Mechanical Equipment Noise Level Data

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The table below presents example octave-band sound pressure level data measured at 3 ft away from several types of mechanical equipment. In the absence of manufacturer’s or field data, the values in the table may be used for preliminary design purposes if proper consideration is given to situations that may exceed these values. For example, peak values for especially large mechanical equipment can exceed the values in the table by more than 5 dB. Manufacturer’s data should be used only if their test conditions are comparable to the actual installed conditions. Data from field measurements or laboratory tests conducted according to current ANSI, ASTM, or other recognized standards are always preferred and should be obtained for final design.

Sound Pressure Level (dB)

Equipment

63Hz

125Hz

250Hz

500Hz

1000Hz

2000Hz

4000 Hz

8000 Hz

dBA

Absorption machine

Axial fan

Boiler

Centrifugal fan

Chiller, centrifugal

Compressor, air

Condenser

Cooling tower

Fan coil unit

Induction unit

PTAC

Pump

Rooftop unit

Warm-air furnace

91

98

92

86,

80

86

99

102

57

57

64

75

95

65

86

99

92

95

85

84

92

102

55

58

64

80

93

65

86

99

89

89

87

86

90

97

53

56

65

82

89

59

86

98

86

90

87

87

90

94

50

54

56

87

85

53

83

97

83

87

90

86

89

90

48

45

53

86

80

48

80

95

80

82

98

84

85

88

42

40

48

80

75

45

77

91

77

76

91

80

76

84

38

35

44

77

69

39

72

87

74

77

87

75

68

79

32

33

37

75

66

30

89

102

89

92

100

91

92

97

53

54

59

89

87

57

Reference

“Noise from Construction Equipment and Operations, Building Equipment, and Home Appliances,” U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, NTID 300.1, Washington, December 1971.

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