AMCA

STANDARD
300-96
 AMCA STANDARD 300-96

REVERBERANT ROOM METHOD

FOR SOUND TESTING
OF FANS

AIR MOVEMENT AND CONTROL ASSOCIATION, INC.

30 WEST UNIVERSITY DRIVE
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, ILLINOIS 60004-1893, U.S.A.
 © 1996 by Air Movement and Control Association, Inc.

All rights reserved. Reproduction or translation of any part of this work beyond that permitted by
Sections 107 and 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act without the permission of the copyright-
owner is unlawful. Requests for permission or further information should be addressed to the Executive
Vice President, Air Movement and Control Association, Inc.
 Authority

AMCA Standard 300-96 was adopted by the membership of the Air Movement and Control Association,
Inc. on July 20, 1995. The effective date of this standard is January 1, 1996.

Technical Advisory Committee on Sound

Brian Reynolds (Chairman 1995- ) The Trane Company

Pete Neitzel (Chairman 1986-1995) Greenheck Fan Corporation
John Cermak Acme Engineering & Manufacturing Corp.
Thomas Gustafson Hartzell Fan, Inc.
Dr. John Murphy Joy Technologies Inc.
Ron Lievens Lenexa Products
Boyd Kunze The New York Blower Company
Ray Sexton Matthews & Yates and MY International
John Harper NuTone, Inc.
Jeff Hill Pace Company
John Fox Penn Ventilator Company, Inc.
Larry Wydra Twin City Fan & Blower Co.
Bill Cory Woods of Colchester
James Lundblad York International Corporation
Dr. Joseph Pope Consultant to AMCA
Mark Stevens AMCA Staff
Paul Saxon AMCA Staff

Disclaimer

AMCA uses its best efforts to produce standards for the benefit of the industry and the public in light
of available information and accepted industry practices. However, AMCA does not guarantee, certify
or assure the safety of performance of any products, components or systems tested, designed, installed
or operated in accordance with AMCA standards, or that any tests conducted under its standards will be
non-hazardous or free from risk.

Objections to AMCA Standards and Certification Programs

Air Movement and Control Association, Inc. will consider and decide all written complaints regarding
its standards, certification programs, or interpretations thereof. For information on procedures for
submitting and handling complaints, write to:

Air Movement and Control Association, Inc.

30 West University Drive
Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004-1893 U.S.A.
 CONTENTS

1. HISTORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

2. INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2.2 SOUND PRESSURE AND SOUND POWER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2.3 TEST METHOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2.4 ACCURACY OF TEST RESULTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.5 PRESENTATION OF RESULTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.6 APPLICATION OF SOUND POWER LEVELS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
3. SYMBOLS AND DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
3.1 SYMBOLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
3.2 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
3.2.1 Blade Passage Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
3.2.2 Chamber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
3.2.3 Decibel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
3.2.4 Ducted Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
3.2.5 End Reflection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
3.2.6 Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
3.2.7 Nonducted Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
3.2.8 0ctave Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
3.2.9 Reverberant Room. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.2.10 Shall and Should . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.2.11 Sound Power Level (L W ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.2.12 Sound Pressure Level (L p ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.2.13 Wavelength . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

4. INSTRUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

4.1 SOUND LEVEL METER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4.2 MICROPHONE AND ASSOCIATED CABLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4.3 FREQUENCY ANALYZER AND WEIGHTING SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4.4 DATA RECORDING EQUIPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4.5 REFERENCE SOUND SOURCE (ROSS ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

5. TEST SETUPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5.1 SETUP CATEGORIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5.2 AERODYNAMIC PERFORMANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5.3 MOUNTING METHODS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5.4 DUCT LENGTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5.5 MICROPHONE TRAVEL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5.6 CALIBRATION OF SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5.7 EQUATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

6. OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

6.1 OBSERVATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
6.1.1 Point of Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
6.1.2 Sound Pressure Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
6.1.2.1 Sound Pressure Levels, Background (L pb ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
6.1.2.2 Sound Pressure Levels, RSS (L pqm ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
6.1.2.3 Sound Pressure Levels, Fan (L p ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
6.1.3 Test Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
 6.2 CALCULATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
6.2.1 Background Corrections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
6.2.2 Sound Power Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
7. INFORMATION TO RERECORDED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
7.1 FAN UNDER TEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
7.2 TEST ENVIRONMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
7.3 LABORATORY AND INSTRUMENTATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
7.4 ACOUSTIC DATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

8. MINIMUM INFORMATION TO BE REPORTED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

8.1 FAN UNDERVEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
8.2 LABORATORY AND INSTRUMENTATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
8.3 ACOUSTIC DATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

APPENDIX A. ROOM QUALIFICATION: FULL OCTAVE/ONE-THIRD OCTAVE . . . . . . . 14

APPENDIX B. ROOM QUALIFICATION: PURE TONES/NARROW-BAND . . . . . . . . . . . 15

APPENDIX C. UNCERTAINTIES ANALYSIS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

APPENDIX D. ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE FOR RSS CALIBRATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

APPENDIX E. DUCT END CORRECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

APPENDIX F. FILTER WEIGHTED MEASUREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

APPENDIX G. RADIATION OF SOUND BY FAN CASING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

APPENDIX H. TOTAL FAN SOUND TESTING WITH ATTACHED DUCTS . . . . . . . . . . . 29

APPENDIX J. REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
 AMCA Standard 300-96

Reverberant Room Method

for Sound Testing
of Fans

1. HISTORY test fan dimensions, and air performance will control

the room size, power, and mounting requirements for
This standard was originally developed in response to the test fan.
the need for a reliable and accurate method of deter-
mining the sound power levels of fan equipment. The The test setup requirements in this standard establish
original document was written by the AMCA P158NB the laboratory conditions necessary for a successful
Sound Test Code Committee. Where possible, it was test, Rarely will it be possible to meet these require-
based on ASHRAE Standard 36-62, and combined ments in a field situation. This standard is not
state-of-the-art with practical considerations. It was intended for field measurements.
first published as a Recommended Practice in Febru-
ary, 1962, and adopted as a Standard Test Code in 2.2 SOUND PRESSURE AND SOUND POWER
October, 1963. The sound power reference level used
in this standard was changed in January, 1965 from Sound is the variation in air pressure to which the ear
10“’3 watts to 10-’2 watts. The third edition, January, is sensitive. Sound pressure level is a logarithmic
1967, AMCA Standard 300-67, [1] included minor quantity derived from the sound pressure. The unit of
revisions. In 1974 minor editorial changes were sound pressure level is the decibel referenced to 20
made, and size-speed conversions were transferred to micropascals (20 microbar). The sound pressure level
AMCA Standard 301 [2]. at any given point in space depends on distance from
the source, reflection in an enclosed room, proximity
This fifth edition continues the original philosophy of to other operating sound sources, etc.
combining the theoretical and the practical, Where
there have been successful improvements in the state- Sound in a room is the result of one or more active
of-the-art, full advantage is taken. sound power sources in a room. Sound power is the
absolute quantity of sound energy radiated per unit of
2. INTRODUCTION time. The sound power level is a logarithmic quantity
derived from the sound power. The unit of sound
2.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE power level is the decibel referenced to 1 picowatt
(1.0E- 12 watt). Sound power levels, determined using
This standard establishes a method of determining the this standard, are useful in predicting sound pressure
sound power level of a fan. The method is reproduc- levels at various locations and distances when the
ible in all laboratories which are qualified to the acoustic characteristics of the environment are known.
requirements of this standard.
2.3 TEST METHOD
The method employs standard sound measurement
instrumentation, applied to rooms which are restricted The test method is based on a Reference Sound
to certain acoustic properties. The test setups are Source (RSS) substitution for the determination of
designed generally to represent the physical orienta- sound power. The reference document for this
tion of a fan as installed, following ANSI/AMCA method is ANSI S12.31. [4]
Standard 210 [3].
Application of the test method requires that the fan to
This standard is intended to apply to all fans within be tested be set in position in a test room, which is
the product scope of AMCA. This standard is limited qualified according to the requirements of Appendix
to the determination of airborne sound emission for A or B, as applicable.
the specified setups. Vibration is not measured, nor
is the sensitivity of airborne sound emission to Once the test room has been qualified, sound pressure
vibration effects determined. levels are recorded with the RSS operating. The fan
is then operated without the RSS in operation at
The size of the fan which can be tested in accordance various performance points of interest for the given
with this standard is limited only by the practical test speed, and the fan sound pressure levels are re-
aspects of the test setup. Dimensional limitations, corded. Since the sound power levels of the RSS are

1
AMCA Standard 300-96

known, the substitution method is used to determine the specific needs of this standard. The non-acous-
the sound power levels of the fan for each operating tical terms and units used are defined in ANSI/AMCA
point. Standard 210 and ASTM E 380-86 (R1992) [5].

