IEC PAS 62473:2007

PUBLICLY
IEC
AVAILABLE
PAS 62473
SPECIFICATION
First edition
Pre-Standard
2007-04
Clothes washing machines
for household use –
Methods for measuring the mechanical
action in household washing machines

Reference number
IEC/PAS 62473:2007(E)
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PUBLICLY
IEC
AVAILABLE
PAS 62473
SPECIFICATION
First edition
Pre-Standard
2007-04
Clothes washing machines
for household use –
Methods for measuring the mechanical
action in household washing machines

PRICE CODE
Commission Electrotechnique Internationale
V
International Electrotechnical Commission
Международная Электротехническая Комиссия
For price, see current catalogue

– 2 – PAS 62473 © IEC:2007(E)
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.4
INTRODUCTION.5
1 Scope .6
2 Normative references .6
3 Terms, definitions and symbols .6
4 General conditions for measurements .6
4.1 General .6
4.2 Resources and ambient conditions.7
5 Materials .7
5.1 Base load .7
5.2 Test materials.7
5.2.1 Thread removal material .7
5.2.2 Dot removal material .8
5.2.3 Fraying specimens .8
5.3 Preparation .8
5.4 Amount of test specimens used.8
5.5 Detergent .9
6 Instrumentation and accuracy .9
7 Test procedure .9
7.1 Loading .9
7.2 Unloading and drying of test specimens .9
7.3 Repeating of test procedure.9
8 Evaluation .10
8.1 Thread removal method .10
8.2 Dot removal method .10
8.3 Fraying method .10
9 Data to be reported.10
10 Sources of test materials .10
10.1 Thread removal method (5.2.1) .10
10.2 Dot removal method (5.2.2).10
10.3 Fraying method (5.2.3) .11
Annex A (normative) Thread removal material – Preparation of test specimen.12
Annex B (normative) Loads and loading .13
B.1 General .13
B.2 Test load mass .13
B.3 Loading .15
Annex C (normative) Thread removal material – Evaluation .27
C.1 General .27
C.2 Evaluation .28
Annex D (normative) Dot removal material – Evaluation.31
D.1 Evaluation .31

PAS 62473 © IEC:2007(E) – 3 –
Annex E (normative) Fraying material – Evaluation.33
E.1 General .33
E.2 Evaluation .33

Figure 1 – Thread removal specimen.7
Figure 2 – Dot removal specimen .8
Figure 3 – Fraying specimen .8
Figure B.1 – General loading direction for horizontal axis machines .17
Figure B.2 – How to load towel/pillowcase with strip .17
Figure B.3 – How to load towel without strip .18
Figure B.4 – How to load pillowcases without strip.18
Figure B.5 – How to load bed sheets .19
Figure B.6 – General loading directions for vertical axis machines .21
Figure B.7 – How to load towels/pillowcases with strip.22
Figure B.8 – How to load towels without strips.22
Figure B.9 – How to load pillowcases without strip.23
Figure B.10 – How to load bed sheets .23
Figure C.1 – Thread removal specimen after test run.27
Figure C.2 – “Not remaining” and “remaining” threads.28
Figure C.3 – Thread counting after test run .28
Figure C.4 – Square counting after test run: left and right side examples .29
Figure D.1 – Measuring spots on dot removal specimen .31
Figure E.1 – Part of fraying specimen after test run .33
Figure E.2 – Evaluation for test specimen 1.34

Table B.1 – Cotton test load mass.13
Table B.2 – Synthetics/blends test load mass .14
Table B.3 – Polyester test load mass .15
Table B.4 – Loading sequence step by step for horizontal axis machine.20
Table B.5 – Small loads without sheet (1,0 to 2,5 kg).24
Table B.6 – Average loads with two sheets (3,0 to 7,0 kg) .25
Table B.7 – Large loads with three sheets (7,5 to 8,5 kg).25
Table B.8 – Extra large loads with four sheets (9,0 to 10,0 kg).26

– 4 – PAS 62473 © IEC:2007(E)
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
CLOTHES WASHING MACHINES FOR HOUSEHOLD USE –
METHODS FOR MEASURING THE MECHANICAL ACTION
IN HOUSEHOLD WASHING MACHINES
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
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agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
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3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
A PAS is a technical specification not fulfilling the requirements for a standard but made
available to the public.
IEC-PAS 62473 has been processed by IEC subcommittee 59D: Home laundry appliances, of
IEC technical committee 59: Performance of household and similar electrical appliances.
The text of this PAS is based on the This PAS was approved for
following document: publication by the P-members of the
committee concerned as indicated in
the following document:
Draft PAS Report on voting
59D/305/NP 59D/308/RVN
Following publication of this PAS, which is a pre-standard publication, the technical committee
or subcommittee concerned will transform it into an International Standard.
This PAS shall remain valid for an initial maximum period of three years starting from
2007-04. The validity may be extended for a single three-year period, following which it shall
be revised to become another type of normative document or shall be withdrawn.

