IEC 61672-1-2013 PDF

Full title and description

IEC 61672-1:2013 — Electroacoustics — Sound level meters — Part 1: Specifications. This international standard specifies electroacoustical performance requirements and measurement limits for sound level meters (time‑weighting, integrating‑averaging and integrating types), defining two performance classes (Class 1 and Class 2), acceptance limits and requirements for demonstrating conformance and measurement uncertainty.

Abstract

IEC 61672-1:2013 (2nd edition) provides the performance specifications, required checks and maximum permitted uncertainties for sound level meters intended to measure sounds in the range of human hearing. The document describes functional requirements (frequency weightings, time weightings, directional response, level linearity, self‑generated noise, peak/C‑weighted measurements, overload indicators, stability and calibration check procedures) and establishes how conformance to Class 1 and Class 2 is to be demonstrated. This edition cancels and replaces the 2002 edition.

General information

• Status: Published — current 2nd edition (technical revision; replaces IEC 61672-1:2002).
• Publication date: 30 September 2013.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 17.140.50 (Electroacoustics).
• Edition / version: Edition 2.0 (2013).
• Number of pages: 103 pages (IEC consolidated publication).

Scope

Specifies electroacoustical performance requirements and test-related conditions for three kinds of sound measuring instruments: time‑weighting sound level meters (exponential time‑weighted), integrating‑averaging meters (time‑averaged), and integrating meters (sound exposure). The standard applies to instruments intended to measure sounds generally in the range of human hearing, covers a range of instrument architectures (hand‑held, multi‑component systems, analogue/digital processing, unattended operation) and defines two performance categories (Class 1 and Class 2) with associated acceptance limits and maximum‑permitted uncertainties.

Key topics and requirements

• Performance categories: definition and acceptance limits for Class 1 and Class 2 instruments; conformance demonstrated by measured deviations and uncertainty (95 % coverage probability).
• Reference environmental conditions and required test environments for valid measurements.
• Frequency weightings (A, C, etc.) and directional response (free‑field/random incidence considerations).
• Time weightings (Fast, Slow), level linearity, toneburst and repeated toneburst responses.
• Self‑generated noise, overload/under‑range indications, C‑weighted peak measurement requirements and stability during continuous operation.
• Calibration check frequency, corrections (reflections, diffraction, windscreens), and format for correction data used during periodic testing.
• Requirements for documentation, marking, manuals and information needed for pattern approval and periodic testing (linked to Parts 2 and 3 of the series).

Typical use and users

Used by manufacturers of sound level meters to design and declare instrument performance, by testing and calibration laboratories for pattern evaluation and periodic verification, and by environmental/acoustical consultants, regulatory bodies and researchers who require standardized, comparable sound level measurements for compliance, product evaluation and research. National standards bodies and professional societies commonly adopt IEC 61672-1 as the technical basis for local regulations and measurement practice.

Related standards

IEC 61672 is a multipart series — Part 2 (Pattern evaluation tests) and Part 3 (Periodic tests) provide the test procedures that support Part 1 specifications (both Part 2 and Part 3 were published as 2nd editions in 2013). The series also interacts with microphone and calibrator standards such as IEC 61094 (microphones) and IEC 60942 (sound calibrators), and with national/adopted versions (for example EN/BSI adoptions and ANSI/ASA national adoptions).

Keywords

sound level meter, electroacoustics, IEC 61672, Class 1, Class 2, frequency weighting, A‑weighting, C‑weighting, Fast/Slow, Leq, sound exposure, pattern evaluation, periodic tests, calibration.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61672-1:2013 is the international specification that defines electroacoustic performance requirements and acceptance limits for sound level meters (2nd edition, published 30 September 2013).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers instrument performance parameters (frequency/time weightings, directional response, linearity, noise, overload/peak measurements), requirements for demonstrating conformance (acceptance limits and uncertainty), and provisions that support pattern and periodic testing described in Parts 2 and 3.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, instrument designers, calibration and testing laboratories, acoustical consultants, regulators and standards bodies use IEC 61672-1 as the technical basis for product specification, type approval (pattern evaluation), periodic verification and compliance measurement.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC 61672-1:2013 is the current (2nd) edition published in 2013 and it cancels/replaces IEC 61672-1:2002. The consolidated IEC publication lists stability information for the edition. Users should check national adoption notices or the IEC webstore for any amendments or later revisions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — IEC 61672 is a multipart series. Part 1 specifies performance; Part 2 gives pattern‑evaluation test methods; Part 3 covers periodic tests. Parts 2 and 3 have matching 2nd editions (2013) and Part 2 has an amendment published in 2017.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Sound level meter, electroacoustics, Class 1, Class 2, frequency weighting (A/C), time weighting (Fast/Slow), Leq, sound exposure, pattern evaluation, periodic testing, calibration.