January 2026 Standards Update: New Noise Test Code for Air Cleaners in Metrology and Measurement

The field of Metrology and Measurement has seen significant advancement in January 2026, marked by the release of pivotal international standards targeting airborne acoustical noise determination in air cleaners. Two newly published standards—IEC 60704-2-19:2026—set out precise testing methods and compliance parameters for manufacturers and testing laboratories working with household and similar electrical appliances. These standards are set to reshape quality management, compliance, and product development across multiple sectors, including domestic, commercial, and institutional environments.

Overview / Introduction

Metrology and Measurement, centered on accurate measurement of physical phenomena, is fundamental to ensuring product safety, performance, and global interoperability. The role of standards in this field is to unify measurement methods, providing manufacturers, engineers, and regulatory bodies with harmonized guidelines that support product consistency and consumer protection.

With indoor air quality concerns on the rise and consumer expectations for quieter home environments growing, the need for robust testing protocols for air cleaners has never been more urgent. These new standards provide:

• Reliable methodologies for acoustical noise testing
• Improved clarity around measurement environments and procedures
• Enhanced comparability across products and markets

Professionals reading this article will gain clear insight into:

• The scope and requirements of the new standards
• Who needs to comply and how
• Implementation advice for smooth compliance
• The broader industry impact and best practices

Detailed Standards Coverage

IEC 60704-2-19:2026 - Particular Requirements for Air Cleaners

Household and similar electrical appliances - Test code for the determination of airborne acoustical noise - Part 2-19: Particular requirements for air cleaners

IEC 60704-2-19:2026 is a highly specialized international standard focused on the measurement of airborne acoustical noise emitted by stationary, freestanding, and wall-mounted air cleaners for domestic and similar use. Examples of similar environments include hotels, hospitals, shops, offices, and comparable commercial spaces. The document applies to devices supplied from mains electricity, DC voltage not exceeding 48V, or batteries. Importantly, the scope covers not just standard air cleaners but also combination appliances, such as units embedding humidification or heating, though testing must be performed with only the air cleaning function enabled.

What the Standard Covers

This new standard complements the general requirements outlined in IEC 60704-1:2021 and serves to tailor acoustical testing for air cleaners. Key additions and modifications include new test set-ups for both freestanding and wall-mounted units, specific reference to background noise requirements, and clear exclusions for fresh-air air cleaners and autonomously relocating devices.

Key Requirements and Specifications

• Test Environments: Specifies the use of various test rooms—hard-walled, reverberant, or free-field—per ISO 3741, ISO 3743, and ISO 3744. Guidelines ensure the selected environment matches the physical characteristics of the device under test.
• Measurement Procedures: Outlines pre-conditioning of appliances, such as a 15-minute run-in period at maximum speed and stabilization before measurement. Requires clean filters and specific battery charge conditions for battery-powered models.
• Sound Pressure Level Assessment: Introduces guidance for microphone positioning, data acquisition periods (typically 60 seconds post-stabilization), and the use of the A-weighted time averaged sound pressure level.
• Mode Selection: Necessitates testing in maximum performance operation mode, with all other functions (heating, cooling, humidification) off.
• Device Placement: Details that all air cleaners, including table-top models, are to be floor-mounted for testing, with strict clearance from walls and reflecting surfaces.
• Reporting: Expands the list of data to be recorded and reported, boosting transparency and repeatability across laboratories and manufacturers.

Who Needs to Comply?

• Manufacturers of air cleaners (both consumer and commercial segments)
• Testing, certification, and quality assurance laboratories
• Product compliance managers and regulatory bodies

Implementation & Practical Implications

• Manufacturers must ensure laboratory setups conform to the new requirements for room type, device placement, and instrumentation.
• Testing programs will need to reflect new operational modes and strict run-in requirements to guarantee valid results.
• Compliance evidence must be robust and traceable, with complete data recording for each test session.
• Marketers can leverage certified acoustical performance claims based on validated, comparable measurements.

