SIST-TP CEN/TR 15226:2006

Building products - Treatment of acoustics in product technical specifications

This document specifies the technical requirements relating to acoustics for a product standard, European Technical Approval Guidelines (ETAG) or European Technical Approval (ETA) for a specific building product or equipment, or a family of building products or equipment. In particular, it gives advice on how to write requirements in response to the mandated characteristics on acoustics under the Construction Products Directive.
NOTE 1   In the remainder of this document, the terms used relate to CEN and product standards. The concepts are, however, equally applicable to the European Organisation for Technical Approvals (EOTA).
The purpose of this document is to assist the product Technical Committees in preparing acoustic clauses to ensure that such product standards:
- are as homogeneous as possible, with each individual product standard having the same basic structure;
- are in full accordance with the standards for the measurement of acoustic properties;
- reflect the latest technical knowledge of methods of determining the acoustical properties from the specific family of building products or equipment under consideration.
NOTE 2   Clause 2 lists the European and International Standards to be used in the drafting of acoustic provisions standard. Annex A contains an outline of a typical acoustic product standard summarizing the information that is required. Annex B contains guidance on choosing appropriate properties. Annex C describes the relevant measured acoustic properties for common products.

Bauprodukte - Behandlung der Akustik in technischen Produktspezifikationen

Gradbeni proizvodi - Podajanje akustičnih lastnosti v tehničnih specifikacijah proizvodov

General Information

• Status: Withdrawn
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2006
• Withdrawal Date: 19-Oct-2025
• ICS: 01.110 - Technical product documentation
• ICS: 91.120.20 - Acoustics in building. Sound insulation
• Technical Committee: AKU - Acoustics
• Current Stage: 9900 - Withdrawal (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 20-Oct-2025
• Due Date: 12-Nov-2025
• Completion Date: 20-Oct-2025
• Ref Project: CEN/TR 15226:2006 - Building products - Treatment of acoustics in product technical specifications

Relations

• Replaced By: SIST-TP CEN/TR 15226:2025 - Building products - Treatment of acoustics in product technical specifications
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2025

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-julij-2006
*UDGEHQLSURL]YRGL3RGDMDQMHDNXVWLþQLKODVWQRVWLYWHKQLþQLKVSHFLILNDFLMDK
SURL]YRGRY
Building products - Treatment of acoustics in product technical specifications
Bauprodukte - Behandlung der Akustik in technischen Produktspezifikationen
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: CEN/TR 15226:2006
ICS:
01.110 7HKQLþQDGRNXPHQWDFLMD]D Technical product
L]GHONH documentation
91.120.20 $NXVWLNDYVWDYEDK=YRþQD Acoustics in building. Sound
L]RODFLMD insulation
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

TECHNICAL REPORT
CEN/TR 15226
RAPPORT TECHNIQUE
TECHNISCHER BERICHT
March 2006
ICS 03.120.10; 11.020
English Version
Building products - Treatment of acoustics in product technical
specifications
Bauprodukte - Behandlung der Akustik in technischen
Produktspezifikationen
This Technical Report was approved by CEN on 22 October 2005. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee CEN/TC 126.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36  B-1050 Brussels
© 2006 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. CEN/TR 15226:2006: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
Foreword.3
1 Scope .4
2 Normative references .4
3 Terms and definitions .5
4 Requirements for the contents of a product standard .14
5 Extension rules for the declaration of acoustic properties.20
Annex A (informative) Items to be covered in a product standard .24
Annex B (informative) Choosing appropriate properties .25
Annex C (normative) Relevant measured acoustic properties for some common products .27
Annex D (informative) Examples of rules for direct and extended application of test results.33
Bibliography .34

