Overview - ISO 3822-3:2018 (Acoustics, in-line valves)
ISO 3822-3:2018 specifies laboratory mounting and operating conditions for measuring noise emission from in-line valves and appliances used in building water supply installations. It complements ISO 3822-1 (measurement method) by defining how to install and operate devices under test so results are repeatable and comparable. The standard applies to in-line valves up to nominal size DN 32 and systems with maximum flow rates up to 1.6 l/s.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and applicability
- In-line devices controlling flow, pressure or temperature (stop valves, check valves, thermostatic mixing, meters, pressure reducers, safety valves, etc.).
- Maximum nominal size DN 32; maximum flow 1.6 l/s.
- Mounting
- Install valves between two straight pipe sections of at least ten diameters length.
- Install in normal working position (vertical or horizontal); test the noisier position if both are possible.
- Connections must be rigid, watertight and free of trapped air.
- Specific connection methods for threaded fittings, soldered copper pipes and valves fitted with copper connecting pipes; twin-outlet arrangements for two-inlet devices.
- Test conditions
- Tests carried out per ISO 3822-1.
- Water temperature at inlets not to exceed 25 °C.
- Each outlet tested separately; unused outlets vented.
- Use an adjustable low-noise flow resistance downstream; its noise must be at least 10 dB lower than the appliance under test (Annex A gives an example). If required flow cannot be achieved, use 1 m of smooth bore flexible hose of matching bore.
- Test pressures: perform procedures at 0.3 MPa and 0.5 MPa without changing flow-resistance settings.
- Flow rates are specified by nominal size (e.g., for DN 32: 1.60 l/s at q = 2 m/s and 0.80 l/s at q = 1 m/s); the standard provides a table of values for DN 6–32.
- Test procedures
- Defined procedures for stop valves, control valves, flow-operated devices, pressure- or temperature-operated automatic devices, and safety groups.
- Reporting
- Test report requirements and measurement conditions to ensure traceability and comparability.
Applications and users
- Who uses ISO 3822-3:
- Acoustical test laboratories, product manufacturers, R&D teams, certification bodies, and building services engineers.
- Practical uses:
- Standardized laboratory testing for product development, noise labeling, compliance checks, and comparative benchmarking of in-line valves and fittings used in domestic and commercial water systems.
Related standards
- ISO 3822-1 - Method of measurement (laboratory tests on noise emission)
- ISO 6708 - Nominal size (DN) definitions
- ISO 49 - Galvanised fittings (referenced for unions and connections)
Keywords: ISO 3822-3, acoustics, noise emission, in-line valves, water supply installations, laboratory tests, mounting conditions, DN 32, flow rate, test pressures.