Overview
EN ISO 3382-3:2022 - Acoustics: Measurement of room acoustic parameters - Part 3: Open plan offices defines a reproducible method for measuring room-acoustic performance in unoccupied open‑plan offices. The standard specifies measurement procedures, required apparatus, spatial coverage, data evaluation methods and the format for the test report. Outputs are a set of single‑number quantities that characterize office performance for a condition when one person is speaking, with emphasis on the spatial decay of speech (as opposed to temporal decay covered in ISO 3382-2).
Key topics and requirements
- Measurement scope: Unoccupied open‑plan offices, accounting for permanent building properties and steady background sound (including masking systems).
- Measurement equipment and setup: Requirement for calibrated instruments and the use of an omnidirectional sound source to ensure reproducible results across operators.
- Acoustic zoning and paths: Defined acoustic zones, source and microphone positions and coverage to capture representative spatial decay.
- Measured quantities: Single‑number indicators related to speech level, spatial decay rate, background noise level, Speech Transmission Index (STI), and derived metrics such as comfort distance and distraction distance.
- Methods: Conventional spatial‑decay procedures and an impulse‑response method (described and expanded in Annex B) are permitted; STI evaluated in accordance with IEC 60268-16.
- Reporting and precision: Prescribed data presentation and test-report content, plus informative precision guidance (Clause 6 and Annex D).
Practical applications and who uses it
EN ISO 3382-3:2022 is essential for professionals involved in workplace acoustic design, assessment and verification:
- Acoustic consultants and laboratory engineers for performance testing and compliance checks
- Architects and building designers to inform layout, materials and geometry decisions
- Workplace planners and facility managers assessing speech privacy and occupant comfort
- Mechanical/HVAC designers when specifying background masking levels
- Researchers comparing spatial speech decay and distraction effects across office types
Typical applications include validating ceiling and screen treatments, sizing sound masking systems, optimizing workstation layout for speech privacy, and documenting acoustic performance for tendering or regulatory compliance.
Related standards
Keywords: EN ISO 3382-3:2022, acoustics, open‑plan offices, room acoustic parameters, speech privacy, spatial decay of speech, speech transmission index, comfort distance.
