Using Construction Industry Federation training (C19 site induction) and guidance issued by the Irish Health Service Executive, ICAN Acoustics will adhere to strict controls and practices in relation to Covid-19. ICAN Acoustics will ensure that best practice is adhered to at all times to ensure that Covid-19 safety requirements are always met while on site.

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To demonstrate compliance with the Building Regulations Technical Documents Part E on Sound 2014, construction projects in Ireland now require compulsory sound insulation testing. Technical guidance document Part E (2014) of the Building Regulations 1997 (S.I. no. 497 of 1997) relates to the mitigation of sound transfer between dwellings and
rooms within a building. The regulations simply state that walls and floors must have
“reasonable resistance” to airborne and impact sound. No consideration is given to the
nature or location of the building or potential noise sources.

Irish Sound Insulation Testing – New Building Regulations (TGD-E)Developments will require the testing of separating walls and floors to achieve compliance with Part E of the building regulations. Sound Insulation tests include airborne and impact noise transfer through new or existing buildings. Tests are carried out using relevant standards and are assessed against guidance values in the Irish Building Regulations Technical Guidance Document E (Sound), 2014.

Do you require Sound Insulation Testing? All new dwellings and extensions to dwellings which adjoin other buildings will require sound insulation tests. Any construction works, involving a material change of use that result in a building (or part thereof) becoming used as one or more dwellings.

How does Sound Insulation Testing work? The Sound Insulation tests include both Airborne and Impact tests. The number of tests required is dependent on the layout of your build and how many separating walls and floors you have. Testing should take place as early as possible so that any acoustic weaknesses can be identified early in the construction process. Carpets and temporary floor coverings should not be fitted until a pass has been achieved. To watch a video on sound insulation testing, please click on the image below:

How many test do I need? To comply with the requirements of Technical Guidance Document E (2014) of the Building Regulations, the minimum test programme is a function of the number of residential units to be constructed and variation in the construction types. A full set of tests for an apartment consists of 2-floor tests(2 x airborne and 2 x impact) and 2 wall tests (airborne).Impact tests are not carried out on semi-detached properties or terrace arrangements where residential developments are side by side. ICAN Acoustics are full members of Acoustic Consultants Sound Insulation Testers of Ireland (ACASITI). We provide specialist sound insulation testing services for construction companies as well as the necessary acoustic consultancy services associated with this specialist area. ICAN Acoustics welcomes the formation of other groups such as Sound Insulation Test Register Ireland (SITRI) and the benefits associated with providing basic sound insulation tester training (at a technician level). It is, however, essential to recognise that formal academic training in acoustics is an essential requirement for the industry and helps ensure that those in the area of Sound Insulation Testing are qualified to provide any design consultancy advice.In addition to this, ICAN Acoustics are members of the Association of Acoustic Consultants of Ireland (AACI) and full members of the Institute of Acoustics.


Who is qualified to carry out Sound Insulation Testing? Diarmuid Keaney of ICAN Acoustics has completed the “Advanced Sound Insulation Testing / Training Course” for ISO Parts 1 & 2 as per Building Regulations Technical Guidance Documents Section E – 2014. This training was held at Sound Research Laboratories in the UK on February 10th. 2016. It is worth noting also that as part of Diarmuid Keaney’s Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control (2004), he completed a specialist module in Architectural Acoustics which included Sound Insulation Testing theory and its application. The Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control is run by the Institute of Acoustics and on successful completion of the course examinations, Diarmuid was awarded a merit as his final grade.

Certificate SRL ICAN AcousticsSRL Diarmuid Keaney ACASITI Training

Diarmuid Keaney of ICAN Acoustics and David Clarke of the SRL

Where can I learn more about the Irish Building Regulations on Sound? Click on the Technical Guidance Document E below to view a current copy:Do you want to watch our Free Webinar on Sound Insulation Testing and Technical Guidance Document E. Complete the form below to have a link emailed to you directly?

What are the key points I need to know about TGD-E?Regulation E1 aims to ensure that dwellings achieve reasonable levels of sound insulation from sound transmission emanating from attached buildings or differently occupied parts of the same building.Regulation E2 aims to protect dwelling occupants from noise produced from reverberation in common internal areas which provide direct access to a dwelling or dwellings.These Regulations also amend Article 13 of the Building Regulations 1997 to require Part E to apply to an existing building or part of a building which undergoes a material change of use to a dwelling. The amendments to Part E of the Building Regulations and the associated technical guidance meet the overall objective of securing reasonable standards of health and safety for persons in or about buildings in respect of the passage of sound. The operative date of the Regulations is 1 July 2015.What is the law on sound insulation testing?Technical guidance document Part E (2014) of the Building Regulations 1997 (S.I.
no. 497 of 1997) relates to the mitigation of sound transfer between dwellings and
rooms within a building. The regulations simply state that walls and floors must have
“reasonable resistance” to airborne and impact sound. No consideration is given to the
nature or location of the building or potential noise sources.Our test services come under the ‘Ancillary Certification, Part E – Sound Building Control (Amended) Regulations 2014’What are ‘Ancillary Certificates’ and who is an ‘Ancillary Certifier’?“Ancillary Certificates” means a certificate other than a statutory certificate of compliance as prescribed in the Building Control Regulations given by a competent person to confirm compliance of elements of the building, design or works with Building Regulations;“Ancillary Certifier” means a person proposed to issue such a statement. (Note: a “person” also includes a company); “Assigned Certifier” means the competent, registered professional person so assigned, in accordance with the Building Control Regulations;To download a copy of the Code of Practice for Inspecting and Certifying Buildings and Works click here. These are an integral part of the Building Control Regulations 2014 February 2014.What standards do ICAN Acoustics use when carrying out a sound insulation test?On-site testing is carried out using:

  • EN ISO 16283-1 :2014 Field measurement of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements — Part 1: Airborne sound insulation.
  • EN ISO 16283-2 :2015 Field Measurement of Impact Sound Insulation of Floors — Part 2: Impact sound insulation.