Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP
Noise of water installations on light walls
Acoustics
Minimizing installation noise with lightweight dry construction installation walls
In our installation testing facility, the noise from sanitary and water installations can be precisely determined using lightweight dry construction installation walls. The testing facility consists of two rooms, one above the other, which can each be subdivided into a total of four rooms by a (lightweight) installation wall. It thus corresponds to a section of a typical residential building with two residential units above each other with lightweight installation walls. Thanks to the way the rooms are arranged – bathroom above bathroom, each with adjoining living room – it is possible to measure the airborne and structure-borne sound generated by installations in one’s own and other people's living areas (requiring noise protection). In conjunction with the roof and drainage system under the testing facility, installations that extend over several floors, such as waste water systems (according to DIN EN 14366-1), drinking water systems or building service equipment, can also be tested.
The design of the installation testing facility also means that it is suitable for measuring low sound pressure levels. The results obtained can be used to demonstrate compliance with sound insulation requirements specified in various standards (e.g. DIN 4109, VDI 4100, SIA 181 and OENORM B 8115). Being an accredited testing laboratory (DAkkS), numerous other services are also available. Within the scope of research and development projects, our scientists can examine a wide range of installations – from plumbing fixtures and pipe systems to whirlpools – and optimize their acoustic behavior. In accordance with DIN EN 12354, our researchers can collect input values for prognosis calculations to evaluate and improve the acoustic properties of installations.
Put your trust in our expertise to minimize noise and optimize the sound design of your sanitary and water installations in lightweight wall constructions. Contact us for comprehensive support. We will be happy to help you fulfill the acoustic requirements of your products and installations.
| Measurement | Noise of water installations |
| Standards | DIN EN ISO 10052, DIN 4109, SIA 181, VDI 4100 |
| Measurement object | Lightweight installation walls, front-wall and in-wall installations |
Technical data
| Floor area (2 rooms) | 20 m² and 20 m² |
| Room volume (2 rooms) | 70 m³ and 61 m³ |
| Entrance doors (H × W) | 2.00 × 0.83 m and 1.99 × 0.84 m |
| Thickness of separating floor | 190 mm (reinforced concrete) |
| Installation wall (interchangeable) | Dry construction as required |
Special feature
| Controllable water supply (water pressure and flow rate) | In both rooms (stacked bathrooms) |
| Low noise level in the measuring room | Lp < 10 dB(A) |
More information
- The two rooms, one above the other, can each be subdivided into a total of four rooms by a (lightweight) installation wall.
- The results obtained can be used to demonstrate compliance with sound insulation requirements specified in various standards (e.g. DIN 4109, VDI 4100, SIA 181, OENORM B 8115, etc.).
- Due to the design and room layout of the testing facility, the measured values can also be classified into the noise sensitivity levels according to SIA 181 (Swiss standard).