)

UNDERSTANDING ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE DATA 9

© BSRIA BG 41/2012
 3 WHY MEASURE?

3 WHY MEASURE?

3.1 COMMON NOISE The most important reason for carrying out noise measurements is to
SOURCES IN identify noise sources within a product and measure the level of noise
HVAC
produced. These noise measurements can then be used for product
development and meeting the requirements of planning and
accreditation schemes.

Any moving or vibrating part in a product can produce noise and this
noise will vary with the operation of the product. For example as a fan’s
rotational speed changes, the noise produced by the fan changes. Some
products contain one noise source and some products contain multiple
noise sources. For example, in an air source heat pump the noise sources
are a fan, a compressor and a pump.

Noise produced by a product will be transmitted through the air and this
is called airborne noise. Vibration is transmitted through structures and
may be radiated as noise by connected components; this is called
structure-borne noise.

The noise produced might be broadband, containing sound energy in

Watchpoint several frequency bands but no audibly distinct components in any one
Noise with an audible frequency band. On the other hand, the noise produced could contain
tone has been found to
be more annoying to the audible whines or hums at particular frequencies. Noise with an audible
listener then broadband tone has been found to be more annoying to the listener. If the operation
noise. of a product is cyclical then the noise produced will also be cyclical and
may contain periodic thumps or bangs.

Whilst casing and ductwork are not primary noise sources, they can
positively and negatively alter the transmission of noise from internal
sources. As an example, a well fitted and insulated product casing can
help reduce the transmission of airborne noise from internal components
into the surrounding environment. On the other hand if the casing is
poorly fitted or not vibration isolated then it may become a major
secondary radiator of noise. Anti-vibration mounts can be used to
minimise the transmission of structure-borne noise.

3.2 PATHS OF NOISE Once the noise sources of a product have been identified, it is necessary
TRANSMISSION to understand how that noise will be transmitted in a real life situation.
When a product is installed, noise can be transmitted through various
different paths. Figure 7 shows typical paths of noise transmission for an
air conditioning unit installed in a building.

10 UNDERSTANDING ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE DATA

© BSRIA BG 41/2012
 WHY MEASURE? 3
Figure 7 : Paths of noise transmission.

Figure 7 shows a building with a plant room in the basement and offices
above. The red box shows an air conditioning unit in the plant room. It
produces noise which propagates through the room, as shown by the
blue arrows emanating away from the air conditioning unit. This noise
could cause disturbance to people working in the plant room. Airborne
noise can also be transmitted through the ceiling, causing disturbance to
the occupants of the offices above. The air conditioning unit may be
supplying air to the offices and airborne noise will propagate through the
ductwork and into the offices. This is shown by the blue arrows through
the ductwork. If the duct is lined or an attenuator is installed then the
noise will be reduced as it travels along the ductwork.

The air conditioning unit can also cause structure-borne noise, as shown
by the green arrows in Figure 7. If the unit is installed with anti-vibration
mounts structure-borne noise into the floor of the plant room will be
reduced. Depending on the installation of the ductwork, structure-borne
noise can also be transmitted through the ductwork.

UNDERSTANDING ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE DATA 11

© BSRIA BG 41/2012
 3 WHY MEASURE?

3.3 THE IMPORTANCE Noise data is often given as a single value representing the overall noise
OF FREQUENCY level. Noise levels can also be given for each of the one-third octave
DATA
band centre frequencies. Figure 8 demonstrates why it is important to
provide the noise level in each frequency band rather than just an
overall single value noise level.

Figure 8 : One third octave band centre frequency sound power levels.

90

80

70
Sound power level (dB)

60
Product A

50
Product B
40

30
Product C

20

10

0
00
50
00

00
0

00
0

00
0

00
0

00
00
5

50
0
0
0

00
25
10

80
20
16
12

31

50
63
40

63
12
16

25
10

20

50

80
40
31

10

One-third octave band centre frequency (Hz)

Figure 8 shows the noise produced by three products. Product A

produces a broadband noise, Product B dominantly produces mid-
frequency noise and Product C dominantly produces low-frequency
noise. The overall A-weighted sound power level for all three products is
identical at 71.7 dB(A), even though the three products are audibly very
different.

If a manufacturer were to supply just the overall A-weighted sound

Watchpoint power level then vital information about the noise produced by the
Knowing the noise level product would be lost. When developing or installing a product for a real
in each frequency band
enables effective noise
life situation the noise level is taken into account and noise mitigation
mitigation solutions to be solutions may need to be implemented. If only the overall noise level is
implemented. provided then any noise mitigation solutions would just consider trying
to lower the overall noise level, but being provided with the noise level
in each frequency band means that noise mitigation solutions can be
tailored to the individual product.