Current ASHRAE, ANSI and ASA documents on 3.1 SYMBOLS

sound testing, facilities and equipment are useful
references. Symbols and subscripts are given in Table 1. Sub-
script number refers to octave band or one-third
2.4 ACCURACY OF TEST RESULTS octave band number.

Accuracy of test results is addressed in Appendix C 3.2 DEFINITIONS

and depends on several variables, including the room
qualification and the type of test setup utilized. 3.2.1 Blade Passage Frequency (BPF): The tone
generated by the fan impeller blades passing a single
2.5 PRESENTATION OF RESULTS fixed object.

The test results are presented as sound power levels

in decibels in each of the eight AMCA full octave Number of Blades x Fan Speed (rpm)
BPF =
bands for each fan test speed and point of operation. 60
Calculation methods for projection to other sizes,
speeds or operating points are given in AMCA Stan- 3.2.2 Chamber: An enclosure used to regulate
dard 301. AMCA Standard 300 does not require that flow and absorb sound; it may also conform to air test
pure tone effects be isolated from broad-band sound; chamber conditions outlined in ANSI/AMCA Standard
however, laboratories equipped with suitable instru- 210.
mentation are encouraged to investigate and report
pure tones separately. 3.2.3 Decibel (dB): A dimensionless unit of level
in logarithmic terms for expressing the ratio of a
-
2.6 APPLICATION OF SOUND POWER LEVELS power, or power-like, quantity to a similar reference
quantity. (See 3.2.11 and 3.2.12).
Since sound power levels are considered independent
of the acoustic environment around the fan, a good 3.2.4 Ducted Fan: A fan having a duct connected
comparison may be made between two or more fans to either its inlet or outlet, or both.
proposed for any specific air performance condition.
Moreover, these values establish an accurate base for 3.2.5 End Reflection: A phenomenon which
estimating the acoustical outcome of the fan installa- occurs whenever sound is transmitted across an abrupt
tion in terms of sound pressure levels. A successful change in area such as at the end of a duct in a room.
estimate of sound pressure levels requires extensive When end reflection occurs some of the sound is
information on the fan and the environment in which reflected back into the duct and does not escape into
it is to be located. the room.

It is often advantageous for the equipment user to 3.2.6 Frequency (Hz): The number of times in
employ acoustical consultation to ensure that all one second that a periodic phenomenon repeats itself.
factors which affect the final sound pressure levels [6]
are considered. More detailed information on the
complexity of this situation may be found in other 3.2.7 Nonducted Fan: A fan without a duct
documents by AMCA (such as AMCA Publication connected to either its inlet or outlet.
303), ASHRAE, and in standard texts.
3.2.8 Octave Band: The interval between any two
frequencies having a ratio of two. The fan industry
reports sound power levels in eight standardized
3. SYMBOLS AND DEFINITIONS
octave bands which are shown in Table 2.
The acoustical definitions and symbols used in this
Sound power levels may also be reported in one-third
standard are taken from appropriate ANSI standards
octave bands, which are also shown in Table 2.
wherever possible. Some have been expanded to fit

2
 AMCA Standard 300-96

Table 1 Symbols

SYMBOL DESCRIPTION SI UNIT I-P UNIT

Speed of sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . m/s fps

Duct diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . m ft
Duct outlet end correction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dB dB
Duct inlet end correction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dB dB
Adjustment to sound power level for duct end correction(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . dB dB
Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hz Hz
Sound pressure level, re 20 micropascals (20 microbar) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dB dB
Corrected sound pressure level of the fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dB dB
Recorded sound pressure level of room background as measured
over the normal microphone path . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dB dB
Recorded sound pressure level of fan and room background as
measured over the normal microphone path . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dB dB
Corrected sound pressure level of the RSS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dB dB
Recorded sound pressure level of the RSS and room background as . . . . . . . dB dB
measured over the normal microphone path
Sound power level, re 1 picowatt (1.0E-12 W) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dB dB
Total sound power level of the test fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .dB dB
Sound power level transmitted to the inlet duct from the fan . . . . . . . . . . . . dB dB
Measured sound power level at the open inlet of the fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dB dB
Measured sound power level at the open outlet of a fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dB dB
Sound power level transmitted to the outlet duct from the fan . . . . . . . . . . . dB dB
Sound power level of RSS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .dB dB
Wavelength . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .m ft
Mach number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dimensionless
Sound pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pa Bar
Reference sound pressure, 20 micropascals (20 microbar) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . --- ---

Fan static pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pa in. wg

Fan total pressure do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pa in. wg
Duct area/Orifice area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dimensionless
Standard deviation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dB dB
Sound Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . w w
Reference sound power, 1 picowatt (1.0E-12 W) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ---

3
AMCA Standard 300-96

3.2.9 Reverberant Room: An enclosure meeting 4.2 MICROPHONE AND ASSOCIATED CABLE
the requirements of Appendix A or Appendix” B,
which are mandatory for the purposes of this standard. The microphone and associated cable shall meet the
requirements for use in a Type 1 precision sound level
3.2.10 Shal1 and Should: The word shall is to be meter according to ANSI S 1.4-1983 and ANSI S 1.4A-
understood as mandatory; the word should as adviso- 1985. A nominal 13 mm (1/2 in.) microphone is
ry. recommended.

3.2.11 Sound Power Level (LW), in decibels (dB):

Ten times the logarithm (base 10) of the ratio of the 4.3 FREQUENCY ANALYZER AND WEIGH-
sound power W to the reference power Wref. TING SYSTEM

An octave band or one-third octave band filter set is

(3.2-1) required and shall meet or exceed the Order 3 Type 3-
D requirements of ANSI S1.11-1986 [9]. An A-
weighting network shall meet the requirements of
3.2.12 Sound Pressure Level ( Lp), in decibels ANSI S1.4-1983 and ANSI S1.4A-1985. Other
(dB): Twenty times the logarithm (base 10) of the weighting networks may be used to improve the
ratio of the sound pressure p to the reference pressure accuracy, as outlined in Appendix F.
p ref Unless otherwise stated, the reference sound
pressure pref is the root-mean-square (rms) pressure.
4.4 DATA RECORDING EQUIPMENT

(3.2-2) This standard does not attempt to set limitations on

data recording equipment. Considerations include
long-term stability, ease of use, and the method of
3.2.13 Wavelength (A): The distance between two averaging the sound pressure signal. Modern integrat-
points having the same phase in two consecutive ing-type analyzers are recommended because they
cycles of a periodic wave, along a line in the direc- produce Lp values eliminating any need for visual
tion of propagation [7]. averaging. Graphic level recorders can be used to
make permanent records and ease the problem of
Wavelength (l) is determined by frequency and the making visual averages from meter readings,
speed of sound in the air through which the wave
propagates:
4.5 REFERENCE SOUND SOURCE (RSS)

(3.2-3) An RSS is used to qualify the test room and as the

basis of the substitution method. To be used for these
purposes, the RSS must be of appropriate type, be
where: calibrated accurately and be properly maintained.

f = Frequency, Hz 4.5.1 The RSS shall be a small, modified, direct-

c = 343 m/s at 20°C (1 125 ft/s at 68°F) driven centrifugal fan having maximum overall
dimensions of 610 mm (2 ft) or less.
The value for c is acceptable for use in this standard
within the limits of ± 5°C (9°F) for standard air. 4.5.2 The RSS shall produce steady, broadband
sound over at least the frequency range from 50 to
4. INSTRUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT 10,000 Hz. It shall comply in all respects with the
performance requirements of ANSI S 12.5 [1 O]. The
4.1 SOUND LEVEL METER sound power output shall be high enough so that the
sound pressure levels shall be measurable above the
The sound level meter shall meet the requirements of prevailing ambient noise level in all bands of interest.
ANSI Standard S1.4-1983 and ANSI S1.4A- 1985,
[8]. The meter should be capable of accepting a 4.5.3 The RSS shall be equipped with suitable
microphone extension cable. vibration isolators that minimize transmitted vibration.

