Abstract

This paper shows the measurements and evaluation of background noise levels in a university classroom provided with 16 personal computers, before and after their replacement for upgraded technology. The equivalent sound levels and the 1/3 band spectra were measured in 7 positions, which were located at students and professor seats inside the room. This article describes the measurement situations, noise sources locations and the equivalents sound levels generated in each position. Regarding to the background noise of the room, the analysis is conducted in order to identify the contribution of the noise emission from the computers. The Room Criterion Curves was applied for the analysis. It was obtained a value of RC 44 (N) for operating the previous equipments and RC 42 (H) with the latter technology working on. The recommended RC values for classrooms are supposed to do not exceed RC 30 (N).