Foreword
This Technical Report (CEN/TR 15226:2006) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 126
“Acoustic properties of building products and of buildings”, the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
In addition to using this document, it is recommended that product Technical Committees contact
CEN/TC 126 for advice on acoustic issues relating to the treatment of acoustics in technical specifications.
1 Scope
This document specifies the technical requirements relating to acoustics for a product standard, European
Technical Approval Guidelines (ETAG) or European Technical Approval (ETA) for a specific building product
or equipment, or a family of building products or equipment. In particular, it gives advice on how to write
requirements in response to the mandated characteristics on acoustics under the Construction Products
Directive.
NOTE 1 In the remainder of this document, the terms used relate to CEN and product standards. The concepts are,
however, equally applicable to the European Organisation for Technical Approvals (EOTA).
The purpose of this document is to assist the product Technical Committees in preparing acoustic clauses to
ensure that such product standards:
 are as homogeneous as possible, with each individual product standard having the same basic structure;
 are in full accordance with the standards for the measurement of acoustic properties;
 reflect the latest technical knowledge of methods of determining the acoustical properties from the
specific family of building products or equipment under consideration.
NOTE 2 Clause 2 lists the European and International Standards to be used in the drafting of acoustic provisions
standard. Annex A contains an outline of a typical acoustic product standard summarizing the information that is required.
Annex B contains guidance on choosing appropriate properties. Annex C describes the relevant measured acoustic
properties for common products.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
2.1 Standards for the measurement of acoustic properties
EN 20140-9, Acoustics – Measurement of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements – Part 9:
Laboratory measurements of room-to-room airborne sound insulation of a suspended ceiling with a plenum
above it (ISO 140-9:1985)
EN 29052-1, Acoustics – Determination of dynamic stiffness – Part 1: Materials used under floating floors in
dwellings (ISO 9052-1:1989)
EN 29053, Acoustics – Materials for acoustical applications – Determination of airflow resistance
(ISO 9053:1991)
EN ISO 140-3, Acoustics – Measurement of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements – Part 3:
Laboratory measurements of airborne sound insulation of building elements (ISO 140-3:1995)
EN ISO 140-6, Acoustics – Measurement of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements – Part 6:
Laboratory measurements of impact sound insulation of floors (ISO 140-6:1998)
EN ISO 140-8, Acoustics – Measurement of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements – Part 8:
Laboratory measurements of the reduction of transmitted impact noise by floor coverings on a heavyweight
standard floor (ISO 140-8:1997)
EN ISO 140-12, Acoustics – Measurement of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements – Part 12:
Laboratory measurements of room-to-room airborne and impact sound insulation of an access floor
(ISO 140-12:2000)
EN ISO 354, Acoustics – Measurement of sound absorption in a reverberation room (ISO 354:2003)
EN ISO 717-1, Acoustics – Rating the sound insulation in buildings and of building elements – Part 1: Airborne
sound insulation (ISO 717-1:1996)
EN ISO 717-2, Acoustics – Rating the sound insulation in buildings and of building elements – Part 2: Impact
sound insulation (ISO 717-2:1996)
EN ISO 11654, Acoustics – Sound absorbers for use in buildings – Rating of sound absorption
(ISO 11654:1997)
EN ISO 15186-1, Acoustics – Measurement of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements using
sound intensity – Part 1: Laboratory measurements (ISO 15186-1:2000)
ISO 15186-3, Acoustics – Measurement of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements using sound
intensity – Part 3: Laboratory measurements at low frequencies
ISO/PAS 16940, Glass in building – Glazing and airborne sound insulation – Measurement of the mechanical
impedance of laminated glass
2.2 Standards for the estimation of acoustic properties
EN 12354-1, Building Acoustics – Estimation of acoustic performance of buildings from the performance of
elements – Part 1: Airborne sound insulation between rooms
EN 12354-2:2000, Building Acoustics – Estimation of acoustic performance of buildings from the performance
of elements – Part 2: Impact sound insulation between rooms
EN 12354-6:2003, Building acoustics – Estimation of acoustic performance of buildings from the performance
of elements – Part 6: Sound absorption in enclosed spaces
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in the standards listed in Clause 2 and the
following apply.
3.1
general
3.1.1
equivalent continuous sound pressure level, L (dB)
eq,T
value of the sound pressure level in decibels of a continuous, steady sound, that within a specified time
interval, T, has the same mean squared sound pressure as the sound under consideration that varies with
time
3.1.2
octave band
band of frequencies in which the upper limit of the band is twice the frequency of the lower limit
3.1.3
one third octave band
1/3
band of frequencies in which the upper limit of the band is 2 times the frequency of the lower limit
3.2
airborne sound insulation
3.2.1
sound reduction index, R (dB)
ten times the common logarithm of the ratio of the sound power W which is incident on a partition under test
to the sound power W transmitted through the specimen, in a stated frequency band {laboratory
measurement}
3.2.2
sound reduction improvement index, ∆∆∆∆R (dB)
improvement in the sound reduction index due to a lining (e.g. wall lining, floating floor, ceiling etc) {laboratory
measurement}
3.2.3
apparent sound reduction index, R’ (dB)
ten times the common logarithm of the ratio of the sound power W which is incident on a partition under test
to the total sound power transmitted into the receiving room, if in addition to the sound power W transmitted
through the separating element, the sound power W transmitted through flanking elements or by other
components is significant, in a stated frequency band {field measurement}
3.2.4
intensity sound reduction index, R (dB)
I
laboratory measurement of the sound reduction index using sound intensity measurements in a stated
frequency band {laboratory measurement}
3.2.5
level difference, D (dB)
difference in the space and time average sound pressure levels produced in two rooms by one or more sound
source in one of them in a stated frequency band
3.2.6
normalized level difference, D (dB)
n
level difference corresponding to the reference absorption area in the receiving room in a stated frequency
band {field measurement}
3.2.7
element-normalized level difference, D (dB)
n,e
level difference corresponding to the reference absorption area in the receiving room in a stated frequency
band for a small building element {laboratory measurement}
3.2.8
standardized level difference, D (dB)
nT
level difference in a stated frequency band, normalized to a reverberation time of 0,5 s {field measurement}
3.2.9
suspended-ceiling normalized level difference D (dB)
n,c
level difference corresponding to the reference absorption area in the receiving room in a stated frequency
band for sound transmission via a suspended ceiling {laboratory measurement}
3.3
rating of airborne sound insulation

