There is more than one type of Cirrus noise meter

I remember a teacher once tell us that there is a difference between grade and quality and the example he gave was that a mini can be of the best quality but it will not be in the same grade as a rolls Royce car which will also be of the best quality. The same applies to most things and in the field of noise control, sound meters can be off different grades, types and class. There are many types of Cirrus noise meters and the Cirrus sound level meter comes in different categories. 

Cirrus noise control equipment is among the best in the field and whichever Cirrus noise level meter you opt for you can be assured as to the high quality of its manufacture and the results obtained. The Cirrus noise meter you choose will depend on the requirements of the particular job you have in mind and you will need to know which Cirrus noise level monitor you need.

"Type" or "Class" of a Sound Level Meter

The Type or Class of a sound level meter describes its accuracy as defined by the relevant international standards - Type 1 is more accurate than Type 2. The ANSI standard S1.4 refers to the grade as "Type", whereas the newer standard IEC 61672 refers to it as the "Class". Although these standards have similarities, the later standard does make more demands on the meter regarding accuracy, performance and calibration.

The class of meter that you need will depend on your application and on any regulations that you need to meet. For example, the occupational noise guidelines state that the lower cost Type 2 or Class 2 meter is adequate for most regions. Of course you can use a Type 1 meter if you prefer as it is more accurate.

There can be other reasons for selecting the class of meter. Type 1 meters tend to measure lower levels due the sensitivity of the microphone capsule. This is particularly relevant for environmental noise surveys where low noise levels are being measured. Finally, you may choose Type 1 for important legal applications as the evidence from the more accurate meter may be more convincing, even when the regulations do not demand it.

Employers need to do risk assessments of the workplace in order to be able to implement the required controls. The risk assessment should:

·         Identify where there may be a risk from noise and who is likely to be affected;

·         Contain a reliable estimate of your employees' exposures, and compare the exposure with the exposure action values and limit values;

·         Identify what you need to do to comply with the law, e.g. whether noise-control measures or hearing protection are needed, and, if so, where and what type; and

·         Identify any employees who need to be provided with health surveillance and whether any are at particular risk.

The Cirrus noise control range of equipment is designed to help you obtain accurate readings and to assess noise levels to assist with the risk assessments to people.