4.1 The test results enable the comparison of A-weighted sound emission from vacuum cleaners, backpack vacuum cleaners, extractors, or hard-floor cleaning machines when tested under the condition of this test method.

1.1 This test method calculates the overall A-weighted sound power level emitted by small portable upright, canister, combination vacuum cleaners, backpack vacuum cleaners, hard-floor cleaning machines, extractors, and central vacuum cleaner motorized nozzles intended for operation in domestic and commercial applications.

1.1.1 To determine the Sound Power Level of a central vacuum at the power unit location refer to Test Method F2544.

1.2 A-weighted sound pressure measurements are performed on a stationary vacuum cleaner, extractor, hard-floor cleaning machine, or backpack vacuum cleaner in a semi-reverberant room. This test method determines sound power by a comparison method for small noise sources, that is, comparison to a broadband reference sound source.

1.3 This test method describes a procedure for determining the approximate A-weighted sound power level of small noise sources. This test method uses a non-special semi-reverberant room.

1.4 Results are expressed as A-weighted sound power level in decibels (referenced to one picowatt).

1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.

Note 1: The F11.21 subcommittee is actively pursuing new market relevant carpets with the assistance of the carpet industry. Although plush and Freize carpet panels are no longer available for purchase, some laboratories may still have samples for testing. In such cases, the table values remain valid.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.