ISO 10140-2:2021

Overview

ISO 10140-2:2021 - Acoustics - Laboratory measurement of sound insulation of building elements - Part 2: Measurement of airborne sound insulation - specifies a laboratory method for measuring airborne sound insulation of building products. It covers walls, floors, doors, windows, façades, glazing and small technical elements (transfer air devices, ventilation panels, outdoor air intakes, electrical raceways, transit sealing systems), as well as combinations (e.g., linings, suspended ceilings, floating floors). Measurements are made in laboratory test facilities that suppress flanking transmission so results can be used to compare products, classify acoustic performance, support product design and estimate in‑situ performance when combined with field factors.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Measurement scope: Laboratory procedure for airborne sound insulation of full-size, reduced-size and small technical test openings.
• Primary quantities: Sound reduction index (R), apparent sound reduction index (R'), and element‑normalized level difference (Dn,e) as defined in the standard.
• Test conditions: Requirements for source/receiving room sound fields, mounting and boundary conditions, and suppression of flanking paths.
• Test arrangements: Procedures for full-size and reduced-size openings, filler walls and special arrangements for small elements.
• Data processing & results: Energy-averaged sound pressure levels, conversion to R/R' using room absorption (equivalent absorption area A), expression of results and reporting formats.
• Performance limits & uncertainty: Criteria for laboratory performance limits and measurement uncertainty (referencing ISO 12999-1).
• Documentation: Required test report content and annexed forms for expressing results.

Applications and who uses it

ISO 10140-2:2021 is essential for:

• Acoustic test laboratories performing product certification and type testing.
• Manufacturers and R&D teams developing doors, windows, partitions, façades and acoustic components.
• Acoustic consultants, architects and building designers specifying products to meet target sound insulation levels.
• Certification bodies and regulatory assessors classifying building elements by sound insulation performance.

Practical uses include product comparison, acoustic classification, supporting product design, and forming the laboratory basis for estimating in‑situ performance (with additional accounting for flanking transmission, boundary conditions and total loss factors).

Related standards

• ISO 10140 series (Part 1, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5) - application rules, impact sound, measurement procedures, and facility/equipment requirements
• ISO 717-1 - Rating of airborne sound insulation in buildings and building elements
• ISO 12999-1 - Measurement uncertainty in building acoustics

Keywords: ISO 10140-2:2021, airborne sound insulation, laboratory measurement, building acoustics, sound reduction index, acoustic testing, flanking transmission.