ANSI ASA S1.4-2014 part 1 (2024) PDF

Full title and description

ANSI/ASA S1.4-2014 — Electroacoustics — Sound Level Meters — Part 1: Specifications (national adoption of IEC 61672-1:2013). Part 1 specifies electroacoustical performance, design goals and maximum permitted uncertainties for sound level meters used for time‑weighted, integrating‑averaging and integrating measurements; the U.S. adoption is published by the Acoustical Society of America (ANSI/ASA) and is listed with a reaffirmation record in 2024.

Abstract

This standard defines performance specifications and acceptance limits for sound level meters (including time‑weighting, integrating‑averaging and integrating instruments) and establishes test and uncertainty criteria that instruments must meet to be designated to particular precision classes. It aligns U.S. requirements with IEC 61672‑1:2013 and describes measurement responses, weighting networks, allowable deviations and uncertainty limits (coverage probability 95%).

General information

• Status: Active; U.S. national adoption of IEC 61672‑1 (reaffirmed R2024).
• Publication date: Original adoption 2014 (ASA/ANSI publication date July 21, 2014); reaffirmation recorded 2024.
• Publisher: Acoustical Society of America (ASA) as U.S. content provider / ANSI national adoption.
• ICS / categories: 17.140.50 (Electroacoustics / sound level meters).
• Edition / version: ANSI/ASA S1.4‑2014 (adopted text of IEC 61672‑1:2013); shown with reaffirmation R2024 in official listings.
• Number of pages: ASA/ANSI PDF ~64 pages (publisher packaging may vary); IEC 61672‑1:2013 (base international edition) lists 103 pages.

Scope

Specifies electroacoustical performance requirements for sound level meters, covering three instrument kinds: time‑weighting sound level meters (exponential time‑weighted, frequency‑weighted levels), integrating‑averaging sound level meters (time‑averaged, frequency‑weighted levels) and integrating sound level meters (frequency‑weighted sound exposure levels). It sets class limits (Class/Type 1 and 2), response criteria for weightings and time constants, maximum permitted uncertainties and the methods for demonstrating conformance to specifications. The standard is intended for use in field and laboratory measurements where traceable and repeatable sound level measurement is required.

Key topics and requirements

• Performance specifications for three instrument kinds (time‑weighting, integrating‑averaging, integrating) and classification into precision classes/Types.
• Frequency weightings (A, C) and specifications for frequency response and tolerances.
• Time weightings and response (e.g., Fast, Slow, Impulse where applicable) and methods for verifying time constants.
• Maximum permitted deviations and uncertainty calculations (conformance typically demonstrated with coverage probability of 95%).
• Microphone and acoustic input response requirements (free‑field/random incidence characteristics) and environmental conditions for valid measurements.
• Interoperability with Parts 2 (pattern evaluation tests) and 3 (periodic tests) in the S1.4 / IEC 61672 series — Part 1 defines specs, Parts 2/3 define test methods.

Typical use and users

Used by manufacturers of sound level meters, test and calibration laboratories, accreditation bodies, environmental and occupational acoustic consultants, and regulatory/inspection personnel who require traceable, standardized instrument performance. The standard supports workplace noise assessments, environmental measurements, product specification and procurement, and instrumentation acceptance testing; OSHA guidance and technical manuals reference comparable ANSI/IEC instrument requirements for compliance measurements.

Related standards

Closely related to IEC 61672‑1:2013 (base international specification) and the companion parts: IEC/ANSI/ASA S1.4 Part 2 (IEC 61672‑2:2013 — pattern evaluation tests) and Part 3 (IEC 61672‑3:2013 — periodic tests). Other related ASA/ANSI standards include octave‑band filter standards (e.g., S1.11/IEC 61260) and acoustical terminology and reference documents used in instrument calibration and measurement practice.

Keywords

sound level meter, electroacoustics, IEC 61672, ANSI S1.4, Part 1, specifications, Class 1, Class 2, Type 1, Type 2, A‑weighting, C‑weighting, Fast/Slow, integrating, uncertainty, calibration, pattern evaluation, periodic tests.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ANSI/ASA S1.4‑2014 Part 1 is the U.S. national adoption of IEC 61672‑1:2013 and provides the electroacoustical performance specifications and conformance limits for sound level meters.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers instrument performance requirements (frequency response, weighting networks, time constants), allowable deviations and uncertainty limits for time‑weighting, integrating‑averaging and integrating sound level meters, establishing criteria used to classify instruments (Types/Classes) and to demonstrate conformance.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Instrument manufacturers, calibration and test laboratories, environmental and occupational noise consultants, and regulatory bodies or inspectors who need standardized, traceable sound level measurements. OSHA guidance and practice commonly rely on instruments meeting equivalent ANSI/IEC criteria.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The published text is ANSI/ASA S1.4‑2014 (adopting IEC 61672‑1:2013). Official listings show a reaffirmation action recorded in 2024 (R2024), indicating the document remains current in the ASA/ANSI cataloging cycle. Users should check the ASA/ANSI catalogs for any amendments or later revisions before relying on the standard for contractual work.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 1 of the S1.4 / IEC 61672 series; companion documents (Part 2 and Part 3) define pattern evaluation tests and periodic tests respectively. Together they form the test/specification suite for sound level meters.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Sound level meter, electroacoustics, IEC 61672, ANSI S1.4, Class 1, Class 2, A‑weighting, C‑weighting, integrating, time‑weighting, uncertainty, calibration.