Some noise mitigation solutions are designed to reduce only low

frequency noise, while other noise mitigation solutions are designed to
reduce mid-frequency noise. Knowing the noise level in each frequency
band enables effective noise mitigation solutions to be implemented. A
specialist acoustician will be able to provide information about product
specific mitigation solutions.

12 UNDERSTANDING ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE DATA

© BSRIA BG 41/2012
 WHY MEASURE? 3
3.4 PRODUCT Once acoustic performance data has been obtained, it can either just be
DEVELOPMENT stated in a product brochure or utilised to develop a quieter and less
audibly disturbing product. It is beneficial to employ the services of an
acoustician during product development.

Figure 9 shows the one-third octave band centre frequency sound power
levels for a product, in this case an air source heat pump. It is clear that
the sound power level in the 200 Hz frequency band is much higher
than sound power levels in other frequency bands. The noise produced
by this product will have an audible tone at 200 Hz.

Figure 9 : Sound power levels of an air source heat pump.

80

70

60

50
Sound power level (dB)

40

30

20

10

0
0
00
50
00

00
0

00
0

00
0
0
0

00

00
00
5

50
0
0

00
25
10

80
20
16
12

31

50
63
40

63
12
16

25
10

20

50

80
40
31

10

One-third octave band centre frequency (Hz)

Determining what is causing this tone and how to stop it will lead to a
Watchpoint quieter and less audibly disturbing product. Tones can be caused by
Having accurate acoustic something as simple as a fan being unbalanced. Such problems are often
data and being able to
interpret the data leads quick and inexpensive to solve, and can easily make the product quieter
to useful product and less audibly disturbing. Having accurate acoustic data about a product
development, without and being able to interpret the data leads to useful product development,
compromising the quality without compromising the quality or performance of the product.
or performance of the
product.
If a product has multiple noise sources – such as a fan and a compressor –
it might be difficult to determine which component is causing the noise
issue. If possible, it is useful to operate each component of the product
separately so that the noise produced by each noise source can be
examined independently.

UNDERSTANDING ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE DATA 13

© BSRIA BG 41/2012
 3 WHY MEASURE?

3.5 PLANNING In certain situations, planning authorities will require a noise assessment
APPLICATIONS to be carried out before a product is installed. Every authority has their
own planning policies and noise criteria, but the aim of the noise
assessment is always the same – to avoid a negative noise impact on
existing or future inhabitants. Information about local planning policies
can be found by contacting the Local planning Authority (LPA). Noise
assessments should be carried out by a qualified acoustician.

Without an accurate specification of the noise produced by a product

errors can occur, resulting in unrealistic noise assessments, under- or
over-specifying noise mitigation, wasted time and greater costs. Acoustic
testing is therefore a very important first stage of the noise impact
assessment process. Poor product development can also cause issues when
trying to install a product in real life as noise assessments often include a
5dB penalty for a noise source with a very distinct or tonal component.

Some noise assessments required for planning applications for HVAC

(heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) equipment are described in
Appendix B.

3.6 TEST STANDARDS There are many different British, European and International Standards
AND that outline test methodologies to determine the noise produced by a
ACCREDITATION
SCHEMES product. Some test standards applicable to HVAC products are described
in Appendix B. There are also a number of product specific testing
schemes, which are described in Appendix B.

14 UNDERSTANDING ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE DATA

© BSRIA BG 41/2012
 EXAMPLES OF ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE DATA 4
4 EXAMPLES OF ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE DATA

Having discussed some of the theory behind acoustic performance data it

is useful to look at some good and bad examples of how acoustic data is
presented.

Ideally the parameters described in Table 5 should be stated when

providing acoustic performance data.

Table 5 : Acoustic performance data parameters.

Parameter Description
Noise level descriptor The sound power level, sound pressure level or a
sound insulation quantity such as sound reduction
index or insertion loss.
Measurement unit The dB or dB(A) unit.
Distance In the case of sound pressure levels, the distance the
measurement was carried out at – typically 1 m, 3 m or
10m. Note that sound power levels are stated
independently of distance from the source.
Test standard The test standard used to carry out the measurements,
and the installation and test conditions that the
measurements were carried out for.
Noise levels The overall noise level and noise level in each one-
third octave or octave band centre frequency.
Mode of operation The noise level at each operation of the product (e.g.
different fan speeds). If the noise level for only one
mode of operation is given then the operating
conditions should be clearly stated.

