How Do Acoustic Partitions Create Quiet Spaces? A Comprehensive Guide to Noise Decibels and Sound Insulation Ratings
- 裝修師兄 Decor Bro
- Jun 27
- 4 min read
In the hustle and bustle of urban life, noise is everywhere, affecting our focus, comfort, and productivity. Whether it’s a classroom, an office meeting room, a hotel lobby, or a restaurant dining area, noise issues are often a headache. Have you ever struggled to enjoy a meal in a restaurant because of the loud chatter from the next table? Or found it hard to concentrate in an office due to ringing phones and colleagues’ conversations? These scenarios are closely tied to noise levels (measured in decibels) and the sound insulation of the environment. In this article, we’ll dive into the noise levels of common spaces, how sound insulation is measured, and how to choose the right acoustic partitions to create tranquil environments.
Noise Levels in Common Spaces and Their Impact
Noise intensity is measured in decibels (dB). The higher the decibel value, the louder the sound and the greater its impact on people. Below are typical noise levels in various settings and their effects:
Schools
Classroom noise typically ranges from 50-70 dB. Student conversations, moving desks, and hallway chatter can disrupt lessons. For instance, group discussions may reach 60 dB, comparable to the background noise of a lively restaurant, making it challenging for teachers to lecture or students to focus.
Offices
Open-plan offices usually have noise levels between 45-65 dB. Phone rings, keyboard typing, and colleague conversations can hinder concentration. In larger offices with more employees, noise can reach 60 dB, and prolonged exposure may increase stress and reduce productivity.
Hotels
Hotel lobbies or banquet halls typically experience noise levels of 50-80 dB. During events like weddings or conferences, music, applause, and guest conversations can hit 75 dB, similar to busy street noise, potentially disturbing other guests’ rest or private events.
Restaurants
Restaurant noise ranges from 60-85 dB, often higher during peak hours. Customer chatter, clinking cutlery, and background music create a lively atmosphere. When noise exceeds 70 dB (equivalent to a vacuum cleaner), it can cause discomfort and detract from the dining experience.
Sound Environment under Different Decibels
To better understand decibels, here are some examples:
30 dB：A quiet library or soft whispers.
50 dB：Normal conversation or office background noise.
70 dB：Vacuum cleaner or a busy restaurant environment.
85 dB：Heavy traffic noise, with prolonged exposure potentially harming hearing.
Noise not only affects comfort but can also cause hearing damage or stress when levels exceed 85 dB for extended periods. Controlling noise in schools, offices, hotels, and restaurants is crucial, and acoustic partitions are an effective solution.
How is the Sound Insulation Rating of Acoustic Partitions Measured?
The performance of acoustic partitions is primarily determined by their sound insulation rating, often expressed as STC (Sound Transmission Class) or Rw (Weighted Sound Reduction Index). These metrics indicate the partition’s ability to block sound transmission, with higher values signifying better insulation.
Measurement Process
Sound insulation ratings are typically measured in professional acoustic laboratories through the following steps:
Setup: The partition is placed between two soundproof rooms—one emits sound (source room), and the other receives it (receiving room).
Multi-Frequency Testing: Sounds of various frequencies (from low, like 125 Hz, to high, like 4000 Hz) are tested to simulate real-world noise.
Sound Attenuation Measurement: The difference in sound intensity between the source and receiving rooms is measured to calculate the decibels blocked by the partition.
Rating Calculation: The results yield the partition’s STC or Rw value. For example, an STC of 40 means the partition reduces sound transmission by 40 dB.
Understanding Sound Insulation Ratings
Different STC or Rw values indicate varying levels of sound insulation:
STC 25-30: Basic insulation, effective for soft conversations but less so for louder sounds like shouting or music.
STC 35-40: Moderate insulation, ideal for offices or classrooms, reducing normal conversation or background noise.
STC 45-50: High insulation, suitable for hotel banquet halls or meeting rooms, blocking louder sounds like music or heated discussions.
STC 50+: Excellent insulation, perfect for highly quiet environments like recording studios.
What Sound Insulation Rating Is Needed?
Choosing the right acoustic partition depends on the noise levels and specific needs of the space. Here are some recommendations:
School Classrooms
Classrooms typically require partitions with an STC of 35-40 to block student discussions or hallway noise, ensuring a quiet teaching environment. In libraries, partitions can separate discussion and reading areas, minimizing interference while maximizing space use.
Open-plan Offices
Offices should use partitions with an STC of 35-45, especially to separate meeting areas from individual workspaces. Acoustic partitions allow for uninterrupted discussions in meeting spaces without disturbing colleagues working nearby.
Hotel Banquet Halls
For noisier hotel event spaces, partitions with an STC of 45-50 are recommended. During weddings or events, partitions can separate different areas, ensuring privacy and flexibility.
Restaurant Dining Areas
Restaurants can opt for partitions with an STC of 40-45 to reduce noise interference between customers while maintaining a lively atmosphere. In fine dining settings, partitions create private dining experiences; in hotpot restaurants, they provide group gathering spaces without disturbing other diners.
Additionally, the material, thickness, sealing, and structural design of partitions affect their performance. For example, partitions with sound-absorbing foam excel at reducing high-frequency noise, while double-glazed partitions are better for low-frequency sounds.
The Secret to Creating Quiet Spaces
Noise impacts daily life, work efficiency, and long-term health. By understanding noise decibels and sound insulation ratings, we can select appropriate acoustic partitions to create comfortable, quiet environments in schools, offices, hotels, and restaurants. Whether it’s helping students focus, boosting employee productivity, or enhancing dining experiences, acoustic partitions are a key solution.
Are you ready to choose the right acoustic partition for your space? Start by assessing your environment’s noise levels and insulation needs to create a comfortable, tranquil space!
Creatic has been dedicated to providing high-quality movable partitions solutions, helping numerous customers create more space. Feel free to inquire for more information or request a free quotation!
Creatic Movable Partition
Address： 5A1, Block 3, Kwun Tong Industrial Centre, 448-458 Kwun Tong Road, Hong Kong
Phone：2668 9468
WhatsApp：9030 0841
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