Noise levels from ventilation systems has become an increasingly pressing topic in recent years, and an onus is now being placed on manufacturers, system designers and contractors to safeguard acceptable internal noise levels for occupant comfort, writes Glen Plunkett, Acoustician with iAcoustics.
Noise from mechanical and electrical equipment can be disturbing and fatiguing, and may interfere with the functionality of a space and the productivity of those who occupy it. Most new building projects in the commercial, educational and healthcare sectors strive for BREEAM, LEED and WELL accreditations which are very much in line with the push for sustainability and energy efficiency. Part of the green-movement package rightly includes basic requirements for indoor comfort levels which embraces acoustics and noise control as a key component.
The background noise level requirements for internal spaces are typically specified in terms of a maximum permissible dB(A) level measured over time, or by using the Noise Rating (NR) curve. The reason for using one or the other, or both, may be justified in the project documentation.
See PDF of full article at Noise Acoustics edit