3.3.1
C (dB)
spectrum adaptation term to be added to the single-number quantity to take account of spectrum No.1 as
defined in EN ISO 717-1
3.3.2
C (dB)
tr
spectrum adaptation term to be added to the single-number quantity to take account of spectrum No.2 as
defined in EN ISO 717-1
3.3.3
weighted sound reduction index, R (dB)
w
single-number quantity that characterizes the airborne sound insulation of a product or building element
{laboratory measurement}
3.3.4
weighted sound reduction improvement index, ∆∆∆∆R (dB)
w
single-number quantity that characterizes the improvement in the sound reduction index {laboratory
measurement}
3.3.5
weighted intensity sound reduction index, R (dB)
I,w
single-number quantity that characterizes the airborne sound insulation of a product or building element over a
range of frequencies using an intensity technique {laboratory measurement}
3.3.6
weighted apparent sound reduction index, R' (dB)
w
single-number quantity that characterizes the airborne sound insulation between rooms in a building {field
measurement}
3.3.7
weighted element-normalized level difference, D (dB)
n,e,w
single-number quantity that characterizes the airborne sound insulation of a small building element over a
range of frequencies {laboratory measurement}
3.3.8
weighted standardized level difference, D (dB)
nT,w
single-number quantity that characterizes the airborne sound insulation between rooms in a building {field
measurement}
3.3.9
weighted suspended-ceiling normalized level difference, D (dB)
n,c,w
single-number quantity that characterizes the airborne sound insulation for sound transmission via a
suspended ceiling over a range of frequencies {laboratory measurement}
3.4
impact sound insulation
3.4.1
impact sound pressure level, L (dB)
i
average sound pressure level in a specific frequency band in a room below a floor, when it is excited by a
standard tapping machine in a stated frequency band
3.4.2
normalized impact sound pressure level L (dB)
n
impact sound pressure level normalized for a standard absorption area in the receiving room in a stated
frequency band {laboratory measurement}
3.4.3
reduction of impact sound pressure level, ∆∆∆∆L (dB)
difference between the average sound pressure levels in the receiving room in a stated frequency band before
and after the installation of, for example, a floor covering {laboratory measurement}
3.4.4
standardized impact sound pressure level, L’ (dB)
nT
impact sound pressure level standardized to a reverberation time in the receiving room of 0,5 s in a stated
frequency band {field measurement}
3.4.5
normalized flanking impact sound pressure level L (dB)
n,f
impact sound pressure level corresponding to the reference absorption area in the receiving room in a stated
frequency band for transmission via a specified flanking path {laboratory measurement}
3.5
rating of impact sound insulation

