EN 54-24 Fire detection and fire alarm systems – Part 24: Components of voice alarm systems – Loudspeakers
1 Scope
This European Standard specifies requirements, test methods and performance criteria for loudspeakers intended to broadcast a warning of fire between a fire detection and fire alarm system and the occupants of a building.
This European Standard specifies loudspeakers for two types of application environment: type A, generally for indoor use and type B, generally for outdoor use.
This European Standard does not cover loudspeakers for special applications, for example loudspeaker for use in hazardous applications, if such applications require additional or other requirements or tests than those given in this European Standard.
This European Standard is not intended to cover addressable loudspeakers, loudspeakers with active components.
Voice alarm sounders are covered in EN 54-3:2001.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 54-1:1996 and the following apply.
3.1.1
1/3 octave
frequency band as defined in EN 61260
3.1.2
coverage angle
smallest angle between two directions on either side of the reference axis at which the sound pressure level is 6 dB less than the sound pressure level on the reference axis
NOTE This angle is measured in the vertical and horizontal planes.
3.1.3
free-field condition
acoustical environment in which the sound pressure decreases with the distance (r) from a point source according to a 1/r law, with an accuracy of ± 10 %, in the region that will be occupied by the sound field between the loudspeaker system and the microphone during the measurements
EXAMPLE An anechoic room, a quiet outdoor space.
3.1.4
frequency response
sound pressure level at a distance of 4 m from the reference point on the reference axis, produced at 1/3 octave frequency bands, from 100 Hz to 10 kHz (centre frequencies)
3.1.5
ground plane measurement
measurement under half-space free-field conditions used to simulate a free-field condition in which the loudspeaker is mounted above an acoustically totally reflective boundary surface and aimed so that its reference axis is points towards a measurement microphone that is placed directly on the boundary surface
NOTE In order to achieve measurement results that are comparable with a free-field condition, ground-plane measurements need to be corrected by -6 dB at all frequencies.
3.1.6
half-space free-field condition
acoustical environment that is confined by a plane of sufficient size and in which the free-field exists in a hemisphere, so that the sound pressure from a point source mounted in the surface of that plane decreases in the manner defined in 3.1.3
3.1.7
horizontal plane
virtual plane of the loudspeaker containing the reference axis, as specified by the manufacturer
NOTE There may be several horizontal planes corresponding to several reference axes. EXAMPLE See Annex C.
3.1.8
maximum sound pressure level
total sound pressure level at 4 m from the reference point on the reference axis of a loudspeaker supplied with a simulated programme signal at the rated noise power
3.1.9
measuring distance
distance between the reference point (see 3.1.17) and the measuring microphone
3.1.10
loudspeaker
transducer which converts electrical energy into acoustical energy, comprising one or more drive units, one or more enclosures, a cable termination block, and relevant devices such as filters, transformers and any passive element
3.1.11 pink noise
random noise signal with a spectral density that decreases by 3 dB per octave, giving constant energy per octave
3.1.12
rated impedance
value of pure resistance, stated by the manufacturer that is to be substituted for the loudspeaker when defining the required power of the source
3.1.13
rated noise power
electrical power calculated from the equation Un2/R, where Un is the rated noise voltage and R is the rated impedance
3.1.14
rated noise voltage
RMS voltage, as specified by the manufacturer, of the simulated programme signal that the loudspeaker can handle without thermal or mechanical damage
NOTE 1 See Annex B.
NOTE 2 For transformer-coupled loudspeakers, the rated noise voltage typically equals 50 V, 70 V or 100 V.
3.1.15
reference axis
virtual axis of the loudspeaker as specified by the manufacturer NOTE There can be several reference axis. EXAMPLE See Annex C.
3.1.16
reference plane
virtual plane perpendicular to the reference axis, as specified by the manufacturer EXAMPLE See Annex C.
3.1.17
reference point
point at the intersection of the reference plane and the reference axis EXAMPLE See Annex C.
3.1.18 sensitivity
sound pressure level S of a loudspeaker supplied with a 1 W pink noise signal from 100 Hz up to 10 kHz measured at a distance of 4 m from the reference point on the reference axis
3.1.19
simulated programme signal
signal, whose mean power spectral density closely resembles the average of the mean power spectral densities of a wide range of audio signals
EXAMPLE See Annex B.
3.1.20
type A loudspeaker
loudspeaker that is primarily intended for indoor applications
NOTE Type A loudspeakers can be suitable for some protected outdoor situations.
3.1.21
type B loudspeaker
loudspeaker that is primarily intended for outdoor applications
NOTE Type B loudspeakers can be more suitable than type A for some indoor situations where high temperature and/or humidity are present.
3.1.22
vertical plane
virtual plane of the loudspeaker perpendicular to the horizontal plane and containing the reference axis EXAMPLE See Annex C.
