Last edited 18 Apr 2025

LAEQ,T

LAEQ (or LAeq) refers to Level A weighted Equivalent Continuous Sound Pressure and T refers to time, so it is a metric used in acoustics to quantify the average sound energy of a fluctuating noise over a specific time period. It represents the constant noise level that would produce the same sound energy over the same period as the actual fluctuating noise.It is often used in environmental noise standards and regulations, most recently in particular connected with the noise produced by air source heat pumps and wind turbines. See article equivalent continuous sound pressure level, heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations, as well as sound, sound absorption, sound absorption coefficient, and noise v sound.

For the purposes of the consultation Permitted development rights for small scale renewable and low carbon energy technologies and electric vehicle charging infrastructure March 2012 LAEQ,T refers to 'The equivalent continuous sound level - the sound level of a notionally steady sound having the same energy as a fluctuating sound over a specified measurement period (T). LAEQ, 5 min – refers to the equivalent continuous sound level over a 5 minute period.' The consultation also notes that the term 'Could benefit from further clarification'.

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