Key highlights:

• Mandates standardized measurement environments (per ISO 374x series)
• Establishes clear device pre-conditioning and operational protocols
• Expands scope to combination air cleaners (e.g., with humidifiers), tested only in air cleaning mode

Access the full standard:View IEC 60704-2-19:2026 on iTeh Standards

(Duplicate Section Notice)

Note: This update covers two records of IEC 60704-2-19:2026 reflecting its single January 2026 publication. Technical coverage, requirements, and implementation advice is unified above.

Industry Impact & Compliance

The publication of IEC 60704-2-19:2026 represents a critical step forward for regulatory harmonization and product consistency within the air cleaning and measurement sector. Businesses must rapidly assess their internal processes to align with the new requirements:

• Competitive Advantage: Early adopters can assure the market of compliance, building customer trust via transparent, third-party tested acoustical noise declarations.
• Testing and Reporting: Updated procedures may require capital investment in reference rooms, microphone arrays, and acoustical calibration services.
• Certification Deadlines: Regulatory authorities and multinational retailers may soon require proof of testing per IEC 60704-2-19:2026, with phased implementation timelines expected over the next 12–24 months.
• Supplier Communication: Procurement specialists should review supplier documentation for alignment with updated test protocols.

Benefits of Adopting the Standard:

• Ensures products meet international noise emission expectations
• Facilitates global market access with harmonized requirements
• Reduces the risk of disputes over measurement techniques or results
• Enhances consumer confidence through validated acoustical performance data

Risks of Non-Compliance:

• Potential market exclusion due to regulatory or buyer requirements
• Increased likelihood of product recalls, negative publicity, or legal action
• Income loss from inability to access key global markets

Technical Insights

Common Technical Requirements:

• All tests must occur in specified acoustical environments validated by ISO 3741, 3743, or 3744 standards.
• Devices must be operated at maximum air cleaning settings, ensuring the most demanding noise output is quantified.
• Test instrumentation must include correctly positioned, calibrated microphones—typically with windshields to prevent measurement error.
• Battery-powered devices must be tested with fully charged batteries, with post-test verification of battery endurance.

Implementation Best Practices:

1. Laboratory Validation: Confirm your testing facilities can reproduce the specified acoustical test environments and meet all background noise criteria.
2. Device Preparation: Always use new, clean filters, and run devices at maximum speed for at least 15 minutes pre-test.
3. Control of Variables: Switch off all ancillary functions (e.g., humidification) except for air cleaning; keep test environments free of extraneous noise sources.
4. Documentation: Capture and report all data required by the standard, including environmental conditions, instrument calibration, and operational settings.
5. Training: Ensure laboratory and compliance staff are fully trained on the nuances of IEC 60704-2-19:2026 versus previous test codes.

Testing and Certification Considerations:

• Engage ISO/IEC 17025-accredited labs to ensure your results are globally recognized
• Regularly review equipment calibration records and supplier declarations of conformity
• Retain comprehensive test reports for each device type and configuration

Conclusion / Next Steps

January 2026 has ushered in a new era for metrology and measurement of air cleaner acoustics, with IEC 60704-2-19:2026 offering rigorous, repeatable guidance fit for a rapidly globalizing appliance market. Organizations that prioritize early understanding and adoption of these standards position themselves as leaders in product quality, regulatory compliance, and customer reassurance.

Key Takeaways:

• IEC 60704-2-19:2026 redefines the acoustical performance measurement and reporting for air cleaners
• Compliance is both a technical and strategic necessity for global market access
• Investment in laboratory readiness, staff training, and documentation is critical

Recommendations:

• Review your organization’s current test protocols and update them to incorporate the new standard
• Establish communication with key supply chain partners to ensure end-to-end compliance
• Leverage third-party testing to validate your products’ acoustical performance and stand out in competitive markets

Explore the full details and obtain the latest standards at iTeh Standards

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