ANSI/AMCA

Standard 300-08
Reverberant Room Method for
Sound Testing of Fans

An American National Standard

Approved by ANSI on April 18, 2008

AIR MOVEMENT AND CONTROL

ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL, INC.

The International Authority on Air System Components

ANSI/AMCA STANDARD 300-08

Reverberant Room Method for

Sound Testing of Fans

Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc.

30 West University Drive
Arlington Heights, IL 60004-1893

 2008 by Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc.

All rights reserved. Reproduction or translation of any part of this work beyond that permitted by Sections 107 and
108 of the United States Copyright Act without the permission of the copyright owner is unlawful. Requests for
permission or further information should be addressed to the Executive Director, Air Movement and Control
Association International, Inc. at 30 West University Drive, Arlington Heights, IL 60004-1893 U.S.A.

Authority
AMCA Standard 300-05 was adopted by the membership of the Air Movement and Control Association
International, Inc. on 30 July 2005. It was approved as an American National Standard and became effective on 18
April, 2008.

Foreward
This standard was originally developed in response to the need for a reliable and accurate method of determining
the sound power levels of fan equipment. The original document was written by the AMCA P158NB Sound Test
Code Committee. Where possible, it was based on ASHRAE Standard 36-62, and combined state-of-the-art with
practical considerations. It was first published as a Recommended Practice in February 1962, and adopted as a
Standard Test Code in October 1963. The sound power reference level now used in this standard was changed in
January 1965, from 10-13 watts to 10-12 watts. The third edition (January 1967) AMCA 300-67 Test Code for Sound
Rating included minor revisions. In 1974, minor editorial changes were made, and size-speed conversions were
transferred to AMCA 301 Methods for Calculating Fan Sound Ratings From Laboratory Test Data. The 1985 edition
continued the original philosophy of combining the theoretical and the practical. The 1996 edition was improved by
increasing the accuracy of Reference Sound Source values through improvements in calibration requirements and
procedure, and where appropriate, calling for units of measure in SI (I-P) sequence. Where there have been
successful improvements in state-of-the-art, full advantage has been taken. This latest edition refines the duct end
correction factors to values whose source can be traced to its origin.

Introduction
This standard establishes a method of determining the sound power levels of a fan. The method is reproducible in
all laboratories that are qualified to the requirements of this standard. The method employs standard sound
measurement instrumentation, applied to rooms that are restricted to certain acoustic properties. The test setups
are designed generally to represent the physical orientation of a fan as installed, following ANSI/AMCA 210
Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for Aerodynamic Performance Rating. Sound is defined as radiant mechanical
energy that is transmitted by pressure waves in air; it is the objective cause of hearing. Sound pressure level is
described mathematically as a logarithmic quantity derived from sound pressure. The unit of sound pressure level
is the decibel, referenced to a base of 20 Pascal, or 0.0002 bar. The sound pressure level at any given point in
space depends on the distance between the source and the receiver, reflection if in an enclosed room, proximity
of the source to other sound sources, etc. Sound in a room is the result of one or more active sound power sources
within that room. Sound power is the total sound energy radiated per unit time. Sound power level is described
mathematically as a logarithmic quantity derived from the sound power. The unit of sound power level is the decibel
referenced to 1 picowatt (1.0 10-12 watt). Sound power levels determined through use of this standard are useful
for comparison between fans and in acoustical design. Since sound power is independent of acoustic environment,
two or more fans proposed for a specific aerodynamic performance condition may be evaluated by comparison to
determine whether one is more suitable for an application than another. Moreover, fan sound power levels establish
an accurate base for estimating the acoustical outcome of the fan installation in terms of sound pressure levels. A
successful estimate of sound pressure levels requires extensive information on the fan and the environment in
which it is to be located. It is often advantageous for the fan equipment user to employ acoustical consultation to
ensure that all factors that affect the final sound pressure levels are considered. Additional information on the
complexity of this situation may be found in other documents available elsewhere.

AMCA 300 Review Committee

Tim Mathson, Chair

Greenheck Fan Corporation

Dr. John Cermak

Acme Engineering & Manufacturing Corporation

Joseph Langford

American Coolair Corp.

David Ortiz

Soler & Palau, S.A. de C.V.

Jeff Hill

Cleanpak International

Thomas Gustafson

Hartzell Fan, Inc.

Dr. John Murphy

JOGRAM, Inc.

Tan Tin Tin

Kruger Ventilation Industries Pte. Ltd.

Iain Kinghorn

Flaktwoods

Ray Sexton

Matthews & Yates

Joe Pope

Pope Engineering Company

Boyd Kunze

The New York Blower Company

Scott Hausmann

The Trane Co.

Rad Ganesh

Twin City Fan Companies, Ltd.

Kim Osborn

Governair Corporation

Kurt Eichelberger

York, a Johnson Controls Company

Tom Paige

Kinetics Noise Control, Inc.

Bob Valbracht

Loren Cook Company

Ralph Susey

Howden Buffalo, Inc.

Mark Stevens

AMCA International, Inc.

Joseph Brooks

AMCA International, Inc.

Disclaimer
AMCA uses its best efforts to produce standards for the benefit of the industry and the public in light of available
information and accepted industry practices. However, AMCA does not guarantee, certify or assure the safety or
performance of any products, components or systems tested, designed, installed or operated in accordance with
AMCA standards or that any tests conducted under its standards will be non-hazardous or free from risk.
Objections to AMCA Standards and Certifications Programs
Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc. will consider and decide all written complaints regarding
its standards, certification programs, or interpretations thereof. For information on procedures for submitting and
handling complaints, write to:
Air Movement and Control Association International
30 West University Drive
Arlington Heights, IL 60004-1893 U.S.A.
or
AMCA International, Incorporated
c/o Federation of Environmental Trade Associations
2 Waltham Court, Milley Lane, Hare Hatch
Reading, Berkshire
RG10 9TH United Kingdom

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.

Scope

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

2.

Normative References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

3.

Definitions / Units of Measure / Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

3.1 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
3.2 Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

4.

Instruments / Methods of Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

4.1 Sound level meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
4.2 Microphone system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
4.3 Frequency analyzer and weighting system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
4.4 Data recording equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
4.5 Reference sound source (RSS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
4.6 Test method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
4.7 Accuracy of results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

5.

Equipment / Setups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
5.1 Reverberant room . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
5.2 Setup categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
5.3 Aerodynamic performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
5.4 Mounting methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
5.5 Duct length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
5.6 Microphone travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
5.7 Calibration of system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
5.8 Equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

6.

Observations and Conduct of Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

6.1 Observations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
6.2 Information to be recorded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

7.

Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
7.1 Background correction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
7.2 Sound power level (Lw) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

8.

Results and Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

8.1 Test subject . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
8.2 Laboratory and instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
8.3 Acoustical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Annex A. Room Qualification: Full and One-Third Octave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

A.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
A.2 Instruments and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
A.3 Test procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
A.4 Computation procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
A.5 Qualification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Annex B. Room Qualification: Pure Tones / Narrow-Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
B.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
B.2 Instruments and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
B.3 Test procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
B.4 Computation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
B.5 Qualification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Annex C. Uncertainties Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
C.1 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
C.2 Uncertainties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
C.3 Room response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
C.4 Fan operating points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
C.5 Instrument error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
C.6 Reference sound source (RSS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
C.7 Estimated standard deviation for determination of sound power levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
C.8 Duct end reflection corrections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
C.9 Octave band vs. one-third octave band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
C.10 Accuracy of the 63 hz octave band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Annex D. Alternative Procedure for Reference Sound Source Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

D.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
D.2 Equipment and facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
D.3 Qualification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
D.4 Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
D.5 RSS sound power levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Annex E. Duct End Reflection Correction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
E.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
E.2 End reflection curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Annex F. Filter-Weighted Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Annex G. Radiation of Sound by Fan Casing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
G.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
G.2 Instruments and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
G.3 Setup and test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
G.4 Observations and calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Annex H.

References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

AMCA INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Reverberant Room Method for

Sound Testing of Fans
1. Scope
This standard applies to fans of all types and sizes.
This standard is limited to the determination of
airborne sound emission for the specified setups.
Vibration is not measured, nor is the sensitivity of
airborne sound emission to vibration effects
determined.
The size of a fan that can be tested in accordance
with this standard is limited only by the practical
aspects of the test setups. Dimensional limitations,
test subject dimensions, and air performance will
control the test room size and power and mounting
requirements for the test subject.
The test setup requirements in this standard
establish the laboratory conditions necessary for a
successful test. Rarely will it be possible to meet
these requirements in a field situation. This standard
is not intended for field measurements.