3.5.1
C (dB)
I
spectrum adaptation term to be added to the single-number quantity to take account of the un-weighted
impact sound level as defined in EN ISO 717-2
3.5.2
weighted normalized impact sound pressure level, L (dB)
nw
single-number quantity used to characterize the impact sound insulation of floors over a range of frequencies
{laboratory measurement}
3.5.3
weighted reduction in impact sound pressure level, ∆∆∆∆L (dB)
w
single-number quantity used to characterize the reduction in the impact sound pressure level {laboratory
measurement}
3.5.4
weighted standardized impact sound pressure level, L’ (dB)
nT,w
single-number-quantity used to characterize the impact sound insulation of floors over a range of frequencies
in buildings {field measurement}
3.5.5
weighted normalized flanking impact sound pressure level L (dB)
n,f,w
single-number quantity used to characterize the impact sound insulation of floors for transmission via a
specified flanking path over a range of frequencies {laboratory measurement}
3.6
flanking transmission
3.6.1
vibration reduction index, K (dB)
ij
quantity related to the vibrational power transmission over a junction between structural elements {laboratory
measurement}
3.6.2
normalized flanking level difference D (dB)
n,f
level difference corresponding to the reference absorption area in the receiving room in a stated frequency
band for sound transmission via a specified flanking path {laboratory measurement}
3.7
rating of flanking transmission

3.7.1
vibration reduction index, K (dB)
ij
single-number quantity that characterizes the vibration reduction index {laboratory measurement}
3.7.2
weighted normalized flanking level difference D (dB)
n,f,w
single-number quantity that characterizes the airborne sound insulation for sound transmission via a specified
flanking path over a range of frequencies {laboratory measurement}
3.8
sound absorption
3.8.1
equivalent sound absorption area of a room, A (m )
hypothetical area of a totally absorbing surface without diffraction effects which, if it were the only absorbing
element in the room, would give the same reverberation time as the room under consideration
3.8.2
sound absorption area of an object A
obj
difference between the equivalent sound absorption area of the reverberation room with and without the test
object {laboratory measurement}
3.8.3
sound absorption coefficient, αααα
s
change in equivalent sound absorption area after placing a test specimen in the reverberation room, divided
by the area of the test specimen. It is only defined for a plane test specimen {laboratory measurement}
3.8.4
sound absorption coefficient at normal incidence, αα
αα
ratio of sound power entering the surface of the test object (without return) to the incident sound power of a
plane wave at normal incidence {laboratory measurement}
3.9
rating of sound absorption
3.9.1
weighted sound absorption coefficient, αα
αα
W
single-number frequency-independent value which equals the value of the reference curve at 500 Hz after
shifting it as specified in EN ISO 11654 {laboratory measurement}
3.9.2
practical sound absorption coefficient, αααα
p
frequency-dependent value of the sound absorption coefficient which is based on measurements on one-third
octave bands in accordance with EN ISO 354, and which is calculated in octave bands in accordance with
EN ISO 11654 {laboratory measurement}
3.10
acoustic performance of screens, enclosures and cabins

3.10.1
in situ sound attenuation, D (dB)
p
difference between the screened and unscreened sound pressure levels at defined positions {field
measurement}
3.10.2
A-weighted in situ sound attenuation, D (dB)
pA
difference between the screened and unscreened A-weighted sound pressure levels at defined positions {field
measurement}
3.10.3
sound power insulation, D (dB)
W
reduction in sound power level due to an enclosure {field/laboratory measurement}
3.10.4
A-weighted sound power insulation, D (dB)
WA
reduction in A-weighted sound power level due to an enclosure for the actual sound source spectrum
{field/laboratory measurement}
3.10.5
apparent A-weighted sound pressure insulation, D’ (dB)
pA
difference in A-weighted sound pressure levels measured in the room and in the cabin, respectively when the
actual environmental noise in used as the sound source {field measurement}
3.10.6
apparent weighted sound pressure insulation, D’ (dB)
p,w
single-number value for the sound insulation of a cabin determined in accordance with the method stated in
EN ISO 717-1 {field measurement}
3.10.7
weighted sound pressure insulation, D (dB)
p,w
single-number value for the sound insulation of a cabin determined in accordance with the method stated in
EN ISO 717-1 {laboratory measurement}
3.11
noise emission from appliances and equipment used in water supply installations

3.11.1
appliance sound pressure level, L (dB)
apn
sound pressure level for noise emission by an appliance {laboratory measurement}
3.11.2
appliance sound pressure level, L (dB)
ap
A-weighted sound pressure level for noise emission by an appliance {laboratory measurement}
3.12
material and product properties

