Noise testing is a mandatory part of the compliance process for a wide range of outdoor machinery intended for the EU and UK markets. Under Directive 2000/14/EC, manufacturers must measure the sound power level of their equipment, compare it against applicable limits, and declare a guaranteed sound power level on both the product and its accompanying documentation.
This article explains the noise testing requirements, the standards involved, and what manufacturers need to do to demonstrate compliance.
Why is Noise Testing Required?
The Outdoor Noise Directive was introduced to address the impact of machinery noise on people and the environment in outdoor settings — construction sites, parks, gardens, and residential areas. By setting defined limits and requiring manufacturers to declare noise levels, the directive gives purchasers and regulators reliable information about the acoustic performance of equipment.
What Must be Measured?
The key metric under Directive 2000/14/EC is the sound power level, expressed in decibels (dB(A)). This is a measure of the total acoustic energy radiated by the machine, and it is this figure that appears on the CE marking label affixed to the product.
Sound power level is distinct from sound pressure level, which is what a person at a given distance from the machine would experience. For regulatory compliance purposes, it is the sound power level that matters.
How Must Testing be Conducted?
Testing must be carried out in accordance with the harmonised measurement standard applicable to the specific equipment type. The Outdoor Noise Directive references a series of standards, and each equipment category is linked to a particular test method.
It is essential that the correct standard is used. Testing conducted under the wrong standard, or using non-standard test conditions, will not be accepted as valid evidence of compliance.
Key requirements of the test procedure typically include:
• Testing under specified operating conditions relevant to the equipment type
• Use of a calibrated sound level meter meeting the requirements
• Defined microphone positions and measurement geometry
• Calculation of the measured sound power level from multiple measurements
• Application of a specified uncertainty value to arrive at the guaranteed sound power level
What is the Guaranteed Sound Power Level?
The guaranteed sound power level (LWA) is the measured sound power level plus an uncertainty margin. This figure represents the maximum noise level that the manufacturer warrants the equipment will produce. It is this value that must not exceed the limits set out in the directive for equipment categories where limits apply.
The guaranteed sound power level must appear on the equipment label in a prescribed format, alongside the CE mark.
Do I Need a Notified Body?
For some equipment categories, involvement of a Notified Body is required as part of the conformity assessment process. A Notified Body is an independent organisation designated by a Member State to carry out conformity assessment tasks under EU directives.
Whether a Notified Body is required depends on whether the equipment's noise level is within the permitted limits or exceeds them, and on the specific conformity assessment procedure applicable to that equipment category. Your authorised representative can advise on whether Notified Body involvement is required for your product.
Earlsmere's Role
Earlsmere works with manufacturers of outdoor machinery subject to the Outdoor Noise Directive to guide them through the noise testing and compliance process. We work alongside accredited testing laboratories and, where required, Notified Bodies, to ensure that the testing is conducted correctly and that the resulting documentation meets all regulatory requirements.
For manufacturers of machinery, it is worth highlighting that the UK recognises CE marking indefinitely — meaning UKCA marking is not required. A single CE mark therefore provides access to both EU and UK markets, and Earlsmere Certification Ireland Limited's EU Authorised Representative service supports both.
We serve manufacturers based in the UK, EU, and USA.
Need help with compliance? Contact Earlsmere today.
Whether you are based in the UK, EU, or USA, Earlsmere has the expertise to guide you through every step of the compliance process. Get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements.
Email: enq@earlsmere.co.uk | Web: www.earlsmere.co.uk