Standard for Sound Rating and Sound Transmission Loss of Packaged Terminal Equipment

ARI Standard 300: Standard for Sound Rating and Sound Transmission Loss of Packaged Terminal Equipment

For HVAC engineers and product developers grappling with noise control in packaged terminal equipment, ARI Standard 300 (2000 edition) serves as an essential guide. This comprehensive standard provides the authoritative framework for accurately rating the acoustic performance of these widely used units, ensuring predictable sound levels and transmission characteristics for diverse building applications. Understanding its provisions is crucial for delivering comfortable and compliant environments.

What is ARI Standard 300?

ARI Standard 300 (2000) establishes standardized methodologies for determining and reporting both the sound power levels emitted by packaged terminal equipment (PTE) and the sound transmission loss (STL) characteristics of these units. Originating from the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), its primary purpose is to provide a consistent, industry-accepted basis for evaluating and comparing the acoustic performance of PTE, aiding in product selection and design.

Scope & Purpose

This industry-leading standard governs the acoustic testing and rating procedures specifically for packaged terminal equipment, including units defined by ARI Standard 310/380. It outlines how to measure sound power levels across various frequency bands and how to determine sound transmission loss. The standard focuses on the acoustic output and transmission capabilities of the equipment itself, not the acoustic performance of the building envelope or overall room acoustics.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Acoustical Engineers, HVAC Engineers, Product Engineers, Test Technicians, and Compliance Officers.
• • Industries affected: HVAC Manufacturing, Building Construction, and Acoustical Consulting.
• • Compliance nature: Voluntary, but essential for manufacturers seeking to provide published ratings and for specifiers requiring standardized acoustic data.
• • Enforcement: Primarily through manufacturer self-certification and industry acceptance of published ratings.

Key Requirements Overview

• • The standard requires manufacturers to conduct acoustic tests to determine both sound power levels and sound transmission loss metrics for their packaged terminal equipment.
• • Professionals must ensure that sound ratings are derived using octave band and one-third octave band sound power level measurements, including A-weighted and tone-adjusted values.
• • Key provisions include the incorporation of the Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class (OITC) as a critical metric for evaluating sound transmission, particularly for exterior noise.
• • Testing procedures are to be performed in accordance with specific methodologies, referencing relevant ANSI and ASTM standards for accurate and repeatable results.
• • Published ratings must clearly state the acoustic performance characteristics under defined rating conditions.

Related Standards & References

ARI Standard 300 (2000) complements other critical industry documents. It references ARI Standard 250 for the calibration of Reference Sound Sources, ensuring the accuracy of test measurements. Additionally, it incorporates provisions from ARI Standard 280 for obtaining optional sound data below 100 Hz. For detailed definitions of acoustic terms and testing methodologies, it also relies on standards from organizations like ASHRAE and ASTM (e.g., ASTM E90 and ASTM E413).