AEMC CA832 User manual
SOUND LEVEL METER
SONOMETRO
SONOMÈTRE
CA832
ENGLISH User Manual
7
ESPAÑOL
FRANÇAIS
Manual de Instrucciones
Notice de fonctionnement
Statement of Compliance
Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC®Instruments
certifies that this instrument has been calibrated
using standards and instruments traceable to
international standards.
We guarantee that at the time of shipping your
instrument has met its published specifications.
An NIST traceable certificate may be
requested at the time of purchase, or obtained
by returning the instrument to our repair and
calibration facility, for a nominal charge.
The recommended calibration interval for this
instrument is 12 months and begins on the date of
receipt by the customer. For recalibration, please
use our calibration services. Refer to our repair
and calibration section at www.aemc.com.
Serial #: ________________________________
Catalog #: 2121.23
Model #: CA832
Please fill in the appropriate date as indicated:
Date Received: _________________________________
Date Calibration Due: _______________________
Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc.
d.b.a AEMC®Instruments
www.aemc.com
Sound Level Meter Model CA832
1
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION....................................................................3
1.1 International Electrical Symbols................................................3
1.2 DenitionofMeasurementCategories .....................................4
1.3 ReceivingYourShipment..........................................................4
1.4 OrderingInformation.................................................................4
2. PRODUCT FEATURES...........................................................5
2.1 Description................................................................................5
2.2 Control Features.......................................................................6
2.3 DisplayFeatures.......................................................................7
3. SPECIFICATIONS..................................................................8
3.1 ReferenceConditions ...............................................................8
3.2 ElectricalSpecications ............................................................8
3.3 EnvironmentalSpecications....................................................9
3.4 MechanicalSpecications ........................................................9
3.5 SafetySpecications ................................................................9
4. OPERATION ........................................................................10
4.1 Measurement Conditions........................................................10
4.1.1 BackgroundNoise ......................................................10
4.1.2 Interference.................................................................10
4.2 OperatingtheSoundLevelMeter...........................................11
4.2.1 MeasurementRangeSelection ..................................11
4.2.2 FrequencyWeightingOptions.....................................11
4.2.3 ResponseTimeOptions .............................................12
4.2.4 Practical Measurement Conditions .............................12
4.3 UsingtheAuxiliaryOutputandTripod ....................................13
4.3.1 AnalogOutput.............................................................13
4.3.2 MountingtheMeterontoaTripod...............................13
ENGLISH ................................................................................................... 1
ESPAÑOL................................................................................................. 18
FRANÇAIS.........................................................................................................35
2
Sound Level Meter Model CA832
5. MAINTENANCE...................................................................14
5.1 ChangingtheBattery ..............................................................14
5.2 Cleaning..................................................................................14
RepairandCalibration...........................................................................15
TechnicalandSalesAssistance ............................................................15
Limited Warranty ...................................................................................16
WarrantyRepairs...................................................................................16
Sound Level Meter Model CA832
3
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Warning
● Thesoundlevelmeterisameasurementinstrumentthatmust
beprotectedfromstrongimpactsandvibrations.
● Themicrophonemustbeprotectedfromexposuretowater
anddustandmustnotbestoredinhumidand/orexcessively
hotareas.
● Donotremovetheprotectivefoamcoverfromthemicrophone.
● Cleaningthemicrophoneisnotrecommended.
1.1 International Electrical Symbols
This symbol signifies that the instrument is protected by double or rein-
forced insulation.
This symbol on the instrument indicates a WARNING and that the operator
must refer to the user manual for instructions before operating the
instrument. In this manual, the symbol preceding instructions indicates that
if the instructions are not followed, bodily injury, installation/sample and
product damage may result.
Risk of electric shock. The voltage at the parts marked with this symbol may
be dangerous.
This symbol refers to a type A current sensor. This symbol signifies that
application around and removal from HAZARDOUS LIVE conductors is per-
mitted.
In conformity with WEEE 2002/96/EC
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Sound Level Meter Model CA832
1.2 Definition of Measurement Categories
Cat. I: Formeasurements oncircuits notdirectly connectedto theAC
supply wall outlet such as protected secondaries, signal level,
andlimitedenergycircuits.
Cat. II: For measurements performed on circuits directly connected to
the electrical distribution system. Examples are measurements
onhouseholdappliancesorportabletools.
