EN 60311:2003

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-december-2003
1DGRPHãþD
SIST EN 60311:2000
SIST EN 60311:2000/A1:2000
SIST EN 60311:2000/A2:2000
Electric irons for household or similar use - Methods for measuring performance
Electric irons for household or similar use - Methods for measuring performance
Elektrische Bügeleisen für Haushalt und ähnliche Zwecke - Verfahren zur Messung der
Gebrauchseigenschaften
Fers à repasser électriques pour usage domestique ou analogue - Méthodes de mesure
de l'aptitude à la fonction
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 60311:2003
ICS:
97.060 Aparati za nego perila Laundry appliances
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 60311
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM September 2003

ICS 97.060 Supersedes EN 60311:1997 + A1:1997 + A2:2000

English version
Electric irons for household or similar use –
Methods for measuring performance
(IEC 60311:2002)
Fers à repasser électriques  Elektrische Bügeleisen für Haushalt und
pour usage domestique ou analogue - ähnliche Zwecke –
Méthodes de mesure de l'aptitude Verfahren zur Messung
à la fonction der Gebrauchseigenschaften
(CEI 60311:2002) (IEC 60311:2002)

This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2003-07-01. CENELEC members are bound to
comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on
application to the Central Secretariat or to any CENELEC member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and
notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.

CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung

Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 35, B - 1050 Brussels

© 2003 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.

Ref. No. EN 60311:2003 E
Foreword
The text of the International Standard IEC 60311:2002, prepared by SC 59E, Ironing and pressing
appliances, of IEC TC 59, Performance of household electrical appliances, was submitted to the
Unique Acceptance Procedure and was approved by CENELEC as EN 60311 on 2003-07-01 without
any modification.
This European Standard supersedes EN 60311:1997 + A1:1997 + A2:2000.
The following dates were fixed:
– latest date by which the EN has to be implemented (dop) 2004-07-01
at national level by publication of an identical
national standard or by endorsement
– latest date by which the national standards (dow) 2006-07-01
conflicting with the EN have to be withdrawn
Annexes designated "normative" are part of the body of the standard.
Annexes designated "informative" are given for information only.
In this standard, Annexes B, C and ZA are normative and Annexes A and D are informative.
Annex ZA has been added by CENELEC.
In this standard, the following print types are used:
– test specifications: italic type;
– In small roman type;
– other texts: in roman type;
Words in bold in the text are defined in Clause 3.
__________
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 60311:2002 was approved by CENELEC as a European
Standard without any modification.
__________
- 3 - EN 60311:2003
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications
This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other
publications. These normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the
publications are listed hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any
of these publications apply to this European Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or
revision. For undated references the latest edition of the publication referred to applies (including
amendments).
NOTE When an international publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant
EN/HD applies.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year

IEC 60051-1 1997 Direct acting indicating analogue electrical EN 60051-1 1998
measuring instruments and their
accessories
Part 1: Definitions and general
requirements common to all parts

IEC 60454-3-3 1998 Pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes for EN 60454-3-3 1998
electrical purposes
Part 3: Specifications for individual
materials - Sheet 3: Polyester film tapes
with rubber thermoplastic adhesive

IEC 60734 2001 Household electrical appliances - EN 60734 2003
Performance - Hard water for testing
ISO 105-F 1985 Textiles - Tests for colour fastness - -
Part F: Standard adjacent fabrics

ISO 1518 1992 Paints and varnishes - Scratch test EN ISO 1518 2000

ISO 2409 1992 Paints and varnishes - Cross-cut test EN ISO 2409 1994

ISO 3758 1991 Textiles - Care labelling code using symbols EN 23758 1993

ISO 3801 1977 Textiles - Woven fabrics - Determination of - -
mass per unit length and mass per unit area

ISO 6330 2000 Textiles - Domestic washing and drying EN ISO 6330 2000
procedures for textile testing

ISO 7211-2 (mod) 1984 Textiles - Woven fabrics - Construction - EN 1049-2 1993
Methods of analysis
Part 2: Determination of number of threads
per unit length
ISO 9073-2 1995 Textiles - Test methods for nonwovens – EN ISO 9073-2 1996
Part 2: Determination of thickness

