ASTM E1574-98(2023)

Standard Test Method for Measurement of Sound in Residential Spaces

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This is an in situ method, that is, the measurements are made at the actual installation. The sound levels measured according to this test method should be representative for that installation and for the quantity of acoustical absorption actually, permanently present.  
5.2 The test method has the following limitations:  
5.2.1 The test method produces sound data which may be compared with applicable criteria or limits only if they are in terms of the quantities measured in this test method.  
5.2.2 The test method does not quantify certain subjective aspects of the sound environment that may be objectionable. These include pure tones, spectral content, and temporal distribution.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method provides guidance to the methodology used in the measurement of building interior sound levels.  
1.2 This test method describes procedures for measuring sound in enclosed residential spaces produced by built-in utilities and major appliances such as plumbing, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning systems, refrigerators, and dish washers. The measured values may then be used to assess compliance, design, or habitation suitability.  
1.3 This test method does not promulgate or recommend acoustical criteria.  
1.4 This test method is not intended for obtaining data to evaluate indoor environments for:  
1.4.1 Commercial activities such as studios, communication centers, hospitals, and auditoria, and  
1.4.2 Effects from exterior sources such as aircraft, railroad operations, motor vehicles, mining operation, weapons fire, etc.  
1.5 This test method is not intended for evaluating sound transmission loss, sound absorption coefficient, or any other acoustical aspects of the space or structure.  
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.8 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-Dec-2022
• ICS: 91.120.20 - Acoustics in building. Sound insulation
• Technical Committee: E33 - Building and Environmental Acoustics
• Drafting Committee: E33.08 - Mechanical and Electrical System Noise

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E177-14 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM C634-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Building and Environmental Acoustics
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2013
• Refers: ASTM E177-13 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM C634-11 - Standard Terminology Relating to Building and Environmental Acoustics
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2011
• Refers: ASTM E177-10 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM C634-10a - Standard Terminology Relating to Building and Environmental Acoustics
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2010
• Refers: ASTM C634-10 - Standard Terminology Relating to Building and Environmental Acoustics
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2010
• Refers: ASTM C634-09 - Standard Terminology Relating to Building and Environmental Acoustics
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2009
• Refers: ASTM E177-08 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM C634-08a - Standard Terminology Relating to Building and Environmental Acoustics
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2008
• Refers: ASTM C634-08 - Standard Terminology Relating to Building and Environmental Acoustics
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2008
• Refers: ASTM E177-06b - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2006
• Refers: ASTM E177-06a - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2006
• Refers: ASTM E177-04e1 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2004
• Refers: ASTM E177-06 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2004

Overview

ASTM E1574-98(2023): Standard Test Method for Measurement of Sound in Residential Spaces provides a systematic methodology for measuring and reporting sound levels inside residential environments. Developed by ASTM Committee E33 on Building and Environmental Acoustics, this standard applies to in situ measurements in actual residential installations, focusing primarily on utilities and major built-in appliances. The observations and test results produced by this method are designed to reflect real-world conditions in completed or inhabited residential spaces.

This standard guides users on proper measurement procedures, instrumentation requirements, and data reporting when evaluating the acoustic performance of sources such as plumbing, HVAC systems, refrigerators, and dishwashers. Emphasis is given to sound level measurements that are representative of the permanent acoustic absorption within the actual installation, offering valuable information for compliance assessment, design, and habitation suitability.

Key Topics

• In Situ Testing: All measurements are made within the finished or inhabited space, ensuring results correspond with actual sound conditions experienced by occupants.
• Sources of Interest: The standard focuses on internal noise sources such as plumbing, heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems, and household appliances.
• Measurement Procedures:
  • Identification of measurement spaces and locations within finished or inhabited rooms.
  • Distinction between steady sounds (constant sources, e.g., HVAC fans) and transient sounds (e.g., toilet flushing).
  • Recording of both background noise and source-specific noise for accurate data.
• Instrumentation:
  • Utilization of ANSI-compliant sound level meters, octave band filters, and acoustic calibrators.
  • Proper microphone placement and usage of windscreens in flowing air conditions.
• Limitations:
  • Exclusion of subjective sound quality parameters (e.g., tonal quality, temporal changes).
  • Not suitable for assessing commercial environments, exterior noise sources, or evaluating acoustic properties like sound transmission loss.

