CENELEC set new sound levels for personal audio devices

摘要

In February the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation (CENELEC) altered its safety regulations for the volume of sound that consumers may be exposed to from personal audio devices like MP3 players and mobile telephones with a music playing function. This was done through passing amendments to two pertinent European standards EN 60950-1:2006 and EN 60065:2002.1 The amendments set a safe sound level of 85 dB(A) for these products with the optional use of a maximum sound level of 100 dB(A) if the user chooses. Though the Commission add that if the user opts for the louder option they must “be provided with warnings about the risks which are repeated following each 20 hours of listening time.”