Why sound level meter calibration is important

By ensuring sound levels and noise exposure is monitored, managed and maintained, sound level meters are an invaluable investment for numerous industries and institutions. Though like most equipment, sound level meters cannot be simply purchased, used and forgotten about. On the contrary, it is vital these important sound monitoring devices are regularly calibrated so they maintain their accuracy and performance, especially if they are being used to ensure standards, regulations and guidelines related to the Noise at Work Regulations are met.

The calibration of sound level meters refers to the process of ensuring the device measures sound pressure correctly.

Legal action

If the calibration of noise level meters is not regularly carried out, an organisation or individual may even be a risk of having legal action made against them, as the noise measurements being produced by the sound level meter, might not be accurate.

Sound calibrators were invented during a time when it was more straightforward to create a stable calibrator rather than an accurate noise level meter. Whilst today many sound level meters are accurate devices, due to the fact that the microphone located in the noise level meter is extremely delicate, it run the risks of becoming damaged and therefore failing to pick up noise and sound pressure accurately.

What exactly is a sound calibrator and how are they used?

A sound calibrator is used to produce a sound pressure level when used in conjunction with a noise level meter. A calibrated sound level meter has is achieved by mounting the calibrator onto the microphone of the sound level meter. If a noise level meter does not display the correct pressure of sound level, the sensitivity of the microphone is adjusted until the device displays the correct value.

How often should the calibration of a noise level meter be carried out?

Certain regulations and standards require calibration of noise level meters to be done before and after every sound level monitoring and measurement session. This meticulous calibration of noise level meter helps to guarantee the device is operating as accurately as possible and giving a highly precise reading of sound. By calibrating before and after each monitoring session, health and safety executives or anyone using a sound level meter will have reassurance that the data collected by the noise level meter is accurate and nothing has been altered during the session.

Even if a noise level meter is not used that often, it is important that the calibration of noise level meters is regularly achieved in order for the device to maintain its accuracy and the standards set within noise level and exposure regulations are met. Failing to meet such standards and requirements by not using a calibrated sound level meter will mean any measurements you make could be called into question and doubted, exposing you to potential risk of legal action.

Don’t run that risk, calibrate your sound level meter every time before you use it and, ideally, each time you have used it.