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Are there different types
of sound ratings?
Yes. The three types of acoustical performance ratings include
Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC), Ceiling Attenuation Class (CAC),
and Articulation Class (AC).
What is NRC?
NRC measures the sound absorption characteristics of a ceiling
panel. It is calculated by averaging sound absorption coefficients
at 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz. The higher the range, the better the
sound control in a space.
What minimum NRC values can be
used in open plan offices?
Open plan offices should use ceiling panels with a minimum NRC
range of .65-.75. For most other spaces, panels with a minimum NRC
of .45-.55 are generally recommended for effective noise reduction,
regardless of application.
What CGC ceiling panels
have the highest NRC values?
CGC offers two ceiling panels: Mars™ ClimaPlus™ High NRC, with
values ranging from .80 to .95, based on product thickness and
Premier Nubby™ ClimaPlus™ with NRC of .80 to .95 based on
thickness. Both products are made of a fiberglass basemat laminated
with a scrim.
What is CAC?
CAC, or Ceiling Attenuation Class, is a measure of the sound
transmission loss as noise travels between rooms. Essentially, it
is the ability of a ceiling panel to block sound between
rooms.
What spaces require CAC
values?
CAC values are essential in interior spaces that require physical
separation from other areas such as conference and board rooms,
private offices, bathrooms, and corridors.
Is CAC important in open plan
offices?
Actually, CAC is important to assure privacy for areas outside or
adjoining an open plan such as private offices or conference
rooms.
What CGC ceiling panels
have the best CAC values?
SHEETROCK® Brand Lay-In Ceiling Tile, ClimaPlus™ has the highest
CAC value of 45-49. Numerous other CGC ceiling panels offer a high
CAC value of 40-44.
What is AC?
AC, or Articulation Class, is a measurement of ceiling sound
attenuation (in dB) which represents the ability to hear or
understand transmitted or processed speech within a space.
Where is AC
important?
AC is important in open office space, where conventional noises,
including speech, are less likely to be blocked due to the absence
of full-height partitions. The acceptable AC range for open office
spaces is 170-210.
What CGC ceiling panels have
the best AC ratings?
Mars™ ClimaPlus™ High NRC panels with AC 180 to 190 (based on
product thickness) provide the best USG ceiling-panel AC
range.
What is the significance of
the UL Mark?
The presence of the Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) Mark
provides assurance that a product has been rigorously tested and
that its production is monitored for compliance with designated
safety and performance standards. UL classifies acoustical
materials (including ceiling panels) for CAC, NRC, and AC.
Acoustical performance is determined by laboratory measurements in
accordance to the most current published editions of the applicable
ASTM standards.
What CGC products are UL
certified?
All CGC Ceilings™* are classified by UL for acoustical
performance and carry the UL Mark. Our ceilings meet or exceed
published performance values for NRC, CAC, and AC. UL's
classification assures you that USG adheres to recognized ASTM
standard test methods.*Excluding SHEETROCK® Brand Lay-In Ceiling
Tile, ClimaPlus™
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