2. Normative References
The following standards contain provisions that,
through specific reference in this text, constitute
provisions of this American National Standard. At the
time of publication the editions indicated were valid.
All standards are subject to revision, and parties to
agreements based on this American National
Standard are encouraged to investigate the
possibility of applying the most recent editions of the
standards listed below.
ANSI/AMCA 210-99 / ANSI/ASHRAE 51-1999
Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for Aerodynamic
Performance Rating, Air Movement and Control
Association International, Inc., 30 W. University
Drive, Arlington Heights, IL 60004-1893 U.S.A, 1999
ANSI S1.4-1983; S1.4A-1985 Specification for
Sound Level Meters, Acoustical Society of America,
120 Wall St., 32nd Floor, New York, NY 10005-3993
U.S.A., 1985 (AMCA #2315-83-AO)
ANSI S1.11-2004 Specification for Octave Band and
Fractional Octave Band Analog and Digital Filters,
Acoustical Society of America, 120 Wall St., 32nd
Floor, New York, NY 10005-3993 U.S.A., 1986
(AMCA #1727-86-AO)

ANSI/AMCA 300-08
ANSI S1.40-1984 Standard Specification for
Acoustical Calibrators, Acoustical Society of America,
120 Wall St., 32nd Floor, New York, NY 10005-3993
U.S.A., 1984 (AMCA #1895-84-AO)
ANSI S12.5-1990 Requirements for the Performance
and Calibration of Reference Sound Sources,
Acoustical Society of America, 120 Wall St., 32nd
Floor, New York, NY 10005-3993 U.S.A., 1990
(AMCA #1863-90-AO)
ANSI S12.12-1992 Engineering Method for the
Determination of Sound Power Levels of Noise
Sources Using Sound Intensity, Acoustical Society of
America, 120 Wall St., 32nd Floor, New York, NY
10005-3993 U.S.A., 1992 (AMCA #1850-92-AO)
ANSI/IEEE/ASTM SI 10-1997 Standard for Use of the
International System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric
System, Institute of Electrical and Electronic
Engineers, 345 east 47th Street, New York, NY 10017
U.S.A., 1997 (AMCA #2924-97-AO)

3. Definitions / Units of Measure / Symbols

3.1 Definitions
3.1.1 Blade passage frequency (BPF). The
frequency of fan impeller blades passing a single
fixed object, per the following formula:
BPF = (number of blades)(fan rotational speed,
rev/min) / 60, in Hz.
3.1.2 Chamber. An enclosure used to regulate
airflow and absorb sound; it may also conform to air
test chamber conditions given in ANSI/AMCA 210.
3.1.3 Decibel (dB). A dimensionless unit of level in
logarithmic terms for expressing the ratio of a power,
or power-like, quantity to a similar reference quantity
(see Sections 3.1.13 and 3.1.14).
3.1.4 Ducted fan. A fan having a duct connected to
either its inlet, its outlet, or to both.
3.1.5 End reflection. A phenomenon that occurs
whenever sound is transmitted across an abrupt
change in area, such as at the end of a duct in a
room. When end reflection occurs some of the sound
entering the room is reflected back into the duct and
does not escape into the room.

ANSI/AMCA 300-08
3.1.14 Sound pressure level. The value, expressed
in decibels (dB), of twenty times the logarithm (base
10) of the ratio of the sound pressure p to the
reference sound pressure pref, according to:

3.1.6 Frequency. The number of times in one

second that a periodic function repeats itself.
3.1.7 Informative. A term that indicates that the
referenced material is provided as advice to the
reader but does not constitute a mandatory
requirement.

Lp, in dB = 20 log10 ( p / pref )

3.1.15 Wavelength. The distance between two

points having the same phase in two consecutive
cycles of a periodic wave, along a line in the direction
of propagation [5]. Wavelength () is determined by
frequency and the speed of sound in the air through
which the wave propagates:

3.1.8 Non-ducted fan. A fan without ducts connected

to its inlet and outlet.
3.1.9 Normative. A term that indicates that the
referenced material, if applied, constitutes a
mandatory requirement.

=c/f

3.1.10 Octave band. The interval between any two

frequencies having a ratio of two. Fan sound power
levels are reported in eight standardized octave
bands shown in Table 1. Fan sound power levels may
also be reported in one-third octave bands, also
shown in Table 1.

(3.2-3)

Where:
f = frequency, Hz
c = 343 m/s @ 20C (1125 ft/s @ 68F)
The value for c is acceptable for use in this standard
within the limits of 5C (9F) for standard air.

3.1.11 Reverberant room. An enclosure meeting the

requirements of Annex A, or Annex A and Annex B.

3.1.16 Standard air. Air having a density of 1.2 kg/m3

(0.075 lbm/ft3). Standard air has a ratio of specific
heats of 1.4 and a viscosity of 1.8185 10-3 Pas
(1.222 10-5 lbm/ft-s). Air at 20C (68F), 50%
relative humidity, and 101.325 kPa (14.696 lbm/in.2,
29.92 in. Hg) barometric pressure has these
properties, approximately).

3.1.12 Shall and should. The word shall is to be

understood as mandatory; the word should as
advisory.
3.1.13 Sound power level. The value, expressed in
decibels (dB), of ten times the logarithm (base 10) of
the ratio of the sound power W to the reference
sound power Wref, according to:
LW, in dB = 10 log10 ( W / Wref )

(3.2-2)

(3.2-1)

Table 1 - Standardized Octave and One-Third Octave Bands [5]

Octave Bands
Band no.

ANSI Band no.

18

21

24

27

30

33

36

39

Center frequency f, Hz

63

125

250

500

1000

2000

4000

8000

One-Third Octave Bands

Band 1

Band 2

Band 3

Band 4

ANSI Band no.

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

Center freq. f, Hz

50

63

80

100

125

160

200

250

315

400

500

630

Band 5

Band 6

Band 7

Band 8

ANSI Band no.

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

Center freq. f, Hz

800

1000

1250

1600

2000

2500

3150

4000

5000

6300

8000

10000

ANSI/AMCA 300-08

3.2 Symbols
SYMBOL

DESCRIPTION

Amin
c
D
Eo
Ei
EW
f
J1
k
Lp
Lpc
Lpb

Minimum distance to reverberant field

Speed of sound
Duct diameter
End reflection factor, at duct outlet
End reflection factor, at duct inlet
End reflection factor, adjustment to sound power level
Frequency
Bessel function of the first kind, first order
Wave number
Sound pressure level, re 20 Pa (0.0002 bar)
Corrected fan sound pressure level
Sound pressure level of room background, measured over the
normal microphone path
Sound pressure level of fan + room background, measured
over the normal microphone path
Sound pressure level of the RSS, corrected
Sound pressure level of RSS + room background, measured
over the normal microphone path
Sound power level re 1 picowatt (1.0 10-12 W)
Sound power level; transmitted to inlet duct from fan
Sound power level measured at the open inlet of the fan
Sound power level measured at the open outlet of the fan
Sound power level measured at the open inlet and outlet of
the fan
Sound power level transmitted to the outlet duct from fan
Sound power level of RSS
Sound pressure
Sound pressure reference level, 20 Pa (0.0002 bar)
Fan static pressure
Fan total pressure
Ratio (of Duct area / Orifice area) dimensionless
Reflection coefficient dimensionless
Standard deviation
Sound power (in watts)
Reference sound power (1 picowatt)
Mechanical impedence
Ratio of transmitted to reflected sound
Ratio of specific heats
Wavelength
Angular frequency

Lpm
Lpq
Lpqm
LW
LWi
LWmi
LWmo
LWmt
LWo
LWr
p
pref
Ps
Pt
r
R
s
W
Wref
ZM

UNIT OF MEASURE
SI
I-P
m
m/s
m
dB
dB
dB
Hz
----dB
dB

ft
ft/s
ft
dB
dB
dB
Hz
----dB
dB

dB

dB

dB
dB

dB
dB

dB
dB
dB
dB
dB

dB
dB
dB
dB
dB

dB
dB
dB
dB
Pa
bar
Pa
bar
Pa
in. wg
Pa
in. wg
--------dB
dB
W
W
W
W
Ns/m
--dimensionless
dimensionless
m
ft
rad/s
rad/s

ANSI/AMCA 300-08

4. Instruments / Methods of Measurement

4.1 Sound level meter
The sound level meter shall meet the requirements of
ANSI S1.4 and S1.4A. The sound level meter should
be capable of accepting a microphone extension
cable.

4.2 Microphone system

The microphone system (transducer and any
associated components and cable) shall meet the
requirements for use in a Type 1 precision sound
level meter according to ANSI S1.4 and S1.4A. A
microphone with a nominal diameter of 13 mm (0.5
in.) is recommended.

4.3 Frequency analyzer and weighting

system
An octave band or one-third octave band filter set is
required and shall meet the Order 3 Type 3-D
requirements of ANSI S1.11. An A-weighting network
shall meet the requirements of ANSI S1.4 and S1.4A.
Other weighting networks may be used to improve
the accuracy, as outlined in Annex F.

4.4 Data recording equipment

This standard does not attempt to set limitations on
data recording equipment. Considerations include
long-term stability, ease of use, and the method of
averaging the sound pressure signal. Modern
integrating-type analyzers that comply with IEC 804
are recommended because they produce Lp values
eliminating any need for visual averaging. Graphic
level recorders can be used to make permanent
records and ease the problem of making visual
averages from sound level meter indications.

4.5 Reference sound source (RSS)

The reference sound source should comply with the
requirements of ANSI S12.5.
4.5.1 The RSS shall be a small, modified, directdriven centrifugal fan having maximum overall
dimensions of 610 mm (2 ft) or less.
4.5.2 The RSS shall produce steady broad-band
sound over at least the frequency range from 50 Hz
to 10,000 Hz. It shall comply in all respects with the
performance requirements of ANSI S12.5.

