Noise tests measure the noise emitted into the environment by machinery and equipment used outdoors, in accordance with the Outdoor Noise Directive 2000/14/EC, and determine the guaranteed sound power level (LWA). The measurement results form the basis of the CE marking, the noise label and the EC declaration of conformity. For the scope of the Directive, the distinction between Article 12 and Article 13 and the conformity assessment procedures, see our noise certification page.
2000/14/EC Noise Tests: Which Equipment Is Subject to Noise Limits?
The following product groups are subject to noise limits. For this equipment, noise tests must be carried out and, under Article 12 of 2000/14/EC, a notified body assessment obtained.
- Builders’ hoists for the transport of goods (combustion-engine driven)
- Compaction machines (only vibrating and non-vibrating rollers, vibratory plates and vibratory rammers)
- Compressors (< 350 kW)
- Concrete-breakers and picks, hand-held
- Construction winches (combustion-engine driven)
- Dozers (< 500 kW)
- Dumpers (< 500 kW)
- Excavators, hydraulic or rope-operated (< 500 kW)
- Excavator-loaders (< 500 kW)
- Graders (< 500 kW)
- Hydraulic power packs
- Landfill compactors, loader-type with bucket (< 500 kW)
- Lawnmowers (excluding agricultural and forestry equipment, multi-purpose devices and equipment whose main motorised component has an installed power of more than 20 kW)
- Lawn trimmers / lawn edge trimmers
- Lift trucks, combustion-engine driven, counterbalanced (excluding “other counterbalanced lift trucks” as defined in Annex I, item 36, second indent, with a rated capacity of not more than 10 tonnes)
- Loaders (< 500 kW)
- Mobile cranes
- Motor hoes (< 3 kW)
- Paver-finishers (excluding paver-finishers equipped with a high-compaction screed)
- Power generators (< 400 kW)
- Tower cranes
- Welding generators
How Is a Noise Test Carried Out?
- Test code: The test code defined in Annex III of the Directive for each type of equipment is applied; the operating conditions (idling, full load, hydraulic cycle, travelling) are set according to this code.
- Measurement standard: The sound power level is measured primarily according to EN ISO 3744, at the microphone positions on a hemispherical measurement surface over a reflecting plane.
- Environmental check: Background noise is measured and the necessary environmental corrections are applied.
- Result: The guaranteed sound power level is determined by adding the measurement uncertainty and production variations to the measured sound power level; for Article 12 equipment, this value must not exceed the limit.
Provided a suitable test area is available, measurements can be made at the manufacturer’s premises or at an open test site. For details specific to construction equipment, see construction equipment noise measurement; for lift trucks, Directive 2000/14/EC and lift trucks; for compressors and generators, our compressor and generator noise compliance articles.
Measured and Guaranteed Sound Power Level in Noise Tests
Two values result from noise tests. The measured sound power level is the value obtained from the measurements on the tested equipment. The guaranteed sound power level is the value declared by the manufacturer; it includes the uncertainties due to production variation and measurement procedures, and it is the value shown on the noise label next to the CE marking. Both values are stated in the EC declaration of conformity. Noise tests are carried out on equipment that is representative of the type to be placed on the market.
Voluntary Third-Party Noise Verification
For Article 13 equipment, which is subject to noise marking only, a notified body is not mandatory and the manufacturer declares the guaranteed sound power level under Annex V on its own responsibility. TESTPLUS also serves this area on a voluntary basis as an independent third-party body: the measured and guaranteed values are verified impartially, errors are identified before the equipment reaches the market, and buyers, importers and market surveillance authorities receive evidence they can rely on.
Voluntary certificates are issued outside our notified body scope and do not replace the manufacturer’s declaration of conformity.
Which Standards Are Used in Noise Tests?
Annex III of Directive 2000/14/EC sets out the basic noise emission standards and the test code for each type of equipment. EN ISO 3744 is the basic standard for determining sound power levels from sound pressure measurements in an essentially free field over a reflecting plane; EN ISO 3746 describes the survey method. The noise test report records the measurement surface, the microphone positions, the operating conditions of the equipment, the background noise and the environmental corrections applied.
As EU Notified Body NB 2908 under 2000/14/EC, TESTPLUS carries out noise tests and conformity assessment. For applications and information, please contact us.
