Acoustics
In the field of acoustics, METAS deals with the physical measurement of the audible range of sound. In the field of noise and environmental protection, sound level measurements provide reliable measured values with regard to compliance with legal limits for noise emissions and immissions.
Sound measurements in everyday life
Every day, we are consciously or unconsciously exposed to acoustic stimuli. In addition to desired sounds, we also perceive unwanted sounds in the form of noise. This noise is considered a type of environmental pollution and has health consequences, such as noise-induced hearing loss. Sound measurements make noise objectively measurable and comparable. They form the basis for noise abatement measures, environmental impact assessments and compliance with legal limits. Sufficiently accurate reference values and reliable measuring equipment are required to objectively measure and evaluate sound. Both prerequisites are fulfilled by METAS.
Typical applications of sound measurement
Reliable sound measurements are important in many areas. These include:
- Noise and environmental protection
- Occupational health and safety
- Building and room acoustics
- Public spatial planning
- Individual motorised transport
- Industry and research
- Security and warning systems
Our services in the field of acoustics
Our measurement services cover a wide range of acoustics sizes and measuring instruments within the audible spectrum. We carry out these measurements in accordance with international standards or customer-specific requirements for sound measuring instruments and sound sources. Feel free to contact us with your enquiry.
Calibrations
We perform the following calibrations:
- Calibration of sound level meters with optimal third octave filters and octave band filters
- Calibration of sound calibrators
- Calibration of pistonphones
- Calibration of measurement microphones
- Calibration of microphone preamplifiers
- Calibration of microphone power supplies
- Calibration of multifunctional calibrators
- Calibration of acoustic impedance of artificial ears
Verifications
We perform the verification of the following measuring instruments for official measurements:
- Sound level meters (and sound analysers) with optional third octave filters and octave band filters
- Sound calibrators
Approvals and tests
We carry out national approvals for sound level meters and sound calibrators.
On behalf of the Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP), we carry out inspections of stationary and mobile siren systems. We also test acoustic warning devices for vehicles in accordance with the Ordinance on the Technical Requirements for Road Vehicles (RVTRO, SR 741.41) of the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO).
On behalf of and for the benefit of the Federal Social Insurance Office (FSIO), we maintain a list of all hearing aids that are approved for reimbursement by the Invalidity Insurance (IV) and the Old-Age Insurance (OASI) in accordance with the following ordinances:
Is the service you are looking for not listed on the website? Please do not hesitate to contact us so that we can work together to find a customised solution to your problem.
Measuring methods and technologies
We compare and calibrate measuring instruments with reference systems. In doing so, we use defined acoustic measurement set-ups:
- Reference measuring stations for sound (condenser microphones)
- Calibration procedure for microphones and sound meters
- Acoustic standards and comparison system
Quality and expertise
You can find information on the quality of our services on the “Integrated Management System” page.
Enquiry and contact
Acoustics
Federal Institute of Metrology METAS
Lindenweg 50
3003 Bern-Wabern
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More information
Calibration
Our calibrations are based on nationally and internationally traceable references and guarantee the highest measurement accuracy and traceability to the International System of Units (SI) for measuring instruments from industry, research and administration.
Verification
Our verifications ensure that measuring instruments subject to verification carry out measurements in compliance with legal requirements. A verified measuring instrument can be recognised by its verification mark, which indicates the validity of the verification and, by extension, fosters trust in its measurement results.
National approval for measuring instruments in Switzerland
The national approval based on Article 16 of the Measuring Instruments Ordinance (SR 941.210; MIO) confirms compliance with binding requirements for measuring instruments and thus enables the legally compliant placing of your measuring instrument on the market. The application for national approval is usually submitted by the manufacturer or the Swiss distributor.
Inspecting measuring instruments
METAS and the cantonal enforcement authorities are responsible for inspecting legally regulated measuring instruments used in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein. The aim is to ensure that measuring instruments have the necessary measurement reliability and quality and meet the legal requirements.