4.5.3 The RSS shall be equipped with vibration

isolators that minimize transmitted vibration. The
degree of isolation should be 20 dB or more. If metal
springs are used as vibration isolators, rubber pads
shall be used between the isolator and the structure
of the reverberant room.
4.5.4 To ensure compliance with the stability
requirements of ANSI S12.5, all operating parts of the
RSS shall be rigidly and permanently attached. No
rubbing or wearing parts shall be permitted (except
lubricated bearings) and protection shall be provided
against corrosion.
4.5.5 The RSS calibration shall consist of a
determination of the sound power level radiated by
the RSS (including vibration isolators) when it is in
operation on a reflecting plane with radiation into a
free field above that plane. The calibration shall be in
accordance with ANSI S12.5 or as provided in Annex
D. The maximum time interval since calibration shall
not exceed that specified by the manufacturer or
three years, whichever is shorter.

4.6 Test method

The test method is based on a Reference Sound
Source (RSS) substitution for the determination of
sound power.
Application of the test method requires that the test
subject fan be set in position in a test room that is
qualified according to the requirements of Section
5.1.
Once the test room has been qualified, sound
pressure levels are recorded with the RSS operating.
The fan is then operated, without the RSS in
operation, at various performance points of interest
for the given test speed and the sound pressure
levels are recorded. Since the sound power levels of
the RSS are known, the substitution method is used
to determine the sound power levels of the fan for
each operating point.
Current ANSI and ASA documents on sound testing,
facilities and equipment are useful references. See
Annex H.

4.7 Accuracy of results

Accuracy of test results is addressed in Annex C and
depends upon several variables, including the room
qualification and the type of test setup utilized.

ANSI/AMCA 300-08

5. Equipment / Setups
5.1 Reverberant room
An enclosure meeting the requirements of Annex A is
mandatory for the purposes of this standard. An
enclosure meeting the requirements of Annex B is
recommended for broad-band sound testing and is
mandatory for the purpose of investigating pure tones
and narrow bands.

5.2 Setup categories

A number of specific fan test setups are allowed.
They are determined by the airflow direction and the
particular mounting arrangement of the test subject.
The test setups fall into two general categories.
The first category is for a free-standing unit that
would be placed entirely in the test room (see Figure
1). Results of this arrangement yield total sound
power, LWmt, of the test subject, non-ducted. For the
total sound power of a ducted test subject located
entirely in the test room, see Annex H.
The second category includes those fans that would
be tested on a chamber or two-room system where
only the inlet or outlet terminate in the test room (see
Figures 2 and 3). These arrangements result in the
determination of inlet (LWi) or outlet (LWo) sound
power. Section 5.6 discuses the limitations that must
be imposed on the test room for determining the
position of the test subject and the location of the
microphone. The choice of test setup for a specific
test will depend on the way the fan is expected to be
applied in the field.

5.3 Aerodynamic performance

dense non-absorptive material and have no exposed

sound absorption material on the interior or exterior
surfaces.
The driving motor and drive, when not an integral part
of the test subject, may be damped or enclosed in
any manner that does not expose sound absorption
material to the test room. When a driving motor and
drive are an integral part of the test subject, they may
not be treated in any manner, and normal belt
tensions, bearings, and lubricants shall be used.
When a fan and its drive are both in the reverberant
room, the test results may contain sound
contributions from flanking paths as well as
mechanical and/or electrical sound from the drive
system.

5.5 Duct length

On a chamber or two-room setup, the length of duct
shall be consistent with acceptable practice per
ANSI/AMCA 210 necessary to accurately establish
the point of rating.
The length of duct shown in Figures 2 and 3 is
consistent with the procedures of ANSI/AMCA 210.
Care must be exercised to ensure that no duct
resonances exist in close proximity to specific
frequencies of interest such as the Blade Pass
Frequency.

5.6 Microphone travel

When using the substitution method, the minimum
distance between the sound source and the nearest
microphone position may also be calculated from:
Amin = C210

( LWr Lpq ) / 20

Where an aerodynamic performance test is

necessary to determine the point of operation of a
test subject, the test shall be performed in
accordance with ANSI/AMCA 210 or other fan
aerodynamic performance test standard having a
demonstrated accuracy equivalent to ANSI/AMCA
210.

Where:

5.4 Mounting methods

(LWr-Lpq) = is the maximum value for Octave Bands

2 through 7

The method of mounting a test subject, or connecting

it to a non-integral driver, or connecting it to an airflow
test facility is not specified. Any conventional method
may be used including vibration isolation devices and
short flexible connectors. Other than these, sound
and vibration absorptive material may not be
incorporated in the test subject unless it is a standard
part of the fan. Ducts shall be of metal or other rigid,

Amin =

the minimum distance between the sound

source and the microphone, m(ft)

C2 =

0.61 (if using SI units), (2.0 if using IP units)

If the test room and test setup have been qualified in

accordance with Annex A, the continuous
microphone traverse used for the qualification shall
also be used for the sound pressure measurements.
The microphone travese shall meet the following
requirements:

ANSI/AMCA 300-08
a) No point on the traverse shall be any closer than
Amin from the sound source;
b) No point on the traverse shall be any closer than
1.0 m (3.333 ft) to any surface of the test room;
c) No point on the traverse shall, at any time, be
closer than 0.5 m (1.67 ft) to any surface of a
rotating diffuser;
d) The microphone traverse should not lie in any
plane within 10 of a room surface;
e) The microphone shall swing or move on a normal
path of an arc or straight line with a minimum
distance of 3 m (10 ft) between the extreme
points of travel.
f)

the maximum air velocity over the microphone

shall be 1 m/s (200 fpm);

In conformance with ANSI S1.40, the calibrator shall

be checked at least once every year to verify that its
output has not changed. In addition, an electrical
calibration of the instrumentation over the entire
frequency range of interest shall be performed
periodically, at intervals of not more than one year.
The microphone and its associated cable shall be
chosen so that their sensitivity does not change by
more than 0.2 dB over the temperature range
encountered during the measurement. If the
microphone is moved, care shall be exercised to
avoid introducing acoustical or electrical noise (for
example, from gears, flexing cables, or sliding
contacts) that could interfere with measurement.
The frequency response of the instrument system
shall be flat over the frequency range of interest
within the tolerances given in Table 2.

5.8 Equations
g) room volume is not specified but the room must
be large enough in volume such that the volume
of the test fan and associated ductwork does not
exceed 1% of the room volume;
h) neither the RSS nor fan shall be within 300 mm
(1 ft) of any room centerline.

5.7 Calibration of system

Before each sound power determination, the
following calibration checks shall be performed. A
calibration check shall be made of the entire
measurement system at one or more frequencies
within the frequency range of interest. An acoustical
calibrator conforming to ANSI S1.40 and with an
accuracy of 0.5 dB shall be used for this purpose.

The type of fan and its test setup determine the

calculations required to determine the sound power
levels (LWmt, LWi, LWmi, LWo, LWmo) of the test subject.
Equations for each test setup are included under the
specific arrangement along with any qualifying
statements or limitations. Also included are any
assumptions that were made regarding these specific
setups. End reflection factors (Ei) and (Eo), when
required, shall be calculated from Annex E Duct End
Reflection Correction, using the appropriate duct
size.
It cannot be assumed that the inlet and outlet sound
powers are always equal. Therefore, total sound
power levels shall not be used to derive inlet or outlet
sound power levels.

Table 2 - Tolerances for the Instrument System

One-third Octave Band

Center Frequency (Hz)

Tolerance
(dB)

40-80

1.5

100-4000

1.0

5000-8000

1.5

10000

2.0

12500

3.0

AIRFLOW

ANSI/AMCA 300-08

Fan

A: FREE INLET
FREE OUTLET

SOUND POWER CALCULATIONS

Installation Type

LW Equation

A:

LWmt =Lpc+(LWr-Lpq)

Free Inlet
Free Outlet

This test procedure and the above calculations are based on the following assumptions:
1. Directivity from the fan is averaged by the reverberant room and the microphone location is such that it is
sensing total averaged sound pressure levels.
2. No resonances are present on either the fan structure, supporting devices, or driving devices that may add to
the fan recorded sound pressure levels.

Section 5, Figure 1 - Fan Total Sound Testing

ANSI/AMCA 300-08

Sound Power Calculations

Installation Type

LW Equations

A or B: Free Inlet
C or D: Ducted Inlet

LWmi = Lpc + (LWr-Lpq)

LWi = Lpc + (LWr-Lpq) + Ei

This test procedure and the above calculations are based on the following assumptions:
1. Acoustical energy in an outlet duct which terminates in a second room or chamber does not contribute to fan
test sound pressure levels. This requires adequate transmission loss between adjoining rooms and the addition
of absorptive material within a chamber to absorb this energy.
2. Adequate absorption takes place at the discharge of a duct in a second room or chamber so that any energy
passing down that duct is adequately attenuated.
3. Directivity from the fan is averaged by the reverberant room and the microphone location is such that it is
recording total averaged sound pressure levels.
4. Duct construction is such that the transmission loss through the duct wall is large enough to eliminate any
addition to measured room sound pressure levels.
5. No resonances are present on either the fan structure, supporting devices, or driving devices that may add to
the recorded fan sound pressure levels.
6. Inlet orifices to control the operating point are not permitted, unless integral to the fan.
*May require acoustical treatment.

