Sound Level Meter for Factory Maintenance and Workplace Noise Checks Malaysia
Meta Description: Learn how sound level meters help Malaysian factories compare machine noise, investigate abnormal equipment sounds and perform basic workplace-noise checks.
Industrial machines naturally produce sound while operating. However, a change in noise level or sound character may indicate a developing mechanical problem.
Excessive factory noise may also affect communication, employee comfort and occupational safety.
A sound level meter provides an objective measurement in decibels, allowing maintenance and safety teams to document and compare sound levels.
What Is a Sound Level Meter?
A sound level meter contains a microphone that detects sound pressure and converts it into a decibel reading.
Depending on the model, available functions may include:
A-weighting
C-weighting
Fast response
Slow response
Maximum reading
Minimum reading
Data hold
Data logging
Time-history recording
The correct settings depend on the measurement objective.
Factory Applications for Sound Level Meters
Sound level meters may be used for:
Comparing machine noise
Investigating new or abnormal sounds
Checking noise before and after maintenance
Mapping noisy factory areas
Comparing production lines
Evaluating equipment enclosures
Checking generator noise
Monitoring compressor rooms
Assessing fan and blower noise
Supporting workplace-noise screening
A basic handheld meter is useful for routine checks, but it may not provide all the functions required for a formal occupational-noise assessment.
1. Motor Noise Monitoring
Electric motors may produce abnormal sound because of:
Bearing deterioration
Loose mounting
Cooling-fan problems
Mechanical imbalance
Electrical conditions
Shaft misalignment
Coupling problems
Record the sound level together with:
Motor load
Rotational speed
Measurement distance
Measurement position
Vibration
Temperature
Motor current
Noise should not be used alone to identify a motor fault.
2. Bearing Noise Checks
A deteriorating bearing may produce:
Grinding
Clicking
Humming
Rattling
High-frequency noise
Intermittent knocking
A sound level meter can show whether overall noise has changed, but it may not identify the precise bearing defect.
Use vibration and temperature measurements to support the investigation.
3. Pump Noise Monitoring
Pump noise may change because of:
Cavitation
Bearing problems
Misalignment
Mechanical looseness
Flow restriction
Coupling problems
Air entering the system
Cavitation is sometimes described as a crackling or gravel-like sound.
To investigate pump condition, combine noise readings with vibration, pressure, flow and temperature information.
4. Fan and Blower Noise Checks
Industrial fans may create abnormal noise because of:
Blade imbalance
Damaged blades
Bearing deterioration
Belt problems
Loose panels
Airflow turbulence
Incorrect fan speed
Structural vibration
Record fan speed and damper position when comparing noise readings.
5. Compressor Noise Monitoring
Compressor noise may change because of:
Bearing wear
Belt problems
Air leakage
Loose panels
Internal mechanical wear
Motor problems
Valve problems
Compare readings under the same operating condition. Loaded and unloaded compressor states can produce different sound levels.
6. Gearbox Noise Checks
Gearbox problems may produce:
Whining
Grinding
Knocking
Rattling
Irregular sound
Possible causes include gear wear, bearing damage, poor lubrication, misalignment or excessive backlash.
Sound readings should be evaluated together with vibration, temperature and lubricant condition.
7. Conveyor Noise Monitoring
Conveyor noise may come from:
Seized rollers
Damaged bearings
Worn chains
Gearboxes
Loose guards
Mechanical rubbing
Product contact
Measure at consistent locations and under similar conveyor loads.
A long conveyor may require multiple measurement points to identify the noisy section.
8. Compressed-Air Leakage
Large compressed-air leaks may be audible.
However, a standard sound level meter is not designed to locate small high-frequency leaks precisely in a noisy factory.
An ultrasonic leak detector is generally more suitable for locating smaller compressed-air leaks.
The two instruments serve different purposes:
InstrumentMain UseSound level meterMeasure overall audible sound levelUltrasonic leak detectorLocate high-frequency sound from leaks or selected mechanical conditions
Understanding Decibels
The decibel scale is logarithmic rather than linear.
This means a small numerical change can represent a significant change in sound energy.
Sound readings should not be added or averaged using ordinary arithmetic unless the correct acoustic method is used.
For routine maintenance trending, consistent measurement conditions are essential.
What Is A-Weighting?
A-weighting, displayed as dBA, adjusts the instrument’s response to approximate the sensitivity of human hearing at common sound levels.
It is widely used for general environmental and workplace-noise measurements.
What Is C-Weighting?
C-weighting, displayed as dBC, has a flatter response and includes more low-frequency sound.
It may be useful for selected high-level or low-frequency noise investigations.