Due to the wide range of terminology, noise data can be confusing, so it

is essential to provide clear and detailed acoustic performance data. It is
also important to display information that is relevant to the reader and
the intended use of the product. This allows more accurate comparisons
Watchpoint to be made between products. Acoustic performance data is often given
Note data can be easily for a particular installation and set of test conditions. For example the
misinterpreted, so it is sound pressure level at 5 m from an axial fan will vary depending on
essential to provide clear, whether the fan is installed in a section of ducting, directly into a wall, or
accurate and detailed within an enclosure. It is therefore necessary to examine the acoustic
acoustic performance
data.
performance data carefully and then ask a qualified acoustician to assist in
interpreting the information for a specific installation.

Figures 10 to 14 demonstrate good and bad examples of acoustic

performance data for products that produce noise.

UNDERSTANDING ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE DATA 15

© BSRIA BG 41/2012
 4 EXAMPLES OF ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE DATA

Figure 10 : Acoustic performance data example 1.

Sound Volume 45 dB (A)

This example of acoustic performance data is Parameter Described

inaccurate and unclear. “Sound Volume” is not a
recognised descriptor and there is no information Valid noise level descriptor ×
about how the measurement was taken. It is Measurement unit 
impossible to use this data reliably.
Distance ×
Test standard ×
Overall noise level 
Frequency band noise levels ×
Mode of operation ×

Figure 11 : Acoustic performance data example 2.

Noise (at a distance of 1m) 52 dB(A)

This example of acoustic performance data is Parameter Described

slightly better, as it provides a measurement
distance. This would make the reader assume that Valid noise level descriptor ×
the invalid “noise” descriptor is a sound pressure Measurement unit 
level. There is again no information about the
measurement methodology. This data would have Distance 
very limited use. Test standard ×
Overall noise level 
Frequency band noise levels ×
Mode of operation ×

16 UNDERSTANDING ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE DATA

© BSRIA BG 41/2012
 EXAMPLES OF ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE DATA 4

Figure 12 : Acoustic performance data example 3.

Fan Speed A B C D E F
Sound Power Level
69 69 71 71 72 74
dB(A)1
1
Sound power level measured in accordance with ISO 3741

This example of acoustic performance data is a lot Parameter Described

better as there is information about the
measurement methodology and sound power Valid noise level descriptor 
levels are given for different modes of operation. Measurement unit 
This data could be used effectively, but it would be
even more useful if frequency band sound power Distance n/a
were provided. Test standard 

The test standard is given but there are no details Overall noise level 
about the particular installation of the fan during Frequency band noise levels ×
test.
Mode of operation 
More information about ISO 3741:2010 can be
found in Appendix B.

Figure 13 : Acoustic performance data example 4.

Sound Octave Band Centre Frequency, Hz

Power
Level 63 125 250 500 1k 2k 4k 8k
(dB) 64 69 74 71 65 57 49 45

This example of acoustic performance data is Parameter Described

good because it provides frequency band sound
power levels. It would be useful to also include an Valid noise level Descriptor 
overall sound power level. Information about the Measurement unit 
measurement methodology has not been included,
which will reduce the reliability of this data when Distance n/a
applied to real life situations. Test standard ×
Overall noise level ×
Frequency band noise levels 
Mode of operation ×

UNDERSTANDING ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE DATA 17

© BSRIA BG 41/2012
 A DECIBEL CALCULATIONS

APPENDIX A: DECIBEL CALCULATIONS

Sound power levels and sound pressure levels are stated using the decibel
(dB) unit. The decibel is a logarithm of a ratio of two quantities; a
measured value and a reference value.

The reference value used for sound power levels and sound pressure
levels is different. For sound power levels the reference value is 1 pW
and for sound pressure levels the reference value is 20 µPa. It is important
to note which quantity is being stated in technical acoustic specifications
so that incorrect comparisons are not made.

A sound power level of 50dB does not equal a sound pressure level of
50dB.

Sound power levels and sound pressure levels can be calculated using the
following equations.

Sound power level (Lw) = 10 log10 ( sound power

10 -12 W )
dB

Sound pressure level (Lp) = 20 log10

( sound pressure
20 x 10 -6 Pa )
dB

Sound levels are not combined arithmetically because they are

logarithmic. The equation to calculate the total sound level of any
number of sound sources is given below.

Ltotal = 10 log10 [100.1L1 + 100.1L2 + 100.1L3 + ... + 100.1Ln]

where Ltotal = total sound level (dB)

L1,2 ... n = sound level of sound sources 1,2 ... n (dB)

Some examples of the result of combining the sound level from two
noise sources is given in the table below.

