Glossary

Noise level (dB)

What this term means when it appears on an appliance specification or energy label.

In short

The noise level is the airborne acoustic noise emitted during the spin phase of the eco 40-60 programme at full load, in decibels re 1 pW, as declared on the energy label.

Decibels are logarithmic: a difference of 10 dB is roughly twice as loud to the ear, and 3 dB is a just noticeable change. A spin figure in the low 70s is typical; washing noise, where stated, is much lower. The label also gives a noise emission class, A (quietest) to D.

Sources

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Examples from the index

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

What does noise level mean on a washing machine?

The noise level is the airborne acoustic noise emitted during the spin phase of the eco 40-60 programme at full load, in decibels re 1 pW, as declared on the energy label.