ISO 4-1 1999 Textiles - Tensile properties of fabrics -- EN ISO 13934-1 1999
Part 1: Determination of maximum force
and elongation at maximum force using the
strip method
INTERNATIONAL IEC
STANDARD
Fourth edition
2002-09
Electric irons for household or similar use –
Methods for measuring performance
Fers à repasser électriques pour usage domestique
ou analogue –
Méthodes de mesure de l'aptitude à la fonction
 IEC 2002  Copyright - all rights reserved
No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from the publisher.
International Electrotechnical Commission, 3, rue de Varembé, PO Box 131, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland
Telephone: +41 22 919 02 11 Telefax: +41 22 919 03 00 E-mail: inmail@iec.ch  Web: www.iec.ch
PRICE CODE
Commission Electrotechnique Internationale
X
International Electrotechnical Commission
Международная Электротехническая Комиссия
For price, see current catalogue

– 2 – 60311  IEC:2002(E)
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
1 Scope and object . 6
2 Normative references. 6
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Measurements for various types of irons. 9
5 General conditions for measurements.10
5.1 Ambient conditions .10
5.2 Voltage for measurements .10
5.3 Steady conditions .10
5.4 Iron support for measurements .10
5.5 Temperature measurement.11
5.6 Cordless irons having a mains supply attachment.11
5.7 Irons fitted with separate steam generator/boiler.11
5.8 Irons fitted with auto switch-off devices.11
5.9 Test sample.11
6 General requirements .11
6.1 Determination of mass .11
6.2 Measurement of length of the supply cord.12
7 Temperature measurements .12
7.1 Measurement of heating-up time.12
7.2 Measurement of initial overswing temperature
and heating-up excess temperature .12
7.3 Measurement of sole-plate temperature.13
7.4 Determination of the hottest point .13
7.5 Measurement of temperature distribution .13
7.6 Measurement of cyclic fluctuation of temperature of the hottest point .14
8 Assessment of the spray function .14
8.1 Determination of the mass of spray.14
8.2 Determination of the spray pattern.15
9 Measurements concerning steaming operation .16
9.1 Measurement of heating-up time for steaming operation .16
9.2 Measurement of steaming time, steaming rate and water leakage rate.17
9.3 Determination of mass of a shot of steam .19
10 Assessment of smoothing .20
10.1 Creasing of test cloth.20
10.2 Conditioning of the iron.21
10.3 Ironing .21
10.4 Ironing with shot of steam.21
10.5 Evaluation .22
11 Measurement of input power and energy consumption .22
11.1 Measurement of input power.22
11.2 Measurement of energy consumption.22

60311 © IEC:2002(E) – 3 –
12 Assessment of sole-plate.22
12.1 Determination of smoothness of the sole-plate.22
12.2 Measurement of scratch resistance of sole-plate .23
12.3 Determination of adhesion of polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) coating
or similar coating on sole-plate .25
13 Measurement of thermostatic stability.25
13.1 Heating test .25
13.2 Drop test.26
13.3 Determination of drift of thermostat.26
14 Determination of total steaming time for hard water .26
15 Instruction for use.27
16 Information at the point of sale.28
Annex A (informative) Measurement of steaming time, steaming rate and water
leakage rate for pressurized steam irons or instantaneous steam irons .43
Annex B (normative) Ironing board.44
Annex C (normative) Cotton cloth.47
Annex D (informative) Classification of electric irons .48
Figure 1 – Arrangement for measuring the sole-plate temperature .29
Figure 2 – Variation of sole-plate temperature after switching-on .30
Figure 3 – Determination of spray pattern .31
Figure 4 – Test apparatus .32
Figure 5 – Creasing tool.33
Figure 6 – Wrapping rod and pencil.33
Figure 7 – Circular and rectangular blocks .34
Figure 8 – Conditioning of the iron .34
Figure 9 – Ironing.35
Figure 10 – Evaluation .35
Figure 12 – Test apparatus for smoothness of sole-plate .38
Figure 13 -- Scratch .39
Figure 14 – Positions of cutting area .40
Figure 15 – Apparatus for drop test .41
Figure 16 – Test apparatus for total steaming time.42
Figure A.1 – Measurements concerning steaming operation.43
Figure B.1 – Example of construction of the ironing board.46
Table 1 – Measurements of various types of irons. 9-10
Table 2 – Classes of scratch resistance .24