Section 5, Figure 2 - Fan Inlet Sound Testing

ANSI/AMCA 300-08

Sound Power Calculations

Installation Type

LW Equations

A or C: Free Outlet
B or D: Ducted Outlet

LWmo = Lpc + (LWr - Lpq)

LWo = Lpc + (LWr - Lpq) + Eo

This test procedure and the above calculations are based on the following assumptions:
1. Acoustical energy in an inlet duct that terminated in a second room or chamber does not contribute to fan test
sound pressure levels. This requires adequate transmission loss between adjoining rooms and the addition of
absorptive material within a chamber to absorb this energy.
2. Adequate absorption takes place at the inlet of a duct in a second room or chamber so that any energy passing
down that duct is adequately attenuated.
3. Directivity from the fan is averaged by the reverberant room and the microphone location is such that it is
recording total averaged sound pressure levels.
4. Duct construction is such that the transmission loss through the duct wall is large enough to eliminate any
addition to measured room sound pressure levels.
5. No resonances are present on either the fan structure, supporting devices, or driving devices that may add to
the recorded fan sound pressure levels.
6. Outlet orifices to control the operating point are not permitted, unless integral to the fan.
*May require acoustical treatment.

Section 5, Figure 3 - Fan Outlet Sound Testing

ANSI/AMCA 300-08

6. Observations and Conduct of Test

6.1 Observations
6.1.1 Point of operation. Although the acoustical
observations necessary to determine sound power
output are the same for all types of fans, the nonacoustical observations necessary to determine the
aerodynamic point of operation differ. This standard
provides different test setups for the testing of various
fan types. Regardless of the test setup, the point of
operation shall be determined. If the sound test setup
also conforms to one of the test setups in
ANSI/AMCA 210, then the point of rating can be
established with sufficient accuracy. If the sound test
setup does not conform to one of the test setups in
ANSI/AMCA 210, steps must be taken to ensure that
the fan rotational speed is known within 1% and the
point of operation can be established within 5%
along a system curve.

pressure level measurements. Operation of the

microphone traverse and any rotating vanes shall be
the same for all measurements. Observers and
operators should not be in the test room during
measurements, but if it is absolutely necessary for
them to be present, they shall be away from the test
subject and remain in the same position during the
test. Readings should be a time weighted average
over an integral number of microphone swings. The
time span used shall be sufficient to provide a stable
value and shall be a minimum of 30 seconds for
frequency bands 160 Hz, and 15 seconds for
frequency bands 200 Hz.

6.2 Information to be recorded

As applicable, the following information shall be
compiled and recorded for all observations made in
accordance with this standard.
6.2.1 Test subject

6.1.2 Sound pressure levels

A) Description of the test subject
6.1.2.1 Sound pressure levels, background (Lpb).
Background sound pressure levels are those
measured in the test room with the test subject and
the RSS off. The background noise includes all noise
sources not directly associated with fan sound.
Examples of background noise sources are: noise
due to the motion of the microphone and noise due to
any other external source. Efforts should be made to
keep the background noise level at a minimum. For a
test, or set of determinations, at various points of test
subject operation, background sound pressure levels
need to be observed once.

1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)

Manufacturer
Model
Nominal size
Impeller diameter, mm (in.)
Number of impeller blades
Blade angle setting (adjustable or variable
pitch fans only)
7) Number of stator vanes
8) Inlet area, m2 (ft2)
9) Outlet area, m2 (ft2)
B) Operating conditions

6.1.2.2 Sound pressure levels, RSS (Lpqm). RSS

sound pressure levels are those measured in the test
room with the RSS operating and the test subject off.
RSS sound pressure levels include background
sound pressure levels. For a test, or set of
determinations, at various points of test subject
operation, RSS sound pressure levels need to be
observed once.
6.1.2.3 Sound pressure levels, fan (Lpm). Fan
sound pressure levels are those measured in the test
room with the test subject operating and the RSS off.
Fan sound pressure levels include background
sound pressure levels. Fan sound pressure levels
must be observed for each operating point.

1) Fan rotational speed, rev/min

2) Fan airflow rate, m3/s (ft3/min)
3) Fan static pressure or total pressure at actual
test conditions, Pa (in. wg)
4) Fan air density, kg/m3 (lbm/ft3)
C) Mounting conditions
1) Test figure per this standard
2) Test Installation Type
3) Sketch showing the test room setup,
including the dimensional locations of the
test subject and points or path of acoustical
measurements

Note: The observations above are valid only when

taken in a room that is qualified per the procedures
defined in Annex A or B.

6.2.2 Test environment

6.1.3 Test conditions. The test conditions shall, as

nearly as possible, be the same for all sound

B) Ambient dry-bulb temperature, C (F)

10

A) Barometric pressure, kPa (in. Hg)

ANSI/AMCA 300-08
C) Ambient wet-bulb temperature, C (F)
D) Fan inlet dry-bulb temperature, C (F)

the observed sound pressure level. Background

correction values depend on the difference between
the observed sound pressure levels and the
background noise levels.

E) Static pressure at the fan inlet, Pa (in. wg)

6.2.3 Laboratory and instruments
A) Laboratory name
B) Laboratory location
C) Technician(s) conducting test
D) List of test equipment used, with
information

calibration

E) Scope of room qualification. Data shall indicate

whether the room is qualified for full octaves or
one-third octaves, and in the case of pure tone
testing, the one-third octaves for which the
qualification applies.
6.2.4 Acoustical data
A) Background sound pressure levels Lpb
B) RSS sound pressure levels Lpqm

When the difference between the observed sound

pressure levels (RSS background) in a frequency
band is less than 6 dB, the corresponding sound
pressure level from the source cannot be determined
accurately by this standard. For any band for which
the difference between the background and the
(background + source) sound pressure level is less
than 6 dB, Lpc shall be reported as 1.3 dB less than
Lpm. The data for each such band shall be clearly
marked as upper boundary levels.
A sound pressure level reading shall be corrected for
background noise level by logarithmic subtraction
using the following formulae:
Test subject (fan) sound pressure level:
Lpb
Lpm

10
10

Lpc = 10 log10 10
10

Eq. 7.1-1

RSS sound pressure level:

C) Background corrections for the RSS
D) Fan sound pressure levels Lpm
E) Background corrections for the fan
F) Un-weighted fan sound power levels LWmi or LWmo
G) End reflection correction data
1) End reflection correction values Ei or Eo
2) Duct length
3) Flush or non-flush mounting of the duct into
the test room
4) Orifice plate inside diameter, m (ft)
H) Test date

7. Calculations
Calculations are affected by the Installation Type and
setup. See Section 5.8 in addition to the following.

7.1 Background correction

The observed RSS or test subject sound pressure
levels include both the sound source and background
noise. The effect of background noise level is termed
background correction and must be subtracted from

Lpb
Lpqm

10
10

Lpq = 10 log10 10
10

Eq. 7.1-2

Example: The sound pressure level of a fan in a

given frequency band is observed to be 58 dB. The
background sound pressure level in the same band is
observed to be 51 dB. The background value is
subtracted logarithmically from the fan sound
pressure level using Equation 7.1-1, which results in
57 dB (rounded).

7.2 Sound power level (LW)

A sound power level is calculated using equations
given in Section 5. The equations vary with product
type and test setup. The sound power level of a full
octave band may be calculated from one-third octave
band values by using the formula:
LW3
LW2
LW1

LW = 10 log10 10 10 + 10 10 + 10 10

Eq 7.2-1

Where:
LW1, LW2, and LW3 are one-third octave sound power
level values.
11

ANSI/AMCA 300-08

8. Results and Report

E) RSS sound pressure level in each reported band

Test results are presented as the sound power level,

in dB, in each of the eight full octave bands for each
fan test speed and point of operation. Full octave
bands are given in Table 1. The report shall also
include data defined in Sections 8.1 through 8.3.
This standard does not require that pure tone effects
be isolated from broad-band sound. However, a
laboratory equipped with suitable instrumentation is
encouraged to investigate and report pure tones
separately.

F) Background correction for test subject, in each

reported band

8.1 Test subject

A) Description of the test subject
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)

Manufacturer
Model
Nominal size
Impeller diameter, mm (in.)
Number of impeller blades
Blade angle setting (adjustable or variable
pitch fans only)

B) Operating conditions
1)
2)
3)
4)

Aerodynamic performance test standard

Fan rotational speed, rpm
Fan airflow rate, m3/s (ft3/min)
Fan static pressure or total pressure at actual
test conditions, Pa (in. wg)
5) Fan air density, kg/m3 (lbm/ft3)

C) Mounting conditions
1) Test Figure per this standard
2) Installation Type

8.2 Laboratory and Instruments

A) Laboratory name
B) Laboratory location

8.3 Acoustical Data

A) Un-weighted fan sound power level, in each of
eight octave bands, reported to the nearest
whole decibel
B) Test date
C) Background sound pressure level in each
reported band
D) Background correction for the RSS for each
reported band
12

G) Test subject sound pressure level, in each

reported band

ANSI/AMCA 300-08

Annex A. Room Qualification: Full and

One-Third Octave (normative)
A.1 General
This annex covers the procedures for a broad-band
qualification of a test room for full and one-third
octave bands. If pure tone qualification is required,
refer to Annex B.