Applications

ASTM E1574-98(2023) supports a diverse range of stakeholders in residential noise assessment and acoustic testing:

• Architects and Engineers: Use this standard to verify that building designs meet the intended acoustic performance for residential projects.
• Building Inspectors and Compliance Officers: Evaluate noise emissions from built-in utilities and appliances to ensure conformance with relevant guidelines or contractual requirements.
• Manufacturers and Installers: Assess the impact of their products on residential sound levels, facilitating improvements in appliance and system design.
• Homeowners, Tenants, and Facility Managers: Identify specific sources of unwanted noise and support complaint investigations.
• Acoustic Consultants: Provide objective sound measurements that can inform recommendations for sound mitigation or improvements in residential environments.

The standard is specifically not intended for use in commercial, medical, or specialized acoustical environments, nor for measuring noise from external sources such as aircraft or traffic. The procedures focus strictly on internal sound sources and ambient conditions relevant to residential living spaces.

Related Standards

For comprehensive acoustic assessment and proper instrumentation in line with ASTM E1574-98(2023), the following related standards should be referenced:

• ASTM C634: Terminology Relating to Building and Environmental Acoustics
• ASTM E177: Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• ANSI S1.4: Specification for Sound Level Meters
• ANSI S1.11: Specification for Octave-Band and Fractional-Octave Analog and Digital Filters
• ANSI S1.40: Specification for Acoustical Calibrators

Employing these supporting standards ensures accurate, reproducible, and compliant measurement of sound within residential spaces.

---

Keywords: residential noise measurement, sound in homes, ASTM E1574-98, acoustic testing, building acoustics, noise from utilities, home sound assessment, in situ measurement, sound level meters, residential space acoustics

