ASTM E413-22
(Classification)Classification for Rating Sound Insulation
Classification for Rating Sound Insulation
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 These single-number ratings correlate in a general way with subjective impressions of sound transmission for speech, radio, television, and similar sources of noise in offices and buildings. This classification method is not appropriate for sound sources with spectra significantly different from those sources listed above. Such sources include machinery, industrial processes, bowling allies, power transformers, musical instruments, many music systems, and transportation noises such as motor vehicles, aircraft and trains. For these sources, accurate assessment of sound transmission requires a detailed analysis in frequency bands. A single-number sound transmission rating for building façade elements is given in Classification E1332.
4.2 The single-number ratings obtained can be used to compare the potential sound insulation of partitions or floors tested in laboratory conditions (STC) or the actual sound isolation between different suites in buildings (NNIC, NIC). The rating for a partition built and tested in a building may be lower than that obtained for a partition tested in a laboratory because of flanking transmission or construction errors.
Note 1: A similar rating procedure, described in ISO 717-1:2020, provides single figure sound insulation ratings with a frequency range that extends from 100 to 3150 Hz with no maximum deficiency specified at individual frequencies. For most partitions, the two ratings differ by only one or two points.
SCOPE
1.1 This classification covers methods of calculating single-number acoustical ratings for laboratory and field measurements of sound attenuation obtained in one-third octave bands.
1.2 The name given to the single-number rating is assigned by the test method that invokes this classification.
1.3 Test methods that invoke this classification include:
1.3.1 Test Method E90—The single-number rating is called sound transmission class (STC).
1.3.2 Test Method E336—Single number ratings are noise isolation class (NIC), normalized noise isolation class (NNIC), and apparent sound transmission class (ASTC).
1.3.3 Test Method E596—The single-number rating is called noise isolation class (NIC).
1.3.4 Test Method E1414—The single-number rating is called ceiling attenuation class (CAC).
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Mar-2022
- Technical Committee
- E33 - Building and Environmental Acoustics
- Drafting Committee
- E33.03 - Sound Transmission
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2019
- Effective Date
- 15-Nov-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2015
- Effective Date
- 15-Apr-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2010
Overview
ASTM E413-22, Classification for Rating Sound Insulation, establishes standardized methods for calculating single-number acoustical ratings based on laboratory and field measurements of sound attenuation. The standard quantifies how well building partitions, floors, and ceiling systems control the transmission of airborne sound, offering a practical basis for comparing construction elements used in architectural acoustics, office design, and building construction. The single-number ratings produced by this standard closely correlate with subjective impressions of noise attenuation for common sources such as speech, radio, and television.
Key Topics
Single-Number Ratings: ASTM E413-22 provides the procedure for converting detailed sound transmission measurements into single-number ratings for simplicity and comparison. These ratings are essential for assessing the acoustical performance of partitions and floors.
Applicable Noise Sources: The method is specifically appropriate for sources typical to offices and buildings, including:
- Speech
- Radio
- Television
Limitations: It is not suitable for noise with substantially different frequency characteristics, such as machinery, industrial operations, musical instruments, and transportation (vehicles, aircraft, trains). Such cases require frequency-band analysis.
Test Methods: Multiple ASTM test methods invoke this standard’s classification system, including:
- E90: Laboratory measurement of airborne sound transmission loss (sound transmission class - STC)
- E336, E596: Measurement of airborne sound attenuation between rooms (noise isolation class - NIC, normalized noise isolation class - NNIC, apparent sound transmission class - ASTC)
- E1414: Ceiling attenuation class (CAC)
SI Units: All results and procedures are stated exclusively in SI units, ensuring consistency and international applicability.
Applications
Building Design and Construction: ASTM E413-22 is crucial in specifying and evaluating the acoustical performance of walls, floors, and ceilings during the design phase or post-construction assessment of offices, multi-family dwellings, hotels, and other noise-sensitive environments.