– 4 – 60311  IEC:2002(E)
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
ELECTRIC IRONS FOR HOUSEHOLD
OR SIMILAR USE –
METHODS FOR MEASURING PERFORMANCE
FOREWORD
1) The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of the IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, the IEC publishes International Standards. Their preparation is
entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with may
participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
with the IEC also participate in this preparation. The IEC collaborates closely with the International
Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the
two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of the IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an
international consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation
from all interested National Committees.
3) The documents produced have the form of recommendations for international use and are published in the form
of standards, technical specifications, technical reports or guides and they are accepted by the National
Committees in that sense.
4) In order to promote international unification, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC International
Standards transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional standards. Any
divergence between the IEC Standard and the corresponding national or regional standard shall be clearly
indicated in the latter.
5) The IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with one of its standards.
6) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this International Standard may be the subject
of patent rights. The IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 60311 has been prepared by subcommittee 59E: Ironing and
pressing appliances, of IEC technical committee 59: Performance of household electrical
appliances.
This fourth edition of IEC 60311 cancels and replaces the third edition published in 1995 and
its amendment 1 (1997) and amendment 2 (1999).
The text of this standard is based on the third edition, amendments 1 and 2 and the following
documents:
FDIS Report on voting
59E/148/FDIS 59E/149/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 3.
Annexes B and C form an integral part of this standard.
Annexes A and D are for information only.

60311 © IEC:2002(E) – 5 –
In this standard, the following print types are used:
— test specifications: in italic type
— notes: in small roman type
— other texts: in roman type
Words in bold in the text are defined in clause 3.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
February 2005. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed;
• withdrawn;
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
A bilingual version of this publication may be issued at a later date.

– 6 – 60311  IEC:2002(E)
ELECTRIC IRONS FOR HOUSEHOLD
OR SIMILAR USE –
METHODS FOR MEASURING PERFORMANCE
1 Scope
This International Standard applies to electric irons for household or similar use.
The purpose of this standard is to state and define the principal performance characteristics
of electric irons for household or similar use which are of interest to the user and to describe
the standard methods for measuring these characteristics.
Electric irons covered by this standard include
− dry irons;
− steam irons;
− spray irons;
− steam irons with separate water reservoir or boiler/generator having a capacity not
exceeding 5 l.
This standard is concerned neither with safety nor with performance requirements.
NOTE The primary characteristic to be taken into account in assessing the performance of an electric iron is its
basic ability to produce a smooth finish to textile materials, without risk of scorching or other damage. lt has not
proved possible to devise a single method which will measure this characteristic in a consistently reproducible way
and measurements have therefore been included to check certain factors, such as the temperature of the sole-
plate at the mid-point, sole-plate temperature distribution, etc., which affect the basic characteristic. In evaluating
the results, it must be realized that, while a very exceptional result in any one of them may significantly affect
performance, there is considerable latitude in the combination of results which will give satisfactory ironing
performance, and too much significance should not be attached to minor differences in any one result.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document.
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition
of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
IEC 60051-1:1997, Direct acting indicating analogue electrical measuring instruments and
their accessories – Part 1: Definitions and general requirements common to all parts
IEC 60454-3-3:1998, Pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes for electrical purposes – Part 3:
Specifications for individual materials – Sheet 3: Polyester film tapes with rubber
thermoplastic adhesive
IEC 60734:2001, Household electrical applicances – Performance – Hard water for testing
ISO 105-F:1985, Textiles – Tests for colour fastness – Part F: Standard adjacent fabrics
ISO 1518:1992, Paints and varnishes – Scratch test
ISO 2409:1992, Paints and varnishes – Cross-cut test
ISO 3758:1991, Textiles – Care labelling code using symbols
ISO 3801:1977, Textiles – Woven fabrics – Determination of mass per unit length and mass
per unit area
60311 © IEC:2002(E) – 7 –
ISO 6330:2000, Textiles – Domestic washing and drying procedures for textile testing
ISO 7211-2:1984, Textiles – Woven fabrics – Construction – Methods of analysis – Part 2:
Determination of number of threads per unit length
ISO 9073-2: 1995, Textiles – Test methods for nonwovens – Part 2: Determination of
thickness
ISO 13934-1:1999, Textiles – Tensile properties of fabrics – Part 1: Determination of
maximum force and elongation at maximum force using the strip method
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this standard the following definitions apply.
3.1
electric iron
portable appliance, which has an electrically heated sole-plate and is used for ironing textile
materials
NOTE In this standard, "electric iron" is referred to as "iron".
3.2
thermostatic iron
iron fitted with a thermostat, the setting of which can be adjusted manually to alter the sole-
plate temperature over a range and maintain it within certain limits
3.3
electric iron with non-self-resetting thermal cut-out
iron fitted with a non-self-resetting thermal cut-out, such as a fusible link, for the purpose of
disconnecting the heating element if the iron attains excessive temperature
3.4
dry iron
iron having neither means to produce and supply steam nor to spray water onto textile
materials while ironing
3.5
steam iron
iron having means to produce and supply steam to textile materials while ironing.
It can be provided with means to supply a shot of steam
3.5.1
shot-of-steam iron
iron provided with means to supply a shot of steam to textile materials while ironing
3.5.2
shot of steam
single emission of an increased volume of steam from the sole-plate for a short duration
3.5.3
vented steam iron
steam iron in which steam is produced when the water contacts the sole-plate, the water
reservoir being at atmospheric pressure.
NOTE The water reservoir may be incorporated in the iron or connected by a hose to the iron.

