This paper presents recent data on the noise levels of currently available compressor equipment of the type and size generally encountered in central-station, building air conditioning. The study in which these data were accumulated was sponsored by the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute.

The main purpose of this study was to obtain a statistical description of compressor noise based on measurements made in operating installations of recently, manufactured equipment.

These data have immediate practical application in estimating noise control requirements for jobs presently under design, and they may be used as guidelines in the planning of future installations.

A further objective of this paper is to demonstrate how the choice of equipment location within a building can alter the complexity of a noise control solution both architecturally and mechanically. The obvious solution is not always the most practical or economical: the trade-offs in available alternatives must be carefully examined.