Noise level meter definition and what applications these instruments are used for

There are many definitions of sound level meters. One broad sound level meter definition is that it is a type of hand-held instrument that comprises of a microphone which is used for acoustic measurements. The microphone responds to alterations in the air pressure that’s created by sound waves. Consequently, a noise meter can also be referred to as a Pressure Level Meter.

Noise level meters are also defined as a Class or Type. The Type describes the accuracy of the noise level meter as mapped out by the relevant international regulations and standards. Generally speaking, a noise level meter definition of Class 1 is of a higher accuracy than a Class 2 device.

Which Type or Class of noise level meter should you use?

Whether you opt to use a noise meter level defined as a Class 1 type of a Class 2 type, depends on your application and the regulations you are required to meet. If, for instance, you are a health and safety manager assessing the noise levels at a building site in Europe, the European Noise at Work Regulations stipulated the Type or Class 2 instrument that is not as high precision as a Class 1 meter, are adequate for applications designed to comply with the European Noise at Work regulations.

A noise level meter definition of Class 1 is often used to measure lower levels of sound due to the microphone capsule being more sensitive than with a Class 2 device. This accurate assessment of lower levels is typically applied when undergoing surveys of environmental noise when the measurements of lower levels of noise is carried out.

Important legal applications

Another application requiring the noise level measurement procedure being carried out could be related to an important legal case. For example, an employer may have been taken to court and attempted to be prosecuted for health and safety negligence due to an employee’s hearing being damaged through constant exposure to high levels of noise at work. If this situation did arise, a noise level meter definition of Class 1 might be called upon so that a more accurate assessment of the noise level measurement procedure can be made. With a more accurate assessment of the intensity of noise levels within a working environment, a legal case might be more convincing, even if the noise at work regulations do not require a Class 1 instrument to be used.

A noise level measurement procedure is required for numerous applications. Another example of an environment that requires noise level assessments to be made is in the entertainment industry. It is important that clubs, music venues, pubs, discos and other entertainment venues monitor and control levels of noise. So that an accurate assessment of the levels of noise being created in such venues can be drawn up, the noise level measurement procedure is relied on.

Devices such as a noise level meter definition of Class 2 would be able to provide an accurate assessment of the levels of noise being created in entertainment venues.