– 8 – 60311  IEC:2002(E)
3.5.4
pressurized steam iron
steam iron in which steam is produced in a boiler at a pressure exceeding 50 kPa
NOTE The boiler may be incorporated in the iron or connected by a hose to the iron.
3.5.5
instantaneous steam iron
steam iron in which small quantities of water are pumped from the water reservoir and in
which steam is produced when the water contacts the walls of the boiler/generator, the water
reservoir being at atmospheric pressure
NOTE The water reservoir and the boiler are connected to the iron by a tube.
3.6
spray iron
iron provided with means to spray water onto textile materials while ironing
3.7
rated voltage
3.7.1
rated voltage
voltage assigned to the iron by the manufacturer
3.7.2
rated voltage range
range of voltage assigned to the iron by the manufacturer, expressed in terms of its lower and
upper limits
3.8
rated input
input power of the iron under normal operating conditions assigned by the manufacturer
3.9
sole-plate
flat surface of the iron, which is heated electrically and pressed against textile materials while
ironing
3.10
mid-point
point of the sole-plate in the geometrical centre of the centre-line of the sole-plate.
If this point is on a steam outlet, a groove or a cover, the nearest point of the sole-plate on
the centre-line as is practicable is chosen
3.11
upright position
vertical still position for a heel-standing iron or normal resting position according to the
manufacturer's instructions for other than a heel-standing iron
3.12
cordless iron
3.12.1
cordless iron
iron which is connected to the supply mains only when placed on its stand

60311 © IEC:2002(E) – 9 –
3.12.2
cordless iron having a mains supply attachment
cordless iron which is provided, in addition, with a detachable part to which the supply cord is
fixed, and which can be connected to the supply mains directly during ironing
3.13
auto switch-off device
device provided by the manufacturer to interrupt the heating element if the iron is not moved
for a stated period of time
4 Measurements for various types of irons
The performance of the iron is determined by the measurements indicated in table 1. Relevant
measurements for various types of irons are indicated in table 1 by x.
Measurements are performed in the order given in table 1.
Table 1 – Measurements of various types of irons
Thermo- Cordless
Thermostatic
static steam irons
dry irons with
Thermo- Thermo- irons with having
Item of non-self- Cordless
static dry static steam non-self a mains
measurement resetting irons
irons irons resetting supply
thermal
thermal attach-
cut out
cut out ment
6.1 (Determination of mass) x x x x x x
6.2 (Measurement of length
xx x x x x
of the supply cord)
7.1 (Measurement of
xx x x x x
heating-up time)
7.2 (Measurement of initial
overswing temperature
xx x x x x
and heating-up excess
temperature)
7.3 (Measurement of sole-
xx x x x x
plate temperature)
7.4 (Determination of the
xx x x x x
hottest point)
7.5 (Measurement of
xx x x x x
temperature distribution)
7.6 (Measurement of cyclic
fluctuation of
xx x x x x
temperature of the
hottest point)
8 (Assessment of spray
(x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x)
function)
9.1 (Measurement of
heating-up time for xx x x x x
steaming operation)
9.2 (Measurement of
xx x
steaming time)
9.2 (Measurement of
xx x x
steaming rate)
9.3 (Determination of mass
(x) (x) (x) (x)
of a shot of steam)
10 (Assessment of
xx x x x x
smoothing)
10.4 (Ironing with shot
(x) (x) (x) (x)
of steam)
– 10 – 60311  IEC:2002(E)
Thermo- Cordless
Thermostatic
static steam irons
dry irons with
Thermo- Thermo- irons with having
non-self- Cordless
Item of measurement static dry static steam non-self a mains
resetting irons
irons irons resetting supply
thermal
thermal attach-
cut out
cut out ment
11.1 (Measurement of
xx x x x x
input power)
11.2 (Measurement of energy
xx x x x x
consumption)
12.1 (Determination
of smoothness of xx x x x x
the sole-plate)
12.2 (Measurement of scratch
xx x x x x
resistance of sole-plate)
12.3 (Determination of
adhesion of polytetra-
fluorethylene (PTFE) xx x x x x
coating or similar coating
on sole-plate)
13 (Measurement of
xx x x x x
thermostatic stability)
14 (Determination of total
steaming time for xx x
hard water)
NOTE 1 Measurements for the spray iron are determined according to the table, whether it is of thermo-
static type, steam or shot-of-steam-producing type, cordless iron type, or cordless iron having mains supply
attachment type.
For the non-steam-producing spray irons, the measurements for dry irons are applied.
Steam and spray irons are tested with water container empty.
NOTE 2 (x) means if applicable.
NOTE 3 Reporting the data should be made according to the testing authorities.
5 General conditions for measurements
Unless otherwise specified, the measurements are conducted under the following conditions.
5.1 Ambient conditions
The measurements are conducted at an ambient temperature of 20 °C ± 5 °C, and the place
for the measurements shall be free from any draughts.
5.2 Voltage for measurements
The voltage to be applied to the iron under measurement is that required to give the rated
input under steady conditions. If an input power range is marked on the iron, the voltage is
that required to give the mean of the input power range.
5.3 Steady conditions
The steady conditions for measurements are considered to be reached 30 min after switching-
on of the iron or when the thermostat has operated four times, if this occurs earlier.
5.4 Iron support for measurements
The iron is placed on the three pointed metallic supports while under measurement. The three
pointed supports are constructed so that they support the sole-plate of the iron horizontally at
least 100 mm above the base surface on which the iron is placed.
For cordless irons, the iron is placed on its stand.