3.2 Abbreviations
DC Direct current RMS Root mean square
4 Requirements
4.1 Compliance
In order to conform to this European Standard, voice alarm loudspeakers shall meet the requirements of this clause, which shall be verified by visual inspection or engineering assessment, shall be tested as described in Clause 5 and shall meet the requirements of the tests.
4.2 Frequency response limits
The loudspeaker frequency response shall fit within the un-shaded area shown in Figure 1.
NOTE If the frequency response shown in Figure 1 can only be achieved by means of a frequency equalizer that is specified by the manufacturer for normal use (see 4.5.2 b)), it is acceptable to insert a dedicated equalizer in the measurement setup (see 5.1.6).
4.3 Durability
The voice alarm loudspeaker shall be rated for at least 100 h operation at the rated noise power specified by the manufacturer (refer to the test procedure described in 5.6).
4.4 Construction
4.4.1 Provision for external conductors
The loudspeaker shall provide space within its enclosure for external conductors to be brought in and terminated. Entry holes for conductors or cables shall be provided or the location where such holes are to be made shall be indicated, by providing a template or some other suitable means.
Terminals for connecting external conductors shall be designed so that they are clamped between metal surfaces without being damaged. Each terminal shall enable the connection of any conductor having a cross- sectional area between 0,8 mm2 and 2,5 mm2.
4.4.2 Materials
The loudspeaker shall be constructed of material(s) capable of withstanding the tests specified in Clause 5. In addition, the material(s) of plastic enclosures shall conform to the following flammability requirements:
4.4.3 Enclosure protection
The degree of protection provided by the enclosure of fire alarm loudspeakers shall conform to the following requirements:
— for type A, indoor applications: Code IP21C of EN 60529:1991 as amended by EN 60529:1991/A1:2000;
— for type B, outdoor applications: Code IP33C of EN 60529:1991 as amended by EN 60529:1991/A1:2000.
4.4.4 Access
Means shall be provided to limit access for removal of parts of or the whole device and to make adjustment to the mode of operation, e.g. special tool, codes, hidden screws, seals.
4.5 Marking and data 4.5.1 Marking
Each voice alarm loudspeaker shall be clearly marked with the following information:
Where any marking on the device uses symbols or abbreviations not in common use then these shall be explained in the data supplied with the device.
The marking need not be discernible when the device is installed and ready for use but shall be visible during installation and shall be accessible during maintenance. The markings shall not be placed on screws or other easily removable parts.
4.5.2 Information in the product data sheet
The information required in 4.5.1 together with the following shall be supplied with the device, or shall be given in a data sheet or technical manual identified on, or with each device:
5 Tests
5.1 General
5.1.1 Atmospheric conditions for tests
Unless otherwise stated in a test procedure, the testing shall be carried out after the test specimen has been allowed to stabilize in the standard atmospheric conditions for testing described in EN 60068-1, as follows:
— temperature: 15 °C to 35 °C;
— relative humidity: 25 % to 75 %;
— air pressure: 86 kPa to 106 kPa.
The temperature and humidity shall be substantially constant for each test where these standard atmospheric conditions are applied.
5.1.2 Operating conditions for tests
Unless otherwise stated in a test procedure the test specimen shall be:
5.1.3 Mounting arrangements
For environmental conditioning tests, unless otherwise specified, the specimen shall be mounted by its normal means of attachment in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If these instructions describe more than one method of mounting then the method considered to be most unfavourable shall be chosen for each test.
5.1.4 Tolerances
The tolerances for the environmental test parameters shall be as given in the basic reference standards for the test (e.g. the relevant part of EN 60068).
If a specific tolerance or deviation limit is not specified in a requirement or test procedure, then a deviation limit of ± 5 % shall be applied.
5.1.5 Frequency response measurement and sensitivity calculation 5.1.5.1 Measuring arrangement
5.1.5.2 Basic measurements
The sound pressure level Lmi shall be measured in the 1/3 octave bands from 100 Hz to 10 kHz, at the measuring distance, on the reference axis, when the loudspeaker is supplied with a band-filtered noise signal of constant voltage.
The frequency response shall be plotted with the sound pressure levels Lci as a function of frequency in 1/3 octave bands. The 0 dB reference of the tolerance field (see Figure 1) shall be adjusted to give the best fit with the frequency response curve.
5.1.6 Frequency response measurement and sensitivity calculation for loudspeakers requiring dedicated system equalization
5.1.6.1 General
This test method shall be used for loudspeakers which have been designed to operate with an associated active equalization network.
NOTE Testing of active equalizers is not covered by this European Standard.
5.1.6.2 Measuring arrangement
Measurements shall be made in accordance with Annex A.
An active equalizer inserted between the clipping network and the power amplifier shall be used in the measurements.
5.1.6.3 Basic measurements
Basic measurements shall be performed as described in 5.1.5.2.
5.1.7 Provision for tests
The following shall be provided for testing compliance with this European Standard:
a) seven specimens of type A or nine specimens of type B loudspeaker with any mounting, accessories etc.;
b) the data required in 4.5.2.
