NRC Rating: Understanding the Noise Reduction Coefficient
Unwanted sound and noise can make any space less enjoyable. Understanding Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) is the first step in selecting the right components to fix the problem. Armed with the right knowledge, HVAC professionals, industrial building designers, and architects can effectively enhance their building acoustics.
Partnering with experts in Noise Mitigation like Metal Form Manufacturing can make your efforts even more effective.
What Is an NRC Rating?
When discussing noise mitigation, Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) is a key value that many different components will advertise. The scale for NRC ranges from 0 to 1 with zero meaning no sound is absorbed and one meaning sound is completely absorbed. Materials with very low NRC ratings do not help mitigate unwanted noise. Materials with NRC ratings closer to one are excellent for getting noise under control. High NRC rated materials help to control unwanted noise and improve the acoustical quality of spaces, particularly in buildings with HVAC systems and other industrial noise sources.
When analyzing a situation to improve the noise, it is important to identify the sources of the noise. Areas like industrial buildings, offices, auditoriums, and mechanical rooms where a great deal of noise is generated are prime examples of locations where high NRC materials are needed. When these high NRC materials and components are installed in these spaces, they are able to absorb and mitigate much of the noise in these spaces. Without these materials, the sound is able to echo and reverberate, and cause the space to be less comfortable for occupants and much more noisy.
How Are NRC Ratings Calculated?
Understanding the science behind NRC ratings can be very helpful in determining how to use these components in your space. A material’s NRC rating is an average of a material's sound absorption coefficients at four specific frequencies: 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz. The materials are tested under tightly controlled conditions to determine how much sound is present after exposing the material to these frequencies.
The NRC coefficient is simply the amount of sound absorbed divided by the amount of sound the material was exposed to. For example, an NRC of 0.5 means the material absorbs 50% of the sound energy that hits it, while the rest is reflected. Materials with NRC ratings closer to 1 are able to absorb more of the sound they are exposed to. These are the types of materials that are excellent for noise mitigation. Material type, thickness, and surface texture all play a role in determining NRC ratings.
NRC Ratings in Industrial Design and HVAC
Once you understand NRC ratings and how to use them, they can be quite powerful in the design process. Reducing noise pollution in industrial and commercial environments improves worker productivity, safety, and comfort. Occupants enjoy being in spaces where the noise levels are properly controlled.
NRC ratings are a tool for designing effective buildings. They help architects and designers meet building code requirements and acoustic standards, especially in mechanical rooms and areas with heavy HVAC equipment or spaces with large noise sources. Architects and designers can identify these potentially noisy environments and then select the proper materials and components to mitigate the noise in these spaces. Metal Form Manufacturing offers high NRC-rated products that can help designers achieve better noise control.
Reduce Noise with NRC Ratings
Metal Form Manufacturing offers an entire product line of products with exceptional NRC ratings. Some of the best components for mitigating noise include:
Acoustical Louvers
Acoustical louvers are an excellent option for reducing the transmission of sound while allowing air to move freely. Easily installed, sturdy, and built-to-last, acoustical louvers are available with many different configurations for sound mitigation. Acoustical louvers are ideal for mechanical rooms and HVAC applications where airflow is desired but sound transfer is not.
Barrier Wall Systems
When buildings are in close proximity to external noise sources, barrier wall systems are a must. Barrier wall systems work to block and reduce sound transmission between spaces in order to prevent the sound from entering occupied spaces. These wall systems can have high NRC ratings and are excellent for blocking the noise from traffic or mechanical systems. HVAC units and industrial machinery surrounded by barrier wall systems increase the aesthetics and reduce the noise from these systems.
Absorption Panels
For mitigating sound within an occupied space, absorption panels are hard to beat. Designed for mounting to an existing wall or ceiling, they are made from high NRC rated materials to absorb sound in the room. Absorption panels from Metal Form Manufacturing are able to achieve NRC ratings above 0.90 which showcases their effectiveness when installed in noisy locations. These panels often find their way into spaces like mechanical rooms, transit system hubs, auditoriums, and other enclosed spaces that can get quite noisy.
Choose Metal Form Manufacturing for High NRC Rated Products
A solid understanding of NRC ratings makes selecting the right products for noise control in industrial and HVAC projects much simpler. Noise does not have to be a nuisance.
While choosing the right products to mitigate noise may sound intimidating, working with experts like those at Metal Form Manufacturing can make the process a breeze. A selection of high NRC rated products can be tailored to fit a project’s acoustic goals, space requirements, and the sound sources in and around the space.
With knowledge and expertise, unwanted sound doesn’t stand a chance. The right selection of products can improve any application.
To learn more about noise control solutions that are available, reach out to the noise mitigation experts at Metal Form Manufacturing today!