Emitted Noise Levels of Common Home Appliances Used to Clean and Wash

Common home appliances used to wash dishes and clothes, and clean the home are often significant noise sources. Increasing awareness of this problem by consumers and their growing demand for quieter products have caused manufacturers to be more aware of potential problems. Manufacturers well understand that in order to stay competitive in the market they need to develop quieter products.

This paper describes the operation of such appliances and the associated noise generating mechanisms which have been measured in terms of sound power, directivity and spectral content. Standard recommended methods of measurement are also described.