4
 AMCA Standard 300-96

4.5.4 To ensure compliance with the stability the RSS when it is in operation on a reflecting plane
requirements of ANSI S 12.5, all operating parts of the with radiation into a free field above that plane. The
RSS shall be rigidly and permanently attached. No calibration shall be in accordance with ANSI S12.5,
rubbing or wearing parts shall be permitted (except or as provided in Appendix D. The maximum time
lubricated bearings) and protection shall be provided interval’ since calibration shall not exceed that speci-
against corrosion. fied by the manufacturer or three years, whichever is
shorter.
4.5.5 The RSS calibration shall consist of a
determination of the sound power level radiated by

Table 2 Standardized Octave and One-Third Octave Bands (nominal rounded values). [11]

Octave Bands

One-Third Octave Bands

5
AMCA Standard 300-96

5. TEST SETUPS and lubricants shall be used.

5.1 SETUP CATEGORIES 5.4 DUCT LENGTH

A number of specific fan test setups are allowed. On chamber or two-room setups, the length of duct
They are determined by the airflow direction and the shall be consistent with acceptable practices from
particular mounting arrangement of the test device. ANSI/AMCA Standard 210 which are necessary for
These test setups fall into two general categories. the accurate establishment of the point of rating,
The first category is for a free standing unit that
would be placed entirely in the test room (see Figure The length of duct shown in Figures 2 and 3 is
1). Results of this arrangement yield total sound consistent with the procedures of ANSI/AMCA
power LW of the test unit, unducted. For total sound Standard 210. Care must be exercised to ensure that
of test units with duct(s) located entirely in the room, no duct resonances exist in close proximity to specific
see Appendix H. The second category is for those frequencies of interest, e.g., blade passage frequency.
units that would be tested on a chamber or two-room
system where only the inlet or outlet are in the test 5.5 MICROPHONE TRAVEL
room (see Figures 2 and 3). This arrangement results
in ratings of inlet (LWi) or outlet (LWO) sound power The microphone shall swing or move on a normal
only. These two specific categories are shown in path of an arc or straight line with a minimum dis-
Figure 4 entitled General Limitations to Test Room tance of 3 m (10 ft) between the extreme points of
Arrangements. That figure also shows the limitations travel. The microphone traverse plane shall not be
that must be imposed on the test room for determining parallel within 10° to any room surface and the path
the position of the test fan and the location of the shall tend to travel into and out of a corner formed by
microphone. The choice of which test setup is used two walls of the room. A graphic description of mi-
for a particular fan will depend on the way a product crophone placement limitations is shown in Figure 4.
is expected to be rated and applied in the field.
5.6 CALIBRATION OF SYSTEM
5.2 AERODYNAMIC PERFORMANCE
Before each sound power determination the following
Where aerodynamic performance tests are necessary to calibration checks shall be performed. A calibration
determine the point of operation of the fan, these check of the entire measuring system at one or more
shall be performed as specified in ANSI/AMCA frequencies within the frequency range of interest
Standard 210 or other nationally/internationally rec- shall be made. An acoustical calibrator conforming to
ognized fan aerodynamic performance test standard. ANSI S1.40-1984 [12] and with an accuracy of ± 0.5
dB shall be used for this purpose. In conformance
5.3 MOUNTING METHODS with ANSI S1.40-1984, the calibrator shall be checked
at least once every year to verify that its output has
The method of mounting fans, of connecting them to not changed, In addition, an electrical calibration of
non-integral drivers and of connecting them to airflow the instrumentation over the entire frequency range of
test facilities is not specified. Any conventional interest shall be performed periodically, at intervals of
method may be used including vibration isolation de- not more than one year.
vices and short flexible connectors. Other than these,
sound and vibration absorptive material may not be The microphone and its associated cable shall be
incorporated in the test fan unless it is a standard part chosen so that their sensitivity does not change by
of the unit. Ducts shall be of metal or other rigid, more than 0.2 dB over the temperature range encoun-
dense non-absorptive material, and have no exposed tered in the measurement. If the microphone is
sound absorption material on the interior or exterior moved, care shall be exercised to avoid introducing
surfaces. acoustical or electrical noise (for example, from
gears, flexing cables, or sliding contacts) that could
Driving motor and drive, when not an integral part of interfere with the measurements.
the fan, may be damped or enclosed in any manner
that does not expose sound absorption material to the The frequency response of the instrumentation system
test room. When the driving motor and drive are an shall be flat over the frequency range of interest
integral part of the test unit, they may not be treated within the tolerances given in Table 3, and applied as
in any manner, and normal belt tensions, bearings, outlined in ANSI S12.31-1990.
 AMCA Standard 300-96

Table 3 5.7 EQUATIONS

Tolerances for the Instrumentation System
The type of test unit and its test setup determine the
calculations required to determine the sound power
level of the unit.
Equations for each test setup are included under the
specific arrangement along with any qualifying
statements or limitations. Also included are any
assumptions that were made regarding these specific
setups. End reflection factors (Ei) and (EO ) when
required shall be calculated from Appendix E, Duct
End Correction, using the appropriate duct and orifice
size.

It cannot be assumed that inlet and outlet sound are

always equal. Therefore, total sound power levels
shall not be used to derive inlet sound power or outlet
sound power.

A: FREE INLET
FREE OUTLET

Installation Type L w Equation

A: Free Inlet
Free Outlet

This test procedure and the above calculations are based on the following assumptions:

1 . Directivity from the fan is averaged by the reverberant room and the microphone location is such that it is
sensing total averaged sound pressure levels.

2. No resonances are present on either the fan structure, supporting devices, or driving devices that provide
any significant pure tones that may add to the fan recorded sound pressure levels.

Section 5, Figure 1: Fan Total Sound Testing

7
AMCA Standard 300-96

This test procedure and the above calculations are based on the following assumptions:

1. Acoustical energy in an outlet duct which terminates in a second room or chamber does not contribute to
fan test sound pressure levels. This requires adequate transmission loss between adjourning rooms and the
addition of absorptive material within a chamber to absorb this energy.
2. Adequate absorption takes place at the discharge of a duct in a second room or chamber so that any energy
passing down that duct is adequately attenuated.
3. Directivity from the fan is averaged by the reverberant room and the microphone location is such that it is
recording total averaged sound pressure levels.
4. Duct construction is such that the transmission 1oss through the duct wall is large enough to eliminate any
addition to measured room sound pressure levels.
5. No resonances are present on either the fan structure, supporting devices, or driving devices that provide
any significant pure tones that may add to the recorded fan sound pressure levels.
*May require acoustical treatment.

Section 5, Figure 2: Fan Inlet Sound Testing

8
This test procedure and the above calculations are based on the following assumptions:

1. Acoustical energy in an inlet duct that terminates in a second room or chamber does not contribute to fan
test sound pressure levels. This requires adequate transmission loss between adjoining rooms and the
addition of absorptive material within a chamber to absorb this energy.
2. Adequate absorption takes place at the inlet of a duct in a second room or chamber so that any energy
passing down that duct is adequately attenuated.
3. Directivity from the fan is averaged by the reverberant room and the microphone location is such that it is
recording total averaged sound pressure levels.
4. Duct construction is such that the transmission loss through the duct wall is large enough to eliminate any
addition to measured room sound pressure levels.
5. No resonances are present on either the fan structure, supporting devices, or driving devices that provide
any significant pure tones that may add to the recorded fan sound pressure levels.
* May require acoustical treatment.

Section 5, Figure 3 Fan Outlet Sound Testing

9
AMCA Standard 300-96

NOTES:
1. The microphone must not enter crosshatch area during testing (wall limitations also apply to “floor and
ceiling.
2. Microphone traverse plane must be greater than 10° from parallel to any surface.
3. Maximum air velocity over microphone 1 m/s (200 fpm).
4. Neither the RSS nor fan shall be within 300 mm (1 ft) of any room centerline.
5. Equipment or vane placement is not restricted by this standard provided above conditions are met.
6. Room shape is not specified in this standard, but rooms having certain proportions will perform more
successfully [13].
7. Room volume is not specified but the room must be large enough in volume such that the volume of the test
fan and associated ductwork does not exceed 1 % of room volume.

