Cellard P.

One of the 2000/14/EC directive aims is to reduce the noise of different activities. The first step is to have a good knowledge of the activity real noise. To major aspects will be illustrated with LNE studies. One is the complexity of the emitted noise. Some results of a study about the comparison of different deep foundation site (using pilling equipment, for example). The second is perception and the annoyance. Some results obtained on garden equipment in Paris gardens will be given. Willing to limit these noisy activities, the 2000/14/EC directive made the choice of covered equipment and the corresponding test codes. Some of theses choices can be discussed. Now, for concurrency or market survey reasons, the test code qualities are important for many people: manufacturers, laboratories and control authorities. A part of the reproducibility uncertainties, which must be included in the guaranteed noise level, comes from the test code quality itself. The dynamic codes were defined to be realistic but they are less precise. They are defined by operating conditions with a movement of a part of the machine or a displacement of the machines. Unfortunately for these, like earth moving machines, the measured sound power levels can so be dependant of the driver. The result of a LNE internal study will be presented. Even the static codes can involve difficulties and so apparent uncertainties. The engine rpm is often bad defined. Some parameters are free and the laboratories can make different choices. Some other parameters cannot be constant like the environmental conditions (temperature and humidity) that evolve. This will be illustrated by LNE results on different equipment like concrete breakers (a comparison between seven laboratories) or lawnmowers (measured inside or outside, at different engine rpm).