Designation: E 1704 – 95

Standard Guide for

Specifying Acoustical Performance of Sound-Isolating
Enclosures1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 1704; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope tional Safety and Health Administration]4

1.1 The guide covers the development of criteria for the 2.5 Other Standard:
acoustical performance of a broad variety of acoustical enclo- VDI 2711 Schallschutz durch Kapeslung [Verein Deutscher
sures by identifying information necessary to unambiguously Ingeireure, Beuth Verlag GmbH, Berlin] [German] [Noise
describe acoustical performance. This guide is not a standard Control by the Use of Enclosures]5
ASTM specification for a sound-isolating enclosure.
3. Terminology
1.2 Excluded from the scope of this guide are technical
considerations for enclosure design that do not pertain directly 3.1 Definitions:
to acoustical performance. 3.1.1 Standard definitions of acoustical terms may be found
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the in Terminology C 634.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.2.1 A-weighted sound pressure level—sound pressure
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- level measurements made with the A-weighting filter applied
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. as defined in ANSI S1.4, denoted LPA in this guide.
3.2.2 C-weighted sound pressure level—sound pressure
2. Referenced Documents level measurements made with the C-weighting filter applied
2.1 ASTM Standards: as defined in ANSI S1.4, denoted LPC in this guide.
C 423 Test Method for Sound Absorption and Sound Ab- 3.2.3 enclosure—a structure, usually free-standing, which
sorption Coefficients by the Reverberation Room Method2 substantially or completely encloses a given space or object.
C 634 Terminology Relating to Environmental Acoustics2 This does not include barrier walls, partitions within a building,
E 336 Test Method for Measurement of Airborne Sound or other partial structures.
Insulation in Buildings2 3.2.4 enclosure-generated noise—sound created by the op-
E 413 Classification for Rating Sound Insulation2 eration of the enclosure systems, such as lighting and ventila-
E 596 Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of the tion.
Noise Reduction of Sound-Isolating Enclosures2 3.2.5 level reduction—for the purposes of this guide, the
2.2 ANSI Standards: arithmetic difference between sound pressure levels at a
ANSI S1.4 Specification for Sound Level Meters3 specific location before and after the installation of the enclo-
ANSI S3.1 Maximum Permissible Ambient Noise Levels sure, expressed in decibels.
for Audiometric Test Rooms3 3.2.6 level reduction specification—specification of the
ANSI S3.6 Specification for Audiometers3 acoustical performance of an enclosure by stating the reduction
ANSI S12.31–S12.35 Methods for Determining the Sound in sound pressure level caused by the enclosure.
Power Levels of Machines and Equipment3 3.2.7 personnel enclosure—an enclosure designed to keep
2.3 ISO Standard: sound energy from personnel or equipment therein. Examples
ISO 3741–3745 Acoustics—Methods for Determining the of personnel enclosures include but are not limited to audio-
Sound Power Levels of Machines and Equipment3 metric booths, in-plant offices, broadcast booths, and acoustical
2.4 Government Standard: test chambers.
29 CFR 1910.95 Occupational Noise Exposure [Occupa- 3.2.8 pre-installation sound pressure levels—the sound
pressure levels, as a function of frequency, that are present
prior to the installation of the enclosure. In most cases this is
1
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E-33 on Environ- determined by measuring the ambient sound pressure levels in
mental Acoustics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E33.03 on Sound
Transmission.
Current edition approved June 15, 1995. Published August 1995.
2 4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.06. Available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
3
Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., 13th Office, Washington, DC 20402.
5
Floor, New York, NY 10036. Available from Beuth Verlag GmbH, Burggrafenstrasse 4-7, 1000 Berlin 30.

Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 E 1704
the host area but in some cases, such as new construction, the often estimated from the sound power levels of noise-emitting equipment
sound pressure levels must be predicted. and a general description of the acoustical properties of the environment.
3.2.9 sound pressure level specification—specification of 5.4.2 Determine the maximum permissible sound pressure
the acoustical performance of an enclosure by stating the levels that must exist at the same locations after the introduc-
maximum sound pressure levels that shall exist after installa- tion of the enclosure, and
tion. 5.4.3 Determine the required enclosure level reduction. The
3.2.10 source enclosure—an enclosure designed to keep required isolation is related to the difference between the sound
sound energy from personnel or equipment on the outside. pressure levels before and after the introduction of the enclo-
Such applications include, but are not limited to, equipment sure.
silencing, secure communications, music practice, and acous- 5.5 Many specifications are for multiple enclosures or
tical testing. enclosures with multiple functions, or both. It is beyond the
4. Summary of Guide scope of this guide to provide detailed guidance for every
possible combination. Separate specifications for each source-
4.1 An explanation of the determination and subsequent enclosure-receiver combination should be used in such a case.
specification of acoustical performance of sound-isolating 5.6 The type of specification that should be selected de-
enclosures is presented. pends both on the purpose of the enclosure and how crucial its
4.2 Two types of specifications are described in this guide. performance is. In general:
The recommended method (sound pressure level specification) 5.6.1 If exceeding a particular maximum permissible sound
is to specify the maximum permissible sound pressure levels pressure level spectrum would render the enclosure unsuccess-
that may be present after installation of the enclosure. The ful, a sound pressure level specification should be used.
alternate method (level reduction specification) is to specify the 5.6.1.1 This guide assigns all phases of acoustical design are
enclosure’s level reduction. delegated to the supplier. Compliance is usually more easily
4.3 The type of specification selected depends largely on the verified than with the level reduction method.
enclosure application and the data available. A sound pressure 5.6.2 If the criteria for the success of the enclosure are less
level specification usually applies to a specific site, while the stringent or not related to a specific maximum permissible
level reduction specification may have broader application. spectrum, a level reduction specification may be used.
Also, the sound pressure level specification is more appropriate
where specific sound pressure levels are required, while the 6. Recommended Specifications
level reduction specification reflects a more general interest in 6.1 The sound pressure level specification specifies the
amounts of noise level reduction. maximum permissible sound pressure levels that may exist
4.4 Some guidance is provided in Appendix X1 on selecting either inside or outside the enclosure after installation. Pre-
a specification type based on the enclosure application and the installation sound pressure levels must also be presented.
information available. 6.1.1 Maximum sound pressure levels should be specified in
4.5 Substantial guidance is given on the essential acoustical one-third-octave bands whenever possible to allow a detailed
data that must be compiled. fit to the requirements. Octave band sound pressure levels are
4.6 A non-mandatory model specification Appendix X2 is appropriate where the noise spectrum is broad band and free of
included that embraces both specification types. It also serves prominent tones.
as a guide for identifying and gathering information necessary 6.1.2 The desired post-installation sound pressure level may
to the manufacturer for designing the enclosure. also be described by a single number descriptor, such as
5. Significance and Use A-weighted sound pressure level or NC or RC ratings.6 In this
event the pre-installation one-third-octave band sound pressure
5.1 This guide can be used to produce a specification for the
levels at or around the installation site shall also be provided.
acoustical performance of an enclosure.
5.2 This guide is intended for those familiar with basic NOTE 2—Other single number ratings for noise may also be available.
concepts of acoustics. For further information see ASHRAE Handbook.6
5.3 Although this guide provides detailed guidance in mat- 6.1.3 Measured sound pressure levels are preferred. When
ters relating to specification of acoustical enclosures, it is not a not available, such as in the case of new construction, the
substitute for the experience and judgment of an acoustical or following information is usually considered an acceptable
noise control professional. substitute to allow estimation of sound pressure levels:
5.3.1 This guide calls for measurements common within 6.1.3.1 The rated or measured sound power level (here
acoustical practice. denoted LW) of equipment and,
5.3.2 The more critical the performance requirements of the 6.1.3.2 A description of the host environment, including the
enclosure, the more the user should consider seeking the relative locations of sources of noise, personnel, and the
services of an acoustics or noise control professional. enclosure. Some loss of accuracy should be expected.
5.4 The specifying of a sound-isolating enclosure has three 6.1.4 Inaccurate measurement of sound pressure levels can
sequential steps: result from unsteady or intermittent sources of noise during
5.4.1 Determine the sound pressure levels that exist at
specific locations prior to the introduction of the enclosure, 6
ASHRAE Handbook, Fundamentals, Chapter 7, American Society of Heating,
NOTE 1—In the case of new construction, the sound pressure level is Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, Atlanta, Georgia.