Cat. III: For measurements performed in the building installation at
the distribution level such as on hardwired equipment in xed
installation and circuit breakers.
Cat. IV: For measurements performed at the primary electrical supply
(<1000V) such as on primary overcurrent protection devices,
ripplecontrolunits,ormeters.
1.3 Receiving Your Shipment
Uponreceivingyour shipment,makesure thatthecontents are consis-
tentwiththe packinglist.Notify your distributorofany missingitems.If
theequipmentappearstobedamaged,leaclaimimmediatelywiththe
carrierandnotifyyourdistributoratonce,givingadetaileddescriptionof
anydamage.Savethedamagedpackingcontainertosubstantiateyour
claim.
1.4 Ordering Information
Sound Level Meter Model CA832.....................................Cat. #2121.23
Includes meter, shockproof holster, protective foam microphone cap,
screwdriver, male jack connector, assembly screw for camera type tripod,
9V battery and user manual.
Sound Level Meter Model CA832
5
CHAPTER 2
PRODUCT FEATURES
2.1 Description
The CA832 digital sound level meter is designed to measure ambient
soundinaccordancewithsafetyand/orworkstandards.
ComplieswithstandardIEC651.
Theprofessionalanddomesticapplicationsarenumerous:measuringthe
soundlevelsinfactories,schools,ofces,airports,studios,auditoriums,
etc.
TheCA832isaportable,compactinstrumentwitha2000pointdisplay
operableinonehandandmaybettedonaphotographer’stypetripodfor
longdurationmeasurements.
TheCA832isusedtomeasuresoundlevelsfrom37to130dBin3ranges:
37-80dB,50-100dB,80-130dB.
Thismeterfeatures2weightingcurves(AandC)formeasurementinte-
grating the sensitivity of the human ear according to sound frequency.
CurveAisageneral-purposecurvetypicallyusedinaindustrialenviron-
ment,andCismoresuitedforlowfrequencysounds.Also,mode‘F’(fast
response time) corresponds to the response time of the ear. Mode ‘S’
(slowresponsetime)willbeusedtoobtainauniformreadingwhenthe
soundsignallevelshowsuctuations.
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Sound Level Meter Model CA832
2.2 Control Features
SOUND METER
Model CA832
RANGE
F
S
OFF
F
S
OFF
A/C>2sec
FSAC
37-80 50-100 80-130 dB
MAX
MAX
CAL
1
2
36
79
10
11
8
4
5
1. Measuringhead,includingmicrophone(protectedbyafoamcap)
2. Backlit LCD
3. Push-buttonformeasurementrangechange
4. Dual-functionpush-button:
ShortPress-BacklightON/OFF
LongPress(>2sec)-ChoiceoffrequencyweightingAorC
5. Femaletypeoutputforusewith‘Jack’connector
6. Push-buttontoactivate/deactivatetheMAXfunction
Sound Level Meter Model CA832
7
7. Threepositionswitch:
OFF - TurnsthemeterOFF
S - Slow(Long)responsetimemeasurement
(usedfoructuatingnoiselevelmeasurements)
F - Fast(Short)responsetimemeasurement
(mostcommonoperatingmode)
8. Protectivecapforthecalibrationscrew
9. Screwdrivertobeusedforcalibration
10. 3/32"StereoMaleplugforusewithanalogoutputtoanexternal
recordingsystem
11. Assemblyscrewfortripodmount
2.3 Display Features
FSAC
37-80 50-100 80-130 dB
MAX
MAX : Maximumvalueofthemeasurement
: Lowbatterysymbol
F : Fasttimecompensation(shorterresponsetime)
S : Slowtimecompensation(longerresponsetime)
A : WeightingcurvetypeA
C : WeightingcurvetypeC
: Ifoneofthesetwoarrowsisdisplayedcontinuously,thismeans
thatyouarenotintheappropriatemeasurementrange.Usethe
RANGEpush-buttontomovetotheappropriaterange.
