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Bosworth Instrument How to Measure Sound in Decibels
TECH TIPS | Overview
The decibel (abbreviated dB) is the unit used to measure the intensity of a sound. On the decibel scale, the smallest audible sound (near total silence) is 0 dB. A sound 10 times more powerful is 10 dB. A sound 100 times more powerful than near total silence is 20 dB. View Sound Meters. | | What is ‘A’ and ‘C’ Frequency Weighting? Frequency “weighting” selections allow the user to choose how the meter will treat sound measurements over the meter’s specified frequency range. In ‘A’ weighting mode, the meter gives more “weight” to certain frequencies. In other words, sound levels at certain frequencies will be boosted or cut (to match how the human ear responds to sound). “A” weighting is useful for OSHA compliance testing. The “C” weighting selection provides a more “flat” response,meaning that all frequencies are treated basically the same (no boosting or cutting of sound level). “C” weighting is suitable for machine analysis and diagnostics. View 40772-Kit. | | What is the significance of FAST / SLOW Response Time? Response Time selections refer to how fast or slow the meter will respond to sound. Most meters have a slow and a fast selection. “Slow” response is most often used for hearing conservation/OSHA programs and is an “averaging” of sound level over time. “Fast” response is most commonly used for product noise reduction efforts and can detect quick noise bursts (For example: fireworks). | | What is a Sound Level Datalogger? The HD600 Datalogging Sound Level meter measures, displays, and stores sound level measurement data. Up to 20,000 readings can be stored in the meter, each with the date and time stamp. Readings can be recalled on the meter’s display or they can be downloaded to a PC. Included software permits the user to view, graph, print, and export data to a spreadsheet. View HD600. |
Sound Level Chart-Decibel Levels dB Level | Activity | Painful | | 150 | fireworks at 3 feet | 140 | firearms, jet engine | 130 | jackhammer | 120 | jet plane takeoff, siren | Extremely Loud | | 110 | max output of some MP3 players, chain saw | 106 | gas lawn mower, snowblower | 100 | hand drill, pneumatic drill | 90 | subway, passing motorcycle | 110 | max output of some MP3 players, chain saw | 106 | gas lawn mower, snowblower | 90 | subway, passing motorcycle | Very Loud | | 80–90 | blow-dryer, kitchen blender, food processor | 70 | busy traffic, vacuum cleaner, alarm clock | Moderate | | 60 | typical conversation, dishwasher, clothes dryer | 50 | moderate rainfall | 40 | quiet room | Faint | | 30 | whisper, quiet library |
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