SIST EN 61183:2002

Overview

EN 61183:1994 (IEC 61183:1994) - adopted by CLC and mirrored in national editions (e.g., SIST EN 61183:2002) - is an electroacoustics standard that defines calibration methods for sound level meters in two acoustic fields: random-incidence (free-field) and diffuse-field. The document specifies how to determine the random‑incidence sensitivity and the diffuse‑field sensitivity of sound level meters so that measurements of environmental and industrial noise are accurate and comparable.

Key Topics

• Random-incidence calibration (free-field method): Procedures for determining sensitivity when sound arrives from multiple directions characteristic of stochastic or partially free-field conditions.
• Diffuse-field calibration: Methods to assess sensitivity in highly reverberant environments where sound energy is uniformly distributed from all directions.
• Measurement objectives: Establishing reproducible sensitivity levels that link instrument responses to defined acoustic reference conditions.
• Electroacoustic context: Applies specifically to microphone and sound level meter behaviour in acoustic fields representative of real-world noise measurement scenarios.
• Traceability and comparability: Ensures calibration results support traceable, repeatable measurements across laboratories and instruments.

(EN 61183:1994 provides the methodological framework; specific procedural parameters should be referenced in the full standard text.)

Applications

• Calibration laboratories performing third‑party verification and type‑approval of sound level meters.
• Environmental noise monitoring programs that require correct instrument response for outdoor or urban measurements.
• Occupational noise assessments in workplaces where diffuse or random incidence conditions affect meter readings.
• Manufacturers and R&D teams validating microphone and sound level meter designs against recognized acoustic calibration methods.
• Regulatory compliance and conformity assessment where documented calibration methods are required.

Who Uses This Standard

• Acoustic calibration laboratories and metrology institutes
• Environmental consultants and noise surveyors
• Occupational health and safety professionals
• Sound level meter manufacturers and test engineers
• Certification bodies and regulatory agencies

Related Standards

• National and international standards on sound level meter performance and calibration (see IEC/EN series for sound level meters and acoustic calibrators).
• Standards addressing instrument accuracy, field verification, and laboratory measurement procedures (for comprehensive compliance, consult the full standards list relevant to electroacoustics).

Keywords: EN 61183, IEC 61183, random-incidence calibration, diffuse-field calibration, sound level meters, electroacoustics, calibration laboratory, diffuse-field sensitivity, random‑incidence sensitivity.