The results of a systematic study investigating the effect on the sound insulation of wood stud walls having penetrations made by electrical outlet boxes are presented. The effect on sound insulation is shown to be almost negligible, regardless of box separation, if the boxes are themselves airtight and form an airtight seal with the gypsum board surfaces. However, if the boxes are not airtight, then the degradation to the sound insulation is strongly dependent on the separation between the boxes. Other significant factors include the presence of cavity absorption, and its method of installation. A series of retrofits for poorly installed boxes is examined and show that commonly available devices for reducing airflow (and sound insulation) through electrical boxes can be very effective but are highly dependent on installation.
展开▼
