SIST EN 60704-2-4:2012/A11:2020

Overview

SIST EN 60704-2-4:2012/A11:2020 is a European standard developed by the CLC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization). It specifies the test code for determining the airborne acoustical noise emitted by household and similar electrical appliances, with a particular focus on washing machines and spin extractors. This standard ensures standardized noise measurement methods, supporting product development, market comparisons, and regulatory compliance in the laundry appliance sector.

This amendment (A11) brings the standard in alignment with recent EU energy labelling regulations and measurement practices. SIST EN 60704-2-4:2012/A11:2020 is intended for use alongside the general acoustical noise determination procedures outlined in IEC 60704-1:2010.

Key Topics

• Scope of Application:

  • Applies to single unit electrical washing machines and spin extractors for household or similar use.
  • Includes combined appliances with washing and spinning functions.

• Key Updates:

  • Incorporates requirements related to measurement uncertainty and standard deviations.
  • Revises definitions for standard test load and standard test program.
  • Updates on the use of common test enclosure, in line with Part 1 of the series.
  • Modifies the information that must be reported after testing.
  • Aligns standard test program for noise measurements with the "eco 40-60" wash cycle, as per EU regulations.

• Testing and Measurements:

  • Details procedures for the operation and positioning of appliances during testing.
  • Provides guidelines for measuring sound power and sound pressure levels.
  • Addresses which measurements must be reported for compliance and energy labelling.

• Regulatory Alignment:

  • Conforms with the requirements of EU Regulation 2019/2014 on energy labelling of household washing machines and washer-dryers.

Applications

• Manufacturers:

  • Use this standard for product development, acoustic performance optimization, and demonstrating compliance with EU noise and energy labelling regulations.
  • Enables consistent testing across different appliances, ensuring reliable comparison of acoustic emissions.

• Testing Laboratories:

  • Provide third-party verification of appliance noise emissions using standardized protocols.
  • Support certification and labelling processes for washing machines and spin extractors.

• Regulators and Market Surveillance Authorities:

  • Reference this standard for market compliance checks, harmonized product labelling, and enforcement of noise emission requirements.

• Retailers and Consumers:

  • Benefit from standardized noise data when making purchasing decisions, leading to improved satisfaction and fewer noise complaints.

Related Standards

• IEC 60704-1:2010
  Household and similar electrical appliances - Test code for the determination of airborne acoustical noise - Part 1: General requirements

• EN 60704-2-1
  Applies to vacuum cleaners for household and similar use, complementing the series for different appliances.

• EU Regulation 2019/2014
  Energy labelling regulation for household washing machines and washer-dryers, referenced for mandatory reporting items.

• EN 60704 Series
  The full series covers a wide range of household appliances, ensuring harmonized acoustic measurement methods across products.

By implementing SIST EN 60704-2-4:2012/A11:2020, stakeholders in the laundry appliance industry benefit from accurate, comparable, and regulation-ready data about airborne noise emissions. This supports compliance, drives product improvements, and provides transparent information for end-users across Europe.