Overview
ISO 9296:2017 - Acoustics - Declared noise emission values of information technology and telecommunications equipment - provides a standardized method for declaring and verifying noise emission data for IT and telecommunications equipment (ITT equipment). The standard defines what noise quantities manufacturers or declarers must determine and publish, how to present that information in technical documents or product literature, and how to verify declared values for a batch of equipment.
Key technical topics and requirements
- Declared noise quantities
- Declared mean A‑weighted sound power level (LWA,m) - the primary quantity for declaration (expressed in bels in this edition).
- Declared mean A‑weighted emission sound pressure level (LpA,m) - optional, reported in decibels for operator or bystander positions.
- Statistical parameters
- Statistical adder for verification (Kv) - an extra quantity declared to support verification.
- Statistical upper limit A‑weighted sound power level (LWA,c) - used in verification to provide a predictable acceptance probability for a batch.
- Measurement and sampling
- Noise data are obtained from measurements made in accordance with ISO 7779. Declarations are based on arithmetic means from a random sample of units in a batch.
- Presentation of information
- Clause 6 specifies required and additional information for electronic or hard‑copy product literature so users can compare products and plan installations.
- Verification
- The standard defines the method for verifying declared noise emission values, focused on the statistical upper limit LWA,c.
- Supporting material
- Annex A (normative) gives the procedure to determine the statistical adder Kv; Annex B (informative) has declaration examples; Annex C (informative) discusses subjective character of noise.
Practical applications and users
- Who uses ISO 9296:2017
- Manufacturers, declarers, suppliers and importers of IT and telecom equipment
- Acoustic and lab test houses performing ISO 7779 measurements
- Product certifiers and procurement teams comparing noise performance
- Facilities planners, data‑center designers and occupational health teams estimating workplace noise immission
- Regulatory authorities and compliance auditors verifying declared noise data
- How it’s used
- To produce consistent, comparable noise data on datasheets and manuals
- To support installation acoustics calculations (using LWA,m) and near‑field assessments (using LpA,m)
- To implement statistical sampling and verification programs that ensure declared values reflect production reality
Related standards
- ISO 7779 (measurement of airborne noise from ITT equipment) - normative reference for measurements
- ISO 4871 and ISO 7574 series - statistical and declaration guidance used in the procedures of ISO 9296
Keywords: ISO 9296:2017, declared noise emission, A‑weighted sound power level, A‑weighted emission sound pressure level, noise verification, IT equipment acoustics.