The specimens submitted shall be representative of the manufacturer’s normal production with regard to their construction and settings.
5.1.8 Test schedule
The specimens shall be tested and inspected in accordance with the schedule given in Table 1.
All the specimens shall be first submitted to the reproducibility test described in 5.2. On completion of the reproducibility test, the specimen with the least sensitivity shall be numbered 1 and the rest arbitrarily numbered from 2 to 7 for type A or 2 to 9 for type B.
Unless otherwise specified in the test procedure, the loudspeaker setting(s) selected for conducting the reproducibility test shall be used for the other tests.
5.2 Reproducibility
5.2.1 Object of the test
To show that the acoustical performance of the loudspeaker does not vary unduly from specimen to specimen and to establish performance data for comparison with the performance data measured during and/or after the environmental tests specified in this European Standard.
5.2.2 Test procedure
The frequency response of all the specimens shall be measured as described in 5.1.5 or, if applicable, 5.1.6 and plotted.
The sensitivity S shall be calculated as described in 5.1.5 or, if applicable, 5.1.6 for each specimen.
5.2.3 Test requirements
The loudspeaker shall be deemed to conform to the requirement of this sub-clause if:
a) the frequency response curve fits within the limits shown in 4.2,
b) the sound pressure levels in the 1/3 octave bands with centre frequencies from 500 Hz to 4 kHz are within ± 4 dB of the manufacturer’s specified curve and
c) the sensitivity S is greater than or equal to the values specified by the manufacturer.
5.3 Rated impedance
5.3.1 Object of the test
To check that the rated impedance specified by the manufacturer is achieved.
5.3.2 Test procedure
The loudspeaker shall be supplied with a constant sinusoidal voltage or current swept over the range from 89 Hz to 11,2 kHz.
The voltage or current level shall be chosen to drive the loudspeaker in a linear region.
NOTE Measurements of impedance may be strongly influenced by the drive level. If the level is either too low or too high, inaccurate results can be obtained. The data should be examined for consistency at several drive levels in order to establish the best conditions.
The following shall be measured within the full frequency range:
— for the constant voltage method, the RMS current, I, or
— for the constant current method, the RMS voltage, U.
The lowest impedance modulus, Zmm given by the ratio of the RMS voltage to the RMS current, over the full frequency range, shall be calculated for each tap setting as:
5.3.3 Test requirements
The loudspeaker shall be deemed to conform to the requirements of this sub-clause if either Zj min or Z2 min is not lower than 80 % of the rated impedance specified by the manufacturer for each tap setting.
5.4 Horizontal and vertical coverage angles
5.4.1 Object of the test
To check that the horizontal and vertical coverage angles specified by the manufacturer (see 4.5.2 c)) is achieved.
5.4.2 Test procedure
5.4.2.1 General
The horizontal and vertical coverage angles shall be measured as described in Annex A. Octave band filters centred on 500 Hz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz and 4 kHz shall be used. The measurement shall be performed either:
5.4.2.2 Horizontal coverage angle
The measuring microphone or the loudspeaker shall be rotated in the horizontal plane in an arc about the reference point to one side until the sound pressure level is -6 dB from that recorded on the reference axis. Then the microphone or the loudspeaker shall be rotated to the opposite side from the reference point until the sound pressure level is -6 dB.
The total angular movement for each octave band shall be recorded in degrees as the horizontal coverage angle.
5.4.2.3 Vertical coverage angle
Repeat the procedure as specified in 5.4.2.2 for the vertical plane. The total angular movement, for each octave band shall be recorded in degrees as the vertical coverage angle.
5.4.3 Test requirement
The loudspeaker shall be deemed to conform to the coverage angles test if the measured horizontal and vertical coverage angles are equal to the values specified by the manufacturer within ± 5°.
5.5 Maximum sound pressure level
5.5.1 Object of the test
To check that the maximum sound pressure level specified by the manufacturer is achieved.
5.5.2 Test procedure
5.5.2.1 General
The maximum sound pressure level shall be measured as described in Annex A.
The clipped noise at the terminals of the loudspeaker under test shall have a peak-to-RMS ratio between 1,8 and 2,2.
The power amplifier shall have an output impedance not greater than 1/3 of the rated impedance of the loudspeaker system in accordance with 5.3. The amplifier shall be capable of supplying the loudspeaker with a peak voltage of a sinusoidal signal that is at least 2,2 times the rated noise voltage of the loudspeaker.
The simulated program signal shall be supplied to the loudspeaker at the rated noise power and over the full range of frequencies (from 100 Hz to 10 kHz 1/3 octave bands).
5.5.2.2 Measurement of maximum sound pressure level
The maximum sound pressure level, Lmax, expressed in dB shall be measured, by integration over a period of at least 30 s, at the measuring distance, on the reference axis.
5.5.3 Test requirements
5.6 Rated noise power (durability)
5.6.1 Object of the test
To check that the rated noise power specified by the manufacturer is achieved.
