Schedule 6 Annex III - METHODS TO MEASURE AIRBORNE NOISE EMITTED BY EQUIPMENT FOR USE OUTDOORSE1F1

This Annex contains the methods to measure airborne noise that are to be used to determine the sound power levels of equipment for use outdoors.

Part A of this Annex lays down the basic noise emission standard and general supplements to the basic noise emission standard to measure the sound pressure level on a measurement surface enveloping the noise source and to calculate the sound power level produced by that source.

Part B of this Annex lays down the equipment specific noise test code which is presented either as a reference to a specific standard or as a description of the applicable testing and operating conditions, including:

1. (a)

   the test environment;

2. (b)

   the value of the environmental correction (K_2A);

3. (c)

   the shape and dimensions of the measurement surface;

4. (d)

   the number and position of microphones to be used;

5. (e)

   requirements relating to mounting and installation of the equipment;

6. (f)

   a method to calculate the resulting sound power levels in the event that several tests with different operating conditions are to be used.

When testing specific types of equipment, manufacturers or their authorised representatives in the Union shall use the basic noise emission standard and the general supplements of Part A of this Annex, and the equipment specific noise test code laid down in Part B. Noise test codes in Part B are meant to supplement the specifications laid down in Part A taking into account the characteristics of the different equipment categories. When noise test codes in Part B provide for the possibility to choose between different alternative technical solutions, manufacturers or their authorised representatives in the Union shall use those that are in line with the specifications laid down in Part A. In case of conflict between Part A and Part B, Part B provisions shall take precedence.

Where the noise test codes laid down in Part B, or in the standards referred to in Part B, would not be applicable for some models of equipment within the equipment category, manufacturers or their authorised representatives in the Union shall determine the guaranteed sound power level in accordance with the basic noise emission standard and the applicable supplements indicated in Part A.

For equipment listed in Article 12, where the use of the noise measurement methods laid down in this Annex or those laid down in the version of Annex III that was applicable before 22 May 2025, would lead to two different situations of conformity of the product, i.e. the guaranteed sound power level of the equipment calculated using one method exceeds the respective permissible sound power level in Article 12 but not when using the other method, manufacturers or their authorised representatives in the Union shall determine the measured sound power level and the guaranteed sound power level in accordance with the methods laid down in the version of Annex III that was applicable before 22 May 2025 until the permissible sound power levels in Article 12 are amended. In that situation, notified bodies and market surveillance authorities shall also use the method laid down in the version of Annex III that was applicable before 22 May 2025, to perform the noise tests when required in the applicable conformity assessment procedure.