Decibel Sound Pressure Level for Siren Alarm

Sound pressure level (SPL) is a regularly used for measuring the sound intensity of an electrical signal. Audible sound is pressure in air that can be detected by human ear, in the range of 20Hz to 20kHz. However, human hearing is most attuned to sound frequency between 1kHz to 4kHz.

The unit for defining sound pressure level is decibels (dB) and it is measured in logarithmic scale. Each unit of increase in decibel will increase exponentially

Thus, a device with 80dB will be 10 times more powerful than 70dB device, and a device with 90 dB will be 100 times (10 x 10) powerful than a 70dB device.

Below are examples of sound pressure levels in various settings:

Our siren products range from 80dB to 120dB. Smaller decibels are suitable for notifying pedestrians or warning patrons in office, while louder decibels are suitable for fire and industrial settings.

Although decibels are measured in logarithmic scales, the loudness perceived by the human ear can vary depending on a multitude of factors.  Proximity from the source, ear sensitivity, humidity, placement of sound device with regards to environmental setting, temperature, and sound frequency can all play a role in the loudness perceived by our ear and brain.

For more information, please consult our audible and visual signaling specialists.