OL : Indicatesoverloadofthemeasuringinstrument
37-80,50-100,80-130dB:Measurementrangecurrentlyinuse
8
Sound Level Meter Model CA832
CHAPTER 3
SPECIFICATIONS
3.1 Reference Conditions
Frequency: 1000Hz
Sound Level: 94dB
Temperature: 68°F (20°C)
Humidity: 65%
Measurement Range: 80-130dB
Incidence Direction: Frontal
3.2 Electrical Specifications
Standard: IEC651,Type2
Range: Lo - 37 to 80dB
Med - 50 to 100dB
Hi - 80 to 130dB
Resolution: 0.1dB
Precision: ±2.0dB
Accuracy: ±1.5dB(ref94dB@1KHz)
Dynamic Range: 50dB
Frequency Range: 31.5 to 8000Hz
Frequency Weighting: AandCperIEC651
Time Weighting: Slow(S)andFast(F)perIEC651
Microphone: Electretcondensermicrophone
Sensor Calibration: Calibratedatfactoryusingasourceat0.2%
Measurement Period: 2.5timespersecond
NOTE: For frequencies lower than 100Hz, the difference between two
measuringrangescanbehigherthan0.7dB.
Sound Level Meter Model CA832
9
Auxiliary Specications:
AC: 1Vrmscorrespondingtoeachrange;Impedance:600Ω
DC: 10mV/dB(nominally);Impedance:50Ω
Display: 31/2LCDwithamaximumreadingof1999
Power Source: 9V battery
Low Battery Indication: is displayed when battery voltage drops
belowtheoperatinglevel
3.3 Environmental Specifications
Operating Temperature: 32to122°F(0to50°C)@<80%RH
Storage Temperature: -4to140°F(-20to60°C)@80%RH
(battery removed)
Temperature Drift: <0.5dB;32x122°F(0to50°C)
Humidity Drift: <0.5dBfor30%<RH<90%at104°F(40°C)and1000Hz
3.4 Mechanical Specifications
Dimensions: 9.33x2.36x1.5"(237x60x38mm)
Weight: Approx8.11oz(230g)includingbattery
3.5 Safety Specifications
Electromagnetic Compatibility:
EmissionperEN50081-1(Ed.1992)
ImmunityperEN50082-1(Ed.1992)
Index of Protection:IP44perIEC60259(Ed.89),theinstrumentmustbe
ttedwithitsshockproofhousing
10
Sound Level Meter Model CA832
CHAPTER 4
OPERATION
4.1 Measurement Conditions
4.1.1 Background Noise
Ifthedifferenceinlevelsbetweentheabsenceandthepresenceofnoise
tobemeasuredis10dBormore,theinuenceofbackgroundnoiseonthe
measurementmaybeconsiderednegligible.
Ifthedifferenceisloweratthislevel,acompensationcorrection(seetable
below)mustbeapplied to the measurement performedtointegratethe
backgroundnoise:
LevelDifference(dB) 45678910
CompensationValue(dB) -2.2 -1.7 -1.3 -1 -0.8 -0.7 0
4.1.2 Interference
Themicrophonemustbepositionedfarfromanysoundreectivesurfaces
suchaswallsortheground,tominimizeerrorsduetopossiblenoiseinter-
ference.
Whentakingmeasurements,holdthesoundlevelmeteratarm’slengthto
avoidanyreectionsduetoyourownbodyandalsotoenablefreepropa-
gationofsoundinalldirections.
Takethe necessarystepsso thatnoobstacleis betweenthemeasure-
mentpointandthenoisesource.
Disregardtheextremelylowreadings(insignicantsound)orconversely
thoseatthetopofthescale(overload).
Sound Level Meter Model CA832
11
4.2 Operating the Sound Level Meter
4.2.1 Measurement Range Selection
Thesoundlevelmeterfeaturesthreemeasurementranges,eachhaving
adynamicrangeof50dB.
1. Lownoiserange:37to80dB
2. Mediumnoiserange:50to100dB
3. Highnoiserange:80to130dB
Whennoisemeasurementisactive,themeasurementisrepeatedmore
thantwotimespersecond.
Ifthe or symbolsareshowncontinuouslyonthedisplay,thecurrent
measurementrangeistoohighorlow.PresstheRANGE button to return
totheadequatemeasurementrange.
4.2.2 Frequency Weighting Options
The ear does not have the same hearing sensitivity for all frequencies.
TheCA832useslters,whichweightorcorrectthemeasurementlevels
accordingtofrequency.
