AMCA updates the fan sound-testing standard 320

Superseding ANSI/AMCA Standard 320-08 (R2013), ANSI/AMCA Standard 320-23 contains extensive updates to reflect modern instrumentation and procedures and to clarify requirements that previously were subject to interpretation.

Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) International Inc. publishes ANSI/AMCA standard 320-23, laboratory method of sound testing of fans using sound intensity.

Superseding ANSI/AMCA Standard 320-08 (R2013), ANSI/AMCA Standard 320-23 contains extensive updates to reflect modern instrumentation and procedures and to clarify requirements that previously were subject to interpretation. Attempts were made to align the standard, to the extent practical and relevant, with AHRI 230, sound intensity testing procedures for determining sound power of HVAC equipment.

The recent revisions to ANSI/AMCA Standard 320 encompass several notable changes aimed at enhancing clarity and accuracy in the assessment of fan performance.

Firstly, the removal of reference sound-source adjustment marks a significant shift, now substituted partially by the incorporation of high-frequency correction in Section 5.7 and Annex E. Additionally, Annex F introduces a correction to Standard Meteorological Conditions, further refining the standard’s parameters.

The performance-verification section (5.8) has been clarified to ensure a more comprehensive understanding of the evaluation process. Alongside this, the concept of dynamic capability has been introduced, contributing to a more nuanced assessment framework.

Another key update involves the clarification and expansion of the definition of the test surface for each fan type, enhancing consistency and precision in testing methodologies.

A new requirement mandates that measurements and calculations be conducted in the one-third octave band and then aggregated to full octave bands for reporting purposes, ensuring a more detailed and accurate portrayal of fan performance characteristics.