5.6.2 Test procedure
5.6.2.1 General
The rated noise power shall be measured as described in Annex B.
5.6.2.2 Conditioning
The loudspeaker shall be placed in the test room in which the atmospheric conditions, as specified in 5.1.1, are maintained. The specimen under test shall be sounding for a continuous period of 100 h at the rated noise voltage as specified by the manufacturer.
After the test, the loudspeaker shall be stored under atmospheric conditions specified in 5.1.1 for 24 h.
5.6.2.3 Measurements during conditioning
The RMS current consumption of a loudspeaker that incorporates protective devices shall be continuously monitored throughout the duration of the test. An integration time between 3 s and 10 s shall be used for the measurement.
5.6.2.4 Final measurements
The frequency response shall be measured in accordance with 5.1.5 or, if applicable, 5.1.6. The rated impedance shall be measured in accordance with 5.3.
5.6.3 Test requirement:
The loudspeaker shall be deemed to conform to the requirement of this test if:
a) the RMS current consumption of the specimen that incorporates protective devices has not reduced by more than 25 % at any time during the conditioning and
b) at the end of the recovery period:
1) the frequency response curve obtained does not deviate from the one measured before the test by more than ± 3 dB, between and including 500 Hz and 8 kHz and
2) the frequency response curve obtained complies with the frequency response performance requirement in 4.2 and
c) the lowest impedance modulus is not lower than 80 % of the rated impedance specified by the manufacturer.
5.7 Dry heat (operational) 5.7.1 Object of the test
5.7.2 Test procedure
5.7.2.1 Reference
The test apparatus and procedure shall be as described in test Bb of EN 60068-2-2:1993.
5.7.2.2 State of specimen during conditioning
The specimen shall be maintained in the quiescent state during the conditioning (see 5.7.2.3) except during the last hour when it shall be driven by a simulated programme signal at half the rated noise voltage.
5.7.2.3 Conditioning
The test conditions in Table 2 shall be applied. The air temperature in the test chamber shall be increased to the test temperature at a rate not exceeding 1 °Cmin-1.
5.7.2.4 Measurements during conditioning
The specimen shall be checked for audible output during the final hour of the high temperature phase in the last cycle.
5.7.2.5 Final measurements
The frequency response of the specimen shall be measured as described in 5.1.5 or, if applicable, 5.1.6 after the recovery period specified in EN 60068-2-2:1993.
5.7.3 Test requirements
The loudspeaker shall be deemed to conform to the requirements of this sub-clause if:
5.8 Dry heat (endurance)
5.8.1 Object of the test
5.8.2 Test procedure
5.8.2.1 Reference
The test apparatus and procedure shall be as described in test Ba or Bb of EN 60068-2-2:1993 as amended by EN 60068-2-2:1993/A1:1993 and EN 60068-2-2:1993/A2:1994.
5.8.2.2 State of the specimen during conditioning
The specimen shall not be supplied with power during the conditioning.
5.8.2.3 Conditioning
The test conditions in Table 3 shall be applied.
5.8.2.4 Measurements during conditioning
No measurements are required during the conditioning.
5.8.2.5 Final measurements
The frequency response of the specimen shall be measured as described in 5.1.5 or, if applicable, 5.1.6 after the recovery period specified in EN 60068-2-2.
5.8.3 Test requirements
The loudspeaker shall be deemed to conform to the requirements of this sub-clause if:
a) the frequency response curve fits within the limits specified in 4.2 and
b) the frequency response curve between and including 500 Hz and 8 kHz does not deviate by more than ± 3 dB from that measured during the reproducibility test.
5.9 Cold (operational)
5.9.1 Object of the test
5.9.2 Test procedure
5.9.2.1 Reference
The test procedure shall be as described in test Ab for non-dissipating specimens or test Ad for heat dissipating specimens of EN 60068-2-1:2007.
5.9.2.2 State of specimen during conditioning
The specimen shall be maintained in the quiescent state during the conditioning (see 5.9.2.3) except during the last hour when it shall be driven by a simulated programme signal at half the rated noise voltage.
5.9.2.3 Conditioning
The test conditions in Table 4 shall be applied. The air temperature in the test chamber shall be reduced to the required test temperature at a rate not exceeding 1 °Cmin-1.
5.9.2.4 Measurements during conditioning
The specimen shall be checked for audible output during the final half hour of conditioning.
5.9.2.5 Final measurements
The frequency response of the specimen shall be measured as described in 5.1.5 or, if applicable, 5.1.6 after the recovery period specified in EN 60068-2-1.
5.9.3 Test requirements
The loudspeaker shall be deemed to conform to the requirements of this sub-clause if:
a) the specimen operates continuously during the last half hour conditioning and
b) the frequency response curve fits within the limits specified in 4.2 and
5.10 Damp heat, cyclic (operational)
5.10.1 Object of the test
To demonstrate the immunity of the loudspeaker to an environment with high relative humidity, where condensation can occur on the device.