A.2 Instruments and equipment

The instruments and microphone traverse shall be
the same as those used during the actual testing of a
fan. The instruments shall conform to the
requirements given in Sections 4.1. through 4.4,
inclusive. The microphone traverse shall conform to
the requirements of Section 5.6. The test procedure
given in this annex requires the use of a Reference
Sound Source (RSS) having the characteristics
specified in Section 4.5.

A.3 Test procedure

Eight or more measurements shall be made of the
reverberant field sound pressure levels in the room,
each with the RSS placed at a different location
within the room, under the following conditions:
A.3.1 Each location for the RSS shall be selected on
the floor and shall not be closer than 1 m (3 ft) from
a wall and not closer to any microphone than
permitted by equation Amin (Section 5.6). The
distance between any two RSS locations shall be
greater than 0.9 m (3 ft). No source location shall lie
within 300 mm (1 ft) of a room centerline. The RSS
locations shall be in the general vicinity of the
locations intended for the test subject as seen in a
plan view of the test room.

A.3.2 With the RSS at each of the eight (or more)

above locations, determine the average sound
pressure levels in accordance with the procedures of
Section 6.
A.3.3 The microphone traverse, sound diffuser (if
any), instruments and observation times shall be
identical to those to be used for a test subject.

A.4 Computation procedure

For each frequency band for which the test room is to
be qualified, the standard deviation s, in dB, shall be
computed using the formula:
s=

1
nRSS

nRSS

( L )
1
j =1

pq j

Lpq

Eqn A.4-1

Where:
(Lpq)j = the sound pressure level, in dB, averaged
over all microphone positions, when the RSS is in the
jth location
___
Lpq = arithmetic mean of (Lpq)j values, in dB,
averaged over all RSS locations
nRSS = number of RSS locations, a minimum of eight

A.5 Qualification
For each frequency band, the test room qualifies for
the measurement of broad-band sound if the
computed standard deviation s, in dB, does not
exceed the limits given in Table A.1.

Table A.1 - Maximum Allowable Standard Deviation s, (dB)

Octave Band
Center
Frequencies
(Hz)

One-Third
Octave Band
Center
Frequencies
(Hz)

Maximum
Allowable
Standard
Deviation (dB)
s

63

50 to 80

3.0

125

100 to 160

1.5

250 and 500

200 to 630

1.0

1000 and 2000

800 to 2500

0.5

4000 and 8000

3150 to 10000

1.0
13

ANSI/AMCA 300-08

Annex B. Room Qualification: Pure

Tones / Narrow-Band (informative)
B.1 General
This annex covers the procedure for the qualification
of a test room to investigate pure tones. Qualification
testing applies only to those one-third octave bands
having mid-frequencies from 100 Hz to 2500 Hz,
inclusive, as shown in Table B.1. Qualification
excludes those bands having mid-frequencies below
100 Hz and is not required for those bands having a
mid-frequency greater than 2500 Hz. The
qualification testing applies to a specific location in
the test room and determines which of the one-third
octave bands the test room location is qualified for. A
sound test based on such qualification must state the
mid-frequency of the one-third octave band(s)
qualified for the test by this procedure.

B.2 Instruments and equipment

The instruments shall be as specified in Section 4
with the following substitutions / additions.
A) The signal analyzer shall be a one-third octave
band analyzer conforming to ANSI S1.11.
B) The sound source will consist of:
1) A loudspeaker / horn: one or more, each
having a sufficiently smooth frequency
response within the range of frequencies to
be qualified.
2) A frequency generator, tunable to and
meeting the tolerances given for the
frequencies given in Table B.1. A digital
frequency synthesizer is recommended for
ease of setting frequency.
3) A frequency counter accurate within 0.05
Hz over the pertinent frequency range.
4) A power amplifier of suitable power and
having an output impedance compatible with
the loudspeaker(s) / horn(s).
5) A voltmeter capable of monitoring within
0.05% of the voltage across the
loudspeaker(s) / horn(s) at all test
frequencies.

B.3 Test procedure

Qualification testing consists of two sections, the first
being concerned with the near-field characteristics of
the loudspeaker / horn and the second with the test
14

room itself. In both sections, measurements are

made for each of the discrete frequencies associated
with the one-third octave band being qualified. The
same test equipment must be used for both sections
of the qualification testing.
B.3.1 Loudspeaker / horn test. The loudspeaker /
horn shall be located on the horizontal surface of a
hemi-anechoic field with the open cone facing
upward. A microphone with diaphragm horizontal is
located over the center of the loudspeaker / horn 10
to 20 mm (0.375 to 0.75 in.) above the plane of the
loudspeaker / horn rim. The input voltage to the
loudspeaker / horn must be sufficient to overcome
background noise but must in no case be permitted
to cause physical distortion of the loudspeaker / horn
components. The sound pressure levels for the
discrete frequencies of a one-third octave band are
then measured. The loudspeaker / horn is suitable
only if the sound pressure levels at adjacent
frequencies do not differ by more than 1 dB. This test
determines the near-field characteristics of the
loudspeaker / horn and gives calibration sound
pressure levels for the loudspeaker / horn.
B.3.2 Room test. The loudspeaker / horn shall be
positioned in the room at the horizontal and vertical
coordinates intended for the test subject and placed
so that the open cone faces away from the nearest
room surface. Using the same input voltage to the
loudspeaker(s) / horn(s) as for the loudspeaker / horn
test, space and time averaged sound pressure levels
Lps are measured for the discrete frequencies of the
one-third octave band.

B.4 Computation
The room test sound pressure level is then corrected
to remove the effect of the loudspeakers / horns
near-field characteristic by subtracting the
loudspeaker / horn test sound pressure level. The
arithmetic mean for the room sound pressure level is
then calculated, and the standard deviation s of the
difference between the average sound pressure level
and the arithmetic mean sound pressure level is
determined by:

s=

n
2
1
( Lps ) Lps

k
( n 1) k =1

(B.4-1)

Where:
(Lps)k = the corrected sound pressure level, in dB,
averaged over all microphone positions, of
the kth discrete frequency

ANSI/AMCA 300-08
Lps = the arithmetic mean of (Lps)k values averaged
over all n test frequencies within the one-third
octave band
n=

Table B.2 - Maximum Allowable Sample

Standard Deviation, s

the number of discrete frequencies within the

one-third octave band

One-third Octave Band

Center Frequencies
(Hz)

Maximum Allowable
Standard Deviation s
(dB)

100 to 160

3.0

200 to 315

2.0

400 to 630

1.5

800 to 2500

1.0

B.5 Qualification
A test room is accepted as qualified for pure tone
testing within a given one-third octave band if the
standard deviation s, in dB, for that band does not
exceed the values given in Table B.2. If a one-third
octave band does not qualify, some modification will
be required to the microphone location, to the test
position, or to the room absorption [7] [8].

Table B.1 - Test Frequencies for Alternative Qualification of Reverberant Room Facility for Measuring Sound
Power Levels of Noise Sources Containing Significant Discrete Frequency Components (from ANSI S12.51-2002)
100
---90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
--Increment, Hz 1

125
-113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
1

Center frequency of one-third octave bands, Hz

160 200 250 315 400 500 630 800 1000
147
---361
----148
-226
-364
----149
-228
-367 445 564 712
-150 180 230 285 370 450 570 720 900
151 182 232 288 373 455 576 728 910
152 184 234 291 376 460 582 736 920
153 186 236 294 379 465 588 744 930
154 188 238 297 382 470 594 752 940
155 190 240 300 385 475 600 760 950
156 192 242 303 388 480 606 768 960
157 194 244 306 391 485 612 776 970
158 196 246 309 394 490 618 784 980
159 198 248 312 397 495 624 792 990
160 200 250 315 400 500 630 800 1000
161 202 252 318 403 505 636 808 1010
162 204 254 321 406 510 642 816 1020
163 206 256 324 409 515 648 824 1030
164 208 258 327 412 520 654 832 1040
165 210 260 330 415 525 660 840 1050
166 212 262 333 418 530 666 848 1060
167 214 264 336 421 535 672 856 1070
168 216 266 339 424 540 678 864 1080
169 218 268 342 427 545 684 872 1090
170 220 270 345 430 550 690 880 1100
171 222 272 348 433 555 696 888 1110
172
-274
-436
-702
--173
-276
-439
----1
2
2
3
3
5
6
8
10

1250
-1130
1140
1150
1160
1170
1180
1190
1200
1210
1220
1230
1240
1250
1260
1270
1280
1290
1300
1310
1320
1330
1340
1350
1360
1370
1380
10

1600
1470
1480
1490
1500
1510
1520
1530
1540
1550
1560
1570
1580
1590
1600
1610
1620
1630
1640
1650
1660
1670
1680
1690
1700
1710
1720
1730
10

2000
---1800
1820
1840
1860
1880
1900
1920
1940
1960
1980
2000
2020
2040
2060
2080
2100
2120
2140
2160
2180
2200
2220
--20

2500
-2260
2280
2300
2320
2340
2360
2380
2400
2420
2440
2460
2480
2500
2520
2540
2560
2580
2600
2620
2640
2660
2680
2700
2720
2740
2760
20

Tolerance of
Increment, Hz 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.5 0.5

1.5

Number of test
frequencies, n

22

27

23

24

23

22

26

23

22

26

22

26

27

22

26

15

ANSI/AMCA 300-08
determining the acoustical power of a source, such
as a fan, that emits a steady sound power. The
reverberant room must be diffuse enough to produce
a reverberant field.

