Some manufacturers advertise 45 dB of insulation, but what do they really mean?
Some manufacturers claim to offer 45 dB of insulation, but what's the reality?
Today, there is finally a robust standard that allows products to be compared by independent organizations.
Today, we're discussing ISO 23351, the latest standard in force for certifying the acoustic performance of booths, and we'll explain what it certifies.
Everything you need to know about the latest acoustic standard.
Developed in 2020, it is the first ISO standard specifically for partition elements like acoustic booths and other semi-enclosed furniture.
It evaluates the effectiveness of sound insulation and, consequently, the reduction of speech levels.
A high level of certification, such as Class A according to ISO 23351, guarantees optimal acoustic performance for users, referred to as 'speech privacy'.
This means that once inside the booth, users' conversations are inaudible to those outside, and vice versa. This allows them to benefit from the best possible working environment, productivity, and privacy, without compromising the rest of the open-plan office.
How are the booths tested?
During compliance testing with ISO 23351, a test is conducted to calculate a figure called 'speech level reduction'.
The standard follows a precise protocol carried out by independent laboratories, measuring the quality of the sound environment inside the booths and the attenuation of external noise.
The test is quite simple: speech level is measured in a room both with and without the booth. Then, the measurements are compared to determine, in decibels, the total speech sound level reduction achieved by the acoustic booth.
As a result, several classification levels have been established, ranging from A+ to D.
⇒ REPETITION
Class A, the ultimate in privacy!
ISO 23 351 classifies office furniture as A+, A, B, C, or D based on the degree of speech reduction.
This standard is the most relevant for comparing and classifying products against each other based on their performance.
Below is a summary table of the data collected from various manufacturers.
In terms of perception, a 3 dB difference is perceived as double the acoustic performance.
This is because the decibel scale is logarithmic and does not progress linearly. Thus, a small increase in decibels corresponds to a significant increase in perceived sound power, which makes all the difference between Class A, B, and C categories.
A+ certification is not sought after by manufacturers because Class A already guarantees privacy, and excessive sound insulation can have negative consequences and create a feeling of discomfort.
Why choose furniture with quality standards?
When it comes to sound reduction, you hear all sorts of conflicting information, but it is essential to refer to specific standards to ensure consistent and reliable results.
However, it's important to be cautious, because although acoustics is the main selling point, it remains ambiguous for the customer.
Some uncertified manufacturers decide to measure their booth's performance themselves, or to communicate the theoretical performance of their materials.
The problem with this method is that it does not take into account elements contributing to the decrease in overall insulation level, such as doors or ventilation channels.
This is why it is important to have the same standard used by all manufacturers, and to be wary of the sales pitch from those who have not passed it.
ISO 23 351 puts an end to the exaggeration from manufacturers who announce unattainable decibel levels, and provides a legitimate basis for comparison between acoustic booths.
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