ASTM E1573-02
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Evaluating Masking Sound in Open Offices Using A-Weighted and One-Third Octave Band Sound Pressure Levels
Standard Test Method for Evaluating Masking Sound in Open Offices Using A-Weighted and One-Third Octave Band Sound Pressure Levels
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Speech privacy in an open office is dependent on many factors (see Guide E 1374 for a discussion on open office acoustical considerations). One of these factors is the masking sound in the office. Without masking sound in the open office, confidential speech privacy is not possible at normal voice levels. The four critical acoustical parameters of masking sound are its spatial uniformity, temporal uniformity, spectrum shape, and level. The measurement and determination of these parameters are addressed in this test method.
The results from this test method can be used to determine if the masking sound meets a particular specification.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method specifies the procedures that can be used to evaluate the spatial and temporal uniformity of masking sound in open offices using A-weighted sound levels. It also specifies the procedure for evaluating the masking sound spectrum and level using one-third octave band sound pressure levels.
1.2 The results of this test method can be used to determine if the masking sound meets a particular specification for spatial and temporal uniformity if that specification is written in terms of A-weighted sound levels and if the masking sound meets a particular spectrum shape and level in the office area.
1.3 This test method must not be used to evaluate the acoustical environment in an office space. It is intended only to evaluate the masking sound in an office. This test method, for instance, does not evaluate the low frequency rumble noise found in some offices.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Standards Content (Sample)
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Designation:E1573–02
Standard Test Method for
Evaluating Masking Sound in Open Offices Using
A-Weighted and One-Third Octave Band Sound Pressure
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Levels
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 1573; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
This test method is one of a set of standards for evaluating the acoustical performance of
components or systems in an open office. The other standards in this set deal with the measurement
of the sound attenuation between work stations provided by partial height space dividers, vertical
surfaces, and acoustical ceiling systems; speech privacy; and the evaluation of masking sound.
1. Scope E 1374 Guide for Open Office Acoustics and Applicable
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Standards
1.1 This test method specifies the procedures that can be
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2.2 ANSI Standards:
used to evaluate the spatial and temporal uniformity of
S1.11 Specification for Octave-Band and Fractional-Octave
masking sound in open offices usingA-weighted sound levels.
Band Analog and Digital Filters
Italsospecifiestheprocedureforevaluatingthemaskingsound
S1.4 Specification for Sound Level Meters
spectrum and level using one-third octave band sound pressure
levels.
3. Terminology
1.2 The results of this test method can be used to determine
3.1 Definitions—The acoustical terminology used in this
if the masking sound meets a particular specification for spatial
test method is consistent with the definitions in Terminology
and temporal uniformity if that specification is written in terms
C 634.
of A-weighted sound levels and if the masking sound meets a
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
particular spectrum shape and level in the office area.
3.2.1 masking sound—sound within an office that reduces
1.3 This test method must not be used to evaluate the
the intelligibility of intruding speech and the distraction from
acoustical environment in an office space. It is intended only to
activity noise. Masking sound may be produced by a masking
evaluate the masking sound in an office. This test method, for
sound system, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning
instance, does not evaluate the low frequency rumble noise
(HVAC) sources, or other sources.
found in some offices.
3.2.2 masking sound system—the electronic equipment and
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
loudspeakersusedtogenerate,distribute,andproducemasking
safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the
sound throughout an office space.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2.3 spatial uniformity—a condition where the sound pres-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
sure levels throughout a defined space do not vary significantly
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
from the arithmetic mean sound pressure level. The amount of
2. Referenced Documents allowable variation is specified by others such as a consultant,
designer, or owner.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
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3.2.4 temporal uniformity—at a given position, a condition
C 634 Terminology Relating to Environmental Acoustics
where the average sound pressure level measured over a short
time interval does not differ significantly from the average
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This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E33 on
sound pressure level measured over a long time interval. The
EnvironmentalAcousticsandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeE33.02on
Open Plan Spaces.
Current edition approved April 10, 2002. Published June 2002. Originally
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published as E 1573–93. Last previous edition E 1573–98. Available from American National Standards Institute, 25 West 43rd St., 4th
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Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.06. Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
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E1573–02
amount of allowable variation is specified by others such as a 7.3 If the intent is to evaluate the performance of the
consultant, designer, or owner. masking sound system alone, then the background sound
pressure levels shall be at least 10 dB lower than the sound
4. Summary of Test Method
pressure levels of the masking sound signal. For the measure-
ment of temporal or spatial uniformity, this may require that
4.1 The spatial uniformity of the masking sound in an open
the sound pressure levels of the masking sound system be
office is determined by measuring the A-weighted average
temporarily raised above the design level to provide the proper
sound level with a sound level meter or real t
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