The two correction curves available on the CA832 are:
Curve A: Thisisthemostcommonweightingcurve,correspondingtothe
“averageinternationalear”.Itisusuallyusedforthemeasurementofnui-
sance levels in industrial areas.
Curve C: Thiscurveismoresuitedforvericationofthepresenceoflow
frequencynoise.Thiscurveiswellsuitedforthemeasurementofmusical
environments.
NOTE:IfthemeasurementlevelonpositionCishigherthanonpositionA,
thesignalcontainssignicantlowfrequencycomponents.
Toswitchfromonecurvetotheother,alongpress(>2sec)isneededon
the button.
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Sound Level Meter Model CA832
4.2.3 Response Time Options
Dependingonthenature of the noiseunderconsideration(brief noises
such as a horn or an animal cry or prolonged noise such as industrial
machinery),anadequatemeasurementresponsetimemustbechosen.
The two response times available on the CA832 are:
F - Fast (shorter) response time lter:Thisisthemostcommon.Itisusedif
thenoiseismadeupofbriefpulsesorifonlythepeakvaluesinterestyou.
S - Slow (longer) response time lter: Used to measure a medium sound
level.
Thethree-positionslideswitchisusedtomovefromonetotheother.
4.2.4 Practical Measurement Conditions
Holdtheinstrument inthehand anddirectthe microphonetowardsthe
source of noise to be measured (see § 4.1.2). The sound level will be
displayed.
PresstheMAXpush-buttontodisplaythemaximumsoundlevelduring
themeasurement.
Sound Level Meter Model CA832
13
4.3 Using the Auxiliary Output and Tripod
4.3.1 Analog Output
TheCA832meterhasanoutputcapableofsupplyinganACorDCsignal
proportional to the sound level in dB, usable via external long running
recordingequipmentforexample.
AC output: suppliesapproximately1Vrmsatmaximumofthescaleused.
DC output: supplies10mV/dB.
Using the male plug connector:
• Solderthe“common”,ACsignalandDCsignalwiresontothe
male connector.
• Inserttheconnectorintothefemalejacklocatedatthebottom
ofthesoundlevelmetercasing.
Shield (common)
AC
DC +
4.3.2 Mounting the Meter onto a Tripod
Forlong-durationmeasurements,thesoundlevelmetercanbemounted
onatripod(notincluded).Todoso,installtheassemblyscrew(supplied)
totherearofthesoundlevelmeter,theninstallontothetripod.
14
Sound Level Meter Model CA832
CHAPTER 5
MAINTENANCE
Use only factory specied replacement parts. AEMC® will not be held
responsible for any accident, incident, or malfunction following a repair
doneotherthanbyitsservicecenterorbyanapprovedrepaircenter.
5.1 Changing the Battery
1. TurntheinstrumentOFF.
2. Removerubberhousingandbatterycompartmentcover.
3. Replacethebatterywitha9Vbattery.
4. Reattachthebatterycompartmentcoverandrubberhousing.
5.2 Cleaning
Do not use solvents.
• Useasoftclothlightlydampenedwithsoapywater.
• Rinsewithadampclothandthendrywithadrycloth.
• Donotsplashwaterdirectlyontheinstrument.
Sound Level Meter Model CA832
15
Repair and Calibration
Toensurethatyourinstrumentmeetsfactoryspecications,werecommend
thatitbescheduledbacktoourfactoryServiceCenteratone-yearintervals
forrecalibration,orasrequiredbyotherstandardsorinternalprocedures.
For instrument repair and calibration:
You must contact our Service Center for a Customer ServiceAuthorization
Number(CSA#).Thiswillensurethatwhenyourinstrumentarrives,itwillbe
trackedandprocessedpromptly.PleasewritetheCSA#ontheoutsideofthe
shipping container. If the instrument is returned for calibration, we need to
knowifyouwantastandardcalibration,oracalibrationtraceabletoN.I.S.T.
(Includescalibrationcerticateplusrecordedcalibrationdata).
Ship To: ChauvinArnoux®,Inc.
d.b.a. AEMC®Instruments
15 Faraday Drive
Dover,NH03820USA
Tel: (800)945-2362(Ext.360)
(603)749-6434(Ext.360)
Fax:(603)742-2346or(603)749-6309
(Orcontactyourauthorizeddistributor)
Costsforrepair,standardcalibration,andcalibrationtraceabletoN.I.S.T.are
available.
