Noise Test of Electric Beauty Device & Personal Care Tools

Test Object

Apparently, the focus of this noise test is on electric beauty devices & personal care tools, especially with motors, such as hair blow dryers that are designed for both home and professional use. Hair dryers operate by drawing in air, heating it, and then expelling it through a nozzle at high speeds. This process can generate significant noise, primarily from the motor and the airflow. In this session, the objective is to assess the noise levels emitted by the hair dryer during standard operation to ensure it falls within acceptable limits for comfort and regulatory compliance.

Test Equipment

Accurate noise measurement requires specialized equipment and setup:

• Noise Tester: A high-precision sound level meter with an A-weighted filter is essential. This device should be capable of measuring sound pressure levels in decibels (dB) with a high degree of accuracy.

• Anechoic Chamber: For the most accurate results, as mentioned, the test should be conducted in an anechoic chamber, which is designed to completely absorb reflections of sound waves, ensuring no external noise interferes with the measurements. If not achievable, choose the quietest indoor as far as possible.
• Stable Power Source: A consistent power supply is crucial to maintain the tested device operating conditions throughout the test, preventing fluctuations that could affect noise levels.
• Calibration Tools: Before conducting tests, the noise tester must be calibrated using a standard sound source to ensure the accuracy of the measurements.

Test Method

The test method for measuring noise levels of these beauty devices is both systematic and precise, involving several key steps:

Preparation:

1. The tested device is set to its maximum power setting, as this typically generates the highest noise levels.
2. The device is placed in a controlled environment to eliminate external noise interference. An anechoic chamber, which absorbs sound reflections, is ideal for this purpose.

Noise Measurement: A noise tester equipped with an A-weighted filter is used to measure the sound levels. This filter adjusts the measurements to reflect the human ear’s sensitivity to different frequencies, providing a realistic assessment of perceived noise.

Data Collection:

1. The noise levels are recorded at each distance for a consistent duration, typically 10 seconds, to ensure accuracy and repeatability.
2. Multiple readings are taken to account for any variations in the noise output.

Test Criteria

Different products have different testing criteria. Different customers have different requirements. Usually the basis is national standards or customer requirements. These criteria ensure these self-care tools operate within a comfortable noise range for users. However, some customers, particularly those in professional settings, may have stricter requirements. Meeting these stricter standards can provide a competitive advantage in the market.

Test Method:

The noise tester is positioned at three specific distances from it:

• 30 cm (approximately 1 foot): This distance represents close-proximity use, such as when drying hair directly around the head.
• 50 cm (approximately 1.5 feet): This distance simulates a more relaxed use where the dryer is slightly further from the head.
• 100 cm (approximately 3.3 feet): This distance represents ambient noise levels in the room while the hair dryer is in use.

Test Criteria

The criteria for acceptable noise levels in hair dryers are established to ensure both compliance with regulations and user comfort. The typical thresholds are:

• ≤86 dB (30 cm Distance)
• ≤82 dB (50 cm Distance)
• ≤80 dB (100 cm Distance)