Section 5, Figure 4: General Limitations to Test Room Arrangement

10
 AMCA Standard 300-96

6. OBSERVATIONS AND shall be sufficient to provide a constant value and

CALCULATIONS shall be a minimum of 30 seconds for frequency
bands of 160 Hz and below, and 15 seconds for
6.1 OBSERVATIONS frequency bands of 200 Hz and above.

6.1.1 Point of Operation. Although the acoustical

observations necessary to determine sound power out- 6.2 CALCULATIONS
put are the same for all fan types, the non-acoustical
observations necessary to determine the aerodynamic 6.2.1 Background Corrections. The observed
point of operation differ. This standard provides RSS or test fan sound pressure level readings include
different test setups for the testing of various fan both the sound source and the background noise
types. Regardless of the test setup, the point of sources. The effect of the background noise level
operation shall be determined. If the sound test setup must be subtracted from the observed sound pressure
also conforms to one of the test setups in ANSI/- level. The corrections for background level depend
AMCA Standard 210, then the point of rating can be on the difference between the observed sound pressure
established with sufficient accuracy. If the sound test level and the background noise level. When the
setup does not conform to one of the test setups in difference between the observed level and the back-
ANSI/AMCA Standard 210, steps must be taken to ground level is less than 6 dB, sound source measure-
ensure that the fan speed is known within ± 1% and ments cannot be accurately determined, and a reduc-
the point of operation can be established within ± 5% tion of the background noise pressure: levels is neces-
along a system line. sary.

6.1.2 Sound Pressure Levels Sound pressure level readings may be corrected for
background noise level by logarithmic subtraction
6.1.2.1 Sound Pressure Levels, Background (Lpb). using the following formulae.
This includes all noise sources present while the fan
is being tested that are not directly associated with Fan sound pressure level:
fan sound. Examples of background sources are noise
due to the motion of the microphone and any noise
due to external sources. Efforts should be made to
keep the background noise level at a minimum.

6.1.2.2 Sound Pressure Levels, RSS ( Lpqm ).

These are the sound pressure levels present when only RSS sound pressure level:
the RSS is operating with its background noise
sources.

6.1.2.3 Sound Pressure Levels, Fan (L p). For a

set of tests at various fan points of operation, LPb and
L pqm above need to be observed once, while Lpm must
be observed for each operating point.
Example: The sound pressure level in a given
Note: The observations above are valid only when frequency band is observed to be 58 dB. The back-
taken in a room that has passed the room qualifi- ground noise level in the same band is observed to be
cation procedures outlined in Appendix A or B. 51 dB. The sound pressure level corrected for back-
ground is calculated using the formula (or Table 4)
6.1.3 Test Conditions. The test conditions shall which gives 58 dB minus 1 dB or 57 dB.
be as nearly as possible the same for all sound
pressure level readings. Operation of the microphone 6.2.2 Sound Power Level ( L ). Sound power
w

traverse and any rotating vanes shall be the same for levels are calculated using equations shown in Section
all readings. Observers and operators, if located in 5. Equations vary with different product types and
the test area, shall be away from the sound source and
remain in the same position for all tests. Readings
should be a time-weighted average over an integral Full octave band values may be calculated from one-
number of microphone swings. The time span used third octave band values by using the formula:

11
AMCA Standard 300-96

7.1 FAN UNDER TEST

(A) Description of the fan under test

(i) Manufacturer
(ii) Model
where: (iii) Nominal size
(iv) Impeller diameter
L W 1, L W 2 a n d L W 1 a r e o n e - t h i r d o c t a v e b a n d (v) Number of blades
values. (vi) Blade setting (adjustable or variable
pitch fans only)
(vii) Number of stator vanes (as applicable)
(viii) Inlet area
Table 4 (ix) Outlet area
Corrections for Background Noise Level
(B) Operating Conditions

Difference between Correction to be subtracted (i) Fan speed

sound pressure level from sound pressure level (ii) Fan airflow rate
measured with sound measured with sound source
source operating and operating to obtain sound (iii) Fan static pressure or total pressure at
background noise level pressure level due to sound actual test conditions
alone source alone (iv) Fan air density
(dB) (dB)
(C) Mounting Conditions
6.0 1.3
(i) Test figure
6.2 1.2 (ii) Test installation type
(iii) Sketch showing laboratory setup, including —
6.5 1.1
location of fan equipment and acoustical
7.0 1.0 measurements

7.5 0.9 7.2 TEST ENVIRONMENT

8.0 0.8 (A) Barometric pressure
8.5 0.7 (B) Ambient dry-bulb temperature
(C) Ambient wet-bulb temperature
9.0 0.6 (D) Dry-bulb temperature at the fan inlet
(E) Static pressure at the fan inlet
9.5 0.5
10 0.4 7.3 LABORATORY AND INSTRUMENTATION

11 0.3 (A) Laboratory name

(B) Laboratory location
12 0.3 (C) Technician name
Over 12 No correction required (D) List of equipment with dates of calibration
(E) Scope of room qualification. Data shall indicate
if the test room is qualified for full or one-third
octaves, and, in the case of pure tone testing, the
one-third octaves bands for which the qualifica-
tion applies.
7. INFORMATION TO BE RECORDED 7.4 ACOUSTIC DATA

The following information, when applicable, shall be (A) Background sound pressure level
compiled and recorded for all measurements made in (B) Reference sound source sound pressure level
accordance with the requirements of this standard. (C) Background corrections for the reference sound

12
 AMCA Standard 300-96

source (B) Operating Conditions

(D) Fan sound pressure level
(E) Background corrections for the fan (i) Aerodynamic performance test standard
(F) Unweighed fan sound power level (ii)Fan speed
(G) End correction data if applicable (iii)
Fan airflow rate
(i) End correction values (iv)Fan static pressure or total pressure at
(ii) Duct length actual test conditions
(iii) Flush, or non-flush, mounting of the duct (v) Fan air density
(iv) Inside diameter of the orifice plate
(H) Test date (C) Mounting Conditions

8 . MINIMUM INFORMATION TO BE (i) Test figure

REPORTED (ii) Test installation type

8 . 2 LABORATORY AND INSTRUMENTATION

8 . 1 FAN UNDER TEST
(A) Laboratory name
(A) Description of the fan under test
(B) Laboratory location
(i) Manufacturer
8.3 ACOUSTIC DATA
(ii) Model
(iii) Nominal size
(A) Unweighed fan sound power levels, in full oc-
(iv) Actual impeller diameter
tave bands, reported to the nearest whole decibel
(v) Number of blades
(B) Test date
(vi) Blade pitch (adjustable or variable pitch
axial fans only)

13
AMCA Standard 300-96

APPENDIX A. A.4 COMPUTATION PROCEDURES

For each frequency band for which the test room is to

ROOM QUALIFICATION: FULL
be qualified, the standard deviation s, in decibels,
OCTAVE/ONE-THIRD OCTAVE shall be computed using the formula:

A.1 GENERAL

This appendix covers the procedures for a broad-band (A.4-1)

qualification of a test room for full and one-third
octave bands. If pure tone qualification is required
refer to Appendix B. Room Qualification: Pure where:
Tones/Narrow-Band.
(L pq )j = sound pressure level (dB) averaged
A.2 INSTRUMENTATION AND EQUIPMENT over all microphone positions when
the RSS is in the jth location,
The instrumentation and microphone traverse shall be
the same as those used during the actual testing of a arithmetic mean of (L ) values, (dB)
pq j
fan. The instrumentation shall conform to the re- averaged over all source locations,
quirements given in Section 4.1-4.4. The microphone
traverse shall conform to the requirements of Section number of RSS positions (a minimum
5.5. The test procedure given in this section requires of eight)
the use of a reference sound source having the charac-
teristics specified in Section 4.5.
A.5 QUALIFICATION
A.3 TEST PROCEDURES
For each frequency band, the test room qualifies for
Eight or more measurements shall be taken of the the measurement of broad-band sound if the computed
reverberant-field sound pressure levels in the room, standard deviation does not exceed the limits in Table
each with the RSS placed at a different location A-1.
within the room, under the following conditions:

