Class 2 handheld meters for checking noise at home, at work, or for a complaint, from simple spot checks to logging over a whole night.
What Class 2 Means
Sound level meters are graded under the IEC 61672-1 standard (ANSI calls the grades "Types"). Class 1 meters have the tightest tolerances and are what professionals, councils, and courts rely on. Class 2 meters are general-purpose instruments with slightly wider tolerances, and they're the most you'll find at a consumer price.
"Meets Class 2" describes the design; it doesn't mean your meter has been individually calibrated. For readings you want to stand behind, check the meter against an acoustic calibrator, or pay for a calibration certificate.
Using a Meter for a Noise Complaint
- Measure where you're affected, such as your bedroom with the windows closed.
- Use A-weighting (dBA) and the slow response.
- Record for 30 minutes or more, and note the date, time, and what you could hear.
- Keep a diary alongside the readings. A pattern over several days is more persuasive than one number.
Environmental health officers usually make their own measurements with Class 1 equipment, so treat your readings as supporting evidence that helps you decide whether to complain. Leq is the average level over the time you measured, the figure most noise guidance uses. Our free neighbor noise meter shows it on your phone, which is a good way to see whether a problem is worth a dedicated meter.
When a Phone App Is Enough
For a quick check, a phone often is. An uncalibrated phone is usually within 5 to 10 dB, and within 1 to 2 dB once you calibrate it against a real meter. Read how accurate a phone decibel meter is, or try our decibel meter first. Phone microphones can overload above about 100 dB, where a Class 2 meter keeps measuring.
