How loud is a router?
DeWALT declares an emission sound pressure level of 83 dB(A) for its DW615 router, A-weighted at the operator position in the EN 60745-2-17 test, and a sound power level of 92 dB(A). Real cuts in hard timber with large cutters can differ from the test condition.
- Level
- 83 dBAA-weighted sound level
- Daily limit
- No daily limitNIOSH, at the loud end
- Versus conversation
- 112× energyabout 4.1× as loud
What the numbers mean
How it was measured. DeWALT-declared emission sound pressure level (LpA) for its DW615 router, tested to EN 60745-2-17; sound power 92 dB(A).
The DW615 is a compact plunge router. Its manual gives LpA 83 dB(A) and LWA 92 dB(A), measured under the EN 60745-2-17 standard for routers. Like other declared values, these are intended for comparing tools rather than predicting the level of any particular job.
How long is safe?
Below 85 dBA, the level NIOSH allows for a full 8-hour day.
| Level | NIOSH limit (85 dBA, 3 dB rule) | OSHA limit (90 dBA, 5 dB rule) | UK/EU 80 dB(A) action value reached after | UK/EU 85 dB(A) action value reached after |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 83 dBA | No limit | No limit | 4 h 1 min | Not reached in 24 h |
Times are for a whole day’s exposure, with the rest of the day quiet. The workplace limits were written for adults at work, not for children. Work out a mixed day with the noise dose calculator.
Protecting your hearing
Routers run at high speed with a high-pitched whine; wear plugs or muffs for longer routing sessions and use sharp cutters.
Earplug and earmuff ratings (NRR in the US, SNR in the UK and EU) are lab figures; real-world protection is usually lower. How to read the ratings.
Compared with sounds nearby
Using midpoints of each range. Energy multiplies by 10 every 10 dB; perceived loudness roughly doubles (why).
- Garbage disposal (67–93 dBA): this has about 2× its sound energy and sounds about 1.2× as loud.
- Motorcycle (80 dBA): this has about 2× its sound energy and sounds about 1.2× as loud.
- Noisy toys (70–102 dBA): it has about 2× the sound energy of this and sounds about 1.2× as loud.
- Amusement arcade (83–89.4 dBA): it has about 2.1× the sound energy of this and sounds about 1.3× as loud.
- Normal conversation (55–70 dBA): this has about 112× its energy and sounds about 4.1× as loud.
Questions
How many decibels is a wood router?
DeWALT declares 83 dB(A) at the operator for its DW615 router in the standard test, with a sound power level of 92 dB(A).
Is the declared router noise level what I will hear?
It is a standard-test figure for comparing tools. Different cutters, materials and feed rates change the level.
Sources
- DeWALT DW615 router instruction manual, DeWALT (manufacturer). Supports: dB_low/high: LpA 83 dB(A).
(emission sound dB(A) 83
Checked 2026-11-03. - DeWALT DW615 router instruction manual, DeWALT (manufacturer). Supports: body: LWA 92 dB(A).
(sound power level) dB(A) 92
Checked 2026-11-03. - DeWALT DW615 router instruction manual, DeWALT (manufacturer). Supports: body: purpose of declared values.
may be used to compare one tool with another
Checked 2026-11-03.
This page is general information, not medical advice. If you have ringing in your ears, muffled hearing or any change in your hearing, see an audiologist or your doctor.