SIST EN ISO 3740:2019

Overview - EN ISO 3740:2019 (Acoustics, Sound Power Levels)

EN ISO 3740:2019 provides guidance for selecting and using a set of twelve basic International Standards that describe methods to determine sound power levels of machinery, equipment and products. The guidance applies to airborne sound and helps users choose the most appropriate basic standard based on the type of sound source, the measurement environment and the desired accuracy. EN ISO 3740:2019 is intended for use when preparing or applying noise test codes (see ISO 12001) and for noise emission testing where no specific test code exists. It does not replace or add requirements to the individual basic methods.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and purpose: Guidance for selecting measurement methods and interpreting results for sound power level determination.
• Methods covered: Overview of the twelve basic international standards, including sound pressure-based methods (ISO 3741–3747), sound intensity methods (ISO 9614-1 to -3) and vibration-based TS methods (ISO/TS 7849-1 and -2). High‑frequency methods (ISO 9295) are also referenced.
• Measurement planning: Considerations for choosing a method based on source characteristics, measurement environment (laboratory, special test room, in‑situ), and required accuracy/class (e.g., class 1/class 2 outcomes discussed in the basic standards).
• Test environment requirements: Acoustical field checks, hemi‑anechoic verification, background noise limits and mounting/operating condition guidance.
• Quality and uncertainty: Guidance on expected reproducibility, measurement uncertainty and declaration of noise emission. Annexes provide further information on acoustic test environments, uncertainty evaluation and case studies.
• Complementary quantities: Notes on using emission sound pressure level together with sound power level for a complete description of noise emission.

Applications - who uses EN ISO 3740:2019

• Manufacturers for noise declaration and product comparisons.
• Test laboratories selecting appropriate methods and documenting measurement uncertainty.
• Standards and technical committees drafting noise test codes for specific machine families.
• Acoustic consultants, designers and regulatory bodies performing noise emission verification, procurement evaluation, workplace exposure prediction and environmental noise assessment. Practical uses include noise emission declaration, verification of declared values, supplier/purchaser contracts, engineering noise control and prediction of worker or community exposure.

Related standards

• ISO 3741 to ISO 3747 (sound pressure methods)
• ISO 9614-1 to ISO 9614-3 (sound intensity methods)
• ISO/TS 7849-1 and ISO/TS 7849-2 (vibration methods)
• ISO 9295 (high-frequency sound power)
• ISO 12001 (noise test codes)

EN ISO 3740:2019 is essential when you need authoritative guidance to choose between basic acoustic test methods and to ensure consistent, traceable determination of sound power levels.