Sound Meters

About Sound Meters

Sound meters, also known as sound level meters or decibel meters, are precision measuring instruments designed to accurately measure noise levels in various environments. These essential tools convert sound pressure into electrical signals, displaying readings in decibels (dB) on an easy-to-read digital screen. Whether you're monitoring workplace noise levels to ensure HSE compliance, assessing environmental noise pollution, or checking equipment output, a reliable sound meter provides objective measurements that help protect hearing and maintain safe working conditions.

Modern digital sound level meters offer a range of features including multiple weighting scales, data logging capabilities, and maximum/minimum hold functions. Professional-grade models from trusted brands like Faithfull and Sealey deliver accurate readings across a wide frequency range, typically from 30dB to 130dB or higher. These compact, portable devices are invaluable for conducting noise assessments on construction sites, in factories, workshops, and any environment where noise monitoring is required by health and safety regulations.

Today's sound meters are more affordable and user-friendly than ever, making them accessible not just to health and safety professionals but also to facilities managers, landlords, and even DIY enthusiasts who need to monitor noise levels for planning permission or neighbour dispute purposes. With clear LCD displays, straightforward operation, and robust construction suitable for site work, these instruments provide professional-grade measurements without requiring extensive training or calibration equipment.

Jargon Buster

• Decibel (dB) - The unit of measurement for sound intensity. The decibel scale is logarithmic, meaning a 10dB increase represents a doubling of perceived loudness. Prolonged exposure to levels above 85dB can cause hearing damage.
• A-Weighting (dBA) - A frequency weighting filter that adjusts measurements to match human hearing sensitivity. Most workplace noise assessments in the UK use A-weighted measurements as specified by HSE guidance.
• Sound Pressure Level (SPL) - The local pressure variation from the ambient atmospheric pressure caused by a sound wave. Sound meters measure SPL and convert it to a decibel reading.
• Fast/Slow Response - Time-weighting settings that determine how quickly the meter responds to sound level changes. Fast response (125ms) captures rapid fluctuations, while slow response (1 second) provides a more averaged reading.
• Max Hold Function - A feature that captures and displays the maximum sound level recorded during a measurement session, useful for identifying peak noise events.
• Frequency Range - The spectrum of sound frequencies a meter can accurately measure, typically expressed in Hertz (Hz). Professional meters cover the full audible range from approximately 20Hz to 20kHz.

Who Uses Sound Meters?

• Health and Safety Officers conducting workplace noise assessments and ensuring HSE compliance
• Environmental Health Professionals investigating noise complaints and pollution issues
• Construction Site Managers monitoring noise levels to comply with planning conditions and local authority restrictions
• Facilities Managers assessing building services noise and HVAC equipment output
• Maintenance Engineers using sound levels to diagnose mechanical problems and bearing wear
• Acoustic Consultants performing detailed noise surveys and impact assessments
• Electricians and Engineers testing equipment noise emissions and transformer hum
• Event Organisers ensuring compliance with venue and local authority noise limits
• Landlords and Property Managers investigating tenant noise complaints objectively
• Manufacturing and Factory Supervisors identifying areas requiring hearing protection

How to Choose the Right Sound Meters

Selecting the appropriate sound meter depends on your specific requirements and the accuracy needed for your applications. For basic workplace noise assessments and general monitoring, an entry-level digital sound meter with A-weighting and a measurement range of 30-130dB will suffice for most situations. Models available from Tooled-Up.com, such as those from Faithfull and Sealey, provide reliable readings suitable for identifying areas where hearing protection is required and conducting preliminary noise surveys.

Measurement Range: Consider the typical noise levels you'll be measuring. Construction sites and industrial environments often generate high noise levels requiring meters that measure up to 130dB or beyond, whilst office and residential measurements may only need 30-80dB capability.

Accuracy and Standards: For official HSE compliance documentation, look for meters that meet IEC 61672 standards (Class 2 for general use, Class 1 for more precise work). Check whether calibration certificates are available if you need traceable measurements for legal or regulatory purposes.

