Overview
EN ISO 8528-10:2022 - “Reciprocating internal combustion engine driven alternating current generating sets - Part 10: Measurement of airborne noise” - is a CEN-adopted ISO standard that specifies noise test codes for determining the sound power level and the emission sound pressure level at the workstation of reciprocating internal combustion (RIC) engine driven generating sets. It applies to constant- and variable-speed RIC engine driven AC and DC generating sets for fixed and mobile use on land and at sea (excluding aircraft and propulsion for land vehicles/locomotives). The document can serve as a basis for supplementary requirements in critical applications (e.g., hospitals, high-rise buildings).
Key topics and requirements
- Scope & applicability: RIC engine driven generating sets (AC/DC), fixed/mobile installations, land and marine use.
- Measurement methods: Test codes for measuring airborne noise using defined measurement surfaces and the reference-box concept.
- Accuracy grades: Different measurement accuracy grades (e.g., engineering grade and survey grade) to match test objectives.
- Measuring equipment & calibration: Requirements for instrumentation and calibration procedures to ensure traceability.
- Test environment: Verification of acoustic adequacy, criteria for background noise, and environmental corrections.
- Definition of source & operating conditions: How to define the noise source under test, mounting and operating conditions during measurement.
- Reference box & measurement surface: Rules for selecting the reference box and arranging hemispherical or parallelepiped measurement surfaces and microphone positions.
- Data processing: Calculation of mean time‑averaged sound pressure levels, background noise corrections, surface time‑averages, and determination of the A-weighted sound power level.
- Uncertainty & guaranteed levels: Procedures for estimating measurement uncertainty, calculating expanded uncertainty, and deriving a guaranteed sound power level.
- Workstation emission levels: Methods for determining emission sound pressure level at the workstation (location selection, corrections, measured quantities).
- Documentation: Required content of the test report.
Practical applications
- Product testing & certification: Manufacturers and accredited test laboratories use the standard to quantify generator noise for product datasheets, CE marking support, and conformity assessment.
- Design & R&D: Acoustic engineers and product designers use the measurement codes to evaluate noise control measures (enclosures, mufflers, mounts).
- Procurement & compliance: Specifiers and purchasers include standard-based sound data in procurement contracts to ensure acceptable workplace and environmental noise levels.
- Site planning & occupational safety: Facilities managers and HSE professionals apply workstation sound pressure results to manage worker exposure.
Who should use this standard
- Generator manufacturers and OEMs
- Independent/accredited acoustic test laboratories
- Acoustic and mechanical design engineers
- Certification bodies, regulatory authorities, and procurement teams
- Occupational health & safety professionals
Related standards
- ISO 8528 series (other parts covering generating set design and requirements)
- ISO 8528-13:2016 (referenced for noise design requirements, verification and operating/maintenance information)
- Directive 2006/42/EC (Annex ZA relationship for machinery safety and noise)
Keywords: EN ISO 8528-10:2022, measurement of airborne noise, reciprocating internal combustion engine, generating sets, sound power level, emission sound pressure level, noise test codes, A-weighted, measurement uncertainty.
