Standard Test Method for Evaluating Masking Sound in Open Offices Using A-Weighted and One-Third Octave Band Sound Pressure Levels

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. This test method is one of two standards that can be used to evaluate masking sound; the other is Guide E1041. Guide E1041 is used when a more in-depth evaluation of the masking sound is required. It does not allow the use of A-weighted sound levels and requires that more locations in the office space be surveyed to determine spatial and temporal uniformity. Guide E1041 can be used in place of this test method.
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.

General Information

Status
Historical
Publication Date
09-Jul-1998
Current Stage
Ref Project

Relations

Buy Standard

Standard
ASTM E1573-93(1998) - Standard Test Method for Evaluating Masking Sound in Open Offices Using A-Weighted and One-Third Octave Band Sound Pressure Levels
English language
3 pages
sale 15% off
Preview
sale 15% off
Preview

Standards Content (Sample)


NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: E 1573 – 93 (Reapproved 1998)
Standard Test Method for
Evaluating Masking Sound in Open Offices Using
A-Weighted and One-Third Octave Band Sound Pressure
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 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This test method specifies the procedures that can be 2.1 ASTM Standards:
used to evaluate the spatial and temporal uniformity of C 634 Terminology Relating to Environmental Acoustics
masking sound in open offices using A-weighted sound levels. E 1041 Guide for Measurement of Masking Sound in Open
It also specifies the procedure for evaluating the masking sound Offices
spectrum and level using one-third octave band sound pressure E 1374 Guide for Open Office Acoustics and Applicable
levels. This test method is one of two standards that can be Standards
used to evaluate masking sound; the other is Guide E 1041. 2.2 ANSI Standards:
Guide E 1041 is used when a more in-depth evaluation of the S1.11 Specification for Octave-Band and Fractional-Octave
masking sound is required. It does not allow the use of Band Analog and Digital Filters
A-weighted sound levels and requires that more locations in S1.4 Specification for Sound Level Meters
the office space be surveyed to determine spatial and temporal
3. Terminology
uniformity. Guide E 1041 can be used in place of this test
method. 3.1 Definitions—The acoustical terminology used in this
test method is consistent with the definitions in Terminology
1.2 The results of this test method can be used to determine
if the masking sound meets a particular specification for spatial C 634.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
and temporal uniformity if that specification is written in terms
of A-weighted sound levels and if the masking sound meets a 3.2.1 masking sound—sound within an office that reduces
the intelligibility of intruding speech and the distraction from
particular spectrum shape and level in the office area.
1.3 This test method must not be used to evaluate the activity noise. Masking sound may be produced by a masking
sound system, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning
acoustical environment in an office space. It is intended only to
evaluate the masking sound in an office. This test method, for (HVAC) sources, or other sources.
3.2.2 masking sound system—the electronic equipment and
instance, does not evaluate the low frequency rumble noise
found in some offices. loudspeakers used to generate, distribute, and produce masking
sound throughout an office space.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.2.3 spatial uniformity—a condition where the sound pres-
sure levels throughout a defined space do not vary significantly
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- from the arithmetic mean sound pressure level. The amount of
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. allowable variation is specified by others such as a consultant,
designer, or owner.
3.2.4 temporal uniformity—at a given position, a condition
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E-33 on
Environmental Acoustics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E33.02 on
Open Plan Spaces. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.06.
Current edition approved Sept. 15, 1993. Published November 1993. Originally Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd St., 13th
published as E1573–93. Last previous edition E-1573–93. Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
E 1573
where the average sound pressure level measured over a short 7.2 If the intent is to evaluate the performance of the
time interval does not differ significantly from the average combination of sounds from the masking sound system, sound
sound pressure level measured over a long time interval. The sources associated with the HVAC system and other equip-
amount of allowable variation is specified by others such as a ment, then the test procedures shall be carried out with the
consultant, designer, or owner. masking sound system adjusted as intended to be used in the
occupied space. The HVAC system should be operated at its
4. Summary of Test Method
noisiest and quietest settings or conditions.
4.1 The spatial uniformity of the masking sound in an open 7.3 If the intent is to evaluate the performance of the
office is determined by measuring the A-weighted average
masking sound system alone, then the background sound
sound level with a sound level meter or real time analyzer at pressure levels shall be at least 10 dB lower than the sound
several locations and comparing these values to the arithmetic
pressure levels of the masking sound signal. For the measure-
mean sound level or to a specified level. The temporal ment of temporal or spatial uniformity, this may require that
uniformity of the masking sound is determined by measuring
the sound pressure levels of the masking sound system be
the A-weighted sound levels over an extended period of time at temporarily raised above the design level to provide the proper
one or more locations. The masking sound spectrum and level
signal to noise ratio. Care should be taken not to overdrive the
is determined by measuring the one-third octave band sound masking sound system, which may cause distortion.
pressure levels at one or more locations.
7.4 If the intent is to evaluate the performance of the
masking sound generated only by the HVAC system and other
5. Significance and Use
building sources, the HVAC system and other sound sources
5.1 Speech privacy in an open office is dependent on many
shall be operated at their noisiest and quietest settings or
factors (see Guide E 1374 for a discussion on open office
conditions.
acoustical considerations). One of these factors is the masking
8. Test Instrumentation
sound in the office. Without masking sound in the open office,
confidential speech privacy is not possible at normal voice
8.1 A sound level meter or analyzer shall be used that
levels. The four critical acoustical parameters of masking
conforms to, or is better than, ANSI S1.4 for a Type 1 meter
sound are its spatial uniformity, temporal uniformity, spectrum
that has one-third octave band filters.
shape, and level. The measurement and determination of these
8.1.1 The overall frequency response of the filters for each
parameters are addressed in this test method.
test band shall conform to ANSI S1.11 for Order 3 or higher,
5.2 The results from this test method can be used to
Type 1 or better.
determine if the masking sound meets a particular specifica-
8.2 Test data may be acquired on-site or tape recorded for
tion.
later analysis. The tape recorder shall have a frequency
5.3 For a more in-depth evaluation of the masking sound in
response of 61 dB from 80 to 10 000 Hz.
terms of one-third octave band data for spatial and temporal
8.3 A microphone with a frequency response of 62 dB from
uniformity, and a greater number of measurement locations in
80 to 10 000 Hz shall be used. The microphone shall be
an open office, the procedures specified in Guide E 1041
oriented with respect to the ceiling in the office per the
should be used.
manufacturer’s recommendation for the type of microphone
being used.
6. Test Space
8.3.1 The microphone position(s) should be at ear-height for
6.1 The test space shall include the entire office area served
the average seated person which is 1.2 m (4 ft) above the floor.
by the masking system, or as otherwise specified.
8.3.2 The microphone position(s) should
...

Questions, Comments and Discussion

Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.