A.3.1 Each location for the RSS shall be selected Table A-1
on the floor and shall not be closer than 1 m (3 ft) Maximum Allowable Standard Deviation, s
from a wall and not closer to any microphone than
permitted by equation Amin (Section 5, Figure 4).
The distance between any two source locations shall Octave One-Third Maximum
be greater than 1 m (3 ft). No source location shall Band Octave Band Allowable
lie within ± 300 mm (1 ft) of a room centerline. Center Center Standard
The reference sound source locations shall be in the Frequencies Frequencies Deviation (dB)
general vicinity of the locations intended for the (Hz) (Hz) s
sound source being evaluated as viewed in a plan
view of the room. 63 50 to 80 3.0
125 100 to 160 1.5
A.3.2 With the reference sound source at each of
the above locations, determine the average sound 250 and 500 200 to 630 1.0
pressure levels in accordance with the procedures of
Section 6. 1000 and 800 to 2500 0.5
2000
A.3.3 The microphone traverse, sound diffuser (if
any), instrumentation and observation time shall be 4000 and 3150 to 1.0
identical to those used during the actual testing of a 8000 10000
source.

14
 AMCA Standard 300-96

APPENDIX B. 5. A voltmeter capable of monitoring within

± 0.05°A of the voltage across the loud-
speaker at all test frequencies.
ROOM QUALIFICATION: PURE
TONES/NARROW-BAND B.3 TEST PROCEDURE

B.1 GENERAL Qualification testing consists of two sections, the first

being concerned with the near-field characteristics of
This appendix covers the procedure for the qualifica- the loudspeaker and the second with the test room
tion of a test room to investigate pure tones. The itself. In both sections, measurements are made for
reference docoument for this procedure is ANSI each of the discrete frequencies associated with the
12.32-1990 [14]. Qualification testing applies only to one-third octave band being qualified. The same test
those one-third octave bands having center frequencies equipment must be used for both sections of the
from 100 to 2500 Hz, inclusive, as shown in Table B- qualification testing.
1. Qualification excludes those bands having center
frequencies below 100 Hz and is not required for B.3.1 Loudspeaker Test. The loudspeaker shall
those bands having a center frequency greater than be located on the surface of a hemi-anechoic field
2500 Hz. The qualification testing applies to a spe- with the open cone facing upward. A microphone
cific location in the test room and determines which with diaphragm horizontal is located over the center
of the one-third octave bands the test room location of the loudspeaker 10 to 20 mm (3/8 to 3/4 in. ) above
is qualified for. Sound tests which are based on such the plane of the loudspeaker rim. The input voltage
qualification must state the center frequency of the to the loudspeaker must be sufficiently strong to
one-third octave bands qualified for the test by this overcome background noise but must in no case be
procedure. permitted to cause physical distortion of the loud-
speaker components. The sound pressure levels for
the discrete frequencies of a one-third octave band are
B.2 INSTRUMENTATION AND EQUIPMENT then measured. The loudspeaker is suitable only if
the sound pressure levels at adjacent frequencies do
The instrumentation shall be as specified in Section 4 not differ by more than 1 dB. This test determines
with the following substitution/additions: the near-field characteristics of the loudspeaker and
gives calibration sound pressure levels for the loud-
a) The signal analyzer will be a one-third octave speaker.
band analyzer conforming to ANSI S 1.11-1986.
b) The sound source will consist of B.3.2 Room Test. The loudspeaker shall be posi-
tioned in the room at the horizontal and vertical
1. A loudspeaker/horn: one or more, each coordinates of the equipment to be tested and placed
having a sufficiently smooth frequency so that the open cone faces away from the nearest
response within the range of frequencies to room surface. Using the same input voltage to the
be qualified. loudspeaker(s) as for the loudspeaker test, space and
time averaged sound pressure levels LP are measured
2. A frequency generator, tuneable to and for the discrete frequencies of the one-third octave
meeting the tolerances given for the fre- band.
quencies given in Table B-1. A digital
frequency synthesizer is recommended for B.4 COMPUTATION
ease of setting frequency.
The room test sound pressure levels are then corrected
3. A frequency counter accurate within ± to remove the effect of the loud-speaker’s near-field
0.05 Hz over the pertinent frequency characteristic by subtracting the loud-speaker test
range.
sound pressure levels. The arithmetic mean L ps for
4. A power amplifier of suitable power and
having an output impedance compatible the room levels (L ps ) k is then calculated, and the
with the loudspeaker(s). standard deviation s of the difference between (L ps)k

15
AMCA Standard 300-96

Table B-1 Test frequencies for alternative qualification of reverberant room facility for measuring sound power
Ievels of noise sources containing significant discrete-frequency components, (From ANSI S12.32-1990) [14]

Center frequency of one-third octave bands, Hz

100 125 160 200 250 315 400 500 630 800 1000 1250 1600 2000 2500
--- --- 147 --- --- --- 361 --- --- --- --- --- 1470 --- ---
--- 113 148 --- 226 --- 364 --- --- --- --- 1130 1480 --- 2260
--- 114 149 --- 228 --- 367 445 564 712 --- 1140 1490 --- 2280

90 115 150 180 230 285 370 450 570 720 900 1150 1500 1800 2300
91 116 151 182 232 288 373 455 576 728 910 1160 1510 1820 2320
92 117 152 184 234 291 376 460 582 736 920 1170 1520 1840 2340
93 118 153 186 236 294 379 465 588 744 930 1180 1530 1860 2360

94 119 154 188 238 297 382 470 594 752 940 1190 1540 1880 2380

95 120 155 190 240 300 385 475 600 760 950 1200 1550 1900 2400

96 121 156 192 242 303 388 480 606 768 960 1210 1560 1920 2420

97 122 157 194 244 306 391 485 612 776 970 1220 1570 1940 2440

98 123 158 196 246 309 394 490 618 784 980 1230 1580 1960 2460

99 124 159 198 248 312 397 495 624 792 990 1240 1590 1980 2480

100 125 160 200 250 315 400 530 630 800 1000 1250 1600 2000 2500

101 126 161 202 252 318 403 505 636 808 1010 1260 1610 2020 2520

102 127 162 204 254 321 406 510 642 816 1020 1270 1620 2040 2540

103 128 163 206 256 324 409 515 648 824 1030 1280 1630 2060 2560

104 129 164 208 258 327 412 520 654 832 1040 1290 1640 2080 2580

105 130 165 210 260 330 415 525 660 840 1050 1300 1650 2100 2600

106 131 166 212 262 333 418 530 666 848 1060 1310 1660 2120 2620

107 132 167 214 264 336 421 535 672 856 1070 1320 1670 2140 2640

108 133 168 216 266 339 424 540 678 864 1080 1330 1680 2160 2660

109 134 169 218 268 342 427 545 684 872 1090 1340 1690 2180 2680

110 135 170 220 270 345 430 550 690 880 1100 1350 1700 2200 2700

111 136 171 222 272 348 433 555 696 888 1110 1360 1710 2220 2720
--- 137 172 --- 274 --- 436 --- 702 --- --- 1370 1720 --- 2740
--- 138 173 --- 276 --- 439 --- --- --- --- 1380 1730 --- 2760

Increment, 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 5 6 8 10 10 10 20 20
Hz
tolerance
of Incre-
ment, Hz

16
 AMCA Standard 300-96

(B.4-1) Table B-2

Maximum Allowable Sample
Standard Deviations, s
where:

the average L ps, corrected

the arithmetic mean of (L ps)k values

averaged over all n test frequencies

the number of discrete test frequen-

cies associated with the specific one-
third octave band.

B.5 QUALIFICATION

A test room location is accepted as qualified for pure

tone testing within a given one-third octave band if
the standard deviations for that band does not exceed
the values given in Table B-2. If a one-third octave
band does not qualify, some modification will be re-
quired to the microphone location, to the test position,
or to the room absorption [15] [16].