- Ensures compliance with building codes and architectural acoustics requirements
- Facilitates communication of performance criteria between manufacturers, designers, and builders
Product Development and Selection: Allows manufacturers of construction materials to objectively rate and market the sound insulation properties of their products.
Quality Assurance: Used by inspectors and consultants to verify the installed performance of partition systems, identifying potential issues such as flanking paths or construction errors that might degrade sound insulation.
Acoustic Upgrades and Renovations: Informs decisions for retrofitting existing spaces to meet updated standards for noise control and occupant comfort.
Related Standards
- ASTM E90: Laboratory Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions and Elements
- ASTM E336: Measurement of Airborne Sound Attenuation between Rooms in Buildings
- ASTM E596: Laboratory Measurement of Noise Reduction of Sound-Isolating Enclosures
- ASTM E1332: Classification for Rating Outdoor-Indoor Sound Attenuation
- ASTM E1414: Airborne Sound Attenuation Between Rooms Sharing a Common Ceiling Plenum
- ISO 717-1:2020: Rating of Sound Insulation in Buildings and Building Elements - Part 1: Airborne Sound Insulation
ASTM E413-22 provides a standardized and internationally recognized approach to rating sound insulation, supporting designers, manufacturers, and inspectors in achieving effective noise control and enhancing building occupant satisfaction. By referencing and integrating with related ASTM and ISO standards, it assures harmonized and reliable acoustical ratings across projects globally.
Get Certified
Connect with accredited certification bodies for this standard
ICC Evaluation Service
Building products evaluation and certification.
QAI Laboratories
Building and construction product testing and certification.
Aboma Certification B.V.
Specialized in construction, metal, and transport sectors.
Sponsored listings
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM E413-22 is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Classification for Rating Sound Insulation". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 These single-number ratings correlate in a general way with subjective impressions of sound transmission for speech, radio, television, and similar sources of noise in offices and buildings. This classification method is not appropriate for sound sources with spectra significantly different from those sources listed above. Such sources include machinery, industrial processes, bowling allies, power transformers, musical instruments, many music systems, and transportation noises such as motor vehicles, aircraft and trains. For these sources, accurate assessment of sound transmission requires a detailed analysis in frequency bands. A single-number sound transmission rating for building façade elements is given in Classification E1332. 4.2 The single-number ratings obtained can be used to compare the potential sound insulation of partitions or floors tested in laboratory conditions (STC) or the actual sound isolation between different suites in buildings (NNIC, NIC). The rating for a partition built and tested in a building may be lower than that obtained for a partition tested in a laboratory because of flanking transmission or construction errors. Note 1: A similar rating procedure, described in ISO 717-1:2020, provides single figure sound insulation ratings with a frequency range that extends from 100 to 3150 Hz with no maximum deficiency specified at individual frequencies. For most partitions, the two ratings differ by only one or two points. SCOPE 1.1 This classification covers methods of calculating single-number acoustical ratings for laboratory and field measurements of sound attenuation obtained in one-third octave bands. 1.2 The name given to the single-number rating is assigned by the test method that invokes this classification. 1.3 Test methods that invoke this classification include: 1.3.1 Test Method E90—The single-number rating is called sound transmission class (STC). 1.3.2 Test Method E336—Single number ratings are noise isolation class (NIC), normalized noise isolation class (NNIC), and apparent sound transmission class (ASTC). 1.3.3 Test Method E596—The single-number rating is called noise isolation class (NIC). 1.3.4 Test Method E1414—The single-number rating is called ceiling attenuation class (CAC). 