Streamlining sound power level measurements for determining the product noise rating for consumer products

Under the assumption that consumer demand for quieter products will increase once noise level information is routinely available, a simplified product noise rating method has been proposed and described in several recent papers and forums (e.g., Inter-Noise 2011 and Inter-Noise 2012 papers by the author). This “PNR method” will provide useful noise information to the general public to help them make informed purchasing decisions. The essential elements of the new method are: (1) a product noise rating scale, (2) the Product Noise Rating (PNR), itself, (3) a range-of-levels indication, and (4) a visual icon for presenting the PNR value. But no matter how well-defined this new method is for providing noise levels to consumers, it is useless until the levels, themselves, have actually been measured for a wide range of products. Along this line, this paper will suggest the use of streamlined sound power level measurement procedures on typical consumer products that might help speed the acceptance and use of t...