Nor279 Impact Ball
Heavy impact ball for low-frequency impact sound testing in building acoustics.
- ISO 16283-2 Annex B compliant heavy impact source
- 2.5 kg hollow rubber sphere for standardized impacts
- Controlled 1.0 m standard drop height
- Low-frequency excitation below 100 Hz
- Reproducible and repeatable impact characteristics
- Carrying case included for field portability
- No electronics or power required for maintenance-free operation
The Nor279 Impact Ball is a standardized heavy/soft impact source for evaluating low-frequency floor impact sound transmission in buildings. Designed to comply with ISO 16283-2 Annex B and related national standards, the Nor279 simulates the heavy footfall impacts generated by activities such as children running, jumping, or adults walking barefoot, which the standard tapping machine does not adequately represent. The 2.5 kg hollow rubber sphere is dropped from a controlled 1.0 m height to produce a repeatable low-frequency impulse. While the standard ISO tapping machine (such as the Nor277) excites floors primarily in the mid and high frequency range, the impact ball generates significant energy below 100 Hz where lightweight and floating floor constructions are most vulnerable to impact sound transmission. This low-frequency characterization is essential for assessing the real-world performance of modern floor systems, particularly the lightweight steel and timber-framed constructions increasingly used in GCC residential and commercial developments. The Nor279 is supplied with a carrying case for convenient transport between measurement positions. No electronic components or power supply are required, making it an extremely reliable and maintenance-free complement to the standard tapping machine. Many building acoustic standards and national building codes now require both tapping machine and impact ball measurements for comprehensive floor impact sound assessment, making the Nor279 an essential tool for consultants performing pre-completion testing on residential developments across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the broader Middle East construction market.