Sound Level Sound Level Total Sound Level

Source 1 (dB) Source 2 (dB) (dB)
80 80 83
70 65 71.2
90 80 90.4

These results are true when combining sound pressure levels or sound
power levels, but a sound pressure level and sound power level cannot be
combined directly because they have different references. To convert
from a sound power level to a sound pressure level specific formulae are
used depending on the specific acoustic environment the noise source is
located in. There are also formulae to determine sound pressure levels at
different distances from a sound source. An acoustician will be able to
assist with performing these calculations.

18 UNDERSTANDING ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE DATA

© BSRIA BG 41/2012
 ACOUSTIC STANDARDS AND GUIDANCE B

APPENDIX B: ACOUSTIC STANDARDS AND GUIDANCE

BS EN ISO 3740:2001 Acoustics. Determination of sound power levels of
noise sources. Guidelines for the use of basic standards. ISBN 0 580 36699 5
This standard outlines how to determine the sound power level of a
product. This standard explains the 3740 series of test methodologies,
three of which are explained below.

BS EN ISO 3741:2010 Acoustics. Determination of sound power levels and

sound energy levels of noise sources using sound pressure. Precision methods for
reverberation test rooms. ISBN 978 0 580 56664 6
This standard outlines the general methodology for determining the
sound power level of a product in a reverberation chamber. It is a
precision method, which means it will provide the most accurate noise
levels. This standard can be utilised for a whole range of products.

BS EN ISO 3743-1:2010 Acoustics. Determination of sound power levels and

sound energy levels of noise sources using sound pressure. Engineering methods for
small movable sources in reverberant fields. Comparison method for a hard-walled
test room. ISBN 978 0 580 53879 7
This standard outlines the general methodology for determining the
sound power level of a product in a hard-walled test room or a
reverberation chamber. It is an engineering method, which means it will
provide less accurate noise levels than the precision method. This
standard is intended for small products and is not applicable to large
immovable products.

BS EN ISO 3746:2010 Acoustics. Determination of sound power levels and

sound energy levels of noise sources using sound pressure. Survey method using an
enveloping measurement surface over a reflecting plane.
ISBN 978 0 580 53882 7
This standard outlines the general methodology for determining the
sound power level of a product that is located on a reflecting surface,
such as the floor of a warehouse or outside on a hard surface in an open
area. It is a survey method, which means it will provide less accurate
noise levels than both the precision and engineering methods.

BS EN 12102:2008 Air conditioners, liquid chilling packages, heat pumps and

dehumidifiers with electrically driven compressors for space heating and cooling.
Measurement of airborne noise. Determination of the sound power level.
ISBN 978 0 580 55784 2
This standard outlines the methodology for determining the sound
power level of air conditioners, liquid chilling packages, heat pumps and
dehumidifiers with electrically driven compressors for space heating and
cooling. This standard describes thermal test conditions that the acoustic
tests should be carried out at and refers to acoustic test methodologies in
other standards.

BS EN 13487:2003 Heat exchangers. Forced convection air cooled refrigerant

condensers and dry coolers. Sound measurement. ISBN 0 580 43138 X
This standard outlines the methodology for sound measurements for heat
exchangers including forced convection air cooled refrigerant condensers
and dry coolers.

UNDERSTANDING ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE DATA 19

© BSRIA BG 41/2012
 ACOUSTIC STANDARDS AND GUIDANCE

BS EN ISO 7235:2009 Acoustics. Laboratory measurement procedures for

ducted silencers and air-terminal units. Insertion loss, flow noise and total pressure
loss. ISBN 978 0 580 67420 4
This standard outlines the methodology used to determine the insertion
loss of ducted silencers with and without airflow. The measurement of
other quantities associated with silencers are also described.

World Health Organisation (WHO) Guidelines on Community Noise

www.who.int/docstore/peh/noise/guidelines2.html
These guidelines provide a table of noise levels that should be adhered to
in order to avoid annoyance, sleep disturbance, poor speech
intelligibility, or hearing impairment. Absolute noise levels are given for
a range of environments, including bedrooms, outdoor living areas,
workshops and hospitals. The more “noise sensitive” the environment
the lower the recommended absolute noise levels.

BS 4142 Method for rating industrial noise affecting mixed residential and
industrial areas. ISBN 0 580 28300 3
This British Standard is solely for industrial noise sources and makes a
comparison between the potential noise source and the existing
background noise level at the proposed site of the industrial noise source.
The extent to which the background noise levels are exceeded is an
indication of the likelihood of annoyance to occupants in the vicinity of
the proposed noise source. Annoyance is more likely when locating a
loud industrial noise source in a quiet area and less likely when locating a
quieter industrial noise source in a louder area.

