IEC 60704-2-11:1998

Overview

IEC 60704-2-11:1998 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It forms part of a series specifying test codes for determining airborne acoustical noise emitted by household and similar electrical appliances. This particular part, 2-11, sets out the specific requirements and conditions for electrically-operated food preparation appliances. The goal is to provide a consistent and repeatable method to measure noise emissions from these appliances, enhancing product comparability and supporting consumer information.

The appliances covered include both single-function and multi-purpose machines, designed for use on kitchen counters, tables, worktops, or sinks, as well as for wall-mounting, building-in, or hand-held operation. The standard is used in conjunction with IEC 60704-1:1997, which defines the general test requirements for appliance noise measurement.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability

  • Covers a broad range of electrically-operated food preparation equipment, including those powered by mains or battery.
  • Applies to appliances both for domestic and similar use, capable of blending, pureeing, juice extraction, coffee grinding, and related tasks.

• Test Conditions

  • Appliances are tested under conditions simulating typical domestic usage as closely as possible.
  • Standard test loads (such as water for blenders or specific weights for juicers) are defined to improve repeatability.

• Noise Measurement Procedure

  • Measurements focus exclusively on airborne noise.
  • Detailed guidance on appliance conditioning, test loads, measuring duration, and placement is included.
  • Both hand-held and fixed appliances are considered, with fixtures and mounting details specified to ensure accuracy.

• Results and Reporting

  • Guidance is provided on which appliance function to consider for reporting purposes (typically the one with the highest noise emission).
  • Standardizes the information to be recorded and reported, supporting product comparison.

Applications

IEC 60704-2-11:1998 delivers practical benefits for a variety of stakeholders in the appliance industry:

• Manufacturers: Enables standardized assessment of airborne noise, supporting product development, quality control, and compliance with regional noise regulations.
• Testing Laboratories: Provides clear procedures and conditions for measuring and verifying the acoustical performance of kitchen appliances.
• Retailers and Consumers: Facilitates objective product comparisons by ensuring noise data is reported based on consistent international methodologies.
• Regulators: Assists in establishing criteria for noise labeling, eco-design requirements, and market surveillance by providing harmonized test methods.

Related Standards

For comprehensive coverage of acoustical measurement in household appliances, the following standards are commonly used in conjunction with IEC 60704-2-11:

• IEC 60704-1:1997: General requirements for the determination of airborne acoustical noise (must be used together with Part 2-11).
• IEC 60704-3: Procedures for the declaration and verification of noise emission values.
• IEC 60619:1993: Methods for measuring the performance of electrically operated food preparation appliances.
• ISO 3743-1: While not applicable within this part, it is referenced for other acoustical measurements involving small movable sources.

Conclusion

IEC 60704-2-11:1998 is an essential standard for manufacturers, testing laboratories, and regulatory authorities involved with electrically-operated food preparation appliances. By defining uniform test codes for airborne acoustical noise, it supports reliable noise measurement, enhances market transparency, and contributes to improved product design and consumer satisfaction. Ensuring appliances are quieter and their performance is accurately represented helps maintain high standards within the appliance industry.