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Acoustics testing

Acoustics Page Description

We provide testing services for the built environment, including sound insulation testing of partitions, doors, windows, and downlights.

Acoustics Details

BRE Acoustics carry out a range of UKAS accredited laboratory testing for sound insulation performance of building elements in accordance with BS EN ISO 10140 including but not limited to; Walls/partitions, doors, windows, floors, rooflights, small technical elements such as ventilation (trickle vents/grilles) and cable raceways. Testing of downlights in accordance with Appendix F to meet the requirements of building regulations (inc. airtightness testing).

BRE Acoustics also undertake a range of non-UKAS accredited testing for sound power in accordance with the relevant standards for hard walled test rooms BS EN ISO 3743-1 (Transmission suite & HVAC), and the anechoic chamber BS EN ISO 3744 & 3745.

In our dedicated UKAS accredited acoustic testing laboratory (0578) we offer a wide range of acoustic services including independent sound insulation testing of a wide variety of construction and building products in accordance with the BS EN ISO 10140 series of standards, a suite of international standards that provides a globally recognised approach to measuring sound insulation.

Providing sound insulation performance for many other building products, such as socket pads, recessed downlights doors and windows, are some of the important features of a building envelope. Demonstrating the overall effectiveness of these products, for sound insulation (which is how much a construction or product reduces the transmission of sound), may be essential for ensuring compliance with project specific requirements.

Testing to these standards supports product development and improvement, enabling manufacturers to meet market demands for better sound insulation in building products.

Sound transmission suite

BRE’s UKAS accredited sound transmission suite benefits from large access doors and an overhead crane within the test suite. The horizontal test aperture (walls etc.,) is 10.8 m2 (3 m high x 3.6 m wide) and has a perimeter timber strip and embedded Unistrut for fixings, the vertical test aperture (floors) has an upper opening of 4.85 m x 4 m and has 150 mm ledges for joists with a common area between test rooms of approx. 18 m2 .

The transmission suite also has the capability to store materials and pre-condition glazed products (windows / doors etc.,), when required.

Additionally, building services equipment such as MVHR’s & FCU’s that handle air movement only and don’t require any provision of water or specifically controlled room conditions can also be tested in the receive room of the sound transmission suite for testing in accordance with BS EN ISO 3743-1 (Comparison method for hard walled test room).

Anechoic chamber

BRE’s anechoic chamber can determine the sound power of small devices in accordance with the appropriate test standard (BS EN ISO 3744 or 3745), such as alarm sounders or other noise generating equipment. The anechoic chamber may also be used for measuring the sound power of small, domestic appliances (typically up to 1m3) and loudspeaker directivity in accordance with relevant test standards (Annex A, BS EN ISO 16283). The chamber benefits from integrated Unistrut supports, permanent turntable support and wide access doors.

HVAC Test Chamber

BRE’s HVAC team assists the acoustics team with the HVAC Test Chamber that can be temperature/humidity conditioned to measure sound power in accordance with BS EN ISO 3743-1 (Comparison method for hard walled test room) for building services equipment, such as heat pumps.

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Bespoke experimental facilities

BRE also has a well established capability to develop experimental facilities and bespoke test set-ups to meet the specific requirements of customer testing and research.

Acoustic testing of “putty pads”

“Putty pads” and other proprietary switch and socket protection can be tested. This is in accordance with BS EN ISO 10140:2021 for Annex H of Robust Details Handbook and Approved Document E to the Building Regulations 2010.

Find out more about acoustic testing of putty pads