19 SOUND AND NOISE LEVELS Human hearing has an incredible range (one to a trillion!) therefore the scale is awkward and we needed to use a scale that would make sense, hence using logarithmic scale. It’s important to note that it’s not linear, which means that the difference between 50 and 60 decibels is much smaller than the difference between 60 and 70 dB but will be explained in more detail. The 3 dB Rule Because of its logarithmic nature, an increase of 3 dB actually means doubling the sound intensity. Therefore, following the example in the illustration, if you have 2 appliances running at 60 dBA noise at the same time, (thus doubling) the total noise would increase by 3 dB to 63 dB. With every further doubling of sound intensity, we add a further 3 dBA. This means that a hood running at 69 dBA emits the same noise as 8 hoods of 60 dBA running at the same time. Thus, a hood running at 71 dBA would emit the same noise as 64 of our SENSE hoods running at the same time at 53 dBA! UNDERSTANDING DECIBELS (DBA) Comfortable levels of noise As a guide, at around 63 dBA is where noise starts to become a nuisance for conversation. In comparison, 70 dBA is roughly the level of a smartphone set on a speakerphone. Therefore , to have a comfortable kitchen it’s recommended to find a hood with sufficient extraction (>400 m³/h) below 63 dB. Although the sound level at BOOST level is often advertised, it’s less useful, as the hood should not often be operated at boost. The sound level at maximum normal extraction is a much more meaningful figure. Comparing noise between hoods When comparing noise levels between hoods, it is important to use comparative extraction levels – you cannot compare the noise of a Hood X running at 300 m³/h extraction with the noise of a Hood Y that extracts 650 m³/h, as the Hood Y is naturally expected to have a much higher noise. In such a case, find a speed setting of Hood Y that has the closest level of extraction to compare the noise at that setting. The impact of distance on noise When it comes to designing the layout of the kitchen, having a quiet relaxed atmosphere in the dining or living area (especially in open plans) is important. Understanding how distance affects noise levels from appliances is therefore important. The distance at which the dB of the cooker hood is measured is 1m from the centre, the noise would be reduced by 6 dB every time that distance from the hood (or any appliance) is doubled. Using 1m away as the starting point, means 2 m away has a 6 dB reduction, 4 m away a 12 dB reduction, 8 m away would be 18 dB reduction. Poor installation is often the cause of noisy hoods, therefore make sure to find a good installer. It is strongly advisable to spend a bit more on a silent hood that would create an environment where the person cooking can join in with conversation or enjoy music while cooking. A noisy cooker hood can cause a lot of frustration and take away the joy of both the cooking and dining experience. NOISE CONCLUSION: 60 dBA 66 dBA 69 dBA 63 dBA 60 dBA 60 dBA 60 dBA 60 dBA 60 dBA 60 dBA 60 dBA 60 dBA 60 dBA 60 dBA 60 dBA 60 dBA 60 dBA 60 dBA 60 dBA 70 dB vs 60 dB 70 dB 60 dB 64 dB 54 dB 58 dB 48 dB 1 m 2 m 4 m Noise pollution is a relative thing. It could be a jet plane taking off or a colleague slurping coffee. In the kitchen, it’s the noisy cooker hood that spoils the culinary experience… but it doesn’t have to be. We are often asked, what is the most important function to consider, extraction level or noise? The truth is, whilst effective extraction remains the most important function, it is irrelevant if the cook does not use the hood because of the noise. Sadly, this is very often the case.Surveys show that the cooker hood noise remains one of the biggest frustrations in kitchens, and the main reason why many do not use the hood at all. The result is sadly a hood that is often nothing more than an ugly ornamental light. 01 – SOUND AND NOISE LEVELS
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