Annex C. Uncertainties Analysis

(informative)
C.0 General
The analysis of the uncertainty associated with
measurements made in accordance with this
standard provides identification of certain critical
points so as to recognize the limitations of the results.
Furthermore, it provides an approximation, in real
values, of the imprecision in the recorded results.

C.1 Definitions
Precision error is an error that causes readings to
take random values on either side of some mean
value.
Systematic error is an error that persists and cannot
be considered as due entirely to chance.
Uncertainty is an estimated value for error, i.e., what
we think an error would be if we could and did
measure it by calibration. Although uncertainty may
be the result of both precision and systematic errors,
only precision errors can be treated by statistical
methods.
The uncertainty in a researched value is described by
specifying the measured value followed by the
uncertainty interval at the desired confidence level:
LW = m w at P confidence level

Eqn C.1-1

Where:
m = measured value
w = uncertainty
P = percent

C.2 Uncertainties
The uncertainties associated with the determination
of sound power levels through measurements
performed in accordance with this standard are room
response (Section C.3), fan operating points (Section
C.4), instrument error (Section C.5), and RSS
(Section C.6). Uncertainties associated with duct end
reflection corrections involve the accuracy of
estimating the losses from orifice plates (Section
C.8). Other areas of interest involve the use of octave
or one-third octave bands (Section C.9) and the
problems associated with testing in the 63 Hz band
(Section C.10).

When a sound source is operated inside a

reverberant room, the sound waves are reflected by
the walls and are propagated in all directions. If the
paths of all the waves could be seen, we would notice
a number of repetitions, (e.g., the path followed by a
wave between two parallel walls). These paths are
called normal modes. The greater the number of
normal modes, the better the sound dispersion in the
room. The modes must be sufficiently numerous in
any measurement band so that the microphone
traverse will serve to average the sound pressure.
The number of normal modes in a given space
increases with frequency. Hence, it is usually more
precise to measure higher frequencies. When the
number of modes are few, it helps to measure the
sound in many locations and average the results.
Two important sources of error may affect the
measurements made in a reverberant room: 1) the
error introduced by measuring the sound field at a
limited number of points, and 2) variations in sound
power due to the location of the sound source. Many
sources radiate sound that is not entirely broad-band,
but
contains
significant
discrete-frequency
components, or pure tones. Some fans generate a
pure tone at the blade passage frequency and
sometimes at harmonic frequencies.
In a reverberant room, a pure tone tends to excite
certain modes that will dominate all others. This
noticeably increases the variability of the pressure
field due to an insufficient dispersion of the sound
field. Due to the consequent inaccuracy of sound
pressure averaging, the precision of the results is
reduced.
C.3.1
Broad-band
measurement
in
a
reverberation room. Broad-band sound is uniformly
distributed in frequency with relatively steady levels
and with no prominent discrete-frequency or narrowband components. Measurement of broad-band
sound may be made in a test room qualified per
Annex A.

C.3 Room response

C.3.2 Pure-tone measurement in a reverberation

room. When a discrete-frequency component is
present in the sound spectrum of a source, the
spatial variations in sound pressure level usually
exhibit maxima separated by minima having an
average spacing of approximately 0.8, where is
the wavelength corresponding to the discrete
frequency of interest.

A reverberant room is an appropriate place for

The presence of a significant discrete-frequency

16

ANSI/AMCA 300-08
component in the sound produced by a source can
often be detected by a simple listening test. If such a
component is audible, or detectable by narrow-band
analysis, the qualification procedure described in
Annex B is recommended.
If the test room is not qualified for pure-tone
measurement, the measurement uncertainty will
most probably be higher in the bands containing the
blade passage frequency and its harmonics than if
measured in a qualified test room.
Discrete-frequency components may be present in
the sound spectrum even when these components
are not audible. A conclusion that no discretefrequency components are present can only be
reached by performing the test described in Section
C.3.3.
C.3.3 Test for discrete-frequency components.
The following procedure can be used to estimate the
spatial standard deviation of the sound pressure
levels produced by the test subject in the test room.
Select an array of six fixed microphones (or a single
microphone at six positions) spaced at least /2
apart, where is the wavelength of the sound
corresponding to the lowest band mid-frequency of
interest and meeting all the requirements for
microphone positions in Annex A. Locate the sound
source at a single position in the test room in
accordance with Annex A.
Obtain the time-averaged sound pressure level Lpj at
each microphone position according to the
techniques described in Annex A.
For each one-third octave band within the frequency
range of interest, calculate the standard deviation s,
in dB, from the following equation:

s=

1 nm
Lpcj Lpj
nm 1 j =1

Eqn C.3-1

Where:
Lpcj = sound pressure level, corrected for the
background sound level in accordance with
the procedures of Section 6.2.1 for the jth
microphone position, dB
__
Lpj = arithmetic mean of (Lpc)j values, averaged over
all microphone positions, dB
nm = number of microphone positions = 6

The magnitude of s depends upon the properties of

the sound field in the test room. These properties are
influenced by the characteristics of the room as well
as the characteristics of the sound source (i.e.,
directivity and spectrum of the emitted sound). In
theory, a standard deviation of 5.57 dB corresponds
to a spectral component of zero bandwidth, i.e., a
discrete tone.
Table C.1 - Characterization of the Presence
of Discrete-Frequency or Narrow-Band
Components, Based Upon the Spatial
Variation of the Sound Field
Standard
Deviation, s (dB)

Characterization

s < 1.5

Assume broad-band source

(use procedures of Annex A).

1.5 < s < 3

Assume that a narrow-band of

noise is present. Recommend
use of the qualification
procedure in Annex B.

s>3

Assume that a discreet tone is

present. Test room must qualify
per Annex B.

C.4 Fan operating points

When the sound power levels of a fan are
determined, each measurement must relate to one
point of operation of the fan. Uncertainty in identifying
this point thus affects the global uncertainty of the
results. Therefore it is recommended that the
procedures of ANSI/AMCA 210 or other recognized
fan aerodynamic performance test standard be used
as a guideline in identifying the test subjects
operating points. The sensitivity of the sound levels to
a change in point of operation is a function of the test
subjects performance characteristics, and this will
dictate how accurately the point of operation must be
determined. A fan that exhibits a large change in
sound power level as airflow is changed (at a given
fan rotational speed) is of more concern than one that
shows a small change in sound power level for the
same airflow change.

C.5 Instrument error

The frequency response of the instrument system
shall be flat over the frequency range of interest to
within the tolerances given in Table C.2.

17

ANSI/AMCA 300-08
Table C.2 - Tolerances for the Instrument System
Frequency (Hz)

Tolerance (dB)

Table C.5 - Uncertainties in Duct End

Reflection Correction E
Uncertainty in E (dB)

100 to 4000
5000 to 8000
10000

Duct
Configuration

1.0
1.5
2

C.6 Reference sound source (RSS)

The sound power produced by the RSS shall be
determined in octave and one-third octave bands
within the tolerances specified in Table C.3.

Range of 0.5 kD
< 0.25

0.25-1

>1

Flush

0.5

Free Space

1
1-2
2-5

3
3
4

2
2
3

0.5
0.5
1

Note: When pure tones are present, uncertainties will

be substantially greater.

Table C.3 - Calibration Accuracy for RSS

C.9 Octave band vs. one-third octave band

One-Third Octave Band
Center Frequency (Hz)

Tolerance (dB)

100 to 160
200 to 4000
5000 to 10000

1.0
0.5
1.0

C.7 Estimated standard deviation

determination of sound power levels

for

The determination of sound power levels through

measurements made in accordance with this
standard will result, with very few exceptions, in
standard deviations that are less than or equal to
those given in Table C.4. The standard deviations in
Table C.4 take into account the cumulative effects of
all causes of measurement uncertainty noted in C.3
through C.6 above, except for duct end reflection
corrections and the testing in an unqualified test
room of fans containing puretones.
Table C.4 - Estimated Deviation of
Sound Power Level Determinations
Octave Band
1/3 Octave
Standard
Center
Band Center
Deviation (dB)
Frequency (Hz) Frequency (Hz)
125
250
500 to 4000
8000

100 to 160
200 to 315
400 to 5000
6300 to 10000

3.0
2.0
1.5
3.0

C.8 Duct end reflection corrections

Table C.5 gives the uncertainties for duct end
reflection correction E for various 0.5 kD and r
values.