Weighting Options: A-weighting (dBA) is essential for workplace noise assessments as it matches human hearing sensitivity. Some advanced meters also offer C-weighting for measuring peak levels and assessing low-frequency noise.

Data Logging: If you need to monitor noise levels over extended periods or document measurements for compliance reports, consider models with data logging capabilities and the ability to transfer readings to a computer for analysis.

Display and Usability: A clear, backlit LCD display makes readings visible in poor lighting conditions common on building sites. Simple, intuitive controls mean less time consulting manuals when you need quick measurements.

Build Quality: For regular site work, choose robust models with protective rubber holsters or reinforced cases that can withstand the rigours of professional use, drops, and exposure to dust.

Popular Accessories

• Calibration Tools - Acoustic calibrators for verifying meter accuracy before important measurements
• Windshields - Foam covers to reduce wind noise interference during outdoor measurements
• Tripod Adapters - For stable, hands-free monitoring over extended periods
• Protective Cases - Hard cases and pouches for safe transportation and storage
• Extension Cables - Remote microphone cables for measuring in confined or inaccessible spaces
• Spare Batteries - Ensuring your meter is always ready for use on site
• Data Logging Software - For analysing and reporting recorded sound level data
• Hearing Protection - Ear defenders and plugs for use in areas identified as requiring PPE

Safety Information

Whilst sound meters themselves present no direct safety hazards, they play a crucial role in identifying environments where hearing protection is mandatory. Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, UK employers must assess and manage workplace noise exposure. When daily or weekly noise exposure reaches 80dB (lower exposure action value), employees must be informed and provided with hearing protection. At 85dB (upper exposure action value), hearing protection becomes mandatory and exposure must be reduced as far as reasonably practicable.

When conducting noise measurements in industrial or construction environments, always wear appropriate PPE including hearing protection if you're measuring in areas suspected to exceed 85dB. Be aware that sound meters measure ambient noise but don't indicate the cumulative exposure time, which is equally important for HSE compliance. Remember that hearing damage is permanent and cumulative, making accurate noise assessment and appropriate control measures essential for protecting workers' long-term health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do sound meters need calibrating?

Yes, regular calibration ensures accuracy and is particularly important if you're using measurements for official HSE compliance or legal purposes. Professional meters should be calibrated annually by an accredited laboratory, though acoustic calibrators can be used for field verification before important measurements. Basic models used for general monitoring may not require formal calibration but should be checked periodically against a known reference.

What's the difference between dB and dBA?

dB is the basic unit measuring sound pressure level, whilst dBA indicates A-weighted decibels which filter the measurement to reflect how the human ear perceives different frequencies. A-weighting reduces the influence of low and high frequencies that humans hear less sensitively. For workplace noise assessments in the UK, HSE guidance requires A-weighted measurements (dBA), making this the most important scale for occupational health applications.

At what noise level do I need hearing protection?

Under UK regulations, hearing protection must be made available when noise levels reach 80dB over an 8-hour working day, and becomes mandatory at 85dB. For context, 80dB is roughly equivalent to a busy restaurant or heavy traffic, whilst 85dB is similar to a petrol lawnmower or food blender. If you need to raise your voice to hold a normal conversation at arm's length, noise levels are likely around 85dB or above.

Can I use a smartphone app instead of a proper sound meter?

Smartphone apps can provide approximate noise level indications and are useful for general awareness, but they're not suitable for official HSE assessments or compliance documentation. Phone microphones aren't calibrated for accurate sound measurement and can vary significantly between devices and apps. For any workplace assessment, neighbour disputes, or planning compliance, the range at Tooled-Up includes proper sound meters from reputable manufacturers that meet recognised standards.

How far from the noise source should I measure?

For workplace noise assessments, measurements should be taken at the position where a worker's head would typically be during normal operations. For environmental noise measurements, follow relevant BS standards or local authority guidance. Generally, hold the meter at arm's length from your body to avoid reflections, with the microphone pointing towards the sound source. Avoid measuring in corners or near reflective surfaces that could affect readings.