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 E 1704
measurement, changes in site conditions after measurement certain particulars from prototypes tested.
(for example, significant sources of noise arising between 6.2.2.3 Because of variations in manufacturing materials
measurement and installation), strong low frequency content and methods and changes in test standards, test results should
(LPC − LPA> 15), and general inexperience with acoustical be no older than five years.
measurements. 6.2.2.4 Laboratory noise reduction data obtained in accor-
6.1.5 Maximum permissible sound pressure levels are often dance with Test Method E 596 in prototype testing are often
prescribed for particular applications by standards or regula- accepted as performance verification.
tory documents. A short list includes, but is not limited to, 6.2.3 An enclosure may provide the required level reduction
hearing conservation regulations, architectural specifications, without achieving a particular sound pressure level spectrum in
human comfort, speech intelligibility, speech privacy, and the protected space. As an example, sound pressure levels
acoustical test standards. Common specific cases are cited in inside an enclosure will be considerably higher when the
Appendix X1. enclosure is located in a high ambient noise area.
6.1.6 The maximum permissible interior or exterior sound 7. Other Noise Control Properties of Enclosures
pressure levels should not be exceeded with all sources of
enclosure-generated noise in normal operation. 7.1 Vibration Isolation—The effectiveness of an enclosure
can be compromised by structure-borne noise bypassing the
6.2 The level reduction specification identifies the minimum
acoustical barrier through adjacent building structures. Enclo-
permissible level reduction to be provided by the enclosure.
sures should be isolated from adjacent structures by means of
This type specification is often used by a buyer who has
flexible connections.
already determined the isolation needed to meet his sound
7.1.1 Vibrations that can be felt by the hand are an indica-
pressure level requirements. Using this type of specification
tion that measurements of vibration levels are necessary.
without such analysis could result in unacceptable results.
6.2.1 Level reduction I(f) can be approximated as follows: NOTE 4—In typical installations, structure-borne vibration treatments
are part of the enclosure. Special cases, for example, broadcast studios,
I~f! 5 L1 2 L2 1 SF
generally require measurement or analysis of structure-borne vibration
where: patterns of the host environment prior to specification, or both, where
applicable.
L1 5 pre-installation sound pressure level in a given band,
NOTE 5—The La measurement and treatment of structure-borne vibra-
L2 5 post-installation sound pressure level in a given band, tion are difficult. Measurements are complicated and an ineffective
and treatment can actually be counterproductive. In critical situations an
SF 5 safety factor. expert should be consulted.
6.2.1.1 The safety factor helps ensure compliance by ac-
7.2 Interior Sound Absorption—Most applications benefit
counting for unforeseen complications due to changes in site
from sound absorption within the enclosure. Insufficient sound
conditions, or unusual acoustical interactions of the enclosure
absorption has two effects: a more reverberant sound field can
and the space. The more critical the successful performance of
affect speech intelligibility and the ability to localize sound
the enclosure, the larger the selected safety factor should be.
generated within the enclosure. Low sound absorption can
Typical values are:
reduce sound isolation performance.
Not Critical.... SF 5 0 dB
Moderate.... SF 5 3 dB
7.2.1 Sound absorption is properly expressed in terms of the
Conservative.... SF 5 6 dB sound absorption coefficient of the absorbing surfaces deter-
NOTE 3—In practice safety factor size varies with frequency as well as
mined in a laboratory in accordance with Test Method C 423.
with importance. The user should consider applying stringent safety 7.2.2 One may alternatively specify the noise reduction
factors only in bands where they are most needed in order to avoid coefficient (NRC) that is a single-number rating for the average
over-designing the enclosure. sound absorption coefficients in the speech frequency bands.
7.2.3 Another method for specifying the internal absorption
6.2.1.2 The introduction of the enclosure may significantly
of an enclosure is the reverberation time T60, which is defined
alter the sound field near the noise source, increasing both the
as the time it takes for a reverberant sound field to decay 60 dB
effective value of L1 and the required level reduction. This
after the source is interrupted.
effect is important when either the physical volume or the
sound absorption coefficients of the surfaces around the noise NOTE 6—All highly absorbent enclosures suppress the reverberant
source are reduced by a factor of two or more. In this case, sound field. Enclosure volumes may be too small for meaningful mea-
detailed information on noise source and its pre-installation surements of T60, and physical and equipment limitations may preclude
the valid measurement of reverberation time entirely. Until a standard is
surroundings should accompany the specification. In addition,
promulgated for accurately making such a measurement, performance
a larger safety factor should be considered. verification established by measurement of T60 should be used with
6.2.2 The level reduction of enclosures is typically quanti- caution.
fied by the manufacturer in laboratory prototype testing. Noise
reduction (NR) is measured per Test Method E 596, and noise 8. Performance Verification
isolation class (NIC) is calculated per Classification E 413. For 8.1 If performance verification is required, it should be
the purposes of this guide, noise reduction data are an stated explicitly in the specification.
acceptable equivalent for level reduction. 8.1.1 For a sound pressure level specification, performance
6.2.2.1 Custom designs are typically not tested, due to cost. verification is accomplished by comparing the specified sound
6.2.2.2 The actual enclosure being specified may differ in pressure levels with the measured sound pressure levels at the