3.12.1
airflow resistivity, r (Pa·s/m )
airflow resistance divided by the thickness of the test specimen (for homogeneous materials) {laboratory
measurement}
3.12.2
density, ρρρρ (kg/m )
mass per unit volume. Some building products are formed with voids or slots, the density of such products can
be quoted as either the density or the solid density, depending on what volume has been used (i.e. with or
without the void)
3.12.3
dynamic stiffness per unit area, s' (MN/m )
ratio of dynamic force to dynamic displacement {laboratory measurement}
3.12.4
longitudinal wavespeed, c (m/s)
L
speed of propagation of longitudinal waves (i.e. particle motion in the same direction as wave propagation)
3.12.5
specific airflow resistance, R (Pa·s/m)
s
product of the airflow resistance and the cross sectional area of the test specimen {laboratory measurement}
3.12.6
Young’s modulus, E (N/m )
ratio of stress to strain {laboratory measurement}
3.12.7
bending stiffness, B (Nm)
product of the Young’s modulus and the moment of inertia {laboratory measurement}
3.13
sound power
3.13.1
(dB)
sound power level, L
W
ten times the logarithm to the base 10 of the ratio of the sound power radiated by the source under test to the
reference sound power
NOTE For example, the A-weighted sound power is L .
WA
3.14
declared values
3.14.1
derived laboratory value
value derived from the laboratory value or from the reference laboratory value using a calculation procedure
prescribed by the product standard for the situation where a product differs in its product parameters or end
use parameters from the tested product
3.14.2
estimated field value
estimated value that the product or element will have in the field
3.14.3
estimated laboratory value
estimated value that the product or element will have in the laboratory
3.14.4
field value
value determined from a field test of an element, product or material
3.14.5
laboratory value
value determined from a laboratory test of an element or product with actual dimensions
3.14.6
reference laboratory value
value determined from a laboratory test of an element, product or material with reference dimensions
3.14.7
tabulated laboratory value
value determined from laboratory measurement results for a group of elements or products
3.15
other definitions
3.15.1
actual dimensions
dimensions of an element or product as placed on the market
3.15.2
component (see also material)
(used mainly in the context of a kit) product which when combined with one or more products, makes up a kit.
A component may be a construction product in the sense of the Construction Products Directive but this is not
necessary for it to be considered as part of a kit
NOTE Examples are mineral wool used in a prefabricated partition, screws or nails in a prefabricated partition and
sprinklers used in a fire extinguishing kit.
3.15.3
construction works
entire construction that may be made up of elements and/or products. Examples are: complete buildings and
roads
3.15.4
direct field of application of test results
outcome of a process (involving the application of defined rules) whereby a test result is deemed to be equally
valid for variations in one or more of the product properties and/or intended end use application(s)
3.15.5
element
part of the construction works but may also refer to the construction works as a whole. An element may
comprise of more than one product
NOTE Examples are walls, floors and roofs.
3.15.6
extended field of application of test results
3.15.6a) outcome of a process that gives a rule or method by which a prediction, for a variation of a product
property and/or its intended end use application(s), of a test result can be derived as though the product had
been tested to the test method in question. In this case, extended application is used to derive a direct
application rule
3.15.6b) outcome of a process that predicts, for a variation of a product property and/or its intended end use
application(s), a test result as though the product had been tested to the test method in question
3.15.7
enclosure
structure enveloping a noise source designed to protect the environment from this noise source
3.15.8
end-use parameter
aspect of the mounting and fixing arrangement of a product simulating its end use (for example fixing method,
position and type of joints) which can affect the acoustic performance
3.15.9
kit
set of at least two separate components that need to be combined before permanent installation in the
construction works. A kit is the equivalent of a construction product
3.15.10
material (see also component)
substance that either alone or with other materials constitutes a product
NOTE Examples are clay for bricks, concrete for concrete blocks and paper facing for plasterboard.
3.15.11
product (construction product)
material, composite or assembly within defined manufacturing tolerances (defined by the manufacturer or a
technical specification) and, if relevant, defined limits of variability of end-use parameters, for which the
acoustic performance remains unchanged (does not get worse). A product will normally be placed onto the
market in a form in which it can be permanently incorporated in the works with the characteristics necessary
for the works or element into which it is to be incorporated. Products may be used on their own or with other
products to form an element. Some products may also be elements
NOTE Examples of building products are doors, windows, bricks, blocks, resilient materials, panel products and
ventilation ducts. Examples of building products that are also elements are prefabricated walls and partitions (sometime