17
AMCA Standard 300-96

APPENDIX C. C.3 ROOM RESPONSE

A reverberant room is an appropriate place for mea-

UNCERTAINTIES ANALYSIS
suring the acoustical power of a source emitting
steady sound power such as a fan. However, the
GENERAL
room must be diffuse enough to produce a reverberant
field.
The analysis of the uncertainty associated with mea-
surements performed with this standard provides
When a sound source is operated inside a reverberant
identification of certain critical points of the proposed
room, the sound waves are reflected by the walls, and
method, so as to recognize the limitations of the
are propagated in all directions. If the paths of all
results. Furthermore, it provides an approximation, in
the waves could be seen, we would notice a number
real values, of the imprecision in the recorded results.
of repetitions (for example: the path followed by a
wave reflected between two parallel walls). These
C.1 DEFINITIONS
particular paths are called normal modes. The greater
the number of normal modes, the better the sound
Precision error is an error which causes readings to
dispersion inside the room. The modes must be
take random values on either side of some mean
sufficiently numerous and close together to allow the
value.
sound source to transmit its entire spectrum to the
room. Two important sources of error may affect the
Systematic error is an error that persists and cannot
measurements taken in a reverberant room: 1) the
be considered as due entirely to chance,
error introduced by measuring the sound field at a
limited number of points, and 2) variations of sound
Uncertainty is an estimated value for the error, i.e.,
power with the source location. Many sources radiate
what we think an error would be if we could and did
sound which is not entirely broadband, but contains
measure it by calibration. Although uncertainty may
significant discrete-frequency components called in
be the result of both precision and systematic errors,
common usage pure tones. Some fans generate a pure
only precision errors can be treated by statistical
tone at the blade frequency, and sometimes at har-
methods,
monic frequencies.
The uncertainty in the researched value is described
In a reverberant room, these pure tones tend to excite
by specifying the measured value followed by the
certain modes, which will dominate all the others.
uncertainty interval at the desired confidence level
This will noticeably increase the variability of the
pressure field, due to an insufficient dispersion of the
L W = m ± w at P confidence level (E.l-1)
sound field. Consequently, the precision of the
results is reduced due to the inaccuracy of the sound
where:
pressure averaging.
m = measured value
C.3.1 Broad-Band Measurement in a Reverber-
w = uncertainty ant Room. Broad-band sound is uniformly distribut-
P = %
ed in frequency with relatively steady levels and with
no prominent discrete-frequency or narrow-band
C.2 UNCERTAINTIES components. Measurements of broad-band sound may
be taken in a room qualified per Appendix A.
The uncertainties associated with measurements of
power levels performed in accordance with the stan- C.3.2 Pure Tone Measurement in a Reverberant
dard are room response (C.3), fan operating points Room. When a discrete-frequency component is
(C.4), instrument error (C.5), and RSS accuracy (C.6). present in the spectrum of a source, the spatial varia-
Uncertainties associated with duct end corrections tions in the sound pressure level usually exhibit
involve the accuracy of estimating the losses from maxima separated by minima having an average
orifice plates (C.8). Other areas of interest involve spacing of approximately 0.8λ, where λ is the wave-
the use of full or one-third octave bands (C.9) and the length corresponding to the discrete frequency of
problems associated with testing and rating in the 63 interest. .
hertz band (C.10).

18
 AMCA Standard 300-96

The presence of a significant discrete-frequency

component in the noise produced by a source can arithmetic mean of (L pc)j values, averaged
often be detected by a simple listening test. If such over all microphone positions, dB
a component is audible, or detectable by narrow-band
analysis, the, qualification procedure described in n m = number of microphone positions = 6.
Appendix B is recommended.
The magnitude ofs depends upon the properties of the
If the room is not qualified for pure tone measure- sound field in the test room. These properties are
ment, the measurement uncertainty will most probably influenced by the characteristics of the room as well
be higher in the bands containing the blade passage as the characteristics of the noise source (i.e., direc-
frequency and its harmonics than if measured in a tivity and spectrum of the emitted sound). In theory
qualified room. Typical uncertainties may have a a standard deviation of 5.57 dB corresponds to a
magnitude ± 8 dB. spectral component of zero bandwidth, i.e., a discrete
tone.
Discrete-frequency components may be present in the
spectrum even when these components are not audible.
A conclusion that no discrete-frequency components Table C-1
are present can only be reached by performing the test
described in C.3.3. Characterization of the presence of discrete-frequency
or narrow-band components, based upon the spatial
C.3.3 Test for Discrete-Frequency Components. variation of the sound field,
The following procedure can be used to estimate the
(spatial) standard deviation of the sound pressure
levels produced by the fan under test in the room.

Select an array of six fixed microphones (or a single

microphone at six positions) spaced at least λ/2 apart,
where λ is the wavelength of the sound corresponding
to the lowest band center frequency of interest, and
meeting all of the requirements for microphone posi-
tions in Appendix A. Locate the source at a single
position in the test room in accordance with Appendix
A.

Obtain the time-averaged sound pressure level, Lpj, at

each microphone position according to the techniques
described in Appendix A.

For each one-third octave band within the frequency

range of interest, calculate the standard deviation s,
from the following equation:

C.4 FAN OPERATING POINTS

Whenever the sound power level of a fan is measured,

each measurement must relate to one point of opera-
tion of the fan. Uncertainty in identifying this point
thus affects the global uncertainty of the results, It is
where: therefore recommended that the procedures of ANSI/-
AMCA Standard 210 or other recognized fan perfor-
L pcj = sound pressure level, corrected for the back- mance test standard be used as a guideline in identify-
ground noise level in accordance with the ing the operating points. The sound level sensitivity
procedures of 6.2.1, for the jth microphone to change in point of operation is a function of the
position, dB product characteristics and this will dictate how
accurately the point of operation measurement should

19
AMCA Standard 300-96

be made. Fans that have a large sound power level tions in Table C-4 take into account the cumulative
change as flow is changed, at a given speed, are of effects of all causes of measurement uncertainty C.3
more concern than fans that show a small sound through C.6 above, except for duct end reflection cor-
power level change for the same flow change. rections, and the testing of products containing pure
tones tested in an unqualified room.
C.5 INSTRUMENT ERROR

The frequency response of the instrumentation system Table C-4

shall be flat over the frequency range of interest to Estimated Deviation of Sound Power
within the tolerances given in Table C-2. Level Determinations

Table C-2
Tolerances for the Instrumentation System

C.6 RSS ACCURACY C.8 DUCT END CORRECTIONS

The sound power produced by the Reference Sound The curves shown on Figure E-1 in Appendix E,
Source shall be determined in octave and one-third which indicate the losses present at the duct end, were
octave bands within the tolerances specified in Table developed from an analysis of the results of research
C-3. conducted at Purdue University [16]. This same re-
search also addresses the limits of duct size and
orifice size.
Table C-3
Calibration Accuracy for Reference Sound Source Table C-5 gives the uncertainties for the end reflec-
tion correction E, for various 0.5kD and r values.

Table C-5
Uncertainties in End Reflection Correction E

C.7 ESTIMATED STANDARD DEVIATION

FOR MEASUREMENT OF POWER LEVELS

Measurements of power levels made in accordance

with this standard will result, with very few excep-
tions, in standard deviations which are equal to or less
than those given in Table C-4. The standard devia-

20
 AMCA Standard 300-96

C.9 OCTAVE BAND VS ONE-THIRD OCTAVE

BAND

According to this standard, the frequency analysis of

sound may be performed either in full octave bands or
in one-third octave bands. Qualification of a rever-
berant room for pure tones can only be effected in the
one-third octave band. Full octave band analysis
takes less time since fewer numerical values are treat-
ed; however, this analysis supplies little information
on the shape of a sound spectrum. Furthermore, full
octave band analysis does not allow isolation of pure
tones in a spectrum; the poor resolution of an octave
band gives little information about a steeply sloping
spectrum. The pure tone value produced by a fan
may be reduced by 1 to 2 dB without changing the
octave band reading.

For certain test duct conditions, this standard uses an Table C-7 One-Third Octave Band Analysis
end reflection correction factor which is frequency
dependent. Because of this dependence, analysis in
full octave band instead of one-third octave band may
cause an error of up to ± 2 dB.

