Plugfones Protector™ Industrial Earplug-Earbud Hybrids provide protection from hazardous noise, with the ability to listen to music. The Plugfones Protector™ Series of earphones is designed for workers in high-noise industrial environments. Now workers no longer have to choose between the hearing protection they need and the music they want. With the earplug tips blocking out ambient noise, the tuned speakers can deliver high quality sound that is clear, rich, and satisfying.
Protector™ is built to last. The 54" TuffCord™ cable is tear-resistant, and the audio jack is double-reinforced, so these earphones can stand up to hours of use, day after day. These are also sweat-resistant, so workers never need to fret over their earphones in hot working conditions. Protector™ earphones are light, weighing in at just 10 grams (0.35 oz), preventing wearer fatigue even after a long day.
Plugfones™' top priority is protection from sound. These earphones come with ComforTiered™ foam tips (NRR 29) and ComforTiered™ silicone tips (NRR 27) for a secure and comfortable fit. Plugfones™ Protector™ earplug tips have been fully tested and found compliant according to ANSI S3.19-1974 standards for noise reduction.
Also available with an in-line mic and smartphone controls: Plugfones Protector Plus
NRR 27
An NRR of 27 means that the hearing protection is estimated to reduce noise levels by an average of 27 decibels across various frequencies.
'NRR' in hearing protection stands for 'Noise Reduction Rating,' which is a single value used to indicate the average level of noise reduction a hearing protection device provides across different frequencies, essentially telling you how much sound attenuation the earplugs or earmuffs will offer when worn correctly; the higher the NRR value, the greater the noise reduction level is considered to be.
NRR is primarily used as a rating system in North America, while Europe often uses 'SNR' (Single Number Rating) and Australia/New Zealand use 'SLC80'; which both differ slightly in calculation.
NRR 29
An NRR of 29 means that the hearing protection is estimated to reduce noise levels by an average of 29 decibels across various frequencies.
'NRR' in hearing protection stands for 'Noise Reduction Rating,' which is a single value used to indicate the average level of noise reduction a hearing protection device provides across different frequencies, essentially telling you how much sound attenuation the earplugs or earmuffs will offer when worn correctly; the higher the NRR value, the greater the noise reduction level is considered to be.
NRR is primarily used as a rating system in North America, while Europe often uses 'SNR' (Single Number Rating) and Australia/New Zealand use 'SLC80'; which both differ slightly in calculation.
SLC80 23dB
This hearing protection product complies with the Australia/New Zealand standard and has been tested in accordance with AS/NZS 1270.
It has an SLC80 rating of 23 (which in rough terms means it blocks about 23dB of noise) and is a Class 5 hearing protector.
- Class 1: SLC80 10–13 - Suitable for <90 dB noise levels
- Class 2: SLC80 14–17 - Suitable for <90-95 dB noise levels
- Class 3: SLC80 18-21 - Suitable for <95-100 dB noise levels
- Class 4: SLC80 22-25 - Suitable for <100-105 dB noise levels
- Class 5: SLC80 ≥26 - Suitable for <105-110 dB noise levels
SLC80 Explained
Under AS/NZS 1270:2002, hearing protection is tested for its Sound Level Conversion (SLC80) rating, which indicates the difference between the environmental noise and the sound reaching the wearer’s ears. This rating helps determine the appropriate Class of hearing protection for specific noise levels.
Australian and New Zealand workplaces are obligated under AS/NZS 1269.3:2005 to:
- Conduct noise level surveys to assess exposure (measured as LAeq,8h).
- Provide suitable hearing protection for workers exposed to noise above 85 dB(A).
- Ensure hearing protection is maintained and properly fitted to achieve effective attenuation.
Employers must select hearing protection suitable for the measured noise levels, ensuring compliance with occupational noise management regulations.
SLC80 22dB
This hearing protection product complies with the Australia/New Zealand standard and has been tested in accordance with AS/NZS 1270.
It has an SLC80 rating of 22 (which in rough terms means it blocks about 22dB of noise) and is a Class 5 hearing protector.
- Class 1: SLC80 10–13 - Suitable for <90 dB noise levels
- Class 2: SLC80 14–17 - Suitable for <90-95 dB noise levels
- Class 3: SLC80 18-21 - Suitable for <95-100 dB noise levels
- Class 4: SLC80 22-25 - Suitable for <100-105 dB noise levels
- Class 5: SLC80 ≥26 - Suitable for <105-110 dB noise levels
SLC80 Explained
Under AS/NZS 1270:2002, hearing protection is tested for its Sound Level Conversion (SLC80) rating, which indicates the difference between the environmental noise and the sound reaching the wearer’s ears. This rating helps determine the appropriate Class of hearing protection for specific noise levels.
Australian and New Zealand workplaces are obligated under AS/NZS 1269.3:2005 to:
- Conduct noise level surveys to assess exposure (measured as LAeq,8h).
- Provide suitable hearing protection for workers exposed to noise above 85 dB(A).
- Ensure hearing protection is maintained and properly fitted to achieve effective attenuation.
Employers must select hearing protection suitable for the measured noise levels, ensuring compliance with occupational noise management regulations.