5.10.2 Test procedure
5.10.2.1 Reference
The test apparatus and procedure shall be as described in EN 60068-2-30:2005, using the Variant 1 test cycle and controlled recovery conditions.
5.10.2.2 State of the specimen during conditioning
The specimen shall be maintained in the quiescent state during the conditioning (see 5.10.2.3) except during the last half hour of the high temperature phase (see Table 5) of the last cycle when it shall be driven by a simulated programme signal at half the rated noise voltage.
5.10.2.3 Conditioning
The test conditions in Table 5 shall be applied.
5.10.2.4 Measurements during conditioning
The specimen shall be checked for audible output during the final half hour of the high temperature phase in the last cycle.
5.10.2.5 Final measurements
The frequency response of the specimen shall be measured as described in 5.1.5 or, if applicable, 5.1.6 after the recovery period specified in EN 60068-2-30.
5.10.3 Test requirements
The loudspeaker shall be deemed to conform to the requirements of this sub-clause if:
5.11 Damp heat, steady state (endurance)
5.11.1 Object of the test
To demonstrate the ability of the loudspeaker to withstand the long-term effects of humidity in the service environment (e.g. changes in electrical properties due to absorption, chemical reactions involving moisture, galvanic corrosion).
5.11.2 Test procedure
5.11.2.1 Reference
The test apparatus and procedure shall be as described in EN 60068-2-78:2001, Test Cab.
5.11.2.2 State of the specimen during conditioning
The specimen shall not be supplied with power during the conditioning (see 5.11.2.3).
5.11.2.3 Conditioning
The test conditions in Table 6 shall be applied.
5.11.2.4 Measurements during conditioning
No measurements are required during the conditioning.
5.11.2.5 Final measurements
The frequency response of the specimen shall be measured as described in 5.1.5 or, if applicable, 5.1.6 after the recovery period specified in EN 60068-2-78:2001, Test Cab.
5.11.3 Test requirements
The loudspeaker shall be deemed to conform to the requirements of this sub-clause if:
a) the frequency response curve fits within the limits specified in 4.2 and 5.12 Damp heat, cyclic (endurance)
5.12.1 Object of the test
To demonstrate the ability of the loudspeaker to withstand the long-term effects of high humidity and condensation.
5.12.2 Test procedure
5.12.2.1 Reference
The test apparatus and procedure shall be as described in EN 60068-2-30:2005, using the Variant 1 test cycle and controlled recovery conditions.
5.12.2.2 State of the specimen during conditioning
The specimen shall not be supplied with power during the conditioning (see 5.12.2.3).
5.12.2.3 Conditioning
The test conditions in Table 7 shall be applied.
5.12.2.4 Measurements during conditioning
No measurements are required during the conditioning.
5.12.2.5 Final measurements
The frequency response of the specimen shall be measured as described in 5.1.5 or, if applicable, 5.1.6 after the recovery period specified in EN 60068-2-30.
5.12.3 Test requirements
The loudspeaker shall be deemed to conform to the requirements of this sub-clause if:
a) the frequency response curve fits within the limits specified in 4.2 and
5.13 Sulfur dioxide (SO2) corrosion (endurance)
5.13.1 Object of the test
To demonstrate the ability of the loudspeaker to withstand the corrosive effect of sulfur dioxide as an atmospheric pollutant.
5.13.2 Test procedure
5.13.2.1 Reference
The test apparatus and procedure shall be as described in EN 60068-2-42:2003, Test Kc, except for the relative humidity of the test atmosphere, which shall be maintained at (93 ± 3) % instead of (75 ± 5) %.
5.13.2.2 State of the specimen during conditioning
The specimen shall have un-tinned copper wires, of appropriate diameter, connected to sufficient terminals to allow the functional test to be made after conditioning, without making further connections to the specimen.
The specimen shall not be supplied with power during the conditioning (see 5.13.2.3).
5.13.2.3 Conditioning
No measurements are required during the conditioning.
5.13.2.4 Final measurements
Immediately after the conditioning the specimen shall be subjected to a drying period of 16 h at (40 ± 2) °C, < 50 % RH, followed by a recovery period of 1 h to 2 h at the standard atmospheric conditions (see 5.1.1). The frequency response of the specimen shall be measured as described in 5.1.5 or, if applicable, 5.1.6 after the recovery period.
5.13.3 Test requirements
The loudspeaker shall be deemed to conform to the requirements of this sub-clause if:
a) the frequency response curve fits within the limits specified in 4.2 and
5.14 Shock (operational)
5.14.1 Object of the test
To demonstrate the immunity of the loudspeaker to mechanical shocks, that are likely to occur in the anticipated service environment.
5.14.2 Test procedure
5.14.2.1 Reference
The test apparatus and procedure shall be as described in EN 60068-2-27:1993, Test Ea, for a half sine wave pulse, but with the peak acceleration related to specimen mass as indicated below.
