Melanie Grüner's job requires a good ear. The acoustics expert listens very carefully in the airborne sound test bench of the Hansgrohe research laboratory in the Black Forest. After all, she wants to find the perfect water sound. In the premium products of the hansgrohe brand, not only are design and longevity among the quality features, but so are pleasant noises.
“Noise behavior is one of the inner values of a faucet or shower, and is an expression of product quality.”Melanie Grüner
In the automotive industry, acoustics experts have long been important members of development teams. They see to the right engine sound or the rich noise when the car door closes. Hansgrohe also has a good listener: Melanie Grüner. “I help make sure the water experience with our products can truly be enjoyed with all the senses, including acoustically," says Grüner, who studied method engineering. For the perfect water sound, the water jets can’t be too loud or accompanied by unpleasant background noises.
Recently, “structure-borne sound test benches” equipped with acoustic cameras have been introduced to help with noise testing. Similar to a recording studio, microphones determine the sound pressure levels. “We carry out standardized tests in order to obtain approvals for our products,” explains Grüner. This is mainly on bathroom noises that can be heard in adjoining rooms. Depending on the volume, the product gets a certification: Acoustic Group I, II, or U (unclassified). In Group I, a shower is as quiet as a slight rustling of leaves in a deciduous forest. “The new tests help Hansgrohe achieve the best acoustic group.”
“With our system, we can reproducibly analyze, compare, and classify the products.” Hidden sound sources inside are detected and the products optimized. In Acoustic Group I, a faucet may reach a maximum of 20 decibels at a pressure of three bar. It’s ideally suited for apartment or hotel construction, as well as offices, doctors’ offices, hospitals, or schools. Group I proves its high quality and acoustically ensures unclouded water enjoyment.