Example Test Conditions:

- Fan with 508 mm (20 in.) diameter outlet duct

- No orifice plate
- Low air flow

There is a significant difference between the two

methods of evaluating the octave band values. This
difference is a function of two things:

1) The shape of the one-third octave band spectrum C.10 ACCURACY OF THE 63 Hz BAND
2) The slope of the end reflection attenuation curve at At low frequencies, the sound power output of a
the point where the reflection correction factor is source depends on its position in the room. At these
evaluated. frequencies, very few modes are excited and because
of reflections from room surfaces, the reflected
The error made in using the octave band analysis can pressure at the source combines with the direct
overestimate or underestimate the real values; there- pressure field produced by the source. This affects
fore, the use of one-third octave band analysis is the radiation impedance seen by the source, and
recommended. Refer to Figure C 1. therefore its power output. This is particularly true
of the 63 Hz band. Most standards do not cover this
If full octave band analysis is performed, a precaution band although it is important to fan manufacturers.
would be to adjust the fan speed to cause the blade Measurements in this band must be reported. Howev-
passage frequency to fall in the central one-third er, the measured values have an uncertainty of ± 6 dB
octave band of any octave band. Care should also be or more.
taken to keep the blade passage frequency from
falling on the border between bands, thus avoiding the
problems associated with filter skirts characteristics.

21
AMCA Standard 300-96

Figure C-1 Effect of Summing on One-Third Octave Bands

22
 AMCA Standard 300-96

APPENDIX D. D.4 PROCEDURE

The requirements of ANSI S 12.5-1990 are duplicated

ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE FOR RSS in the lowest 3 octave (9 one-third octave) bands,
CALIBRATION with the substitution of sound intensity level measure-
ments for the sound pressure level measurements
D.1 GENERAL required by ANSI S12.5-1990. For all measurements,
sound intensity shall be measured in the outward
Calibration of a RSS in conformance with the require- radial direction. The sound power levels determined
ments of ANSI S12.5-1990 requires a hemi-anechoic from these measurements shall be compared with
room qualified for measurements over the entire those determined from the corresponding sound
frequency range of interest. Laboratories that other- pressure level measurements. If in all frequency
wise would be able to perform the required calibra- bands the determined sound power levels differ by no
tion, but that are not qualified for measurements in more than the tolerance of Table D. 1, the calibrated
the first AMCA octave band may use the alternative sound power levels for the RSS are reported as
procedure of this Appendix. This alternative proce- specified in D.5. The directivity index is not calcu-
dure is based on sound intensity measurements per lated from the intensity measurements.
ANSI S12.12-1992 [17].

D.2 EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

Table D.1
Equipment and facilities shall be as required for RSS Tolerance for sound power level difference
calibration in conformance with ANSI S12.5-1990,
with the exception that the hemi-anechoic chamber
need not be qualified below the 125 Hz octave band
(100 Hz one-third octave band). Sound intensity
measuring equipment shall comply with the require-
ments of ANSI S12.12-1992.

Additional Reference Sound Sources may be sound

power level calibrated by comparing the sound level
of the source to another Reference Sound Source that
was calibrated in accordance with sections D. 1 to D.5.
The transfer calibration procedure shall be in accor-
dance with ANSI S12.31 - 1990, Section 9.2. D.5 RSS SOUND POWER LEVELS
D.3 QUALIFICATION The reported RSS sound power level and directivity
index shall be those determined by the ANSI S12.5-
The RSS calibration procedure of ANSI S 12.5-1990 1990 procedure for the 100 - 10,000 Hz one-third
shall be carried out over the 50 - 10,000 Hz one-third octave and 125-8,000 Hz octave bands. For the 50-
octave band frequency range and 63-8,000 Hz octave 80 Hz one-third octave bands and 63 Hz octave band
band range. If the calibration is in conformance with the reported RSS sound power level shall be that
ANSI S12.5-1990 in all respects except for the determined from the intensity measurements, and the
qualification of the test facility below the 100 Hz directivity index is not reported. The calibration
one-third octave band, the alternative calibration report shall be marked to indicate the levels deter-
procedure below may be used. If the calibration is mined from intensity measurements, and shall indicate
not in complete conformance with ANSI S12.5-1990 whether the calibration was performed in full compli-
for any other reason, the alternative calibration pro- ance with this Appendix.
cedure is not applicable.

23
AMCA Standard 300-96

APPENDIX E. E.3 AN EXAMPLE DETERMINATION OF INLET

DUCT END CORRECTION
DUCT END CORRECTION
QUANTITY SI UNITS I-P UNITS
E.1 GENERAL Inlet Duct Diameter 1016 mm 3.333 ft (40 in.)
Orifice Diameter 457 mm 1.5 ft (18 in.)
Conditions at the end of a test duct can prevent some Speed of Sound 343 m/s 1125 fps
of the sound energy from being transmitted into the
test room. Therefore, the sound power measured in Sample Calculation for
the room may be less than the true sound power in the Octave Band 1:
duct. Correction factors must be added to the fan
sound measured in the test room in order to accom- duct diameter 2
modate the reduction caused by orifice plate end r=
( orifice diameter ) (from Figure E-1)
reflection.
SI UNITS I-P UNITS
E.2 ORIFICE PLATE END REFLECTION
From Figure E-1:
If the end of the duct is completely closed by a
perfectly reflecting plate, then all the sound energy
incident on this plate will be reflected back into the
duct. If an orifice is made in this plate, some of the
incident sound will pass through this opening and be r = 4.94 (use 5)
r = 4.94 (use 5)
measurable in the test room. The amount of sound
energy transmitted depends on the size of the orifice
(i.e. its diameter, assuming a circular orifice) and on From 3.2.13:
the wavelength of the incident sound. In general, the
higher the sound frequency and the larger the orifice,
the more easily the sound passes through the orifice.
However, even with a 100% orifice, i.e. a completely (For 63 Hz, from Table 2)
open-ended duct, some reflection will occur at lower
frequencies because of the different acoustical condi-
1125 ft/sec
tions inside and outside the duct. Figure E-1 gives
the correction factor with variations of orifice plate 63 Hz
size, octave band center frequency, duct diameter, and =5440mm
type of duct termination (flush or open).

In addition to the variation of reflection with frequen-

cy and orifice size, the mechanical properties of the
orifice plate will affect its reflective properties. A
thin, light and flexible plate will be less of a barrier
to sound than will a thick, heavy and rigid one [18].
However, the characteristics of an orifice in the latter
type of plate are predictable whereas the varying k = 1160mm
-1

properties of a light, flexible plate make prediction

difficult. Figure E-1 assumes the use of a thick,
heavy and rigid orifice plate. For the purposes of this 0.5 kD = 0.5 x 1160 mm-l 0.5 kD = 0.5 x 0.35 ft-l
standard it is recommended that the orifice plate x 1016 mm x 3.333 ft
should typically be not less than 10 mm (3/8 in.) = 0.59 = 0.59
thick steel plate, and be securely fastened to the end
of the duct (e.g. using a minimum of eight circum- Then from Figure E-1, for r = 5 and 0.5 kD = 0.59,
ferential bolts of adequate size), In the larger duct (in both SI and the I-P system): E i = 7.0
sizes, over 1000 mm (40 in.) diameter, consideration
should be given to using thicker plate, additional The values of E for the eight octave bands are listed
stiffening, or both. in Table E-1.

24
 AMCA Standard 300-96

Table E-1 Example Correction Ei

Octave Band 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Center Frequency (Hz) 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000
0.5 kD 0.59 1.16 2.32 4.65 9.30 18.6 37.2 74.4
Ei (dB) 7.0 5.3 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2

Having determined the correction factor Ei, Eo, or Ew E.5 FORMULA FOR r = 1 END REFLECTION
for each duct (where applicable), the total sound CORRECTION CURVE
power level of the fan is found using the equations
given in Section 5, Figures 2 and 3, and Appendix H, As an option to using the chart in Figure E-1, the r =
Figure H1. 1 end reflection curves can be approximately calculat-
ed to within a few tenths of a dB using the following
E.4 LIMITATIONS formulas:

Exact limitations of duct and orifice size have not For a duct terminated in free space, use:
been established. However, research on end reflection
corrections [16] has shown that they become less
predictable as frequency, duct diameter and the per-
centage open area of the orifice plate decrease.

