Overview
ISO 6926:2016/Amd 1:2020 is an important international amendment to the ISO 6926:2016 standard, focusing on acoustics-specifically, the requirements for the performance and calibration of reference sound sources. These reference sound sources are essential for accurately determining sound power levels in various acoustic measurements. The amendment enhances calibration procedures and quality control measures to ensure the reliability and traceability of sound power determinations.
This amendment clarifies the calibration method by emphasizing the role of test laboratories rather than strict metrological calibration laboratories while reinforcing the necessity for periodic recalibration by recognized labs conforming to ISO/IEC 17025 standards. It also updates measurement practices to improve confidence in acoustic data used across industries.
Key Topics
-
Reference Sound Sources:
- Defined performance requirements for sound sources used in sound power level determination.
- Ensures sound source stability and accuracy over time.
-
Calibration Procedures:
- Specifies methods commonly conducted in test laboratories rather than full metrological calibration laboratories.
- Calibration results are traceable to national and international standards but do not strictly correspond to direct metrological norms.
-
Laboratory Requirements:
- Emphasizes that periodic recalibrations must comply with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
- Laboratories issuing calibration certificates must declare compliance with ISO/IEC 17025.
-
Measurement Corrections:
- Adoption of third-octave band corrections derived from measurements taken with calibrated microphones.
- Enhances accuracy in acoustic measurement through standardized correction factors.
-
Scope and Application:
- Clarifies that the standard supports sound power level determination in research, industrial testing, and environmental noise assessment.
- Defines roles and expectations for test and calibration laboratories.
Applications
The amendments in ISO 6926:2016/Amd 1:2020 impact a broad range of acoustic measurement activities:
-
Industrial Noise Evaluation:
- Enhanced sound power level determination helps manufacturers and regulators assess machinery noise emissions accurately.
-
Environmental Noise Monitoring:
- Urban planners and environmental agencies rely on calibrated reference sound sources for consistent noise impact studies.
-
Product Testing and Certification:
- Test centers use these requirements to verify sound emission levels of products for compliance and quality control.
-
Acoustic Research and Development:
- Researchers benefit from improved calibration precision, enabling better sound modeling and analysis.
-
Quality Assurance in Calibration Labs:
- Laboratories implement the updated requirements to maintain accreditation and ensure traceable results.
Related Standards
-
ISO/IEC 17025: General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories; foundational for ensuring labs meet accreditation criteria referenced in this amendment.
-
ISO 9614: Methods for determining sound power levels - provides complementary methodologies where reference sound source calibration is critical.
-
ISO 17440: Guidelines for assessing noise emission from machinery; often used alongside ISO 6926 standards in noise testing.
-
IEC Standards on Microphone Calibration: Relevant for calibrated microphone use in third-octave band correction as highlighted in calibration procedures.
Practical Benefits
- Improved Measurement Accuracy: Ensures sound power levels measured using reference sound sources are reliable and internationally comparable.
- Consistency Across Laboratories: Meeting ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation enhances confidence in test and calibration outcomes.
- Traceability and Compliance: Facilitates regulatory compliance and supports sound management policies in environmental and occupational noise control.
- Standardized Calibration Approach: Simplifies calibration activities and maintains stability of reference sources essential for acoustic measurements.
For acoustic professionals, engineers, and lab managers, implementing the requirements of ISO 6926:2016/Amd 1:2020 is critical for maintaining high-quality acoustic testing programs and supporting sound power level measurement integrity worldwide.
Open preview (PDF)Acoustics — Requirements for the performance and calibration of reference sound sources used for the determination of sound power levels — Amendment 1
