Sound Level Meters in Stock

ADM Instrument Engineering stocks a considered range of sound level meters here in Australia. Our range includes class 1 sound level meters, class 2 sound level meters, personal noise level meters, and accessories.

This blog post gives you an overview of what sound level meters are best suited for which applications. 

You can browse our product range by clicking on the following link:

Sound Level Meters

Before we do that, we should explain the difference between class 1 and class 2 sound level meters. 

What is the Difference Between a Class 1 and Class 2 Sound Level Meter? 

The answer is the different tolerance ranges, which are permissible at different reference frequencies.  

ADM Instrument Engineering offers both Class 1 and Class 2 sound level meters. 

These sound level meters have been designed according to standard IEC61672. This standard sets out the performance criteria that the sound level meter must meet. 

In a perfect world your sound level meter would meet the required performance criteria exactly. However, this is very difficult to achieve because there are several factors outside of the manufacturer’s control, which will affect the accuracy of a sound level meter. For example, the components used in its manufacture. 

Most electronic components themselves have accepted tolerances on the actual performance of an individual component to that shown in the product data sheet. 

Therefore, standard IEC61672 also specifies an acceptable tolerance range within which the sound level must remain. 

There are two different levels of tolerance: Class 1 and Class 2. 

The below table sets out the difference tolerance ranges permissible at different reference frequencies. 

So where would you use a class 1 and class 2 sound level meter? 

The most common applications that sound level meters are used in include the following: 

• Monitoring noise levels in residential developments affected by road, rail, and aircraft noise. 
• Monitoring and management of industrial and commercial noise levels. 
• Assessing the effects of noise from quarries, mines, and other resource industries. 
• Monitoring and managing noise exposure in the workplace (OH&S). 
• Assessing of intrusive noise (managing complaints regarding noisy neighbours). 
• Environmental noise management. 

Which class of sound level meter you need will depend greatly on the regulations set out either by government or any other regulatory body with oversight of the task at hand. 

Class 1 sound level meters are sometimes referred to as ‘precision’ grade sound level meters. They are typically used in laboratories, environmental monitoring applications, building acoustic assessment, and for traffic noise assessments. 

Class 2 sound level meters are generally considered to be ‘general use’ sound level meters. They are usually used for Noise at Work assessments, basic environmental sound monitoring, monitoring the noise in entertainment venues, construction noise, and vehicle noise measurements. 

Class 1 Sound Level Meter for Workplace Noise That is Easy to Use 

In many workplaces it is a requirement that noise assessments are carried out, to ensure that the sound level is not so high as to damage an employee’s hearing. 

ADM was contacted by a customer, who needed a sound level meter that they could use to record the noise generated by rattle guns, air compressors, hammers, etc.  They also wanted some simple software to create reports. 

We suggested that the customer consider the Lutron SL-4023SD sound level meter, which has a built in SD card reader. It incorporates a real time data logger, making it ideal for applications such as measuring noise around industrial sites. It is the perfect tool for safety officers and managers who are wanting to comply with workers’ noise standards. 

The SL-4023SD logs the recorded sound level to an SD card. To read the data, all that you need do is put the SD card into an SD card reader and you can open the file directly in a spreadsheet, allowing you to plot graphs or present the data any way you want. There is no need to purchase any additional software. 

The sampling time is programmable from 1 reading per second to 1 reading per hour. If the sample time is set to 1 sample per second, some data may be lost because the reading time is also about 1 second. 

We suggested that the customer set the sample rate to 2 seconds per sample, this way none of the data would be lost. 

In summary, the Lutron SL-4023SD is an ideal low-cost solution for measuring workplace noise. 

Its innovative design makes it easy to use. There is no need for any special software. After you have carried out the sound level monitoring task, simply remove the SD card from the meter and plug it into your computer. All the measured values, including the time information (year/month/date/hour/minute/second) can then be downloaded directly into a spreadsheet for further analysis. 

Cost Effective Sound Level Meter for Precision Applications 

Lutron’s SL-4010 is the perfect choice if you are looking for a class 1 sound level meter for taking precision measurements, but don’t want to spend a fortune. 

The SL-4010 has a measurement range of 35 to 130db, with three ranges to choose from: 35-80dB, 50-100db or 80-130dB. Resolution is 0.1dB and there is an out-of-range warning indicator. 

Its small and light weight design makes it easy to use with one hand and the large easy to read LCD display can even be read in bright ambient light. The built-in condenser microphone gives you high accuracy and long-term stability. 

The Lutron SL-4010 utilises an 'A-Weighting' curve to accurately measure what can be perceived by the human ear. It also features 'fast time weighting' to simulate the human ear's response time.  

There is a data hold function, so that you can freeze any value on the display, and there is a built-in calibrator that is adjustable via an external screw.  

The unit is powered by a DC 9V battery and features a low battery indicator, so that it doesn't stop working unexpectedly whilst you are halfway through a measuring task.  

Optional accessories available include external sound calibrators, a carrying case, and a wind shield ball (Lutron SB-01). 

The SL-4010 is supplied complete with instruction manual and is available for immediate despatch from ADM. 

Please do not hesitate to contact ADM Instrument Engineering if you would like assistance in selecting a suitable sound level meter. A member of our friendly team will gladly answer any questions you may have. 

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