IEC 60704-2-4:2011

Overview

IEC 60704-2-4:2011 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies particular requirements for measuring airborne acoustical noise emitted by household washing machines and spin extractors. This standard serves as Part 2-4 within the broader IEC 60704 series, which outlines test codes for determining noise emissions from household and similar electrical appliances.

The third edition of this standard updates and replaces the 2001 version by incorporating improved practices for measuring and reporting noise emissions, including adjustments for measurement uncertainty, refined definitions of standard test loads and programs, and adoption of a common test enclosure as defined in IEC 60704-1:2010. The document ensures consistency and accuracy in noise measurements from washing machines and spin extractors, facilitating reliable product comparisons and compliance assessments.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application: IEC 60704-2-4 applies specifically to single-unit electrical washing machines, combined washing and spinning appliances for household use, and household spin extractors. It focuses exclusively on airborne acoustical noise emitted during operation.

• Measurement Methods: The standard endorses using methods based on ISO 3743-1, ISO 3743-2, and ISO 3744 for noise measurement, with ISO 3744 being suitable for noise sources of any size.

• Standard Test Load and Test Program: It defines precise modifications for standardizing the test load and test program to simulate realistic operating conditions during noise emission testing.

• Measurement Uncertainty and Standard Deviation: The third edition incorporates measurement uncertainty considerations and specifies standard deviation values for repeatability and reproducibility in noise measurements:

  • Washing machines: Repeatability (r) = 0.6 dB, Reproducibility (R) = 1.0 dB
  • Spin extractors: Corresponding values are also defined separately.

• Test Environment: The standard requires the use of a common test enclosure defined in IEC 60704-1 instead of earlier distinct setups, promoting uniform acoustic measurement environments.

• Data Reporting: It outlines updated requirements for the information to be recorded and reported, including electrical supply, water supply, appliance description, operation modes, and measured acoustic data.

Applications

IEC 60704-2-4:2011 serves multiple practical uses in the household appliance industry and testing environments:

• Product Development and Quality Control: Manufacturers can use this standard to evaluate and optimize the noise performance of washing machines and spin extractors, enhancing user comfort and meeting regulatory noise limits.

• Type Testing and Certification: Testing laboratories implement IEC 60704-2-4 protocols to conduct standardized noise emission tests necessary for product certification and market approval.

• Consumer Information: Regulatory bodies and consumer organizations can rely on measurement results obtained through this standard to provide validated noise emission data to consumers.

• Research and Innovation: Researchers studying noise reduction technologies and appliance acoustics utilize this standard to obtain consistent and comparable noise measurement data.

Related Standards

• IEC 60704-1:2010 – Household and similar electrical appliances – Test code for determination of airborne acoustical noise – Part 1: General requirements. This standard provides foundational test methods and sets common requirements, which IEC 60704-2-4 supplements specifically for washing machines and spin extractors.

• IEC 60704-2-6 – Specifies particular requirements for appliances with drying functions, relevant for combined washer-dryers.

• IEC 60704-3 – Concerns the determination and verification of declared noise emission values, complementary to this standard.

• ISO 3743-1, ISO 3743-2, ISO 3744 – International standards that define methods for acoustical noise measurements, referenced within IEC 60704-2-4 for determining noise emitted by appliances.

Keywords: IEC 60704-2-4, airborne acoustical noise, washing machine noise measurement, spin extractor noise, household electrical appliances, noise emission testing, IEC standards, acoustical noise determination, appliance noise certification.