Noise from construction machinery, generators, compressors, landscaping equipment and other outdoor machinery is more than a product characteristic. In the European Union, certain categories of equipment used outdoors are subject to specific legal requirements concerning their environmental noise emissions.
Directive 2000/14/EC — commonly known as the Outdoor Noise Directive — establishes harmonised requirements for the noise emission in the environment of specified equipment intended for use outdoors.
For manufacturers, one of the most important aspects of the Directive is understanding that covered equipment does not all follow the same regulatory route. Equipment listed in Article 12 is subject to permissible sound power limits, while equipment listed in Article 13 is subject to noise marking requirements without the Article 12 sound power limits.
This distinction affects conformity assessment, including whether Notified Body involvement is required. Manufacturers must also determine the measured sound power level, establish the guaranteed sound power level, prepare technical documentation, complete the appropriate conformity procedure and apply the required markings.
This GAR Insight explains the Directive’s scope, Article 12 and Article 13 equipment, sound power measurement, guaranteed sound power levels, conformity assessment, Notified Body involvement, technical documentation, declaration requirements and CE marking.
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Explore Outdoor Noise Directive scope, equipment classification, noise limits, sound power measurement, conformity assessment, technical documentation and CE marking.
Understanding Directive 2000/14/EC
Directive 2000/14/EC establishes a harmonised European framework addressing noise emitted into the environment by specified equipment intended for use outdoors.
Its objectives include harmonising noise-emission requirements, conformity assessment procedures, marking, technical documentation and noise-emission data while supporting the functioning of the European market and protecting human health and well-being.
Which Equipment Is Covered?
Directive 2000/14/EC does not apply to every product capable of producing noise outdoors. It applies to the equipment listed in Articles 12 and 13 and defined in Annex I.
The Directive covers equipment placed on the market or put into service as an entire unit suitable for its intended use.
Construction Equipment
Various construction machines, compaction equipment, breakers, loaders and other listed equipment may fall within the Directive.
Compressors
Compressors meeting the definitions and conditions established by the Directive are specifically covered.
Generators
Power generators and certain welding generators are among the equipment categories addressed by the Directive.
Landscaping Equipment
Certain lawn, garden and vegetation-management equipment is included within the Directive’s product categories.
Lifting Equipment
Certain cranes, builders’ hoists and related equipment are included where they satisfy the Directive’s definitions.
Other Outdoor Equipment
The Directive contains a defined list of additional machinery and equipment intended for outdoor use.
Article 12 — Equipment Subject to Noise Limits
Article 12 identifies equipment for which the guaranteed sound power level must not exceed the permissible sound power level established by the Directive.
Compaction Machines
Certain vibrating and non-vibrating rollers, vibratory plates and vibratory rammers are subject to Article 12.
Compressors
Compressors within the applicable power range are among the equipment subject to permissible sound power levels.
Concrete Breakers & Picks
Hand-held concrete breakers and picks are included within the Article 12 noise-limit regime.
Dozers
Dozers within the power range specified by the Directive are subject to permissible sound power levels.
Excavating & Loading Equipment
Certain excavators, loaders and excavator-loaders are covered by the Article 12 requirements.
Other Listed Equipment
Article 12 contains additional equipment categories whose guaranteed sound power level is legally limited.
Article 13 — Equipment Subject to Noise Marking
Article 13 covers another group of outdoor equipment. Unlike Article 12 equipment, these products are not subject to the permissible sound power limits established by Article 12.
They remain subject to the Directive’s noise measurement, guaranteed sound power level, conformity assessment, declaration and marking requirements.
Noise Limit + Noise Marking
The guaranteed sound power level must comply with the applicable permissible limit established by the Directive.
Noise Marking
The guaranteed sound power level must be determined and displayed, but Article 12’s permissible sound power limits do not apply.
Measured Sound Power Level
The Directive uses sound power rather than simply a sound pressure reading taken at an arbitrary distance from the machine.
The measured sound power level is determined using the measurement requirements and equipment-specific test code established by Annex III.
Sound Power
Sound power characterises the acoustic energy emitted by the equipment and provides a basis for comparing machinery noise.
A-Weighting
The Directive expresses the relevant sound power quantity as an A-weighted sound power level, LWA.
Defined Test Conditions
Measurements must follow the operating and installation conditions specified for the particular equipment category.
Representative Equipment
Measured values may be determined from a representative machine or, as provided by the Directive, from the average of a number of machines.
Guaranteed Sound Power Level
One of the most important concepts in Directive 2000/14/EC is the difference between the measured sound power level and the guaranteed sound power level.
The guaranteed value incorporates the uncertainties associated with measurement procedures and production variation. The manufacturer confirms that this guaranteed value will not be exceeded.
Measured Sound Power Level
The value determined through the applicable acoustic measurement procedure.
Guaranteed Sound Power Level
The sound power value declared by the manufacturer after accounting for relevant measurement and production uncertainties.
Noise Testing & Measurement Conditions
Annex III establishes the noise measurement framework and equipment-specific test codes used to determine sound power levels.
Equipment Configuration
The machine must be configured according to the applicable test requirements.
Operating Condition
Testing may require specific load, speed or operating conditions depending on the equipment category.
Measurement Surface
Microphone positions and the measurement surface must correspond with the prescribed acoustic method.
Test Environment
The acoustic environment must be suitable for the measurement method and controlled sufficiently to produce valid results.
Instrumentation
Measurement equipment must be appropriate for the required acoustic measurements and associated accuracy.
Test Report
Results and test conditions should be documented so the declared sound power value remains traceable to the assessment.
