ISO 1680:2013

Overview

ISO 1680:2013 - Acoustics: Test code for the measurement of airborne noise emitted by rotating electrical machines provides a standardized test code for determining, declaring and verifying the noise emission characteristics of rotating electrical machines (motors and generators). Applicable to machines of any size and to machines fed by mains or converters (excluding converter noise), the standard specifies the information, operating and mounting conditions, and permitted measurement methods needed to produce reproducible sound power and emission sound pressure data for comparison, declaration and noise control.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and applicability: Applies to self‑standing rotating electrical machines (AC/DC motors and generators) of any length, width or height; converter-supplied machines are included but not the external converter noise.
• Noise quantities defined: Sound power level (LW) and emission sound pressure level (Lp) are the principal output metrics used for declaration and comparison.
• Measurement methods (accuracy grades):
  • Precision methods (grade 1) - e.g., ISO 3741, ISO 3745, ISO 9614‑3.
  • Engineering methods (grade 2) - e.g., ISO 3743‑1, ISO 3744, ISO 3747, ISO 9614‑2. Grade 2 methods are preferred.
  • Survey methods (grade 3) - e.g., ISO 3746 (used only if higher‑accuracy methods are impractical).
• Operating and mounting conditions: Specifies how machines should be mounted and loaded during tests and how auxiliary equipment (integral vs. separately mounted) is handled to ensure consistent results.
• Measurement uncertainty and reproducibility: Defines acceptable limits of reproducibility tied to the chosen accuracy grade and requires reporting of associated uncertainty.
• Declaration and verification: Guidance for manufacturer noise declarations (single‑number or dual‑number values), and information that must be recorded and reported for verification and comparison.

Practical applications and users

ISO 1680:2013 is used to:

• Compare acoustic performance between motors/generators.
• Provide manufacturer noise declarations for datasheets and procurement.
• Support compliance, product design (noise reduction), and noise control engineering.
• Inform testing procedures in accredited test laboratories and R&D groups.

Primary users:

• Manufacturers and suppliers of rotating electrical machines
• Acoustic test laboratories and certification bodies
• Product compliance and procurement teams
• Noise control engineers and consultants
• R&D and design engineers for quieter machine development

Related standards (selection)

• ISO 3741, ISO 3743‑1/2, ISO 3744, ISO 3745, ISO 3746, ISO 3747 (sound power methods)
• ISO 9614 series (sound intensity)
• ISO 11203 (emission sound pressure at work stations)
• ISO 4871, ISO 7574‑4 (declaration/verification of noise)
• IEC 60034‑1 (rotating electrical machines), IEC 61672‑1 (sound level meters)

Use ISO 1680:2013 as the test code to ensure consistent, reproducible noise data for rotating electrical machines across design, testing, certification and purchasing processes.