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 E 1704
designated location after enclosure installation. Compliance is used in Test Methods E 596 and E 336 because of alterations to
demonstrated when sound levels measured at the location in pre-installation sound pressure levels brought about by the
question are less than the maximum permissible sound pressure introduction of the enclosure.
levels specified. Sound pressure levels at the site should also be 8.1.2.2 Field noise reduction data obtained according to Test
checked to make sure that conditions have not changed. Method E 336 tracks noise reduction data measured using Test
8.1.2 Verification of a level reduction specification is some- Method E 596 in the laboratory with some allowance for
what more complicated. Measurements of field noise reduction variations and imperfections in field conditions. A tolerance of
are typically made according to Test Method E 336; compli-
63 to 6 dB is reasonable when comparing data obtained with
ance is demonstrated when field noise reduction figures attain
the two methods.
or exceed level reduction values specified. However, this guide
does not cover all possible test configurations, especially those
where one of the spaces is small. Efforts are underway within 9. Keywords
ASTM to produce a test standard that addresses such cases. 9.1 buildings; enclosures; insertion loss; level reduction;
8.1.2.1 Level reduction may not be numerically equivalent noise reduction; rooms; specifications
to the noise reduction as defined in Terminology C 634 and

APPENDIXES

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. TYPICAL ENCLOSURE APPLICATIONS AND THEIR SPECIFICATION

X1.1 Audiometric Enclosures—Two standards govern the X1.3.1 Typical NC values for studios are NC-10 to NC-25.
specification of audiometric test enclosures: ANSI S3.1 and With the advent of digital recording the trend is towards quieter
ANSI S3.6. ANSI S3.1 gives the maximum permissible ambi- studios.
ent sound pressure levels for the cases of “ears open” and “ears X1.3.2 The user should be aware that noise generated by
covered” audiometric testing. Thus a sound pressure level recording and amplification equipment can be significant and,
specification is most appropriate. ANSI S3.6 governs the sound unless addressed specifically, is not considered in either the
absorption coefficients of the interior surfaces of the enclosure.
host space ambient noise or the enclosure-generated noise.
X1.1.1 These enclosures are often specified in terms of level
reduction because they are used almost exclusively in office X1.4 Music Practice Rooms—Isolate two dissimilar noisy
environments for which existing ambient levels are easily spaces from each other. There is little agreement on how much
measured or estimated. intrusive noise a musician can hear and still effectively practice
X1.2 Industrial Enclosures—OSHA Regulations (29 CFR or perform his/her part. These rooms typically are specified by
1910.95) govern industrial hearing conservation programs. noise isolation class (NIC).
There may be other state and local requirements as well. The X1.4.1 The number of players and their instrument type
goal is typically to provide an A-weighted level less than 85 dB expected in each room should be specified. One should also
so that hearing conservation measures are not required. Either describe the characteristics (size, acoustical treatments, use) of
the sound pressure level or level reduction type of specification the space adjacent to the music practice room.
is appropriate, provided that the maximum permissible
A-weighted sound pressure level and pre-installation sound
X1.5 Secure Communications Facilities—These enclosures
pressure level spectrum are given.
serve to isolate conversations and generally prevent spoken
X1.3 Broadcast Enclosures, Modular Studios—These are information from being detected outside the enclosure. Since
often specified in terms of the NC-rating permissible inside the conversational sound pressure levels are well known, these
enclosure during recording or broadcast. A sound pressure enclosures are often specified in terms of noise reduction per
level specification is appropriate. Test Method E 596.

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 E 1704

X2. MODEL SPECIFICATION

NOTE X2.1—This model specification is based loosely on one found in

VDI 2711.

X2.1 The following is suggested as a model upon which to X2.4 Minimum Level Reduction Values in dB for Enclo-
build a specification more appropriate to a particular applica- sure:
tion. NOTE X2.2—The information in X2.4 is required for a level reduction
X2.1.1 These requirements are a: specification and should be omitted for a sound pressure level specifica-
M Sound pressure level tion.
M Level reduction specification for an acoustical enclosure M In 1⁄3-octave bands:
M In octave bands:
The intended application is:
M Noise Inside Enclosure, Protected Area Outside
M Industrial equipment enclosure
M Secure communications enclosure
M Music practice room
M Other _______________________________________

