1.1
This test method describes a test procedure for measuring the degree of speech privacy provided by a closed room, for conversations occurring within the room, and with potential eavesdroppers located outside the room.
1.2
The degree of speech privacy measured by this method is that due to the sound insulation of the room structure—including the walls, floor, ceiling and any other elements of the room boundaries—and to the background noise at listening positions (receiving points) outside the closed room.
1.3
Potential eavesdroppers are assumed to be unaided by electronic or electroacoustic equipment, and not touching the room boundaries. Determined efforts to eavesdrop are not addressed.
1.4
The method may be applied to any enclosed room, whether specifically intended to be protected against eavesdropping or not.
1.5
The method does not recommend criteria for adequate speech privacy. A non-mandatory
Appendix X2
provides guidance on how the results of this test method may be used to estimate the probability of an eavesdropper being able to understand speech outside a closed room, and how to establish criteria for such rooms.
1.6
The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.7
This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.8
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
====== Significance And Use ======
5.1
This test method provides a means of measuring the sound isolation between the interior of a closed room and locations outside the room, and also for measuring the background noise levels at the locations outside the room. The results can be used to rate the degree of speech privacy by estimating the probability of speech being audible or intelligible at each receiving point as discussed in the informative
Appendix X2
.
5.2
People speak at different voice levels and also vary their voice level in reaction to room noise and other acoustical factors. Consequently, it is not possible to say definitely whether a room is protected against eavesdropping. One can only assign a probability of being overheard. The owners or managers of the closed room under consideration must set criteria for this probability according to their specific goals and circumstances. The non-mandatory
Appendix X2
gives an approach to setting criteria.