60311 © IEC:2002(E) – 11 –
5.5 Temperature measurement
The temperature of the iron is measured by a fine-wire thermocouple, the wire diameter of
which shall not exceed 0,3 mm.
Accuracy of the measuring instrument shall be better than, or equal to, class 1 in IEC 60051-1.
A movable silver disk, having a diameter of 10 mm and a thickness of 1 mm, rests on the top
of a pointed ceramic tube which contains the thermocouple wires in two separate bores. An
example of the arrangement is shown in figure 1.
The centre of the silver disk is pressed on to the sole-plate of the iron by applying a force of
at least 1 N. In order to improve the heat transfer between the silver disk and the sole-plate,
silicone grease or heat transfer paste can be used.
For the measurement of cordless irons, except cordless irons having a mains supply attach-
ment, a thermocouple with silver disk as shown in figure1 is attached to the sole-plate directly.
5.6 Cordless irons having a mains supply attachment
Cordless irons having a mains supply attachment are tested as conventional irons.
5.7 Irons fitted with separate steam generator/boiler
Irons fitted with separate steam generator/boiler have to be kept in ironing mode under
measurements.
5.8 Irons fitted with auto switch-off devices
Irons fitted with auto switch-off devices have to be kept in ironing mode under measurements.
5.9 Test sample
A new sample is used for the test of clause 13.
6 General requirements
6.1 Determination of mass
For all types of irons without separate water reservoir or boiler/generator, the mass is
measured without the supply cord. The supply cord is removed from the iron by disconnection
from the terminals or by removing the connector.
For steam irons with a separate water reservoir or boiler/generator, the mass is measured in
two steps:
− the total mass of the system, not filled up with water, and
− the iron with the interconnection hose.
The mass is expressed in grams, rounded off to one decimal place.
For cordless irons, the mass is measured without its stand.