18

According to this standard, the frequency analysis of

sound may be performed either in full octave bands
or in one-third octave bands. Qualification of a
reverberant test room for pure tones can only be
effected in the one-third octave bands. Full octave
band analysis takes less time because fewer
numerical values are treated. However, this analysis
supplies little information on the shape of a sound
spectrum. Furthermore, full octave band analysis
does not allow isolation of pure tones in a spectrum;
the poor resolution of an octave band gives little
information about a steeply sloping spectrum. The
pure-tone value produced by a test subject may be
reduced by 1 to 2 dB without changing the octave
band reading.
For certain test conditions, this standard uses a duct
end reflection correction factor that is frequency
dependent. Because of this dependence, analysis in
full octave bands instead of one-third octave bands
may cause an error of up to 2 dB.
Example:
Test Conditions: A fan having a 508 mm (20 in.)
diameter inlet, no orifice plate, and low airflow.
There is a significant difference between the two
methods of determining the octave band values. This
difference is a function of two things:
1) The shape of the sound spectrum determined by
one-third octave band analysis, and
2) The slope of the duct end reflection attenuation
curve at the point where the attenuation value is
evaluated.
The error made in using octave band analysis can
overestimate or underestimate the real values.

ANSI/AMCA 300-08
Therefore, the use of one-third octave band analysis
is recommended. Refer to Figure C.1.

C.10 Accuracy of the 63 Hz octave band

At low frequencies, the sound power output of a
source depends upon its position in the test room. At
low frequencies, very few modes are excited, and
because of reflections from test room surfaces, the
reflected pressure at the source combines with the
direct sound pressure field produced by the source.
This affects the radiation impedance seen by the
source, and therefore its sound power output. This is
particularly true of the 63 Hz octave band. Most
standards do not discuss this band, although it is
important to fan manufacturers and users alike.
Measurements in this band must be reported.
However, the measured sound pressure values, and
therefore the determined sound power level values,
have an uncertainty of 6 dB at best.

If full octave band analysis is performed, a precaution

would be to adjust the fan rotational speed to caused
the blade passage frequency to fall in the central
one-third octave band of any full octave band. Care
should also be taken to keep the blade passage
frequency from falling on the border between bands,
thus avoiding the problems associated with the
characteristics of filter skirts.
Table C.6 - Example Using Full
Octave Band Analysis
1/3 Octave
Lp
= (Lp+E)
Center
Combined +E
Frequency, Measured
dB
(Hz)
50
63
80

80
65
64

80.2

+10.2 =90.4

Table C.7 - Example Using One-Third

Octave Band Analysis
1/3 Octave
Lp
Center
Combined +E
Frequency, Measured
(Hz)
50
63
80

80
65
64

+12.1
+10.2
+8.3

OCTAVE
BAND
OVER ESTIMATION

=(Lp+E)
dB

=92.1
=75.2 =92.2
=72.3

OCTAVE
BAND

NO ERROR

OCTAVE
BAND

UNDER ESTIMATION

Figure C.1 - Effect of Summing One-Third Octave Bands

19

ANSI/AMCA 300-08

Annex D. Alternative Procedure for

Reference Sound Source Calibration
(informative)

alternative calibration procedure below may be used.

If the calibration is not in complete conformance with
ANSI S12.5 for any other reason, the alternative
calibration procedure is not applicable.

D.1 General

D.4 Procedure

Calibration of a Reference Sound Source (RSS) in

conformance with the requirements of ANSI S12.5
requires a hemi-anechoic room qualified for
measurements over the entire frequency range of
interest. Laboratories that otherwise would be able
to perform the required calibration but which are not
qualified for measurements in the first octave band
may use the alternative procedure of this Annex.
This alternative procedure is based on sound
intensity measurements per ANSI S12.12.

The requirements of ANSI S12.5 are duplicated in the

lowest three full octave (nine one-third octave)
bands, with the substitution of sound intensity level
measurements, made in compliance with ANSI
S12.12, for the sound pressure level measurements
required by ANSI S12.5. For all measurements,
sound intensity shall be measured in the outward
radial direction. The sound power levels determined
from these measurements shall be compared with
those determined from the corresponding sound
pressure level measurements. If in all frequency
bands the determined sound power levels differ by no
more than the tolerances given in Table D.1, the
calibrated sound power levels for the RSS are
reported as specified in Section D.5. The directivity
index is not calculated from the intensity
measurements.

D.2 Equipment and facilities

Equipment and facilities shall be as required for RSS
calibration in conformance with ANSI S 12.5, with the
exception that the hemi-anechoic chamber need not
be qualified below the 125Hz full octave band (100
Hz one-third octave band). Sound intensity
measuring equipment shall comply with the
requirements of ANSI S 12.12.
Additional RSS units may be sound power level
calibrated by comparing the sound power levels of
the source to another unit that was calibrated in
accordance with Sections D.1 through D.5. It is not
necessary that each and every reference sound
source be calibrated directly in accordance with the
procedures described below. It may be possible to
transfer a calibration from one unit to another by
using a simpler type of test. For example, the
Substitution Method of the present standard might be
used to calibrate (secondary calibration) one
reference sound source relative to another, similar,
reference sound source that has been calibrated as
described below (primary calibration). In order that
such a secondary calibration does not result in an
unacceptable degradation of accuracy, it normally will
be necessary to use more source locations and
microphone
positions
than
the
minimum
requirements of the present standard and to exercise
additional caution in carrying out the measurements.

D.3 Qualification
The RSS calibration procedure of ANSI S12.5 shall
be carried out over the 50 Hz through 10,000 Hz onethird octave band frequency range and 63 Hz through
8000 Hz full octave band frequency range. If the
calibration is in conformance with ANSI S12.5 in all
respects except for the qualification of the test facility
below the 100 Hz one-third octave band, the
20

Table D.1 - Tolerance for Measured Sound

Power Level Difference
Octave
Band (Hz)

One-third
Octave
Band (Hz)

Tolerance
(dB)

63

50-80

4.0

125-250

100-315

1.0

D.5 RSS sound power levels

The reported RSS sound power levels and directivity
index shall be as determined by the ANSI S12.5
procedure for the 100 Hz through 10,000 Hz onethird octave bands and the 125 Hz through 8,000 Hz
full octave bands. For the 50 Hz through 80 Hz onethird octave bands and the 63 Hz full octave band,
the reported RSS sound power level(s) shall be as
determined from the sound intensity measurements,
and the directivity index is not to be reported. The
calibration report shall be marked to indicate the
levels
determined
from
sound
intensity
measurements, and shall indicate whether the
calibration was performed in full compliance with this
Annex.

ANSI/AMCA 300-08

Annex E. Duct End Reflection Correction

(Normative)
E.1 General
Conditions at the end of a test duct will prevent some
of the sound energy from being transmitted into the
test room. Therefore, the sound power measured in
the room will be less than the true sound power in a
duct. Unless an anechoic termination is used,
correction factors must be added to the fan sound
pressure measured in the test room in order to
account for the reduction caused by end reflection.
The prediction of the duct end reflection is difficult.
Theoretical solutions exist only for round ducts with
highly idealized end conditions and are based on the
assumption that the frequency is low enough that
only plane waves exist (which implies that ka < ).
Actual fan test setups rarely, if ever, conform to the
conditions under which the theoretical solutions are
valid. Using the methods suggested in this Annex will
result in predicted values that are reasonably close to
the actual values. Nonetheless, the test setup should
be selected to minimize the potential error by using
components that most closely reproduce the
theoretical conditions.
For open ducts, theoretical solutions exist for two
cases: a thin-walled round duct terminating in an
infinite space [On the Radiation of Sound from an
Unflanged Circular Pipe, Levine, H., and
Schwinger, J. Physical Review, Vol. 72, No. 4,
February 15, 1948] and a round duct terminating in
an infinite wall [Fundamentals of Acoustics, 3rd
Edition, Kinsler, Frey, Coppens and Sanders, Wiley,
New York, 1982 , equations 9.13 and 9.14]. Most test
setups incorporate terminations that use a flanged
duct terminating in a large space, which would make
the solution provided by Levine & Schwinger more
appropriate.

E.2 End reflection curves

In the event that circumstances require a setup
indicating the presence of a duct end correction there
are two cases to be considered. The two cases are
considered separately below.
E.2.1 Open ducts in a large space. To determine
the end reflection values, it is necessary to first
calculate the reflection coefficient R, which gives the
fraction of the energy reflected back into the duct.
Levine and Schwinger reduced the exact solutions
to manageable forms, one for ka < 1 and one for ka
> 1.