NOTE: You must obtain a CSA# before returning any instrument.
Technical and Sales Assistance
If you are experienceing any technical problems, or require any assistance
withtheproperoperationorapplicationofyourinstrument,pleasecall,mail,
faxore-mailourtechnicalsupportteam:
ChauvinArnoux®,Inc.
d.b.a. AEMC®Instruments
200FoxboroughBoulevard
Foxborough,MA02035USA
Phone:(800)343-1391
(508) 698-2115
Fax: (508)698-2118
www.aemc.com
NOTE: Do not ship instruments to our Foxborough, MA address.
16
Sound Level Meter Model CA832
Limited Warranty
TheModelCA832iswarrantedtotheownerforaperiodofoneyearfromthe
dateoforiginalpurchaseagainstdefectsinmanufacture.Thislimitedwarranty
is given by AEMC® Instruments, not by the distributor from whom it was
purchased.Thiswarrantyisvoidiftheunithasbeentamperedwith,abused
orifthedefectisrelatedtoservicenotperformedbyAEMC® Instruments.
For full and detailed warranty coverage, please read the Warranty Cov-
erage Information, which is attached to the Warranty Registration Card
(if enclosed) or is available at www.aemc.com. Please keep the War-
ranty Coverage Information with your records.
What AEMC®Instruments will do:
If a malfunction occurs within the one-year period, you may return the
instrument to us for repair, provided we have your warranty registration
information on le or a proof of purchase. AEMC® Instruments will, at its
option,repairorreplacethefaultymaterial.
REGISTER ONLINE AT:
www.aemc.com
Warranty Repairs
What you must do to return an Instrument for Warranty Repair:
First,request aCustomer ServiceAuthorizationNumber (CSA#)byphone
orbyfaxfromourServiceDepartment(seeaddressbelow),thenreturnthe
instrumentalongwiththesignedCSAForm.PleasewritetheCSA#onthe
outsideoftheshippingcontainer.Returntheinstrument,postageorshipment
pre-paidto:
ChauvinArnoux®,Inc.d.b.a.AEMC®Instruments
ServiceDepartment
15FaradayDrive•Dover,NH03820USA
Tel: (800)945-2362(Ext.360)
(603)749-6434(Ext.360)
Fax: (603)742-2346or(603)749-6309
Caution:Toprotectyourselfagainstin-transitloss,werecommendyouinsure
your returned material.
NOTE: You must obtain a CSA# before returning any instrument.
Sound Level Meter Model CA832
17
Notes:
18
Sonómetro CA832
ENGLISH ................................................................................................... 1
ESPAÑOL................................................................................................. 18
FRANÇAIS.........................................................................................................35
Tabla de Contenidos
1. INTRODUCCIÓN .................................................................20
1.1 Símbolos Eléctricos Internacionales.......................................20
1.2 DenicióndelasCategoríasdeMedición ..............................21
1.3 Comprobacióndesupedido...................................................21
1.4 Informacióndelpedido ...........................................................21
2. PRESENTAÇION .................................................................22
2.1 Descripción .............................................................................22
2.2 DescripcióndelAparato..........................................................23
3. ESPECIFICACIONES...........................................................25
3.1 Condiciones de calibración ....................................................25
3.2 EspecicacióndeMedidas .....................................................25
3.3 EspecicacionesAuxiliares.....................................................26
3.4 EspecicacionesGenerales ...................................................26
3.5 EspecicacionesdeSeguridad...............................................26
4. UTILISAÇION......................................................................27
4.1
Observaciones sobre las condiciones de medida..............................27
4.1.1 Ruidodefondo ...........................................................27
4.1.2 Reexionesparásitas .................................................27
4.2 Procedimiento.........................................................................28
4.2.1 Eleccióndelagamademedida..................................28
4.2.2 Seleccióndelaponderacióndefrecuencia ................28
4.2.3 Seleccióndetiempoderespuesta..............................28
4.2.4 Condicionesprácticasdemedida...............................29
4.3 Utilizacióndelasalidaauxiliarydeltornillo............................30
demontajedeunpiefoto .......................................................30
4.3.1 Utilizacióndelasalidaanalógica................................30
4.3.2 Montajedelsonómetrosobreuntrípodefoto .............30
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