Transparent noise barriers

CE marking for transparent noise barriers: requirements & responsibility

Noise barriers along roads must be CE marked according to EN 14388, regardless of whether they are made of wood, aluminium, glass or plastic. The only exception is barriers erected on site from loose wood. However, if the elements are produced in the factory, the CE marking absolutely necessary.

Who is responsible?

Even if the tender documents do not contain a clear requirement for CE marking, it remains an essential legal requirement. Contractors and suppliers must ensure that only CE-marked noise barriers are installed. Installation without CE marking is not permitted.

What does the CE marking mean?

The CE marking indicates that products have been tested or calculated according to specified conditions. However, it is not a guarantee of quality or of compliance with the client's specific requirements.

Do noise barriers have to be CE marked?

Yes, all noise barriers manufactured in the factory must be CE marked.

Is it permitted to install noise barriers without CE marking?

No, the installation of noise barriers that are not CE marked is not permitted.

Are there any exceptions to the CE marking requirement?

Yes, noise barriers erected on site from loose timber do not require CE marking. However, all other prefabricated barriers must be CE marked.

Which standard specifies the requirements for CE marking?

The requirements are regulated by the EN 14388 standard, which includes 14 different standards. These standards include various test methods and classes that are necessary for correct CE marking.

What requirements should a noise barrier meet?

The EN 14388 standard defines “acoustic elements” for noise reduction and “structural elements” for load-bearing capacity. The most important requirements include:

• Sound absorption (EN 1793-1): Test values ​​are given in categories A0-A4, with A4 being the highest. However, for most applications, class A2 is sufficient.
• Airborne sound insulation (EN 1793-2): Category B3 is the best and should be set as the minimum requirement for an effective noise barrier, as it attenuates more than 24 dB.

Mechanical requirements:

The mechanical requirements concern both the acoustic and the load-bearing elements of a noise barrier. These must withstand certain loads such as wind, snow and mechanical stress without suffering structural damage.

• Vertical and horizontal loads: The acoustic elements must be able to support both vertical and horizontal loads without bending beyond the specified limits.
• stone impact test (EN 1794-1): The barrier must be able to withstand rockfall or the impact of ice chunks without breaking.

• Light transmittance (EN 1794-2): For transparent noise barriers, a light transmittance of at least 85% must be guaranteed.

Conclusion:

This introduction to the CE marking standard for transparent noise barriers has been developed by Hammerglass AB to help contractors and authorities comply with the legal requirements. Hammerglass offers CE marked noise barriers and is actively involved in the further development of the relevant standards. If you have any questions about the CE marking, please do not hesitate to contact us.