– 12 – 60311  IEC:2002(E)
6.2 Measurement of length of the supply cord
The length of the supply cord of irons without separate water reservoir or boiler/generator is
measured from the inlet point of the iron or connector to the inlet point of the plug including
any cord guards.
The length is expressed in meters, rounded off to the nearest 50 mm.
7 Temperature measurements
7.1 Measurement of heating-up time
The iron is placed on the three metallic supports; for cordless irons, the iron is placed on its
stand (see 5.4), and the thermocouple is attached at the mid-point of the sole-plate.
Starting from ambient temperature, the iron is heated up with the voltage specified in 5.2, the
thermostat, if any, set at the highest temperature.
The time necessary for the temperature to exceed the ambient temperature by 180 K is
measured, and is expressed in minutes and seconds.
7.2 Measurement of initial overswing temperature
and heating-up excess temperature
The iron is placed on the three metallic supports, for cordless irons, the iron is placed on its
stand (see 5.4), and a thermocouple is attached at the mid-point of the sole-plate.
The iron is switched on, with the voltage specified in 5.2.
Using a recording-type instrument, the time and temperature are measured at the mid-point
with the thermostat set at the 1 dot marking position and at the highest position over five
successive cycles to produce a graph of the type shown in figure 2.
The thermostat is first set to the 1 dot marking position. If there is no dot marking, the
thermostat is so adjusted as to obtain an average temperature of the sole-plate as close as
possible to 95 °C under steady conditions.
After the first measurement, the iron is allowed to cool to room temperature (20 °C ± 5 °C);
then the sole-plate temperature is measured again at the highest setting position of the
thermostat.
From the graph the following are determined:
a) the initial overswing temperature, which is the first peak temperature between the first and
second cut-outs of the thermostat;
b) the mean peak temperature, which is the mean value of the last three peak temperatures;
c) the heating-up excess temperature, which is the difference between the initial overswing
temperature and the mean peak temperature.

60311 © IEC:2002(E) – 13 –
7.3 Measurement of sole-plate temperature
The iron is placed on the three metallic supports; for cordless irons, the iron is placed on its
stand (see 5.4), and a thermocouple is attached at the mid-point of the sole-plate. The iron is
switched on and, for each setting of the thermostat, the highest and the lowest temperatures
are measured during five successive cycles of temperature variation after the iron has
reached steady conditions. The mean value of the five highest and five lowest temperatures is
the sole-plate temperature for the setting.
For irons having thermostat settings which are indicated by a sector, the setting is to be at the
centre of the range.
The adjustment of the thermostat control to obtain the required setting is to be made in the
direction of increasing temperature.
NOTE 1 The measurements of 7.2, 7.3 and 7.6 may all be carried out at the same time.
NOTE 2 ISO 3758 has introduced textile care markings for maximum ironing temperatures. The textile care
labelling of the ISO standard is indicated by one, two and three dots placed within an iron symbol. This standard
takes those recommendations into account but to obtain improved ironing results the temperatures have been
adjusted as shown in the following table.
Sole-plate temperature T
Marking Material, for example
°C
Acetate, elastane, polyamide,
• (1 dot) 70 < T < 120
polypropylene
Cupro, polyester, silk, triacetate,
• • (2 dots) 100 < T < 160
viscose, wool
• • • (3 dots) 140 < T < 210 Cotton, linen
With the thermostat set to the middle of each of these dot markings the sole-plate temperatures are measured
after steady conditions have been reached.
The sole-plate temperature for the setting (T ) is the average of the five highest temperatures (T ) and the five
a
lowest temperatures (T ) of the mid-point of the sole-plate during five successive cycles of temperature
b
variation.
7.4 Determination of the hottest point
The iron is placed on the three metallic supports; for cordless irons, the iron is placed on
its stand (see 5.4), and is heated up with the voltage specified in 5.2 with the thermostat
set at the highest position. Immediately after the thermostat has operated twice, the iron
is placed for several seconds on a sheet of white paper spread over flannel cloth, which
covers a wooden board. After removal of the iron, darkening of the paper indicates the
temperature distribution over the sole-plate. The hottest point is determined as the centre
of the darkest area.
NOTE Positive phototype paper, which is unexposed and developed, white tracing paper or white blotting paper
is recommended as the white paper for this measurement.
7.5 Measurement of temperature distribution
The iron is placed on the three metallic supports; for cordless irons, the iron is placed on its stand
(see 5.4); a thermocouple is attached at each of the following four points of the sole-plate:
a) the hottest point determined in 7.4;
b) the mid-point of the sole-plate;
c) the point on the longitudinal centre line 20 mm from the tip of the sole-plate;
d) the point on the longitudinal centre line 20 mm from the back end of the sole-plate.

