IEC 60704-2-10:2011

Overview

IEC 60704-2-10:2011 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies test codes for determining airborne acoustical noise from household and similar electrical appliances. This particular part, Part 2-10, addresses electric cooking ranges, ovens, grills, microwave ovens, and any combination of these appliances intended for household and similar uses.

The document serves as a technical revision of the 2004 edition, updating and refining requirements in line with the general provisions outlined in IEC 60704-1:2010. Notably, the description of test enclosures has been relocated to Part 1 of IEC 60704, ensuring a uniform testing environment across appliance categories.

This standard excludes gas-powered appliances and parts, focusing exclusively on electrical appliances. It aims to provide reliable and repeatable methods for quantifying airborne noise emissions under specified test conditions without the presence of an operator, enabling manufacturers, laboratories, and regulators to measure noise levels accurately.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability
  Applies to electric cooking ranges, ovens, grills, microwave ovens, and combinations for household use. This excludes gas appliances and hobs due to the lack of standardized reproducible test loads.

• Measurement Methods
  Employs sound power level measurement standards such as ISO 3743-1, ISO 3743-2, and ISO 3744. The methods accommodate appliances of various sizes and emphasize conditions simulating actual use.

• Noise Types and Characteristics
  Focuses on airborne acoustical noise emitted by appliances during operation without an operator present. Addresses considerations for pure tone components that may require additional microphone positioning to reduce measurement uncertainty.

• Test Loads and Operating Conditions
  Defines standard test load specifications, particularly for microwave functions, e.g., a borosilicate glass container filled with water, to replicate typical usage during noise measurement.

• Measurement Uncertainty
  Provides statistical estimates for repeatability and reproducibility of sound power levels - with typical standard deviations around 0.4 dB (repeatability) and 1.0 dB (reproducibility). For production declaration and verification, broader standard deviations are given.

• Definitions and Terminology
  Includes precise definitions of appliance types (cooking range, hob, oven, grill, microwave oven), heating functions (steam, hot steam, forced air circulation), and components like cooling fans, ensuring clarity and standardized language for manufacturers and testers.

Applications

• Appliance Development and Certification
  Manufacturers utilize IEC 60704-2-10:2011 for noise emission testing during product development and prior to market release, enabling compliance with regulatory noise limits and enhancing consumer satisfaction.

• Regulatory Compliance and Market Access
  Testing per this standard supports conformity assessments, facilitating appliance certification and market entry in regions requiring standardized noise evaluation.

• Comparative Testing and Performance Benchmarking
  Independent laboratories employ prescribed measurement methods to provide accurate, repeatable noise data for competitive product comparisons.

• Noise Reduction and Product Improvement
  Appliance designers use test results guided by IEC standards to identify noise sources, improving product design to reduce sound emissions and meet sustainability and ergonomic goals.

Related Standards

• IEC 60704-1:2010: Provides general requirements and overarching methodology for airborne acoustical noise measurement of household electrical appliances. Part 2-10 should be used together with this part.

• IEC 60704-3: Covers requirements for declaration and verification of noise emission values, complementing measurement standards.

• ISO 3743-1 and ISO 3743-2: Define sound power determination methods in reverberation test rooms with different measurement setups.

• ISO 3744: Applicable for determination of sound power levels of noise sources in a defined environment using pressure measurement methods.

• IEC 60350 Series: Contains definitions and standards relevant to cooking appliances, referenced for appliance descriptions.

By adhering to IEC 60704-2-10:2011, stakeholders ensure standardized, accurate, and internationally recognized measurement of noise emissions from electric cooking appliances, contributing to improved product quality, user comfort, and regulatory compliance.