What is the relation between sound pressure and sound power?
Because the sound power of a noise source is constant and specific, it can be used to calculate the expected sound pressure. The calculation requires detailed information about the noise source’s environment. Usually a noise source with a lower sound power generates less sound pressure. The manufacturer can often provide the sound power of equipment. A number of international standards are available for labeling machines and equipment with their noise emission levels. From the sound power of a compressor, one can calculate the expected sound pressure and sound pressure level at a certain location and distance. This information can be helpful in determining possible noise exposures and how they compare to the noise guidelines.
