ISO 3746:2010 specifies methods for determining the sound power level or sound energy level of a noise source from sound pressure levels measured on a surface enveloping a noise source (machinery or equipment) in a test environment for which requirements are given. The sound power level (or, in the case of noise bursts or transient noise emission, the sound energy level) produced by the noise source with frequency A-weighting applied is calculated using those measurements.

The methods specified in ISO 3746:2010 are suitable for all types of noise (steady, non-steady, fluctuating, isolated bursts of sound energy, etc.) defined in ISO 12001.

ISO 3746:2010 is applicable to all types and sizes of noise source (e.g. stationary or slowly moving plant, installation, machine, component or sub-assembly), provided the conditions for the measurements can be met.

The test environments that are applicable for measurements made in accordance with ISO 3746:2010 can be located indoors or outdoors, with one or more sound-reflecting planes present on or near which the noise source under test is mounted.

Information is given on the uncertainty of the sound power levels and sound energy levels determined in accordance with ISO 3746:2010, for measurements made with frequency A-weighting applied. The uncertainty conforms with that of ISO 12001:1996, accuracy grade 3 (survey grade).