PAS 62473 © IEC:2007(E) – 5 –
INTRODUCTION
Mechanical action is a main parameter in a washing process. On the positive side, this
parameter improves washing performance but can cause damage to textile goods. In today’s
IEC standards, mechanical action has not been determined as a single parameter in washing
processes.
Mechanical action has a high relevance for consumers as well as for manufacturers of
washing machines, and therefore a comparison of this parameter (especially in relation or
comparison to the achieved washing performance as measured in IEC 60456) in different
washing machines is very important.
The object is finally to state and define a method for the determination of mechanical action.
Due to the fact that washing programmes cover a wide range of mechanical action (gentle
cycles to heavy-duty cotton programmes, single cycles to multiple cycles), three systems
– the thread removal method;
– the dot removal method;
– the fraying method
can cover this area and are at the same time sensitive enough to show smaller differences.

– 6 – PAS 62473 © IEC:2007(E)
CLOTHES WASHING MACHINES FOR HOUSEHOLD USE –
METHODS FOR MEASURING THE MECHANICAL ACTION
IN HOUSEHOLD WASHING MACHINES
1 Scope
This PAS deals with methods for measuring the “gentleness of action” (GoA) of clothes
washing machines for household use, with or without heating devices and for cold and/or hot
water supply. It is also applicable to appliances for both washing and drying textiles (called
washer-dryers) with respect to the washing phase.
“Gentleness of action” defines the influence of washing machine parameters to irreversible
changes of the textile properties. These changes can be visible or not visible.
Examples of these irreversible changes are:

– loss of tensile tear strengths;
– surface friction (abrasion, pilling);
– dimensional changes (shrinkage or elongation);
– creasing;
– “structural disorientation”.
Three methods for different ranges of mechanical action are described to measure and
quantify the influences of the machine parameters by measuring one or several of these
irreversible changes:
– thread removal method (TRM – preferable for low to medium mechanical action);
– dot removal method (DRM – preferable for high mechanical action);
– fraying method (FM – preferable for medium to high mechanical action).
2 Normative references
The following referenced document including all reference documents cited there 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 60456, Clothes washing machines for household use – Methods for measuring the
performance
3 Terms, definitions and symbols
For the purposes of this document, the terms, definitions and symbols of IEC 60456 apply.
4 General conditions for measurements
4.1 General
The measurements shall generally be carried out on a machine installed and used in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, except as required by this document. If there
is more than one option for installation, the one chosen for testing shall be reported. If the

PAS 62473 © IEC:2007(E) – 7 –
machine is new, the machine shall be run for two complete test cycles according to IEC
60456.
4.2 Resources and ambient conditions
Electricity and water supply as well as the ambient temperature shall be maintained at
specified values stated in IEC 60456.
5 Materials
5.1 Base load
The base loads used shall consist of the items described for cotton, easy-care
(synthetics/blends) or polyester base loads according to IEC 60456.
The base loads are adjusted and treated according to IEC 60456.
The number of items is specified in Annex B.
5.2 Test materials
5.2.1 Thread removal material
5.2.1.1 Characteristics
The thread removal material is a woven fabric having an open structure to all sides allowing
loosening of threads by mechanical impact (see Figure 1).
5.2.1.2 Specification
Size: about 29,5 × 29,5 cm
Weave: plain woven
Yarn: DTEX 228 F34 PA 66
Yarn count per cm: Warp/Filling 17/17
Weight: about 85 g/m
End marking threads
- Filling: 5 blue threads
- Warp: 5 blue threads
(All end marking threads shall be removed for testing.)
499 threads = ~ 29,5 cm
Split-up threads (for easy counting)

- every 5th thread in warp and filling direction is blue

- every 25th thread in warp and filling direction is red
499 Threads = ~ 29,5 cm
Figure 1 – Thread removal specimen

– 8 – PAS 62473 © IEC:2007(E)
5.2.2 Dot removal material
5.2.2.1 Characteristics
The dot removal material is a stiff fabric with bonded coloured dots which are removed by
mechanical impact (see Figure 2).
5.2.2.2 Specification
Size: 34 × 34 cm
Basic fabric: 00 % Cotton, plain woven, white, 125 g/m
Yarn: Nm 34/34
Yarn count per cm: Warp/Filling 19,5/19,5
Dots: 100 % PA, coloured
Density of dots: 45,5/cm
Density of dots: about 45,5/ cm2

Weight about 140 g/m
Figure 2 – Dot removal specimen
5.2.3 Fraying specimens
5.2.3.1 Characteristics
The fraying specimen is a cotton fabric with five punched holes having an open structure
allowing loosening of threads by mechanical impact.
5.2.3.2 Secification
Size:          40 × 40 cm
Circular holes diameter: 35 mm
Fibre content: 100 % pure natural cotton
of 27 mm minimum length
Yarn size - linear density: single yarn 30 + 2 tex
Yarn twist: Z 700 + 25
Warp strength: at least 500 N
Warp yarn count: 25 + 2 threads per cm
Filling yarn count: 25 + 2 threads per cm
Figure 3 – Fraying specimen
5.3 Preparation
All test specimens shall be marked with a unique identifying reference, using an indelible
marking system.
The thread removal material shall be prepared before use as described in Annex A.
The dot removal specimens have to be measured before use as described in Annex D.