called modular units). An example of a building product that is also a construction work is a modular building (e.g. a factory
assembled house).
3.15.12
product family
set of products where the results of testing any one product within the family, or testing products at the
extremes of the family and using the worst result, are valid for all other products within the family. Direct and,
in some circumstances, extended application rules define families
NOTE An example is plasterboard of the same material composition with different thicknesses and/or density (where
limits are given on these two parameters).
3.15.13
product group
set of products which, because of similarities between them, are tested in the same way to obtain the same
acoustic characteristics
NOTE Examples are glazing of different thicknesses and composition and doors of the same construction but
different sizes. The rules for mounting and fixing can, therefore, be written for all products within a group.
3.15.14
product parameter
aspect of a product (for example thickness, composition, density) which may vary and which can have an
influence on the product's acoustic performance
3.15.15
reference dimensions
dimensions of an element or product as prescribed by the product standard for laboratory tests
3.15.16
small elements
elements defined for the purposes of EN 20140-10 excluding windows and doors, that have an area less
than 1 m which occur in a certain number of discrete sizes with well-defined lateral dimensions and which
transmit sound between two adjacent rooms or between one room and the open-air independently of the
adjoining building elements
NOTE 1 Examples are transfer air devices, airing panels (ventilators), outdoor air intakes, air vents, electrical raceways
(cable ducts), shutter boxes, transit sealing systems.
NOTE 2 The method is not primarily intended for components that constitute part of an integrated unit for which the
associated sound transmission can only be defined when the components are fully connected.
4 Requirements for the contents of a product standard
4.1 General
The purpose of a product standard reference to acoustics is to ensure that the acoustic performance of a
product is determined using test and assessment methods common to other products in the same product
group, and hence ensure that comparable test results are obtained. The level of comparison depends on the
type of product and its intended end use. For example, the sound power of all wastewater lifting plants should
be directly comparable; when testing an external wall, the overall performance of the wall as a whole should
be comparable with other external walls irrespective of their construction, but when testing two external walls
of identical construction except for the type of plasterboard used as the internal lining, it is possible to assess
the effect of the different types of plasterboard directly.
The acoustic quantities described in a product standard are also useful for acoustic specifications in private
contracts and for planning.
Some products have measurable acoustic properties whereas others have to be combined before an acoustic
property can be measured.
The product standard shall describe how the acoustic properties are to be determined. Acoustic properties
include the following:
a) airborne sound insulation;
b) impact sound insulation;
c) flanking transmission;
d) sound absorption;
e) sound power;
f) structure-borne power ;
g) sound pressure level.
Parameters used to estimate acoustic properties include the following:
1) dimensions;
2) density;
3) dynamic stiffness;
4) airflow resistivity;
5) Young’s modulus / longitudinal wavespeed / bending stiffness;
NOTE At present measurement standards are not available to determine all of these parameters.
6) damping.
In writing acoustic clauses, product Technical Committees should be aware of the possibilities of using
established data and/or tabulated values. The former may be a list of products/elements, common to several
manufacturers, for which acoustic testing has already been performed and therefore manufacturers of these
products/elements may use the results given in the standard without the need to perform tests. In this case,
the declared acoustic performance should be based upon the statistics of gathered test data (with the
possibility for a manufacturer to perform one or more tests if they wish to declare a different value), and the
manufacturer's product has to be the same as, or within the field of direct application (see 5.2) for, the product
tested. The latter may be, for example, sound absorption coefficients for wood-based panels.
Product Technical Committees may also use estimated values from calculations, in addition to, or instead of
testing. An example is the calculation of the normal incidence absorption coefficient from the measured airflow
resistivity for unfaced mineral wool.
The outline of a product standard is given in Annex A. Acoustic clauses may be contained in the product
standard itself, or may be included in a separate standard to which the product standard refers. The latter is
likely to be useful when, for example, the end use and testing conditions are common for a group of products
covered by different product standards.
4.2 Declaration of acoustic properties
The declaration of the acoustic properties is the sole responsibility of the manufacturer. The manufacturer
shall state which of the following values is/are being declared:
a) reference laboratory value;
b) tabulated laboratory value;
c) laboratory value;
d) derived laboratory value;
e) estimated laboratory value;
f) field value;
CEN/TC 126 WG 7 are currently working in this area.
g) estimated field value.
