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

ARI Standard 300-2000: Standard for Sound Rating and Sound Transmission Loss of Packaged Terminal Equipment

For engineers and product developers working with packaged terminal equipment (PTE), understanding and quantifying acoustic performance is essential. ARI Standard 300-2000 provides the authoritative framework for this critical aspect of product design and specification, ensuring consistent and comparable sound ratings and transmission loss data across the industry.

What is ARI Standard 300-2000?

ARI Standard 300-2000 establishes a comprehensive methodology for determining the sound rating and sound transmission loss of packaged terminal equipment. Originating from the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), its primary purpose is to provide a standardized testing and reporting procedure that allows for objective comparison of acoustic performance, enabling informed selection and design decisions.

Scope & Purpose

This industry-leading standard governs the procedures for testing and rating the acoustic output and transmission characteristics of packaged terminal equipment, specifically those defined within ARI Standard 310/380. It details the requirements for sound power level determination across various frequency bands, including A-weighted and tone-adjusted values, as well as the calculation of Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class (OITC). The standard focuses on the equipment itself and does not extend to installation acoustics or building-level sound isolation.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Acoustical engineers, HVAC engineers, mechanical engineers, product development engineers, and test technicians involved with packaged terminal equipment.
• • Industries affected: HVAC manufacturing, building and construction, and acoustics consulting firms.
• • Compliance nature: Voluntary, but adherence is necessary for manufacturers wishing to publish ratings according to this established industry benchmark.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically self-monitored by manufacturers for published ratings. Independent third-party testing may be utilized for verification or certification processes.

Key Requirements Overview

• • The standard requires the use of a Reference Sound Source (RSS) calibrated per ARI Standard 250 for accurate sound testing.
• • Professionals must ensure that sound power levels are determined in decibels (dB) re 1 pW across specified one-third octave bands, from 100 Hz to 10,000 Hz, to establish the sound rating.
• • Key provisions include the calculation of an A-weighted sound power level (LWA) and a tone-adjusted A-weighted sound power level (LWAT) to account for subjective acoustic perception.
• • The standard mandates the determination of the Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class (OITC) to quantify the sound isolation performance of the equipment.
• • Manufacturers must adhere to specific requirements for publishing ratings, ensuring clarity and consistency in product literature.

Related Standards & References

ARI Standard 300-2000 integrates and references several complementary standards crucial for comprehensive acoustic analysis:

• • ARI Standard 250: Essential for the calibration of the Reference Sound Source, ensuring the accuracy and repeatability of sound measurements.
• • ANSI Standard S1.11: Defines the octave and one-third octave bands used for sound power level determination.
• • ASTM Test Method E90 and ASTM Guide E966: These standards are referenced for the measurement methodologies underlying the calculation of