1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 These single-number ratings correlate in a general way with subjective impressions of sound transmission for speech, radio, television, and similar sources of noise in offices and buildings. This classification method is not appropriate for sound sources with spectra significantly different from those sources listed above. Such sources include machinery, industrial processes, bowling allies, power transformers, musical instruments, many music systems, and transportation noises such as motor vehicles, aircraft and trains. For these sources, accurate assessment of sound transmission requires a detailed analysis in frequency bands. A single-number sound transmission rating for building façade elements is given in Classification E1332. 4.2 The single-number ratings obtained can be used to compare the potential sound insulation of partitions or floors tested in laboratory conditions (STC) or the actual sound isolation between different suites in buildings (NNIC, NIC). The rating for a partition built and tested in a building may be lower than that obtained for a partition tested in a laboratory because of flanking transmission or construction errors. Note 1: A similar rating procedure, described in ISO 717-1:2020, provides single figure sound insulation ratings with a frequency range that extends from 100 to 3150 Hz with no maximum deficiency specified at individual frequencies. For most partitions, the two ratings differ by only one or two points. SCOPE 1.1 This classification covers methods of calculating single-number acoustical ratings for laboratory and field measurements of sound attenuation obtained in one-third octave bands. 1.2 The name given to the single-number rating is assigned by the test method that invokes this classification. 1.3 Test methods that invoke this classification include: 1.3.1 Test Method E90—The single-number rating is called sound transmission class (STC). 1.3.2 Test Method E336—Single number ratings are noise isolation class (NIC), normalized noise isolation class (NNIC), and apparent sound transmission class (ASTC). 1.3.3 Test Method E596—The single-number rating is called noise isolation class (NIC). 1.3.4 Test Method E1414—The single-number rating is called ceiling attenuation class (CAC). 1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM E413-22 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.120.20 - Acoustics in building. Sound insulation. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM E413-22 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E90-23, ASTM E336-19a, ASTM E336-19, ASTM E336-17a, ASTM E336-17, ASTM E90-09(2016), ASTM E336-16a, ASTM E336-16, ASTM E336-15, ASTM E336-14, ASTM C634-13, ASTM C634-11, ASTM E336-11, ASTM C634-10a, ASTM E336-10. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM E413-22 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E413 −22
Classification for
Rating Sound Insulation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E413; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions and
Elements
1.1 This classification covers methods of calculating single-
E336 Test Method for Measurement of Airborne Sound
number acoustical ratings for laboratory and field measure-
Attenuation between Rooms in Buildings
ments of sound attenuation obtained in one-third octave bands.
E596 Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Noise
1.2 The name given to the single-number rating is assigned
Reduction of Sound-Isolating Enclosures
by the test method that invokes this classification.
E1332 Classification for Rating Outdoor-Indoor Sound At-
tenuation
1.3 Test methods that invoke this classification include:
1.3.1 Test Method E90—The single-number rating is called E1414 Test Method for Airborne Sound Attenuation Be-
tween Rooms Sharing a Common Ceiling Plenum
sound transmission class (STC).
1.3.2 Test Method E336—Single number ratings are noise
2.2 ISO Standard:
isolation class (NIC), normalized noise isolation class (NNIC),
ISO 717-1:2020 Acoustics — Rating of sound insulation in
and apparent sound transmission class (ASTC).
buildings and of building elements — Part 1: Airborne
1.3.3 TestMethodE596—Thesingle-numberratingiscalled
sound insulation
noise isolation class (NIC).
3. Terminology
1.3.4 Test Method E1414—The single-number rating is
called ceiling attenuation class (CAC).
3.1 The following terms used in this classification are
defined in Terminology C634:
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
airborne sound,
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
field sound transmission class,
standard.