The declaration shall preferably use values (a), (b) or (c) unless this is not practicable, in which case,
values (d), (e), (f) or (g) may be declared. The declaration shall also state the uncertainty associated with the
declared values as described in 4.9.
Because the Construction Products Directive applies to products before they are installed in works, it will not
usually be appropriate to use (f) or (g) in harmonised product standards.
The product standard shall:
 specify which acoustic properties, or parameters used to determine the acoustic properties, are to be
declared by the manufacturer, see Annex C;
 state that: “The acoustic properties declaration shall explicitly state that the acoustic properties have been
obtained according to the provisions of this product standard.” If this statement is not true, the declaration
shall indicate clearly all deviations from the product standard;
 state in a note that “additional acoustic properties may also be given in the declaration”;
 state that the declaration shall contain the following:
1) identification of the element, product, or material with sufficient detail to determine the applicability of
the declared acoustic properties;
2) identification of the respective product standard, and the measurement or estimation standards;
3) the words “Declared acoustic properties in accordance with EN xyz”, followed by one or more of the
values described in paragraph **.
The following examples show the format of the wording that should be used.
EXAMPLE 1 Window.
Declared acoustic properties in accordance with EN xyz.
Reference laboratory value for airborne sound insulation is R (C;C ) = 36 (-1;-4) dB, measured in
w tr
accordance with EN ISO 140-3 and rated according to EN ISO 717-1.
EXAMPLE 2 Glazing.
Declared acoustic properties in accordance with EN xyz.
Tabulated laboratory value for airborne sound insulation is R (C;C ) = 32 (-1;-3) dB, measured in accordance
w tr
with EN ISO 140-3 and rated according to EN ISO 717-1.
EXAMPLE 3 Suspended ceiling.
Declared acoustic properties in accordance with EN xyz.
Laboratory value for room to room airborne sound insulation is D (C;C ) = 39 (-1;-6) dB, measured in
n,c,w tr
accordance with EN 20140-9 and rated according to EN ISO 717-1.
Laboratory value for sound absorption is α = 0,80 (depth of construction is 200 mm) measured in accordance
w
with EN ISO 354 and rated according to EN ISO 11654.
EXAMPLE 4 Carpet.
Declared acoustic properties in accordance with EN xyz.
Laboratory value for the improvement of impact sound insulation is ∆L = 19 dB, measured in accordance
w
with EN ISO 140-8 and rated according to EN ISO 717-2.
Laboratory value for sound absorption is α = 0,15 (H) measured in accordance with EN ISO 354 and rated
w
according to EN ISO 11654.
4.3 Mounting and operating conditions for laboratory testing
In general, acoustic test method standards describe the mounting and fixing conditions appropriate for a given
acoustic test apparatus, for example, how to fit a test frame into a chamber or how to seal gaps between the
test specimen and the edges of the laboratory. The product standard, on the other hand, should describe how
the test specimen itself is prepared.
Where any acoustic measurement standard requires certain mounting and/or operating conditions for the
specific element, product or material, these shall be followed and stated in the test report.
Where any acoustic measurement standard does not require certain mounting and/or operating conditions,
detailed descriptions of mounting and operating conditions for the specific element, product, or material shall
be described in the acoustic clauses. These clauses should also request that this information is included in the
test report.
In general, the mounting and operating conditions shall be chosen to be representative of the product in its
intended end use, and should be chosen to give the maximum field of application of results.
The standard shall describe the mounting, fixing and installation conditions (as appropriate) of each product
group or sub-group covered by the standard. To allow comparability between products, a 'standardized' set of
mounting and fixing conditions shall be specified, but with the possibility for a manufacturer to use non-
standardized conditions where these correspond to the intended end use conditions. For example, the
'standardized' test conditions for panels may be screwing one sheet to one side of a timber frame of defined
size with screws at defined spacings, whereas a manufacturer may wish to test his panel fixed to both sides of
a metal frame with mineral wool in the cavity. In the first case, one panel may be directly compared with any
other panel, whereas in the second case, it is only possible to compare the assembly with other assemblies.
4.4 Mounting and operating conditions for field testing
The mounting and/or operating conditions for the specific element, product or material shall be stated in the
test report.
4.5 Description of a group of elements, products or materials
Most product standards cover groups and/or sub-groups of products. The group or sub-group covered by the
product standard should be described unambiguously and in detail. In describing the element, product or
material, a product standard shall:
a) identify explicitly any product(s) or material(s) that form part of the element or product;
b) specify any optional components, devices or sub-assemblies, if any, which shall be fixed, mounted and/or
operated during the measurement or estimation of the acoustic properties;
c) if appropriate, define sub-groups of the element, product or material to which the product standard is
