Sound Level Meters for smoke detector certs

[Concept]

Hi guys was wondering what you guys were using to measure the sound levels on new smoke detector certificates. I have looked at a few on Maplins website I dont want to spend massive amounts of cash but I dont want to buy a cheap one either was just wondering what you lot would suggest?

 

[jaresquire]

Don't know but the last one I borrowed I compared against a cheap iPhone app and they agreed to a dB.

 

[grantr37]

I am used to there being sounders in each room on commercial, industrial and Hotel buildings however the last few jobs I done they had strobe/sounder combinations fitted so that there was a visual indication as well.
If you are doing the Audio attenuation/ sound dispersal level tests for a big client you might get asked for a photocopy of a calibration certificate and if this is the case the machine that they will expect you to use will cost about 900 pounds, you can rent them for 15 pounds a day and just take a photocopy of the calibration certificate that the hire company gives you.
would take the measurements from the middle of each room and mark on level certificates -as taken from centre (room number or name) sound level measured was (insert level here) this should be acceptable.