Acoustics is an extremely technical field and sourcing suitable ventilators to meet an acoustic report can be a challenge if you’re not an acoustician.
Here are our top tips for choosing the right acoustic vent:-
1. If you are looking at products of a similar type from different manufacturers always compare like-for-like results e.g. Dn,e,w figure versus Dn,e,w figure, individual frequency versus individual frequency etc. This is the only way to make sure your comparisons are accurate.
2. Don’t be fooled by high dB ratings in manufacturers’ literature. As there is no industry standard for presenting acoustic test results, high “dB ratings” quoted may simply be the highest result achieved at an individual frequency and bear no relation to your circumstances or to the type of noise you are aiming to reduce.
3. If a manufacturer does not make it clear what the published dB result is (Dn,e,w or individual frequency) ask for the full acoustic test report – it should be readily available.
4. If you’re unsure about noise frequencies look at the Dn,e,w figure as this is how vents should be classified for acoustic performance – taking into account every frequency.
5. Don’t forget about equivalent area (air flow). Acoustic ventilation is often a juggling act between great sound reduction and sufficient ventilation. A highly sound proofed vent may give little equivalent area meaning you would need to install more to achieve ventilation requirements which would reduce the acoustic performance.
All Rytons acoustic ventilators are measured in accordance with BS EN 20140-10:1992 with single number quantities calculated in accordance with BS EN ISO 717-1:1997.
Rytons BRE acoustic test reports are freely available here.
First published on Rytons Blog 30.11.2012