5.4 Amount of test specimens used
For each wash cycle, four test specimens of only one type regardless of test load size and
type shall always be used.
PAS 62473 © IEC:2007(E) – 9 –
5.5 Detergent
The detergent used for this test shall be reference detergent A* described in IEC 60456
6 Instrumentation and accuracy
Instrumentation and accuracy of IEC 60456 apply.
For the fraying method the following tools are needed:
– magnifying glass;
– black background for assistance in counting threads;
– needle or similar instrument;
– rule calibrated in millimetres.
7 Test procedure
The test is basically run in accordance to the test of washing performance described in IEC
60456 except that, additionally, the test specimens according to this document are added to
the load in the drum according to the following description.
7.1 Loading
The way of loading the machine influences the results. To get reproducible results it is
necessary to define the way of loading the machine and to follow the instructions accurately.
The loading scheme of IEC 60456 is only applicable for one type of washing machine
(horizontal axis). The loading procedure as described in Annex B applies to all types of
washing machines and will probably be included in a future edition of IEC 60456.
The test specimens for measuring the gentleness of action according to this procedure are
added as described in Annex B.
The test specimens should be placed as flat as possible.
The location of each mechanical action specimen shall be recorded (using identifying
reference – number of test specimen)
7.2 Unloading and drying of test specimens
Mechanical action specimens shall be carefully removed from the load, taking care not to pull,
stretch or distort the test specimens.
Base load as well as soil strips shall be dried according to the procedure described in IEC 60456.
Do not dry the mechanical action test specimens in a tumble dryer. The mechanical action
test specimens are dried by laying them out flat. Take care not to apply any further
mechanical action. If possible, the dot removal test specimens and the fraying test specimens
should be carefully flattened by hand to avoid wrinkles.
7.3 Repeating of test procedure
The test procedure is run according to IEC 60456. A test series consists of five test runs.
For each test run new mechanical action test specimens shall be used.
NOTE It is possible to use the same specimens for more than one test run, especially for very low mechanical action.

– 10 – PAS 62473 © IEC:2007(E)
8 Evaluation
8.1 Thread removal method
The evaluation of the thread removal specimen will be done by counting the removed threads
(considered as “not remaining”).
The evaluation is described in Annex C.
8.2 Dot removal method
The evaluation of the dot removal specimens is done with a colour matching system.
The evaluation is described in Annex D.
8.3 Fraying method
The evaluation of the thread removal specimen will be done by counting of loose threads.
The evaluation is described in Annex E.
9 Data to be reported
The following data shall be recorded for all runs: cycle identification, water hardness and
temperature, and number of cycles on test loads. The following information may also be
recorded: total cycle time, wash time, speed, water temperature, water usage, supply voltage
and frequency to the washer.
Cycle information including optional control settings shall be recorded.
10 Sources of test materials
Items may be obtained from:
10.1 Thread removal method (5.2.1)

EMPA Testmaterialien AG
Mővenstrasse 12
CH-9015 St. Gallen
Switzerland
Tel: ++41-71-311-8055
Fax: ++41 -71-311-8057
www.empa-testmaterials.ch
10.2 Dot removal method (5.2.2)

EMPA Testmaterialien AG
Mővenstrasse 12
CH-9015 St. Gallen
Switzerland
Tel: ++41 71 311 8055
Fax: ++41 -71-311-8057
www.empa-testmaterials.ch
PAS 62473 © IEC:2007(E) – 11 –
10.3 Fraying method (5.2.3)
Teknologisk Institute
Gregersensvej
DK-2630 Taastrup
Denmark
Tel:  ++45 22 70 56 46
Fax: ++45 22 70 56 44
www.danishtechnology.dk
– 12 – PAS 62473 © IEC:2007(E)
Annex A
(normative)
Thread removal material – Preparation of test specimen
The thread removal material is delivered with five pieces in the filling direction. Both sides of
the material have a selvedge in warp direction. (The width of the material is about 170 cm.)
The test specimen shall be prepared in the following way.
a) The samples shall be cut between the two areas of (blue) end marking threads.

b) The sample and warp direction shall be marked in the middle of the specimen.

c) Right before testing, the blue end marking threads shall be removed.

PAS 62473 © IEC:2007(E) – 13 –
Annex B
(normative)
Loads and loading
B.1 General
The cotton test load and the synthetics/blends test load consist of the base load and the
soiled test strips. The polyester test load consists of the base load and three wool shrinkage
specimens.
The four test specimens for measuring the mechanical action (only one type for each test) will
be added to test loads as add on. Only the test load mass (base load + strips) is adjusted so
that it corresponds to the required test load mass for the specified programme of the machine
under test.
B.2 Test load mass
a) C
...