XLERATOR® Hand Dryer Noise Levels
- Excel Hand Dryers – Operate at 70 to 72 dB± (decibels) using a brushless motor.
- World and Other Hand Dryers – Operate at 78 to 80 dB± using a brush motor.
- XLERATOR Hand Dryers – Operate at 78 to 80 dB± as well, but can jump to over 90
dB± if hands are perpendicular to the air stream and held extremely close to the air
outlet. - Sound Deflection – The cause of the increased dB level is because of the focused,
high velocity air stream (16,000 LFM) However, this is the patented feature that
makes XLERATOR 3 times faster (i.e., 10-15 seconds). - 1.1 Nozzle – Excel has developed a new nozzle that minimizes the increase in
decibel level from the sound deflection. The 1.1 nozzle can lower the decibel level
up to 9 decibels and keeps it under 90 dB. It will add about 2 to 3 seconds to the
drying time. The 1.1 nozzle is available as a no cost option on all XLERATOR
models. It is also available to purchase separately and can easily be changed out
from the original nozzle on installed XLERATORS. - OSHA – As a point of information, OSHA regulations concerning sound levels state
that persons exposed to a sound level of 90 dB for a continuous 8-hour period, or
95 dB for a continuous 4-hour period, might require ear protection.
Measuring Method
Sound was measured with a dryer mounted on a wall at the standard mounting height
for adults. The sound was measured using the A scale with slow response. The sound
level was measured in front of the dryer at a height of 5 feet (152 cm) from the floor and
at 18 inches (46 cm) from the wall. The noise level was measured with no hands under
the dryer and then measured with hands in the process of hand drying.
