High-speed, energy-efficient hand dryers have become increasingly popular offerings in public restrooms due to their convenience, fast dry times and hygiene benefits. However, one objection to these dryers is their relative noise level. In this blog, we discuss the common misconception of their perceived volume, the surprising statistics of other everyday sounds and the way our adjustable speed and sound settings put the control in your hands.
The Surprising Statistics of Sound
The intensity of sound is measured in units called decibels (dB). The XLERATOR® Hand Dryer traditionally dries hands completely in eight seconds*, but that high-velocity airflow creates higher decibel levels. Our adjustable speed and sound feature brings the decibel levels on the XLERATOR and XLERATOReco® Hand Dryers to a 65–75dB range and the ThinAir® Hand Dryer® to a 69–73dB range, which is about the same as an air conditioner or a dishwasher.
Putting Sound in Perspective
Sounds at or below 70 dB are generally considered safe. However, you experience sounds above this threshold all the time, and short exposures—seconds, minutes or even hours in some cases—to these louder sounds should not be of concern. The sound levels of some things you interact with every day may surprise you.
Let’s put things in perspective:
XLERATOR®, XLERATOReco®, ThinAir® Hand Dryers: 65–75 dB
Operational sound level
Alarm Clock: 65–80 dB
Toilet Flushing: 75–85 dB
Blender: 80–90 dB
Group Exercise Class: 90 dB
Subway: 90–115 dB
Motorcycle: 95–110 dB
Car Horn: 110 dB
Baby Crying: 110 dB
Radio or Stereo: 105–110 dB
Ready to Customise Your Sound?
With a turn of the knob, users can adjust sound output on Excel Dryer devices from high to medium to low, meeting the acoustic requirements of any space. Additionally, we offer a noise-reduction nozzle that lowers the decibel level by 9 dB by reducing air deflection noise. All new, enhanced high-speed hand dryer models are available with this nozzle at no extra charge, and we can assist you to easily retrofit it into existing units.
Simply put, you shouldn’t believe the noise about hand dryers. Contact us today to hear more about our adjustable sound options.
*Dry time and energy use testing performed by SGS International on standard XLERATOR/XLERATOReco Hand Dryers with 0.8″ nozzle/standard Thin Air Hand Dryer to 0.25g or less of residual moisture, pursuant to the UL Environment Global Product Category Rules (PCR) for Hand Dryers.
