In acoustics, AC stands for Articulation Class.
Based on the provided information, ARTICULATION CLASS (AC) is defined as:
A single-number rating for speech privacy purposes, of a ceiling system in an open office cubical environment.
This rating provides a simple way to assess how well a ceiling system helps reduce the intelligibility of speech transferring from one workspace to another in an open office setting.
Purpose and Application
The primary purpose of the AC rating is to quantify the potential for speech privacy provided by the ceiling, which plays a crucial role in absorbing or blocking sound reflections in an open office.
The AC rating is specifically applied to ceiling systems within an open office cubical environment. It helps acousticians, architects, and facility managers choose materials that contribute effectively to reducing distracting noise and improving concentration.
Understanding the AC Rating
The AC rating is a numerical value. According to the reference:
- A rating of 170 or higher is considered acceptable.
This threshold suggests that a ceiling system with an AC rating of 170 or more is expected to provide a sufficient level of speech privacy in a typical open office layout, helping to prevent conversations in one cubicle from being easily understood in adjacent areas. Higher numbers generally indicate better performance in reducing speech intelligibility.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Articulation Class |
| Type of Rating | Single-number rating |
| Purpose | Measures speech privacy |
| Applicable To | Ceiling systems |
| Environment | Open office cubical environments |
| Acceptable Score | 170 or higher |
Choosing ceiling materials with an appropriate AC rating is a key consideration in designing productive and comfortable open-plan workspaces.
