A-weighted sound level dB(A) | A-weighted sound pressure level reflects how sound is weighted to approximate human hearing. The reported value depends on the microphone position, room, mounting, operating point, and background noise. | Request the measured dB(A), measurement distance and position, test environment, fan speed, and operating point. Do not compare readings taken under different conditions as if they were equivalent. | dB is logarithmic: two equal, independent sound sources together produce approximately 3 dB more than either source alone. |
| Sound pressure vs. sound power | Sound pressure level (Lp) describes sound at a specified location. Sound power level (Lw) describes the acoustic energy emitted by the source and is less dependent on the observer’s location. | Check which quantity is quoted. Compare Lp only when the distance, direction, room, and installation are comparable; compare sound-power data obtained using comparable test methods. | Sound pressure and sound power are different quantities and should not be compared directly without the relevant test and acoustic conditions. |
Airflow m³/h or m³/s | Airflow is the volume of air delivered per unit of time. A free-air airflow figure does not, by itself, describe performance in a duct or system with resistance. | Compare airflow at the required static pressure, not just the largest advertised free-air value. Request the complete pressure–airflow curve when selecting a fan. | 1 m³/s = 3,600 m³/h. |
Static pressure Pa | Static pressure indicates the fan’s ability to overcome resistance from items such as ducts, filters, grilles, and heat exchangers. | Verify the pressure at the required airflow. A maximum-pressure figure quoted at zero airflow is not the pressure available at the desired operating airflow. | 1 mmH₂O = 9.80665 Pa. |
Operating point Airflow + pressure | A fan’s actual operating point is where its pressure–airflow performance meets the resistance of the installed system. | Ask for airflow and pressure to be stated together, with fan speed and test setup. Confirm that the specified point meets the application requirement. | Fan performance testing in standardized airways is covered by ISO 5801:2017. |
| Noise at the required duty | Noise can vary with fan speed, airflow, pressure, blade design, motor, and installation. A quiet result at one operating point does not establish performance at another. | Request acoustic data at the same airflow and static pressure used for the application. Check whether the reading is for the fan alone or includes the surrounding system. | Acoustic sound-power determination using sound pressure over a reflecting plane is addressed by ISO 3744:2010. |
| Test documentation | A performance figure is meaningful only when its measurement method and conditions are identifiable. | Request dated test reports that identify the model, speed, airflow, pressure, acoustic quantity, test method, and measurement conditions. Verify that report details match the offered configuration. | Use the cited standard’s edition and scope to confirm that it applies to the test being claimed. |
| Supplier comparison summary | “Low noise” is application-dependent; airflow, pressure, and acoustic performance must be considered together. | Shortlist suppliers that provide comparable test data at the required duty point, state whether values are Lp or Lw, and document the measurement conditions. | No universal dB(A) cutoff applies to every fan type, installation, or listening environment. |