Conformity Assessment Procedures
The applicable conformity assessment procedure depends primarily on whether the equipment is listed under Article 12 or Article 13.
| Equipment Group | Requirement | Conformity Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Article 12 | Subject to permissible sound power limits and noise marking. | Manufacturer selects one of the procedures permitted by Article 14: Annex VI, Annex VII or Annex VIII. |
| Article 13 | Subject to noise marking without Article 12 permissible sound power limits. | Internal control of production according to Annex V. |
Annex VI
Internal control of production with assessment of technical documentation and periodical checking.
Annex VII
Unit verification involving independent assessment of the individual equipment.
Annex VIII
Full quality assurance based on an approved quality system subject to the applicable Notified Body assessment and surveillance.
When Is a Notified Body Required?
Notified Body involvement is a major difference between the conformity routes for Article 12 and Article 13 equipment.
Notified Body Involvement
The available Annex VI, VII and VIII procedures incorporate Notified Body involvement in different ways, including technical documentation assessment, checking, unit verification or quality system assessment and surveillance.
Internal Production Control
Article 13 equipment follows Annex V internal control of production and does not require the Article 12 Notified Body conformity routes.
Technical Documentation
The manufacturer must establish technical documentation that allows the conformity of the equipment with the Directive’s requirements to be assessed.
CE Marking & Guaranteed Sound Power Indication
Equipment complying with Directive 2000/14/EC must carry both the applicable CE marking and the indication of its guaranteed sound power level.
CE Marking
CE marking communicates conformity with applicable Union legislation requiring that marking.
Guaranteed LWA
The equipment must also display the guaranteed sound power level in the form prescribed by the Directive.
Visible
The required conformity and sound-power information must be positioned so it can be readily seen.
Legible & Indelible
The markings must remain readable and durable in accordance with the Directive’s requirements.
Declaration of Conformity
The manufacturer or authorised representative must draw up the declaration of conformity required by Directive 2000/14/EC for each type of covered equipment manufactured.
The declaration connects the equipment with the manufacturer, applicable legislation, conformity assessment and declared acoustic performance.
Equipment Identity
The declaration should clearly identify the equipment to which the conformity statement applies.
Manufacturer
Manufacturer and applicable authorised representative information should be provided.
Legislation
Directive 2000/14/EC and other applicable Union legislation should be identified as required.
Conformity Procedure
The applicable Outdoor Noise Directive conformity assessment procedure should be identified.
Notified Body
Applicable Notified Body information should be included where required by the selected conformity procedure.
Sound Power Values
The required measured and guaranteed sound power information should be stated in accordance with the Directive.
Common Outdoor Noise Compliance Problems
Wrong Product Classification
The commercial product name is used instead of checking the regulatory definition in Annex I.
Article 12 / 13 Confusion
The manufacturer fails to determine whether a legal noise limit applies to the equipment.
Incorrect Test Method
Noise measurements are performed using convenient conditions rather than the applicable regulatory test code.
Measured = Guaranteed
A prototype measurement is declared directly without properly accounting for relevant uncertainty and production variation.
Missing Notified Body
Article 12 equipment is incorrectly treated as though Annex V internal production control were sufficient.
Incorrect Noise Marking
The guaranteed sound power indication is missing, incorrectly formatted or inconsistent with the technical documentation.
Production Changes
Noise-relevant design changes are introduced without reviewing their effect on the guaranteed sound power level.
Incomplete Technical File
Test reports, uncertainty evaluation, conformity evidence and marking information do not form a traceable compliance record.
From Noise Classification to EU Market Access
Outdoor Noise Directive compliance is most efficient when product classification and acoustic requirements are established before testing begins.
Define Equipment
Establish product configuration, function and intended outdoor use.
Confirm Scope
Compare the equipment with the definitions in Annex I.
Classify Equipment
Determine whether Article 12 or Article 13 applies.
Identify Noise Limit
For Article 12 equipment, determine the applicable permissible level.
Select Test Code
Identify the applicable Annex III measurement requirements.
Measure Noise
Determine the measured sound power level under prescribed conditions.
Evaluate Uncertainty
Consider measurement uncertainty and production variation.
Establish LWA
Determine the guaranteed sound power level.
Select Procedure
Apply the conformity route required for Article 12 or Article 13.
Compile Documentation
Build the technical evidence supporting conformity.
Declare & Mark
Complete the declaration and apply CE and sound-power marking.
Control Production
Maintain conformity of series-produced equipment with the declared LWA.
From Acoustic Testing to Demonstrable Noise Conformity
Outdoor Noise Directive compliance is not simply a matter of measuring how loud a machine appears to be. The regulatory process begins by establishing whether the equipment is specifically covered by Directive 2000/14/EC and identifying the relevant equipment definition.
The manufacturer must then determine whether the product falls under Article 12 or Article 13. For Article 12 equipment, the guaranteed sound power level must comply with the applicable permissible limit and one of the specified conformity assessment procedures involving a Notified Body must be followed. Article 13 equipment follows the internal control of production procedure established by Annex V.
Correct acoustic measurement is equally important. The measured sound power level must be determined using the prescribed measurement method and operating conditions. Measurement uncertainty and production variation then contribute to establishing a defensible guaranteed sound power level.
That guaranteed value becomes part of the product’s regulatory identity. It appears on the equipment and must remain supported by the technical documentation, conformity assessment and production controls.
The Acoustic Question
Has the equipment’s sound power been determined using the correct regulatory test method and operating conditions?
The Conformity Question
Can the manufacturer demonstrate that the guaranteed sound power level displayed on every product is supported by measurement, uncertainty evaluation, conformity assessment and controlled production?