Approved Document E - Resistance to the passage of sound

www.planningportal.gov.uk/buildingregulations/approveddocuments/parte/
This document provides guidance on meeting Part E of the England &
Wales Building Regulations. It covers sound resistance within a dwelling,
and between dwellings and adjacent properties. It also covers
reverberation times in common area of residential buildings, and acoustic
conditions in schools. For the latter, reference is made to Building
Bulletin 93: Acoustic design of Schools. Approved Document E refers to
the test methodologies in the ISO 140 series.

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations.

www.hse.gov.uk/noise/regulations.htm
The aim of these regulations is to ensure that workers’ hearing is
protected from excessive noise at their place of work, which could cause
them to lose their hearing and/or suffer from tinnitus.

Microgeneration Certification Scheme.

www.microgenerationcertification.org/
This scheme certificates microgeneration technologies used to produce
electricity and heat from renewable sources. Some of the product specific
criteria, such as for heat pumps and wind turbines, include requirements
for noise.

20 UNDERSTANDING ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE DATA

© BSRIA BG 41/2012
GLOSSARY
Anechoic chamber A room with surfaces that have a very high sound absorption.
A-weighting A frequency weighting applied to noise levels, which approximates the frequency
sensitivity of the human ear.
Decibel (dB) The logarithmic unit of the ratio of a measured quantity to a reference quantity. The
decibel is used to describe sound levels.
Frequency The number of pressure fluctuations per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). An adult with
normal hearing can hear from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
Hertz (Hz) The SI unit of frequency.
Insertion loss A measure of the difference in the noise level at a given point in a duct with and without
the insertion of a noise control product.
Noise Any sound that is undesired by the recipient.
Noise Rating (NR) Noise Rating (NR) curves are used to assess whether indoor noise levels are likely to
cause annoyance or be detrimental to communication.
Octave band A range of frequencies whose upper frequency limit is twice that of its lower frequency
limit. For example, the 1000 Hz octave band contains sound energy at all frequencies
from 707 Hz to 1414 Hz.
Pascal (Pa) The SI unit of pressure.
Reverberation A room with a large volume and surfaces that have a very low sound absorption.
chamber
Reverberation time The time taken for the sound pressure level in a room to decrease by 60 dB after a
sound source has been stopped. The longer the reverberation time, the more
reverberant the room.
Silencer A product, often installed in a duct, which is designed to reduce the level of noise
through it.
Sound Any pressure variation in the air that the human ear can detect.
Sound insulation A measure of how good a partition material (for example wall, window, or door) is at
stopping the transmission of noise through it.
Sound power The total sound energy radiated by a source per unit of time.
Sound power level The logarithmic ratio of a sound power and a reference sound power.
Sound pressure The difference between the instantaneous pressure produced by a sound wave and the
barometric pressure at a given point in space.
Sound pressure level The logarithmic ratio of a sound pressure and a reference sound pressure.
Watt (W) The SI unit of power.

UNDERSTANDING ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE DATA 21

© BSRIA BG 41/2012
Project1_Layout 1 04/07/2012 14:03 Page 1

Acoustic capabilities and testing at BSRIA

BSRIA operates a specialist thermal acoustic test facility for testing a range of HVAC products. Our thermally
controlled large reverberation chamber is suitable for carrying out:

• Standard acoustic product testing to ISO 3741 and EN 12102:2008

• Bespoke acoustic testing tailored to individual projects
• Development testing to improve products

Acoustic Development Days

Want to make a product quieter? Problems with vibration?

Need to eradicate a particular hum, whine or tone?
Contact us to find out the benefits of an acoustic development day.
Clients are able to witness testing and view live test data identifying areas for product improvement.

For testing and technical advice please contact:

BSRIA Test
Tel: +44 (0)1344 465600
Email: [email protected]
BG 41-12 Final_Guide Cover 03/07/2012 15:04 Page 2

BSRIA ⳮ the built

environment experts
BSRIA gives you confidence in design, added value in
manufacture, competitive advantage in marketing,
profitable construction, and efficient buildings

 Testing  Troubleshooting

 Modelling  Information

 Research  Training

 Consultancy  Publications

Whatever your building  Instrument hire,  Market research and

services requirement sales and calibration intelligence
contact BSRIA:

T: +44 (0)1344 465600

F: +44 (0)1344 465626 Membership is the foundation of BSRIA’s
E: [email protected]
W: www.bsria.co.uk expertise and independence

Old Bracknell Lane West,

Bracknell, Berkshire,
RG12 7AH, UK
Offices in Bracknell, Beijing, Dunfermline,
Kuala Lumpur, Ottawa, St Helens, Stutgart
and Toulouse. Associates in Armagh