TP – 1282 An Introduction to Sound Level Data for Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Professional Engineers

Description

This technical paper contains sound pressure and sound power data for mechanical equipment commonly found in many commercial buildings. Where possible, the noise data have been correlated with some of the more obvious noise influencing parameters, such as type, speed, power rating, and flow conditions. The noise levels quoted in this publication are suggested for design uses; these noise levels represent approximately the 80 to 90 percentile values. That is, on the basis of these sample sizes, it would be expected that the noise levels of about 80 to 90 percent of a random selection of equipment would be equal to or less than the design values quoted in the manual, or only about 10 to 20 percent of a random selection would exceed these values. This is judged to be a reasonable choice of design values for typical uses. Higher percentile coverage, such as 95 percent, would give increased protection in the acoustic design, but at greater cost in weight and thickness of walls, floors, columns, and beams. On-site power plants driven by reciprocating and gas turbine engines have specific sound and vibration problems, which are considered separately elsewhere.