Three shocks shall be applied in each direction of three mutually perpendicular axis (i.e. a total of 18 shocks). One of the three axes shall be perpendicular to the normal mounting plane of the equipment.
5.14.2.2 State of the specimen during conditioning
The specimen shall be mounted on a rigid fixture and shall be maintained in the quiescent state during the conditioning period (see 5.14.2.3).
5.14.2.3 Conditioning
The test conditions in Table 9 shall be applied.
The frequency response of the specimen shall be measured as described in 5.1.5 or, if applicable, 5.1.6 after the conditioning.
5.14.3 Test requirements
The loudspeaker shall be deemed to conform to the requirements of this sub-clause if:
a) the frequency response curve fits within the limits specified in 4.2 and
5.15 Impact (operational)
5.15.1 Object of the test
To demonstrate the immunity of the loudspeaker to mechanical impacts upon its surface, which it may sustain in the normal service environment, and which it can reasonably be expected to withstand.
5.15.2 Test procedure
5.15.2.1 Reference
The test apparatus and procedure shall be as described in EN 60068-2-75:1997, Test Eh for test Ehb.
Impacts shall be applied to all accessible surfaces of the specimen. For all such surfaces three blows shall be applied to any point(s) considered likely to cause damage to or impair the operation of the specimen.
Care shall be taken to ensure that the results from one series of three blows do not influence subsequent series. In case of doubt with regard to the influence of preceding blows, the defect shall be disregarded and a further three blows shall be applied to the same position on a new specimen.
5.15.2.2 State of the specimen during conditioning
The specimen shall be maintained in the quiescent state during the conditioning period (see 5.15.2.3).
The frequency response of the specimen shall be measured as described in 5.1.5 or, if applicable, 5.1.6 after the conditioning.
5.15.3 Test requirements
The loudspeaker shall be deemed to conform to the requirements of this sub-clause if:
a) the frequency response curve fits within the limits specified in 4.2 and
5.16 Vibration, sinusoidal (operational)
5.16.1 Object of the test
To demonstrate the immunity of the loudspeaker to vibration at levels considered appropriate to the normal service environment.
5.16.2 Test procedure
5.16.2.1 Reference
The test apparatus and procedure shall be as described in EN 60068-2-6:1995, Test Fc.
The vibration shall be applied in each of three mutually perpendicular axes, in turn. One of the three axes shall be perpendicular to the normal mounting plane of the equipment.
One sweep cycle (i.e. a sweep of the frequency range from min. to max. to min.) shall be applied for each of the specified functional modes.
NOTE The vibration operational test may be combined with the vibration endurance test, so that the specimen is subjected to the operational test conditioning followed by the endurance test conditioning in each axis, with the functional tests applied after this.
5.16.2.2 State of the specimen during conditioning
The specimen shall be mounted on a rigid structure and the vibration shall be applied in each of three mutually perpendicular axes, in turn. The specimen shall be mounted so that one of the three axes is perpendicular to its normal mounting plane.
The specimen shall be driven by a simulated programme signal at half rated noise voltage during the conditioning period (see 5.16.2.3).
5.16.2.3 Measurements during conditioning
The specimen shall be checked for audible output during the conditioning period.
5.16.2.4 Final measurements 5.16.3 Test requirements
The loudspeaker shall be deemed to conform to the requirements of this sub-clause if:
a) the specimen operates continuously during the conditioning period and
b) the frequency response curve fits within the limits specified in 4.2 and
c) the frequency response curve between and including 500 Hz and 8 kHz does not deviate by more than ± 3 dB from that measured during the reproducibility test.
5.17 Vibration, sinusoidal (endurance)
5.17.1 Object of the test
To demonstrate the ability of the loudspeaker to withstand the long term effects of vibration at levels appropriate to the service environment.
5.17.2 Test procedure
5.17.2.1 Reference
The test apparatus and procedure shall be as described in EN 60068-2-6:1995, Test Fc.
5.17.2.2 State of the specimen during conditioning
The specimen shall be mounted on a rigid fixture and the vibration shall be applied in each of three mutually perpendicular axes, in turn. The specimen shall be mounted so that one of the three axes is perpendicular to its normal mounting axes.
The vibration shall be applied in each of three mutually perpendicular axes in turn. One of these axes shall be perpendicular to the normal mounting plane of the equipment.
The specimen shall not be supplied with power during conditioning.
5.17.2.3 Conditioning
The test conditions in Table 12 shall be applied.
5.17.2.4 Measurements during conditioning 5.17.2.5 Final measurements
The frequency response of the specimen shall be measured as described in 5.1.5 or, if applicable, 5.1.6 immediately after the conditioning.
5.17.3 Test requirements
The loudspeaker shall be deemed to conform to the requirements of this sub-clause if:
5.18 Enclosure protection
5.18.1 Object of the tests
To demonstrate that the degree of protection provided by the enclosure of the loudspeaker with regard to the ingress of solid foreign objects and the harmful effects due to the ingress of water, meets the minimum requirements of this European Standard (see 4.4.3).