level,
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
noise isolation class,
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
noise reduction,
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
normalized noise isolation class,
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
one-third octave band,
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
sound insulation,
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
sound isolation, and
sound transmission loss.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4. Significance and Use
C634 Terminology Relating to Building and Environmental
4.1 These single-number ratings correlate in a general way
Acoustics
with subjective impressions of sound transmission for speech,
E90 Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Airborne
radio, television, and similar sources of noise in offices and
buildings. This classification method is not appropriate for
sound sources with spectra significantly different from those
This classification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E33 on
sources listed above. Such sources include machinery, indus-
Building and Environmental Acoustics and is the direct responsibility of Subcom-
mittee E33.03 on Sound Transmission. trial processes, bowling allies, power transformers, musical
Current edition approved April 1, 2022. Published April 2022. Originally
instruments, many music systems, and transportation noises
approved in 1970. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as E413 – 16. DOI:
such as motor vehicles, aircraft and trains. For these sources,
10.1520/E0413-22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
the ASTM website. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E413 − 22
accurate assessment of sound transmission requires a detailed 5.3 Fit the reference contour to the data by increasing
analysis in frequency bands. A single-number sound transmis- simultaneously all the values in Table 1 in 1-dB increments
sion rating for building façade elements is given in Classifica- until some of the data are less than the shifted reference
tion E1332. contour.
5.4 At each frequency calculate the difference between the
4.2 The
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E413 − 16 E413 − 22
Classification for
Rating Sound Insulation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E413; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope
1.1 This classification covers methods of calculating single-number acoustical ratings for laboratory and field measurements of
sound attenuation obtained in one-third octave bands.
1.2 The name given to the single-number rating is assigned by the test method that invokes this classification.
1.3 Test methods that invoke this classification include:
1.3.1 Test Method E90—The single-number rating is called sound transmission class (STC).
1.3.2 Test Method E336—Single number ratings are noise isolation class (NIC), normalized noise isolation class (NNIC), and
apparent sound transmission class (ASTC), and field sound transmission class (FSTC).(ASTC).
1.3.3 Test Method E596—The single-number rating is called noise isolation class (NIC).
1.3.4 Test Method E1414—The single-number rating is called ceiling attenuation class (CAC).
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C634 Terminology Relating to Building and Environmental Acoustics
E90 Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions and Elements
E336 Test Method for Measurement of Airborne Sound Attenuation between Rooms in Buildings
E596 Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Noise Reduction of Sound-Isolating Enclosures
E1332 Classification for Rating Outdoor-Indoor Sound Attenuation
E1414 Test Method for Airborne Sound Attenuation Between Rooms Sharing a Common Ceiling Plenum
This classification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E33 on Building and Environmental Acoustics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E33.03
on Sound Transmission.
Current edition approved April 1, 2016April 1, 2022. Published April 2016April 2022. Originally approved in 1970. Last previous edition approved in 20102016 as
E413 – 10.E413 – 16. DOI: 10.1520/E0413-16.10.1520/E0413-22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E413 − 22
2.2 ISO Standard:
ISO 717717-1:2020 Rating of Sound Insulation for DwellingsAcoustics — Rating of sound insulation in buildings and of
building elements — Part 1: Airborne sound insulation
3. Terminology
3.1 The following terms used in this classification are defined in Terminology C634:
airborne sound,
field sound transmission class,
level,
noise isolation class,
noise reduction,
normalized noise isolation class,
one-third octave band,
sound insulation,
sound isolation, and
sound transmission loss.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 These single-number ratings correlate in a general way with subjective impressions of sound transmission for speech, radio,
television, and similar sources of noise in offices and buildings. This classification method is not appropriate for sound sources with
spectra significantly different from those sources listed above. Such sources include machinery, industrial processes, bowling allies,
power transformers, musical instruments, many music systems, and transportation noises such as motor vehicles, aircraft and
trains. For these sources, accurate assessment of sound transmission requires a detailed analysis in frequency bands. A
single-number sound transmission rating for building façade elements is given in Classification E1332.
4.2 The single-number ratings obtained can be used to compare the potential sound insulation of partitions or floors tested in
laboratory conditions (STC) or the actual sound isolation between different suites in buildings (NNIC, NIC). The rating for a
partition built and tested in a building may be lower than that obtained for a partition tested in a laboratory because of flanking
transmission or construction errors.
NOTE 1—A similar ratin
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.
Loading comments...