ISO 24501:2010

Overview

ISO 24501:2010 - Ergonomics - Accessible design - Sound pressure levels of auditory signals for consumer products specifies methods to determine appropriate sound pressure level ranges for fixed-frequency auditory signals (beeps) used in consumer products. The aim is to ensure audibility for all users, including people with age-related hearing loss, in the presence of ambient or interfering sounds. The standard applies to signals heard at up to approximately 4 m from the product and excludes headsets/earphones, telephones, statutory danger systems (e.g., fire alarms), and public/work safety signals covered by other standards.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Signal type and scope
  • Covers fixed-frequency beep sounds only; excludes variable-frequency tones, melodies, and voice guides.
  • Applicable for consumer products and typical living environments.
• Measurement methods
  • A-weighted sound pressure level (LA) method for simpler assessments.
  • Octave-band and one‑third-octave-band analyses for more precise frequency-specific evaluation.
  • Normative measurement procedures are given in Annex A (auditory signal) and Annex B (interfering sound).
• Masking and interfering sound
  • Procedures differ depending on whether the masking effect of interfering sound is considered.
  • Example numeric criteria (A-weighted): lower end = relative signal-to-interferer −5 dB, upper end = +15 dB (with an absolute cap of 75 dB).
• Frequency and level guidance
  • Fundamental frequency generally should not exceed 2 500 Hz.
  • Upper-end guidance: typically 70 dB for signals ≤2 500 Hz (may be increased by 5 dB for certain signal types).
  • Lower-end guidance tables provided for octave and one‑third-octave bands (values for extremely quiet conditions and special cases).
• Design considerations
  • Adjustable volume controls should cover the specified range; beware of allowing user settings below minimum levels for caution signals.
  • Examples and recording templates are provided in Annexes C and D.

Applications and practical value

• Use ISO 24501:2010 to:
  • Set audible alarm/beep levels for home appliances, medical consumer devices, toys, and other everyday products.
  • Define product sound specifications that accommodate age-related hearing loss and typical environment noise.
  • Validate product designs with standardized measurement procedures (A-weighted or band analysis).
• Benefits include improved accessibility, safety, user satisfaction, and compliance with ergonomics best practices.

Who should use this standard

• Product designers and UX/ergonomics professionals
• Acoustic and test engineers
• Manufacturers of consumer electronics and household appliances
• Regulatory and compliance teams aiming for accessible product design

Related standards

• ISO 24500:2010 (Auditory signals for consumer products)
• ISO 7731, ISO 8201, ISO 11429 (danger and public/work signals)
• IEC 61260, IEC 61672-1, IEC 60050-801 (electroacoustics & measurement)
• ISO/IEC Guide 71 and ISO/TR 22411 (accessible design guidance)

Keywords: ISO 24501:2010, sound pressure level, auditory signals, accessible design, ergonomics, consumer products, A-weighted, octave-band, masking, hearing loss, audibility.