Figure E-1 provides values for the end reflection For a duct terminated flush with the reverberation
correction when sound testing is carried out within the room wall, use:
following limits:

1. The test frequencies do not lie below the 63 Hz

octave band.

2. The test duct diameter is not less than 300 mm (12 where f is frequency (Hz), c is the speed of sound in
in.). air (ft/see), and D is the diameter (ft) of a circular
duct or the effective diameter of a rectangular duct.
3. The r value ( r = duct area/orifice area) does not D is
exceed 5.

Testing within these limits will give results with

accuracies described in Appendix C, Table C-5. If
tests have to be carried out such that the above limits
would be exceeded, then consideration should be
given to using another test method.

25
AMCA Standard 300-96
 AMCA Standard 300-96

APPENDIX F.

FILTER WEIGHTED MEASUREMENTS

In certain sound measurement situations, the presence

of high amplitude sound at low frequency (below 45
Hz) can reduce the effective dynamic range of the
analyzer in the measurement frequency range of
interest for this standard (45 Hz to 11.2 kHz). While
use of an analyzer with a large dynamic measurement
range can possibly solve the problem, it may some-
times be necessary to use another approach.

Sound pressure level readings may be made with the

sound level meter or signal amplifier set for a well
defined filter weighting effect in order to improve the
dynamic range and measurement quality. The filter
weighting response shall be less than 3 dB at all
frequencies between 45 Hz and 11.2 kHz. The
weighting filter shall be the same for all measure-
ments (background, RSS, and fan). The filter weigh-
ting values shall be added to the sound pressure level
measurement spectrums to maintain calibration.

27
AMCA Standard 300-96

APPENDIX G. radiating from the inlet and discharge ductwork

connected to the unit causing the measured sound
power levels to be somewhat higher than the correct
RADIATION OF SOUND BY FAN casing radiated sound power levels. This effect can
CASING be minimized by using internally lined round duct-
work. No correction for duct radiated sound power
G.1 GENERAL level is allowed.

The sound radiated from a fan casing may be deter- G.4 OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:
mined by the following method. Note that except as SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS L pq AND Lpk
provided for below, all the requirements of the SHALL BE OBSERVED AS PROVIDED FOR IN
previously given sound test method will apply. SECTION 6.

G.2 INSTRUMENTATION AND EQUIPMENT The fan casing sound pressure levels Lpk are observed
and subject to the provisions for LP in Section 6. The
Instrumentation and equipment shall be as previously results of such casing tests are subject to the same
required in Section 4. requirements as fan tests for possible pure tones and
additional testing.
G.3 SETUP AND TEST
in each frequency band.
The fan inlet and fan outlet shall be ducted to termi- (G.4-1)
nation points outside the test room. Ducts and where:
connections should be constructed and secured such
that the acoustic energy radiated through this L W k = sound power radiated through casing.
equipment is no more than 10% of the total energy
radiated by the fan casing into the room, The rever-
berant room pressure level may be affected by noise

28
 AMCA Standard 300-96

APPENDIX H. duct lengths are also acceptable and may be used.

Care must be taken to ensure that no duct resonances
exist in close proximity to specific frequencies of
TOTAL FAN SOUND TESTING WITH
interest. e.g., blade passage frequencies.
ATTACHED DUCTS
Although it is recognized that the inlet and outlet
It is intended that the sound power levels determined sound power levels of a fan are generally not equal,
by this standard reflect the sound produced at a it is necessary to make some assumption about the”
known fan operating point. The length of test ducts relationship between these levels to apply duct end
used to determine sound power would, therefore, be reflection correction. The equations given below are
identical to the duct length defined in ANSI/AMCA based upon the assumption that the inlet and outlet
Standard 210. It has been determined that shorter sound power levels of a fan are equal.

Installation Type L W Equations

B: Free Inlet
Ducted Outlet

C: Ducted Inlet
Free Outlet

D: Ducted Inlet
Ducted Outlet

This test procedure and the above calculations are based on the following:

1. Directivity from the fan is averaged by the reverberant room and the microphone location is such that it is
sensing total averaged sound pressure levels.
2. Duct construction is such that the transmission loss through the duct wall is large enough to eliminate any
addition to measured sound pressure levels.
3. No resonances are present on either the fan structure, supporting devices, or driving devices that provide any
significant pure tones that may add to the measured sound pressure levels.
4. The factor of 3 in the above equations is based on the assumption that fan sound power is equally distributed
between inlet and outlet.

Figure H-1 Fan Total Sound Testing With Appurtenances Attached

29
AMCA Standard 300-96

APPENDIX J.

REFERENCES

[1] AMCA Standard 300-67, Test Code for Sound Rating, Air Movement and Control Association, Inc.,
Arlington Heights, IL, 1967

[2] AMCA Standard 301-90, Methods for Calculating Fan Sound Ratings from Laboratory Test Data, Air
Movement and Control Association, Inc., Arlington Heights, IL, 1990

[3] ANSI/AMCA Standard 210//ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 51, American National Standard Laboratory Methods
of Testing Fans for Aerodynamic Performance Rating, Air Movement and Control Association, Inc.,
Arlington Heights, IL, 1995

[4] ANSI S12.31-1990, American National Standard Precision Methods for the Determination of Sound Power
Levels Broad-Band Noise Sources in Reverberant Rooms, American National Standards Institute, New
York, 1990 (AMCA #1186-90-A0)

[5] ASTM E380-92, Standard Practice for the Use of the International System of Units (SI) (The Modernized
Metric System), American Society For Testing And Materials, Philadelphia, 1992

[6] Harris, C. M., Ed., Handbook of Noise Control, 2nd Ed.. McGraw-Hill, New York, 1979, Ch. 1, p.2

[7] Parker, S. P., Ed., Dictionary of Scientific and Engineering Terms, 4th Ed., McGraw-Hill, New York,
1989.

[8] ANSI S 1.4-1983; S1.4A-1985, American National Standard Specification for Sound Level Meters,
American National Standards Institute, New York, 1985 (AMCA #2315-83-A0)

[9] ANSI S 1.11-1986, American National Standard Specification for Octave Band and Fractional Octave Band
Analog and Digital Filters, American National Standards Institute, New York, 1986
(AMCA #1727 -86-A0)

[10] ANSI S 12.5-1990, American National Standard Requirements for the Performance and Calibration of
Reference Sound Source, American National Standards Institute, New York, 1990
(AMCA #1863-90-A0)

[11] ANSI S 1.6-1984 (Rl990), American National Standard Preferred Frequencies, Frequency Levels, and Band
Numbers for Acoustical Measurements, Acoustical Society of America, New York, 1990
(AMCA #l 108-84-A0)

[12] ANSI S 1.40-1984, American National Standard, American National Standard Specification for Acoustical
Calibrators (AMCA #1895 -84-A0)

[13] Sepmeyer, L. W., Computed Frequency and Angular Distribution of the Normal Modes of Vibration in
Rectangular Rooms, Acoustical Society of America, Vol. 37-No. 3, March 1965.
(AMCA #1891-65-A0)

[14] ANSI S 12.32-1990, American National Standard Precision Methods for the Determination of Sound Power
Levels of Discrete-Frequency and Narrow-Band Noise Sources in Reverberation Rooms, American National
Standards Institute, New York, 1990 (AMCA #1087-90-A0)
-
[15] AMCA #1901-85-A 1, List of References on Room Calibration, Air Movement and Control Association,
Inc., Arlington Heights, IL, 1985

30
 AMCA Standard 300-96

[16] Crocker, M. J., w/Pande, L. and Sandbakken, M., Investigation of End Reflection Coefficient Accuracy
Problems with AMCA Standard 300-67, HL 81-16, Purdue University, IN, 1981.
(AMCA #1184-81-A6)
[17] ANSI S 12.12-1992, Engineering Method for the Determination of Sound Power Levels of Noise Sources
Using Sound Intensity, American National Standards Institute, 1992. (AMCA #1850-92-A0)

[18] Noise Control Engineering, Vol. 7, No. 2, Noise Measurement Facilities, and ANSI SI.21-1972, Methods
for the Determination of Sound Power Levels of Small Sources in Reverberation Rooms.

31