5.18.2 Enclosure of the loudspeaker
The enclosure of the loudspeaker shall be taken as comprising any parts of the outer physical envelope of the device which prevent or restrict access of solid foreign objects to the sound transducer, internal components and cable termination block.
5.18.3 Test procedures
5.18.3.1 Reference
The test apparatus and procedures shall be as described in EN 60529 as amended by EN 60529:1991/A1. Loudspeakers shall be tested for the following:
a) protection against solid foreign objects as indicated by the first characteristic numeral and
b) protection against access to hazardous parts as indicated by the additional letter and
c) protection against water as indicated by the second characteristic numeral.
5.18.3.2 State of the specimen during conditioning
The specimen under test shall be mounted as specified in EN 60529:1991 and shall include all wiring termination boxes which form part of the loudspeaker when installed.
The specimen under test shall be:
5.18.3.3 Conditioning
The test conditions specified in EN 60529:1991 shall be applied for the following IP Codes:
5.18.3.4 Measurements during conditioning
No measurements are required during the conditioning.
5.18.3.5 Final measurements
At the end of the conditioning period for the test for protection against water:
The loudspeaker shall be deemed to conform to the requirements of this sub-clause if:
A.1 Measurement environments A. 1.1 General
Acoustical measurements (see 5.1.5 and 5.1.6) shall be made under free-field or half-space free-field conditions. A half-space free field condition or a standard baffle under free-field conditions shall be used for loudspeakers that are designed to be flush mounted. Free-field conditions may be simulated by the use of the ground-plane method.
Flush-mounted loudspeakers, for example ceiling loudspeakers, shall be measured under half-space free-field conditions. They shall be flush-mounted into the boundary surface of a half-space free-field or on the standard baffle (see A.1.4) and measured under free-field conditions. A standard baffle shall not be used in a ground plane measurement.
All other loudspeakers shall be measured under free-field conditions or in a ground-plane arrangement that simulates a free-field condition.
The arrangement of the measurement environment, including instrumentation shall be as shown in Figure A.1. A. 1.2 Free-field condition
An environment shall be considered to be equivalent to a free-field environment if the sound pressure decreases with the distance r from a point source according to a 1/r law, with an accuracy of ± 10 %, in the region that will be occupied by the sound field between the loudspeaker system and the measuring microphone. Free-field environment conditions shall be deemed to exist if this requirement is met along the axes joining the measuring microphone and the reference point on the loudspeaker.
NOTE An anechoic room or quiet outdoor spaces are regarded as being free-field environments. Free-field conditions shall exist over the whole frequency range of measurement.
A.1.3 Half-space free-field condition
An environment shall be considered to be equivalent to a half-space free-field condition if the free-field condition exists in a half space.
EXAMPLE A loudspeaker flush-mounted into the surface that confines the half space.
NOTE 1 Due to the smaller radiation space, a half-space free-field measurement will result in up to 6 dB higher results for sound pressure levels in the low frequency region. The extent of this effect is primarily depending on the directivity of the loudspeaker.
A. 1.4 Standard baffle
The standard baffle shall be made with a plane front surface that is acoustically reflective. The baffle shall have the dimensions shown in Figure A.2. The standard baffle shall be of a material of thickness adequate to ensure negligible vibration such as plywood of at least 19 mm thickness. The loudspeaker shall be mounted as specified by the manufacturer.
NOTE For an identical loudspeaker, a measurement with a standard baffle may result in slightly higher on-axis sound pressure levels between 100 Hz and 500 Hz compared to a half-space measurement (see A.1.3).
A.1.5 Ground-plane measurement
In a ground-plane measurement arrangement, the loudspeaker shall be mounted above the acoustically reflective boundary surface, typically the floor, and aimed such that the reference axis shall be pointed at the measurement microphone. The microphone shall be placed directly on the boundary surface such that its reflection sums coherently with the direct sound (see Figure A.3). Consequently, a ground-plane measurement shall be corrected by -6 dB in order to achieve results that are equivalent to a measurement under free-field conditions.
NOTE 1 Ground-plane measurements can be carried out indoor as well as outdoor half-space free-field conditions.
The test sample shall be mounted above the reflective boundary surface such that the radiation characteristics are not affected except for a linear increase in level by 6 dB compared to a free-field measurement.
NOTE 2 For example, if a line-source-type loudspeaker is mounted vertically above the reflective floor, the effective acoustic length of the array is doubled, thus changing both frequency response and vertical opening angles. In this example, the effect can be minimized by mounting the loudspeaker horizontally so that the effective acoustic length is not doubled and spatial radiation characteristics are not changed as much.
A.1.6 Comparative measurements
For practical reasons, as an alternative to measurements in free-field and half-space free-field conditions, comparative measurements of frequency response before and after environmental tests may be made using a non-free-field environment.