– 14 – 60311  IEC:2002(E)
For a thermostatic iron, the thermostat is set so that the temperature at the mid-point
is maintained at approximately 150 °C under steady conditions, and the measurement is
performed after the iron has reached steady conditions. For other iron types, the temperature
at the mid-point is maintained at approximately 150 °C for at least 15 min by switching the
supply on and off before taking temperature measurements.
Using a recording-type instrument, the varying temperature is recorded for 10 min and the
average temperature for the 10 min is determined for each of the four points. The mean of the
four average temperatures is then determined, and the difference between each average
temperature and the mean temperature is also calculated. The four temperature differences
are recorded as the indication of the temperature distribution over the sole-plate.
7.6 Measurement of cyclic fluctuation of temperature of the hottest point
The procedure for the temperature measurement is the same as in 7.2, except that highest
and lowest temperatures of each cycle are measured for five successive cycles after the iron
has reached steady conditions. The mean value for the highest temperatures and that for the
lowest temperatures are determined. One-half of the difference between the mean values is
the cyclic fluctuation of the temperature of the hottest point and is expressed in ± Celsius
degrees.
NOTE This measurement may be combined with the measurements in 7.2.
8 Assessment of the spray function
8.1 Determination of the mass of spray
8.1.1 Determination of the mass of spray for irons with manual spray pumps
The water container is filled with distilled water at a temperature of 20 °C ± 2 °C, to the
capacity specified by the manufacturer.
The spraying system is prepared by operating the spray device several times.
The mass W of the iron including the power supply cord is determined on a balance having
an accuracy of at least 0,1 g.
The iron is placed on a horizontal plane and the spray device is operated 50 times at intervals
of 5 s.
The mass W of the iron including the power supply cord is then measured.
NOTE The iron is not connected to the supply and the steam setting is at dry position, if any.
The mass of spray M for each operation is calculated as follows:
W – W
1 2
M =
The result of the test is expressed as the mass of spray per operation in grams.
8.1.2 Determination of the mass of spray for irons with means for continuous spray
The water container is filled with distilled water at a temperature of 20 °C ± 2 °C, to the water
capacity specified by the manufacturer.
The spraying system is prepared by operating the spray device for 3 s.
The mass W of the iron including the power supply cord is determined on a balance having
an accuracy of at least 0,1 g.

60311 © IEC:2002(E) – 15 –
The iron is placed on a horizontal plane and the spray device is operated for 20 s
continuously.
The mass W of the iron including the power supply cord is then measured.
The mass of spray for continuous operation M is then calculated as follows:
SC
M = 3 (W – W )  [g/min]
SC 1 2
8.2 Determination of the spray pattern
The water container is filled with distilled water at a temperature of 20 °C ± 2 °C to the
capacity specified by the manufacturer.
The spraying system is prepared by operating the spray device several times.
The iron is placed in a horizontal position on a flat under-layer. A piece of cotton cloth having
dimensions of 500 mm × 500 mm is placed in front of the tip of the iron.
NOTE The iron is not connected to the supply and the steam setting is at dry position, if any.
The cloth has the following specifications:
− non-starched cotton textile, washed and dried according to ISO 6330, clause 5 and 6.3 –
procedure C (dry flat);
− threads 25 ± 2 per centimetre in warp and weft having a yarn of 30 ± 2 tex, plain weave 1/1;
− mass per square meter: 170 g ± 10 g.
In order to indicate the effect of water, the cloth may be impregnated by using a 10 % solution
of cobalt chloride (CoCl2).
After impregnation the cloth is dried in a cabinet provided with air circulation at a temperature
of 100 °C ± 10 °C.
The cloth is placed flat and after drying is smoothed using an iron with a sole-plate
temperature of approximately 120 °C.
The dry impregnated cloth is coloured blue and turns light pink when wet.
The spray device is then operated once and the spray pattern evaluated in accordance with
figure 3.
The spray device of irons featuring continuous spray is operated for 1 s.
The following dimensions are measured:
− the distance between iron tip and the beginning of spray pattern (A1);
− the distance between the centre-line of the iron and the centre-line of the spray pattern (A2);
− the width of the spray pattern (B);
− the length of the spray pattern (L);
− the area of the concentrated spray pattern (A).
The test is carried out three times and the average of the results calculated.

– 16 – 60311  IEC:2002(E)
It is noted if the spray pattern is concentrated in one area or if there are areas without any spray.
When evaluating different irons, a visual comparison can be made of the cloths.
9 Measurements concerning steaming operation
9.1 Measurement of heating-up time for steaming operation
9.1.1 For vented steam irons
For vented steam irons, the water reservoir is filled with distilled wat
...