M Noise Outside Enclosure, Protected Area Inside

M Audiometric booth
M Broadcast or recording studio X2.4.1 Isolation measurement locations (include sketch
M Music practice room where possible), before and after installation of enclosure:
M In-plant office
M Conference room M Not known
M Other _______________________________________ M Not applicable to this specification

X2.2 Dimensions of Enclosure (Attach Sketch Where X2.5 Noise Source Information:
Possible): NOTE X2.3—The information in X2.5 is required for a sound pressure
X2.2.1 Exterior Maximums: level specification and is optional, although helpful, for a level reduction
M Height ___________________________________________ specification.
M Width ____________________________________________ X2.5.1 Pre-installation sound pressure levels (dB) due to
M Length ___________________________________________
sources to be isolated: LpON
X2.2.2 Interior Minimums:
M Height ___________________________________________ M 1⁄3-octave M Octave band values are M already A-weighted
M Width ____________________________________________ M unweighted
M Length ___________________________________________

X2.2.3 Entrance and Access Requirements:

X2.3 Host Environment:

X2.3.1 Description of Host Environment (Include Sketch
Where Possible): X2.5.2 Pre-installation sound pressure levels (dB) with
M Dimensions _________________________________________ sources to be isolated not operating, LpOFF, at same location as
M Construction ________________________________________ X2.5.1:
M Sound absorbing surfaces
M Type ____________________________________________
M 1⁄3-octave M Octave band values are M already A-weighted
M Location _________________________________________
M unweighted
M Area covered _____________________________________

X2.3.2 Attach a sketch showing relative locations of:

M Significant noise sources,
M Enclosure(s), and
M Personnel

X2.3.3 Noise- or vibration-producing activities taking

place in host space:
NOTE X2.4—LpOFFis the lowest level achievable with internal equip-
ment completely isolated. If this is larger than the desired sound pressure
X2.3.4 Noise- or vibration-producing activities taking place levels, there are other noise sources that must also be controlled.
in adjacent spaces: X2.5.3 Sound power level (Lw in dB) of enclosed equipment
in frequency bands per ANSI S12.31-5 or ISO 3741-5:

X2.3.5 Activities to be isolated from the above: M 1⁄3-octave M Octave band values are M already A-weighted

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 E 1704
M unweighted X2.7.3 Sound absorption coefficients a of sound absorbing
surfaces (if known), in octave bands or noise reduction
coefficient (NRC), or both.

X2.6 Maximum permissible post-installation sound pres- X2.7.4 Areas to Be Covered by Absorbing Panels Relative
sure levels LpMAX in dB after installation of enclosure (assumes to Reflecting Panels:
location same as X2.5.1). Specific cases are given below. M Specific locations (sketch)
M Percentage of surface area
NOTE X2.5—Information in this section is necessary for a sound M Manufacturer’s discretion
pressure level specification and should be omitted from a level reduction
specification. X2.7.5 Reverberation Time in Seconds:
X2.6.1 Audiometric:
NOTE X2.7—This information appropriate only in situations for which
M per ANSI S3.1 ears open
verification is possible. See 7.2.
M per ANSI S3.1 ears covered
M other octave or 1⁄3-octave band levels

X2.6.2 Music Practice:

M Number of musicians inside enclosure _____________________
M Number of musicians outside enclosure ____________________

X2.6.3 Broadcast Recording: X2.8 Vibration Isolation:

M NC Level X2.8.1 The following information is provided:
M Other octave or 1⁄3-octave band levels
M Pre-installation M 1⁄3-octave M octave band floor acceleration levels
(LaON, dB re 10−5 m/s2) with equipment to be isolated in operation.
X2.6.4 Other: M Pre-installation M 1⁄3-octave M octave band floor acceleration levels
(LaOFF, dB re 10−5 m/s2) with equipment to be isolated not operating.
M General instructions: M Provide vibration isolation
M Vibration isolation at manufacturer’s discretion
M Do not provide vibration isolation

NOTE X2.6—Sound levels due to the operation of enclosure subsystems

such as electrical and ventilation shall be included in the above levels.

X2.7 Internal Acoustical Treatment:

X2.7.1 Materials:
X2.9 Field Performance Verification:
M Glass fiber
M Mineral fiber The performance of the enclosure
M Other _____________________________________________ M will not
M Manufacturer’s discretion M will
be measured after installation. The performance verification will consist of
M Measurement of post-installation sound pressure levels—
X2.7.2 Covered With: M Internal
M Perforated metal M External
M Polyester film M N/A
M Fabric M Enclosure sound isolation per (standard)
M Other _____________________________________________ ________________________________________________
M Manufacturer’s discretion M Other ___________________________________________

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