The frequency dependent difference obtained in this comparative measurement shall be added to the result obtained in the reproducibility measurement (see 5.2). This result shall be taken as being equivalent to the frequency response that would be obtained in free-field or half-space free-field condition after environmental conditioning.
The mounting arrangement for the test sample and measuring microphone shall be the same before and after the environmental conditioning.
The room used for non-free-field comparative measurements shall fulfil the following requirements:
A.2 Measurement method
A.2.1 Measuring distance
A.2.2 Background noise
For acoustical measurements, a signal to noise ratio of at least 20 dB shall be achieved in every frequency band.
NOTE Loudspeakers with a very low rated noise power, typically below 1 W, will require a very quiet environment. A.2.3 Preconditioning
Permanent changes may take place in a loudspeaker as a result, for example, of motion of the diaphragm. Therefore, the loudspeaker shall be preconditioned before measurements by application of a simulated programme signal, in accordance with Annex B, at the rated noise voltage for at least 1 h. The period of preconditioning shall be followed by a recovery period of at least 1 h, during which the loudspeaker shall be disconnected, before proceeding with the measurement.
A.2.4 Measuring equipment
Acoustic measurements shall be made using a free-field microphone having a known calibration, for all frequencies of interest. The sound level measuring equipment, including the microphone, shall conform to EN 61672-1:2003, class 1.
Where 1/3 octave or octave filters are used, they shall conform to EN 61260:1995, class 1.
The signal generator, the amplifier supplying the signal to the loudspeaker, and the measuring equipment at the microphone amplifier shall have an amplitude frequency response within ± 0,5 dB in the relevant frequency range, with negligible amplitude non-linearity under test conditions. All measuring instruments shall be capable of true RMS measurements.
B.3 Normal measuring conditions
Measurements made with 1/3 octave band signals shall, if appropriate, be made with the relative level in each frequency band corresponding to that indicated in Table B.2 and Figure B.1 or Table B.3 and Figure B.2. It should be noted that the power level of the band-passed signal measured over the full frequency range is approximately 11,9 dB higher than the indicated zero relative level, which is measured over a single 1/3 octave band.
B.4 Measurement conditions for loudspeakers requiring dedicated system equalization
If loudspeakers are to be used in conjunction with dedicated active equalization, the measurement of the rated noise power shall be conducted as follows:
ZA.2.2.2 Initial type testing
ZA.2.2.2.1 Initial type testing (ITT) shall be performed to demonstrate conformity with this European Standard.
Initial type testing of the product shall be carried out in accordance with the clauses shown in Table ZA.1, except as described in ZA.2.2.2.2 and ZA.2.2.2.3.
ZA.2.2.2.2 Tests previously performed, such as type tests for product certification, may be taken into account for the purpose of the type testing as required by this European Standard providing that they were made to the same or a more rigorous test method under the same system of attestation of conformity as required by this European Standard on the same product or products of similar design, construction and functionality, such that the results are applicable to the product in question.
NOTE Same system of attestation of conformity means testing by an independent third party under the responsibility of a product certification body which is now a notified product certification body.
ZA.2.2.2.4 Test samples shall be representative of the normal production. If the test samples are prototypes, they shall be representative of the intended future production and shall be selected by the manufacturer.
NOTE In the case of prototypes and third party certification, this means that it is the manufacturer not the product certification body who is responsible for selecting the samples. During the initial inspection of the factory and of the factory production control (see ZA.2.2.3.4), it is verified that the initial type tested samples are representative of the product being produced.
ZA.2.2.2.5 All initial type testing and its results shall be documented in a test report. All test reports shall be retained by the manufacturer for at least ten years after the last date of production of the product to which they relate.
ZA.2.2.3 Factory production control ZA.2.2.3.1 General
Factory production control (FPC) is the permanent internal control of production exercised by the manufacturer.
All the elements, requirements and provisions adopted by the manufacturer shall be documented in a systematic manner in the form of written policies and procedures. This production control system documentation shall ensure a common understanding of conformity evaluation and enable the achievement of the required product characteristics and the effective operation of the production control system to be checked.
Factory production control therefore brings together operational techniques and all measures allowing maintenance and control of the conformity of the product with its technical specifications. Its implementation may be achieved by controls and tests on measuring equipment, raw materials and constituents, processes, machines and manufacturing equipment and finished products, including material properties in components, and by making use of the results thus obtained.
ZA.2.2.3.2 General requirements
The manufacturer shall establish, document and maintain a FPC system to ensure that the products placed on the market conform to the stated performance characteristics and the samples subjected to initial type testing.
Where subcontracting takes place, the manufacturer shall retain the overall control of the product and ensure that he receives all the information that is necessary to fulfil his responsibilities according to the European Standard in question. If the manufacturer has part of the product designed, manufactured, assembled, packed, processed and/or labelled by subcontracting, the FPC of the subcontractor may be taken into account, where appropriate for the product in question. The manufacturer who subcontracts all of his activities may in no circumstances pass these responsibilities on to a subcontractor.