applicable in relation to sound insulation, absorption, density etc.;
d) give information on how to proceed if two or more elements, products or materials are coupled together.
This information shall include specific definitions for groups of coupled elements, products or materials
that can be treated as a single element, product or material.
NOTE For example, the sound insulation of bricks and mortar can be tested when a complete wall is built in a
transmission suite.
4.6 Selection of acoustic standards
4.6.1 General
Those responsible for preparing a product standard shall select those acoustic standards according to
Clause 2, from the measurement and/or estimation methods available, that are most appropriate for the
specific element, product or material. See Clause 2 for a list of relevant standards.
4.6.2 Standards to be used for the measurement of acoustic properties
For the declaration of measured values where there is more than one acoustic measurement standard
suitable to determine an acoustic property (e.g. sound reduction index using EN ISO 140-3 or
EN ISO 15186-1) the product standard shall state the measurement standard to be used.
4.6.3 Standards to be used for the estimation of acoustic properties
4.6.3.1 General
For the declaration of estimated values the product standard shall specify how to estimate the acoustic
performance, preferably using existing estimation standards according to 2.2. In some estimation standards,
procedures allow different assumptions to be made. The product standard shall specify precisely the
assumptions to be made in any estimation.
4.6.3.2 Sound insulation
The sound reduction index of solid, homogenous, isotropic plate elements or products should be estimated
according to EN 12354-1:2000, Annex B.
Airborne and impact sound insulation in the field should be estimated according to EN 12354-1 and
EN 12354-2 respectively.
The improvement of impact sound insulation for screed floating floors on resilient layers should be estimated
according to EN 12354-2.
4.6.3.3 Sound absorption
The sound absorption coefficient of a layer of porous material should be estimated according to EN 12354-6,
Annex B using airflow resistivity data measured according to EN 29053.
4.7 Information to be recorded
The information to be recorded shall cover all of the technical requirements of the product standard
appropriate to acoustic performance. Any deviations from the product standard or from the standards upon
which it is based shall be recorded together with the technical justification for such deviations. It should be
noted that any deviation from the requirements in these standards is not generally permitted for the purpose of
CE marking.
4.8 Information to be included in the test report
The information to be included in the test report shall be at least that which the manufacturer requires to
prepare a declaration, or the user requires to verify the declared values.
As a minimum, the following information shall be included:
a) reference to the basic measurement or estimation standards used;
b) description of the mounting, fixing and/or operating conditions used, as required by the measurement
standard and the product standard;
c) statement of the measurement uncertainty;
d) values obtained.
It shall be confirmed that all requirements of the product standard have been fulfilled or, if this is not the case,
any unfulfilled requirements shall be identified. Deviations from the requirements shall be stated and technical
justification for the deviations shall be given.
4.9 Uncertainty of declared values
4.9.1 Laboratory values
Laboratory values shall state the measurement uncertainty alongside the measured values as follows:
a) when results are available from only a single test on the product, the uncertainty statement shall be
quoted as ± X;
b) when results are available from only two tests on the product, the mean value shall be quoted with an
uncertainty of ± Y;
c) when results are available from at least three tests (from at least two laboratories), the mean value shall
be quoted with an uncertainty of ± Z, where Z is the 95 % confidence level calculated using Student’s t
distribution.
NOTE 1 For each product, X, Y and Z are likely to differ and X will usually be larger than Y which will be larger than Z.
NOTE 2 Information on the uncertainty associated with laboratory and field measurements can be found from the
appropriate European Standard or it can be derived from an appropriate series of tests. Where no information is available
for airborne or impact sound insulation single-number quantities it is appropriate to assume values of X = 6 dB
and Y = 5 dB.
NOTE 3 For compliance with a harmonised product standard, testing in one laboratory is sufficient.
4.9.2 Tabulated values
Tabulated values shall be derived from measurement data and presented in tabular format. These values
shall be calculated using tests from at least three laboratories.
For frequency dependent measurement data, the tabulated values should be the mean value in each
frequency band with the single-number quantity re-calculated using these data. The mean value should be
quoted with an uncertainty of ± Z, where Z is the 95 % confidence level calculated using Student’s t
distribution.
For non-frequency dependent measurement data, the tabulated values should be the mean value. The mean
value should be quoted with an uncertainty of ± Z, where Z is the 95 % confidence level calculated using
Student’s t distribution.
4.9.3 Estimated values
Estimated values shall state the uncertainty, ± X, for a 95 % confidence level, alongside t
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