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: E1574 − 98 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Method for
Measurement of Sound in Residential Spaces
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1574; 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.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This test method provides guidance to the methodology 2.1 ASTM Standards:
used in the measurement of building interior sound levels. C634 Terminology Relating to Building and Environmental
Acoustics
1.2 This test method describes procedures for measuring
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
sound in enclosed residential spaces produced by built-in
ASTM Test Methods
utilities and major appliances such as plumbing, heating,
2.2 ANSI Standards:
ventilating, air-conditioning systems, refrigerators, and dish
S1.4 Specification for Sound Level Meters
washers. The measured values may then be used to assess
S1.11 Specification for Octave-Band and Fractional-Octave
compliance, design, or habitation suitability.
Analog and Digital Filters
1.3 This test method does not promulgate or recommend
S1.40 Specification for Acoustical Calibrators
acoustical criteria.
3. Terminology
1.4 This test method is not intended for obtaining data to
evaluate indoor environments for: 3.1 Definitions—For definitions of acoustical terms used in
this standard see Terminology C634.
1.4.1 Commercial activities such as studios, communication
centers, hospitals, and auditoria, and
3.2 Descriptions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.4.2 Effects from exterior sources such as aircraft, railroad
3.2.1 background noise—to include sound propagating to
operations, motor vehicles, mining operation, weapons fire,
the measurement space from sources which are not under
etc.
control of the proprietor or occupant of the measurement space.
See Terminology C634.
1.5 This test method is not intended for evaluating sound
3.2.1.1 Discussion—Examples include external utilities,
transmission loss, sound absorption coefficient, or any other
traffic, and activity in adjacent residences.
acoustical aspects of the space or structure.
3.2.2 highest transient sound—a sound characterized by a
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
brief excursion of pressure level which exceeds the ambient or
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
steady sound.
standard.
3.2.2.1 Discussion—The transient sound may be accompa-
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
nied by steady sound; for example, flushing of toilets or
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
furnace start-up. The highest transient sound is the maximum
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
excursion of the sound product by the source of interest during
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
the source on-off cycle.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.2.3 measurement space—residential spaces with a defined
1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
boundary, usually a room or hallway, in which acoustical data
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
are to be acquired. Although the space may have a defined
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
boundary, it does not have to be an enclosing boundary.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.2.3.1 Discussion—For example; an L-shaped living room/
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
dining room would be considered two spaces—living room and
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
dining room.
1 2
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E33 on Building For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
and Environmental Acoustics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
E33.08 on Mechanical and Electrical System Noise. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2023. Published February 2023. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as E1574 – 98 (2014). Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
DOI: 10.1520/E1574-98R23. 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
E1574 − 98 (2023)
unfinished basements, and hallways.
3.2.4 source of interest—a source which is part of the
residence and which propagates sound into the measurement
6.2 For new construction, the measurements shall be made
space.
with the space configured in the completed, but unfurnished,
3.2.4.1 Discussion—Typical sources of interest are built-in
state.
utilities such as plumbing, heating, ventilating, air-
6.3 For currently inhabited spaces, the measurements shall
conditioning systems, and major appliances.
be made as furnished.
3.2.5 source sound—the sound pressure level at a point
6.4 Absorptive material shall not be added to the space
produced solely by the source of interest.
solely for the purpose of influencing the measurements.
3.2.6 steady sound—a sound whose pressure level remains
substantially constant during the period of observation when
7. Measurement Location
measured with the slow setting on the sound level meter.
7.1 The microphone height shall be between 1.1 and 1.3 m
3.2.6.1 Discussion—Examples are a forced air blower and a
above the floor, the approximate average of the sleeping,
water pump.
standing, and seated ear heights of an individual.
4. Summary of Test Method
7.2 The microphone shall be located no closer than 1 m to
any wall or other extended surface, except in spaces narrower
4.1 This test method is a procedure for quantifying the
than 2 m where the measurement shall be at a location
sound from sources identified as the cause or potential cause of
equidistant from the closest opposing walls. If the source of
noise complaints in residential spaces.
interest (built-in utility or appliance) protrudes from the
4.2 The sound generated by the source of interest may be
extended surface, the measurement shall not be made closer
steady, transient, or a mixture of the two. For each source of
than 1 m from the source.
interest the steady sound and the highest transient sound are
7.3 The reported measurement shall be made at the location
measured.
within each measurement space that meets the above require-
4.2.1 Steady Sound—The measurement space is surveyed
ment and produces the highest sound level during the survey.
and the point at which the highest utilities-generated
A-weighted, slow response sound level occurs is located (see 7.4 The measurements shall be made with the minimum
9.1). The octave band and A-weighted sound levels at this point
number of people in the measurement space. Personnel shall
are measured and reported. not occupy the direct line of sight between the source of
4.2.2 Highest Transient Sound—The highest utilities-
interest and the sound level meter.
generated A-weighted, fast response sound level is measured at
8. Instrumentation
the center of each measurement space and reported.
4.2.3 These procedures are repeated in all measurement
8.1 The sound measurement system shall meet the require-
spaces and for all sources, or combination of sources, of
ments of ANSI S1.4 for Type 1 sound level meters.
interest.
8.2 Octave band or fractional band filters shall meet the
requirement of ANSI S1.11, Type 2, Order 3, or higher. If
5. Significance and Use
16 000 Hz measurements are to be made, a Type 1 filter must
5.1 This is an in situ method, that is, the measurements are
be used.
made at the actual installation. The sound levels measured
8.3 Acoustic calibrators shall meet the requirements of
according to this test method should be representative for that
ANSI S1.40.
installation and for the quantity of acoustical absorption
actually, permanently present.
8.4 If measurements are to be made in a stream of moving
air such as generated by a forced air heating system or air
5.2 The test method has the following limitations:
conditioner, place a windscreen over the microphone. The
5.2.1 The test method produces sound data which may be
motion of air over the microphone of the sound level meter can
compared with applicable criteria or limits only if they are in
cause local air turbulence noise at the microphone. The meter
terms of the quantities measured in this test method.
will respond to this turbulence noise and produce an erroneous
5.2.2 The test method does not quantify certain subjective
reading. Placing a windscreen over the microphone will reduce
aspects of the sound environment that may be objectionable.
this local turbulence.
These include pure tones, spectral content, and temporal
distribution.
NOTE 2—A windscreen having a diameter of at least 7 cm is recom-
mended.
6. Measurement Space
9. Measurement Procedures
6.1 The measurement space shall be any space, individual
9.1 Determining the Location of Sound Level Maximum—
room, or enclosed portions of the residential space that are
Survey each measurement space of interest to find the location
intended to be occupied by people.
of the maximum A-weighted, slow response sound le
...