Abstract
No matter how low it might be, noise from home appliances in indoor environment cause displeasure for residents as it is produced nearby. Electronic goods including vacuum cleaner and washing machine generate high frequency noise, which interrupts TV-watching or conversations and cause noises between floors in apartment houses. In particular, refrigerators make constant noise late at night, hampering the study for exams and causing sleeplessness. Korea, despite the government's efforts to promote low-noise goods based on the noise test by corporation, there is a lack of standardization in the test method, test condition and measuring equipments. This is a major reason that lowers the reliability of low-noise products. At present, low-noise home appliances are certified with eco labeling in the nation but, only 7 brands of refrigerators, 4 brands of washing machines and 97 brands of air-conditioners obtained certification as of august, 2011. In addition, none of Kimchi-refrigerator and vacuum cleaner brands were approved as low-noise home appliances. This shows Korea's relatively underdeveloped market for low-noise products, which, in part, is because of the difficulties companies face in being certified with eco labeling as they should satisfy various requirements such as power-saving and eco-friendly design besides low-noise features. As a result, low-noise labeling for home appliances should be established for the revised noise and vibration management law and the study was carried out to establish low-noise labeling system for major noise sources including vacuum cleaner, washing machine, air-conditioner and refrigerator.
