NEMA 410-2020 PDF
Name in English:
St NEMA 410-2020
Name in Russian:
Ст NEMA 410-2020
Original standard NEMA 410-2020 in PDF full version. Additional info + preview on request
Full title and description
ST NEMA 410-2020 — Standard Method for Measurement of Sound Emitted by Ceiling Suspended and Freestanding Air Terminal Units (ATUs). This standard specifies procedures, test conditions, and reporting requirements for determining the sound levels produced by air terminal units used in HVAC systems, providing a consistent method to evaluate acoustic performance.
Abstract
ST NEMA 410-2020 defines a laboratory test method to measure airborne sound from ceiling-suspended and freestanding air terminal units (ATUs) under specified air flow and installation conditions. The standard describes mounting, instrumentation, operating points, and data reporting so manufacturers, specifiers, and acoustical consultants can compare and select ATUs based on consistent acoustic metrics.
General information
- Status: Published / Current (2020)
- Publication date: 2020
- Publisher: NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association)
- ICS / categories: 91.140 (Acoustics) / HVAC equipment testing; Building services
- Edition / version: 2020 edition
- Number of pages: Typically 10–20 pages (publisher document size may vary)
Scope
This standard specifies the method for measuring the sound emitted by ceiling-suspended and freestanding air terminal units under controlled laboratory conditions. It covers test setup, mounting and boundary conditions, test points and measurement locations, air flow rates and operating conditions, instrumentation and calibration, data reduction and reporting. It is intended for use on typical ATU sizes and configurations used in building HVAC distribution but does not address in-situ room installation variations or duct-borne sound transfer beyond the immediate terminal unit.
Key topics and requirements
- Definitions of test specimen and classification of ceiling-suspended and freestanding ATUs.
- Required test mounting and installation geometry to minimize facility influence and ensure repeatability.
- Specified airflow test points (supply and return flow rates) and associated static pressure conditions.
- Microphone positions, number of measurement locations, averaging procedures, and background noise limits.
- Instrumentation calibration requirements and standards for sound level meters and microphones.
- Data reduction methods, octave- or one-third-octave-band reporting, and A-weighted sound power or sound pressure level outputs.
- Reporting format including test conditions, configuration, and measured acoustic metrics for comparison.
Typical use and users
Manufacturers use ST NEMA 410-2020 to publish standardized acoustic data for air terminal units. Acoustic consultants and mechanical engineers use the standard to compare products and predict in-room noise contributions. Specifiers and building owners reference the standard when setting acoustic performance requirements. Test laboratories implement the procedures to produce repeatable, comparable results for product development, certification, and acceptance testing.
Related standards
Related standards include HVAC acoustic test procedures and product standards such as ASHRAE methods for fan and ducted equipment noise testing, ISO 3744/ISO 3745 (engineering methods for sound power determination), and national standards addressing noise measurement in ventilation equipment. Other NEMA or industry documents covering airflow performance and terminal unit ratings may also be referenced.
Keywords
air terminal unit, ATU, ceiling-suspended, freestanding, sound measurement, acoustic testing, HVAC noise, sound power, sound pressure level, NEMA ST 410, test method
FAQ
Q: What is this standard?
A: ST NEMA 410-2020 is a test method standard that defines how to measure and report the sound emitted by ceiling-suspended and freestanding air terminal units used in HVAC systems.
Q: What does it cover?
A: It covers laboratory test setup, mounting and boundary conditions, airflow and operating points, instrumentation and calibration, measurement locations, data reduction, and required reporting of acoustic results (octave/one-third-octave bands and A-weighted levels).
Q: Who typically uses it?
A: Manufacturers, test laboratories, acoustic consultants, mechanical engineers, specifiers, and building owners use the standard to obtain comparable acoustic performance data for ATUs.
Q: Is it current or superseded?
A: The 2020 edition is the current published edition of ST NEMA 410 as of its publication date. Users should verify with the publisher for any amendments or newer editions.
Q: Is it part of a series?
A: It is part of NEMA's ST (Standard) series addressing specific test methods and product characterization for electrical and building-related equipment; it complements other HVAC and acoustic testing standards from ISO and ASHRAE.
Q: What are the key keywords?
A: Air terminal unit, ATU, acoustic test, sound measurement, HVAC noise, ceiling-suspended, freestanding, sound power, sound pressure, NEMA ST 410.