IEC 61672-3-2013 PDF

Full title and description

St IEC 61672-3-2013 — IEC 61672-3:2013: Electroacoustics — Sound level meters — Part 3: Periodic tests. Describes standardized procedures for periodic testing of time‑weighting, integrating‑averaging and integrating sound level meters designed to conform to class 1 or class 2 specifications of IEC 61672‑1, with acceptance limits and uncertainty criteria for routine verification and lab testing.

Abstract

This part of IEC 61672 defines a limited set of repeatable, laboratory periodic tests intended to confirm that a sound level meter continues to meet the applicable performance requirements of IEC 61672‑1. It specifies test methods, required test signals and environmental conditions, acceptance limits and how to evaluate measurement uncertainty (95 % coverage) for the periodic verification of both pattern‑approved and non‑pattern‑approved instruments.

General information

• Status: Current international standard (as published).
• Publication date: 2013-09-30.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 17.140.50 (Electroacoustics / sound level meters).
• Edition / version: Edition 2.0 (2013).
• Number of pages: 38 pages (base publication).

Scope

Provides procedures for periodic testing of sound level meters intended to conform to the class 1 or class 2 specifications of the second edition of IEC 61672‑1. The standard limits the extent of testing to key functional checks (time‑weightings, integration/averaging, peak/C weighting checks, overload indication, level stability, toneburst response and similar tests) sufficient to confirm continued performance under defined environmental conditions; it applies whether or not a model has been pattern approved. The document also defines how to demonstrate conformance when measured deviations and measurement uncertainty (coverage probability 95 %) meet applicable acceptance limits.

Key topics and requirements

• Periodic test procedures for time‑weighting responses (Fast, Slow, Impulse) and integrating functions.
• Integrating‑averaging and integrating sound level meter checks, including data averaging and logging behavior.
• Specification of test signals (steady tones, tonebursts, calibrated broadband signals) and environmental/test conditions.
• Acceptance limits for deviations from design goals and criteria for demonstrating conformance using measurement uncertainty at 95 % coverage.
• Checks for overload indication, high‑level stability, C‑weighted peak responses and documentation requirements.
• Minimal set of routine checks intended for laboratories, calibration facilities and field verification programs.

Typical use and users

Used by national and independent testing laboratories, calibration and metrology laboratories, manufacturers during factory verification, occupational health and safety teams, environmental noise monitoring agencies, and sound instrumentation maintenance teams to perform routine/periodic verification of sound level meters and to document ongoing instrument performance. In the United States this part is commonly referenced through the nationally adopted ANSI/ASA publication that mirrors IEC 61672‑3:2013 for domestic use.

Related standards

Part of the IEC 61672 series for sound level meters: IEC 61672‑1 (specifications and performance requirements) and IEC 61672‑2 (pattern evaluation tests). IEC 61672‑3:2013 supersedes IEC 61672‑3:2006. It is also harmonized as EN/CEI/UNE national adoptions (e.g., EN 61672‑3:2013). For U.S. adoption see ANSI/ASA S1.4 / Part 3 (IEC 61672‑3:2013).

Keywords

sound level meter, periodic tests, electroacoustics, integrating sound level meter, time‑weighting, pattern evaluation, calibration, measurement uncertainty, IEC 61672, ANSI/ASA adoption.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61672‑3:2013 is the third part of the IEC 61672 series; it defines periodic test procedures and acceptance criteria used to verify that sound level meters continue to meet the performance requirements of IEC 61672‑1.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers routine/periodic laboratory tests (time‑weighting, integrating‑averaging behavior, peak/C‑weighting checks, overload indication, stability, toneburst response, documentation and uncertainty evaluation) and specifies how to assess conformance using defined acceptance limits and 95 % coverage uncertainty.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Calibration and testing laboratories, manufacturers, occupational and environmental noise assessors, standards bodies and regulatory agencies that need a recognized procedure for periodic verification of sound level meters. National users may refer to the ANSI/ASA edition that adopts IEC 61672‑3:2013 for U.S. practice.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC 61672‑3:2013 is the second edition (published 30 September 2013) and supersedes IEC 61672‑3:2006. The IEC publication lists the 2013 edition as the active edition with a stability date indicated; users should confirm whether a more recent amendment or revision exists before relying on a copy for regulatory compliance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 3 of the IEC 61672 series (Parts 1, 2 and 3) addressing specifications, pattern evaluation tests and periodic tests for sound level meters.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Sound level meter; periodic tests; time‑weighting; integrating; averaging; measurement uncertainty; calibration; IEC 61672; ANSI/ASA.