Where:
k = /c = 2/
a = D/2
= 2f
And:
k

D
f

is
is
is
is
is
is

the
the
the
the
the
the

wave number
angular frequency, rad/s
speed of sound, m/s (ft/s)
wavelength, m (ft)
duct diameter, m (ft)
frequency, Hz

For rectangular ducts, use the equivalent round duct

diameter:
D = 4wh /
Where w and h are the rectangular ducts width and
height.
The two equations are:
For ka < 1
(ka )2 (ka )4
1

19
R = exp
loge
1 +
+ 12
.

ka
2
6
1
7810

Eq. E.1
And:
For ka > 1
R =

( ka ) exp( ka) 1 +

3 1

32 ( ka )2

Eq. E.2

Note: loge indicates a natural logarithm and log10

indicates a base 10 logarithm
The ratio between the transmitted sound and the
reflected sound is = 1 - |R|2 and thus the end
correction (in dB) is E =|10 log10|. These equations
shall be used to calculate E as a function of ka
(0.5kD). The resulting curve is shown for illustrative
purposes in Figure E.1. Values are presented up to
ka = 4, even though the equations are strictly limited
to ka < 3.832.
E.2.2 Open ducts terminated in a large wall. For
the case of a round duct terminated at a large wall,
the end correction can be determined using
Equations 9.13 and 9.14 from Kinsler, Frey,
Coppens and Sanders with the impedence
21

ANSI/AMCA 300-08
calculated using Equations 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 from
Beranek. It should be noted that there is no transition
at the wall-duct interface. The equations to be used
to calculate E as a function of ka are given below.
J ( 2ka )
c
ZM = a 2 c 1 1
+ j 2 K1 ( 2ka )
ka
2k

J1 ( 2ka ) =

( 2ka ) ( 2ka )
2

( 2ka )

22 4

22 4 2 6

( 2ka )

Eq. E.3

22 4 2 6 2 8

Eq. E.4
3
5
7

( 2ka )
( 2ka )
2 ( 2ka )

+ 2
K1 ( 2ka ) =
2
L
2
3
3 5 3 5 7

Eq. E.5

( (
( (

ZM / a 2 c
B
R= =
A
ZM / a 2 c

= 1 R

)) 1
)) + 1

E = 10 log10

Eq. E.6

Eq. E.7

Eq. E.8

Note: log10 indicates a base 10 logarithm

The series for K1 and the Bessel function J1 converge
rapidly (at least for values of ka < 3.6), so the
computation of E vs. ka is straightforward. The
resulting curve for illustrative purposes is shown in
Figure E.2. As before, values are shown up to ka = 4,
but for ka >3.6, the value of is defined to be 1.

22

ANSI/AMCA 300-08

Table E.1 - End Corrections for Ducts Terminating in a Large Space

ka
0.14
0.15
0.16
0.17
0.18
0.19
0.20
0.25
0.30
0.35
0.40
0.45
0.50
0.55

E
17.20
16.62
16.08
15.57
15.09
14.64
14.22
12.39
10.94
9.74
8.73
7.88
7.14
6.49

ka
0.60
0.65
0.70
0.75
0.80
0.85
0.90
0.95
1.0
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4

E
5.92
5.42
4.97
4.56
4.20
3.86
3.56
3.28
3.02/3.09
2.55
2.13
1.79
1.51

ka
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
2.0
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7

E
1.28
1.08
.92
.78
.66
.56
.47
.40
.34
.29
.24
.21
.17

ka
2.8
2.9
3.0
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
3.9
4.0

E
.15
.12
.10
.09
.07
.06
.05
.04
.04
.03
.03
.02
.02

20
18
16

End Correction dB

14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
0.10

0.50

1.00

4.00

ka
Figure E.1 - End Correction for Open Ducts in Large Space

23

ANSI/AMCA 300-08

Table E.2 - End Corrections for Ducts Terminating in a Wall

ka
0.14
0.15
0.16
0.17
0.18
0.19
0.20
0.25
0.30
0.35
0.40
0.45
0.50
0.55

E
14.22
13.65
13.11
12.61
12.14
11.70
11.29
9.52
8.13
7.01
6.09
5.33
4.69
4.14

ka
0.60
0.65
0.70
0.75
0.80
0.85
0.90
0.95
1.0
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4

E
3.68
3.28
2.93
2.63
2.37
2.14
1.93
1.75
1.59
1.32
1.11
0.93
0.79

ka
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
2.0
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7

E
0.67
0.57
0.48
0.41
0.35
0.29
0.25
0.21
0.17
0.14
0.12
0.09
0.07

ka
2.8
2.9
3.0
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
3.9
4.0

E
0.06
0.04
0.03
0.03
0.02
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.01
0
0
0
0

16.00

14.00

End Correction dB

12.00

10.00

8.00

6.00

4.00

2.00

0.00
0.10

0.50

1.00

ka

Figure E.2 - End Correction for Open Ducts Terminated in a Large Wall

24

4.00

ANSI/AMCA 300-08

Annex F. Filter-Weighted Measurements

(informative)
In certain sound measurement situations, the
presence of high amplitude sound at frequencies
45 Hz can reduce the effective dynamic range of the
analyzer in the measurement frequency range of
interest for this standard (45 Hz to 11,200 Hz). While
use of an analyzer with a large dynamic
measurement range can solve this problem, it may
sometimes be necessary to use another approach.
Sound pressure level readings may be made with the
sound level meter or signal amplifier set for a welldefined filter weighting effect in order to improve the
dynamic range and measurement quality, provided
that any effect in the frequency range 45 Hz to 11,200
Hz is compensated and the equipment satisfies all
the requirements of Section 4 of this standard. The
weighting filter shall be the same for all
measurements (background, RSS, and fan).

25

ANSI/AMCA 300-08

Annex G. Radiation of Sound by Fan

Casing (informative)
G.1 General
The sound radiated by a fan casing may be
determined by the following method. Except as
provided for below, all the requirements of this
standard apply.

G.2 Instruments and equipment

Shall be as required in Section 4.

G.3 Setup and test

The fan inlet and fan outlet shall be ducted to
termination points outside the test room. Ducts and
connections should be constructed and secured such
that the acoustic energy radiated through this
equipment is no more than 10% of the total energy
radiated by the fan casing into the test room. The
test room sound pressure levels may be affected by
sound radiating from the inlet and discharge
ductwork connected to the test subject, causing
measured sound pressure levels to be somewhat
higher than the true casing radiated sound pressure
levels. This effect can be minimized by using
internally lined round ductwork. No correction for
duct-radiated sound power is allowed.
Note: If there is any doubt concerning the
contribution of extraneous sound transmitted by
ductwork, the importance of same can be checked by
increasing the transmission loss of the ductwork.

G.4 Observations and calculations

Sound pressure levels Lpq and Lpk shall be observed
as provided for in Section 6. The sound pressure
levels Lpq and Lpk are observed and subject to the
provisions for Lp in Section 6. For possible pure tones
and additional testing, the results of the test of a fan
casing are subject to the same requirements as the
test of a fan.
LWk = Lpk + (LWr - Lpq ) in each frequency band
Eq. G.4-1
Where:
LWk = sound power radiated through the fan casing,
Lpk = fan casing sound pressure level.

26

ANSI/AMCA 300-08

Annex H. References (informative)

[1]

AMCA Standard 300-67 Test Code for Sound Rating, Air Movement and Control Association International,
Inc., Arlington Heights, IL, 1967.

[2]

AMCA Standard 301-90 Methods for Calculating Fan Sound Power Levels from Laboratory Test Data, Air
Movement and Control Association International, Inc., Arlington Heights, IL, 1990.

[3]

Harris, C.M., Editor, Handbook of Noise Control, 2nd Edition, McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, 1979

[4]

Parker, S.P., Dictionary of Scientific and Engineering Terms, 4th Edition, McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, 1989

[5]

ANSI S1.6-1984 (R1990) Preferred Frequencies, Frequency Levels and Band Numbers for Acoustical
Measurements, Acoustical Society of America, New York, NY, 1990
(AMCA #1108-84-AO)

[6]

Sepmeyer, L.W., Computed Frequency and Angular Distribution of the Normal Modes of Vibration in
Rectangular Rooms, Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, New York, NY, Vol. 37 No. 3, March,
1985
(AMCA #1891-65-AO)

[7]

AMCA #1901-85-A1 List of References on Room Calibration, Air Movement and Control Association
International, Inc., Arlington Heights, IL, 1985.

[8]

Crocker, M. J., w/ Pande, L. and Sandbakken, R., Investigation of End Reflection Coefficient Accuracy
Problems with AMCA 300-67, Herrick Laboratories Report HL 81-16, Purdue University, West Lafayette,
IN, 1981.
(AMCA #1184-81-A6)

[9]

Noise Control Engineering, Vol. 7, No. 2, Noise Measurement Facilities, and ANSI S1.21-1972, Methods
for the Determination of Sound Power Levels of Small Sources in Reverberant Rooms.

[10]

ANSI S12.11-1987 (R1993) Methods for the Measurement of Noise Emitted by Small Air Moving Devices,
Acoustical Society of America, New York, NY, 1993.

[11]

Baade, P.K., 1977, Effects of acoustic loading on axial flow fan noise generation, Noise Control
Engineering, 8(1):5-15

[12]

ANSI S12.51-2002 Nationally Adopted International Standard (NAIS Standard), Acoustics Determination
of sound power levels of noise sources using sound pressure Precision method for reverberation rooms,
Acoustical Society of America, New York, NY, 1993.

27

AIR MOVEMENT AND CONTROL

ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL, INC.
30 West University Drive
Arlington Heights, IL 60004-1893 U.S.A.

Tel: (847) 394-0150

E-Mail : info@amca.org

Fax: (847) 253-0088

Web: www.amca.org

The Air Movement and control Association International, Inc. is a not-for-profit international association of the
worlds manufacturers of related air system equipment primarily, but limited to: fans, louvers, dampers, air
curtains, airflow measurement stations, acoustic attenuators, and other air system components for the industrial,
commercial and residential markets.