IEC 60704-2-7:2020

Overview

IEC 60704-2-7:2020 is the Part 2-7 test code of the IEC 60704 series for the determination of airborne acoustical noise from household and similar electrical fans. It provides particular requirements that supplement and modify IEC 60704-1:2010 (general requirements) to establish measurement practices for a broad range of fan types (conventional, table, pedestal, ceiling, bladeless, wall/ceiling bracket, louver, tower, ventilating and partition fans). The second edition (2020) is a technical revision that updates fan categories, adds standard deviations for sound power levels, introduces a comparison method, and aligns normative references to ISO 3744:2010 and ISO 3743-1:2010.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and applicability: Applies to standalone household fans (AC or DC) where motor, impeller and housing form a single unit. Excludes fans that are part of ventilation systems, industrial-only fans, fans built into other appliances (e.g., cooling fans), and multifunction fans (e.g., with heating/humidifying).
• Measurement framework: Designed to be used in conjunction with IEC 60704-1:2010. Measurement methods from ISO 3744 and ISO 3743-1/2 are referenced for sound power determination.
• Acoustic parameters: Focus on sound pressure and sound power levels emitted during normal operation (typically at maximum speed), including provisions for other speeds.
• Measurement uncertainty: Standard deviations are provided for repeatability and reproducibility (σr = 0.4 dB, σR = 1.0 dB). For declaration and verification, production and total standard deviations are given (σP = 0.5–1.0 dB; σt = 1.0–1.4 dB; σM = 1.5 dB).
• Added methods: A comparison method and updated normative references for laboratory test environments and engineering methods.

Applications and practical value

• Product noise testing during R&D, pre‑production validation and final quality control of household fan designs.
• Establishing comparative noise data for product specifications, marketing information and compliance testing.
• Laboratory accreditation and inter-lab comparison to ensure consistent sound power and sound pressure results.
• Useful for acoustic consultants, test laboratories, OEMs and manufacturers who need standardized procedures for fan noise measurement.

Who should use this standard

• Fan manufacturers and designers
• Independent acoustic and test laboratories
• Certification bodies and regulators
• Product compliance and quality engineers

Related standards

• IEC 60704-1:2010 - General requirements (use in conjunction)
• ISO 3744:2010 - Sound power determination (free field over reflecting plane)
• ISO 3743-1:2010 / ISO 3743-2 - Engineering methods for small movable sources
• IEC 60879 (fan categories), IEC 60665 (ventilating fans) - referenced fan definitions and performance guidance

Practical takeaway: IEC 60704-2-7:2020 gives a standardized, lab-validated approach to measure and compare airborne noise from household fans, supporting reliable product noise reporting and quality control. Keywords: IEC 60704-2-7:2020, fan acoustical noise, sound power levels, noise measurement, household fans.