ISO 16283-2:2020

Overview

ISO 16283-2:2020 - Acoustics: Field measurement of impact sound insulation specifies field procedures to determine the impact sound insulation of floors and stairs using sound pressure measurements. The standard applies to room volumes from 10 m³ to 250 m³ and covers the 50 Hz to 5 000 Hz frequency range. Measurements use two defined impact sources - the tapping machine and the rubber ball - and are suitable for unfurnished or furnished rooms whether or not the sound field is diffuse.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Impact sources: Procedures for using the tapping machine (for hard, light impacts such as footsteps or dropped objects) and the rubber ball.
• Measurement methods: Default and low-frequency procedures for sound pressure level measurement, including fixed microphone positions, mechanized continuously moving microphones, and manually scanned microphones.
• Generation of the sound field: Guidance on impact source positions and how to create representative excitation on floors or stairs.
• Averaging and calculation: Energy-average sound pressure level calculations, low‑frequency averaging, and conversion to octave bands.
• Reverberation time: Requirements and options for measuring reverberation time in the receiving room (including interrupted noise and impulse-response methods) to normalize measurements.
• Background noise correction: Procedures to assess and correct for background noise during tests.
• Uncertainty and reporting: Guidance on expressing results, uncertainty estimation, and the required content of a test report.
• Normative and informative annexes: Detailed specifications for impact sources, loudspeaker requirements for reverberation measurements, example microphone/impact layouts (horizontal and vertical), forms for reporting, and additional guidance.

Practical applications and typical users

ISO 16283-2 is used to:

• Quantify and compare impact sound insulation of floor constructions and stairs in dwellings, offices, schools and similar buildings.
• Provide measured inputs for acoustic ratings (e.g., linkage to ISO 717-2 rating procedures) and for predictive models (e.g., ISO 12354-2).
• Support compliance with building regulations, product performance claims, and quality control during construction or refurbishment. Typical users:
• Acoustic consultants and field measurement engineers
• Test laboratories and certification bodies
• Architects, building designers and contractors
• Manufacturers of floor systems, underlays and stair components
• Building control and regulatory authorities

Related standards

• ISO 16283 series (other parts cover airborne and façade sound insulation)
• ISO 717-2 (rating of impact sound insulation)
• ISO 12354-2 (prediction of impact sound insulation)
• ISO 10052 (survey methods for field measurements)

Keywords: ISO 16283-2, impact sound insulation, field measurement, tapping machine, rubber ball, building acoustics, sound pressure level, reverberation time, ISO standard.