IEC 60034-9:2021 specifies test methods for the determination of sound power level of rotating electrical machines and specifies maximum A-weighted sound power levels for factory acceptance testing of network-supplied, rotating electrical machines in accordance with lEC 60034-1, having methods of cooling according to lEC 60034-6 and degrees of protection according to lEC 60034-5, and having the following characteristics:
- standard design, either AC or DC, without additional special electrical, mechanical, or acoustical modifications intended to reduce the sound power level
- rated output from 1 kW (or kVA) up to and including 5 500 kW (or kVA)
- rated speed not greater than 3 750 min–1

This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition, published in 2003 and its amendment 1, published in 2007. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) In Table 2 and Table 3 cooling methods IC01, IC11, IC21 and IC31, IC71, IC81 are now covered.
b) This edition adds Table 3 for 60 Hz machines, whereas Table 2, which covers only 50 Hz machines, has no change in levels.
c) In Table 3, grade A is added to harmonize the highest levels seen in IEC and NEMA, whereas grade B was added to harmonize the lowest, more restrictive levels seen in IEC and NEMA.
d) The clause “Determination of noise increments caused by converter supply” has been shifted to Annex B and renamed “Information on typical noise increments caused by converter supply”.