The correct weighting should be selected according to the measurement purpose.
Fast vs Slow Response
Fast Response
Fast response follows rapidly changing sound more closely.
It is useful when observing fluctuating noise.
Slow Response
Slow response produces a more stable display for sound that changes quickly.
The selected response setting must be recorded when comparing results.
How to Perform a Basic Machine Noise Check
Step 1: Identify the Equipment
Record the machine and exact measurement location.
Step 2: Record Operating Conditions
Note machine load, speed, product flow and operating status.
Step 3: Select the Meter Settings
Record the frequency weighting and response time.
Step 4: Maintain a Consistent Position
Use the same measurement distance, height and direction.
Step 5: Take Multiple Readings
Record typical, minimum and maximum values where appropriate.
Step 6: Compare with Baseline Data
Check whether the result has changed from the machine’s normal condition.
Step 7: Confirm with Other Instruments
Use vibration, temperature, speed or electrical measurements where required.
Creating a Factory Noise Map
A simple noise map can help identify louder areas within a factory.
The record should include:
Factory layout
Measurement-point number
Date and time
Production condition
Sound level
Meter settings
Measurement height
Observation
Main noise sources
Measurements taken during different production conditions should be clearly identified.
Machine Condition Monitoring vs Workplace Noise Assessment
These are related but different activities.
Machine Condition Monitoring
The objective is to detect changes in equipment sound.
Measurements are usually taken near specific machines under repeatable conditions.
Workplace Noise Assessment
The objective is to evaluate employee noise exposure or workplace-noise conditions.
A formal assessment may require:
Suitable instrument class
Personal noise dosimeters
Time-based measurements
Defined measurement procedures
Competent assessors
Exposure calculations
Applicable regulatory criteria
A basic handheld sound meter should not automatically be treated as sufficient for every formal compliance assessment.
Sound Level Meter vs Noise Dosimeter
InstrumentMain ApplicationSound level meterMeasure noise at a locationNoise dosimeterMeasure a worker’s accumulated noise exposure over time
A maintenance team may use a sound level meter for machine checks, while occupational-safety assessments may require dosimeters and a specific assessment procedure.
Features to Consider When Buying a Sound Level Meter
Measurement Range
Ensure the meter covers the expected factory noise level.
Frequency Weighting
Check whether A and C weighting are available if required.
Response Settings
Fast and slow response functions improve flexibility.
Maximum and Minimum Functions
These help capture changing equipment noise.
Data Logging
Stored measurements support trending and reporting.
Computer or Mobile Connectivity
Connectivity can simplify data transfer on suitable models.
Instrument Class
Select the appropriate class and performance according to the intended application.
Environmental Protection
Consider dust, humidity, temperature and field use.
Benetech GM8902+ Sound Level Meter
The Benetech GM8902+ is one option for portable sound-level measurements.
It may be considered for general factory noise checks, machinery comparison and troubleshooting applications, subject to the model’s measurement range, settings and required assessment method.
Before purchasing, confirm whether the intended task is:
Basic factory screening
Machine condition comparison
Environmental monitoring
Workplace-noise assessment
Long-term data logging
These applications may require different instrument capabilities.
Common Sound Measurement Mistakes
Avoid:
Measuring at different distances
Changing the meter settings between inspections
Comparing equipment under different loads
Holding the meter too close to reflective surfaces
Blocking the microphone
Ignoring wind or strong airflow
Taking only one short reading
Measuring without identifying the dominant noise source
Assuming louder noise always means bearing failure
Using a basic meter for a formal assessment without confirming suitability
Recommended Supporting Instruments
Investigation RequirementSupporting InstrumentMachine and bearing vibrationVibration meterBearing and motor temperatureThermal camera or infrared thermometerRotational speedTachometerMotor currentClamp meterAirflow and fan performanceAnemometerCompressed-air leakageUltrasonic leak detector
Sound Level Meter Supplier in Malaysia
MTM Precision supplies sound level meters for factory machinery, motors, pumps, fans, compressors, generators, conveyors and general workplace-noise checks.
Available options include the Benetech GM8902+ and other models for different measurement ranges, functions and budgets.
We can help customers distinguish between basic machine-noise checks, data-logging requirements and more specialised workplace-noise applications.
Contact MTM Precision
MTM Precision Sdn. Bhd.
Showroom & Service Centre
No. 29-1 & 29-2, Jalan Bandar 18,
Pusat Bandar Puchong,
47160 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia
🌐 Website: www.mtmpre.com.my
📧 Email: mtmpre@yahoo.com
📱 WhatsApp: +6016-660 7346
31 Aug 2026
