Engineering systems 

How many decibels makes a loud TV sound. What noise level of the refrigerator should be

Almost any household appliance makes at least minimal noise during operation. Refrigerators in this case are no exception. But I would still like to choose a model that is silent, so now we will consider this criterion.

There are no refrigerators that are generally silent. All of them make sounds during operation or when turning on / off. And the more functions in the refrigerator and different systems, the more powerful compressor it requires. The noise level directly depends on what compressor power is used. Its unit of measurement (noise) is decibel (dB). The lower this parameter is, the less noise the refrigerator emits during operation. However, in some cases, when the refrigerator is very loud, the problem may lie in its malfunction. Therefore, it is impossible to attribute all the acoustic features of the device to the high noise level of the refrigerator itself.

According to GOST 16317-87, the compressor noise level should not be higher than 53 dB.   In different models, this parameter varies in the range from 20 to 50 dB, but no one exceeds 53. If the refrigerator emits 50 dB during operation, then they try not to buy it, because it's pretty loud. The average value is 40-46 dB. This noise can be compared with the sound of the street with poorly open windows. Ideally, when the compressor is running, making noise in the range of 30-40 dB. For an analogy: a human whisper makes about the same noise. Being in the kitchen with a working refrigerator, you will not notice its work at all.

The noise during operation of the model with the No Frost system is slightly higher than that of a conventional model. This is due to the fact that No Frost technology involves the rotation of the fan blades of the system provided for this. This noise is not loud, but its increased level is definitely felt.

Next is the number of compressors. It is easy to guess that two-compressor models will work louder than single-compressor ones, but there is a certain feature here. In a single-compressor refrigerator, a powerful unit is used, the loudness of which is higher than the two compressors in the respective models. Therefore, in terms of noise, it is better to choose a two-compressor refrigerator - they are a little quieter.

When the buyer makes his choice in the mall, he does not notice the sound, because indoors and so relatively loud. But when the refrigerator works for a day or two at home, the noise becomes a real problem. Therefore, we recommend that you look in the technical documentation where this parameter should be specified by the manufacturer. If the noise is within 30-40 dB, then this is a good feature and you can buy such a refrigerator.

Have you thought about buying a new refrigerator? It is worth paying attention to the design, the number of cameras and so on. One of the unpleasant surprises may be the noise of the new refrigerator. Before finally deciding on a particular model, it is worth knowing what level of noise the refrigerator should be? The ideal option is a silent device, or a refrigerator with a low noise level, which does not bring discomfort to the owners with their buzzing.

Indicator

The noise level of the refrigerator is the normative value of the hum emitted by the device during its operation. The value in decibels (dB) is measured, respectively, the lower the indicator, the less noise during operation of the refrigerator will be less.


Causes

What creates a buzz? We will understand in detail:

  1. The noise of the refrigerator compressor. If the model has two compressors, it will make more noise. The hum also creates parts that vibrate and come in contact with the compressor. In two-compressor technology, LG or Samsung install less noisy devices, but with simultaneous operation they create more noise than single-compressor ones;
  2. The second cause of hum is the movement of the refrigerant refrigerant that flows in the condenser and evaporator. Sounds similar to water flowing through sewer pipes. In new devices, the speed is much higher than that of its predecessors, but it also becomes more noise;
  3. Turn on and off the relay. Its work is necessary to start the compressor, when the relay is turned on and off, a click is heard;
  4. A buzz from the cooling fans of the no Frost system. The more fans in the system, the louder the sound. It is not advisable to put such an aggregate near recreation sites.


Norm

There is a special scale that determines the noise level of the refrigerator: its norm is from 25 to 50 dB. It is divided into three levels of hum:

  • Low - from 25 to 34 dB;
  • Medium is from 35 to 44 dB;
  • A high indicator is from 45 dB or more.

For devices with the noFrost system of LG or Samsung, the normal hum value is considered to be from 44 to 47 dB, and in devices with another system the hum should be no more than 34 - 42 dB.

Manufacturers prescribe the performance of the noise produced either in the instructions or on a sticker on the back of the equipment.

For comparison: the rumble from the typewriter is 51 - 70dB, loud conversation is about 50dB, normal conversation is about 40dB, the clock is ticking with a volume of about 30dB, the foliage makes 25dB noise in the wind.

How to measure

You can measure how noisy the device is using a special device - a sound level meter. Such a device is quite expensive, it is not advisable to buy it for one-time use. It’s cheaper to invite a specialist who will measure everything, his services are also paid, but in any case much cheaper than the cost of the device.

If you have a device. It is necessary to adjust it to a limit of 50 to 100 dB, then point the microphone at the equipment and keep it at least 50 cm away from you. The result will appear on the sound level meter screen.

If the hum is greater than the norm, the compressor may be defective or the device is not level. The first step is to determine the level, for this measure the vertical, horizontal angle. You can fix it by twisting the legs and putting the device in level. If noise remains, consult a specialist.

How to reduce

Experts offer several ideas on how to reduce the noise of a refrigerator:

  • Set the equipment on a flat surface, if necessary, put rubber bands;
  • Check if the appliance is in contact with other kitchen furniture;
  • Inside, do not put utensils very close to each other;
  • If necessary, use only one of the cameras;
  • Noisy parts can be isolated with sound absorbing panels;
  • Enclose the inside of the camera with a Shumka.


To reduce the sounds made by compressor parts, the use of soundproof materials will be the best solution. A refrigerator that makes a lot of hum should be installed on sound-absorbing material. Smooth walls screen noise, if you put porous rubber between the wall and the equipment - this will help reduce sound.

Mastic is often applied around the compressor and fan, if installed externally.

The most noisy devices are large-volume products equipped with fans in the motor part. We can say that the device does not make noise if at night you can sleep without being awakened.

If it seems to you that the refrigerator is working loudly, but it does not wake you up at night, you should not waste time addressing the master. As a rule, the hum in such cases will be below the norm specified in the instructions. Manufacturers always write indicators with a margin in order to avoid conflict situations. If you decide to change the refrigerator to a less noisy one, it is worth remembering that a device with one compressor will freeze worse in hot weather than a louder two-compressor. Set priorities and make the right choice.

To summarize

We determined the noise level of the refrigerator is the norm. The models presented on the current market of household appliances allow you to choose appliances with a low level of hum that satisfy all the requirements. And if you can not do without a noisy unit, the above suggested ways to eliminate and minimize the published hum.