Electric irons for household or similar use - Methods for measuring performance

IEC 60311:2016 applies to electric irons for household or similar use.
The purpose of this document 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;
- vented steam irons with motor pump;
- spray irons;
- steam irons with separate water reservoir or boiler/generator having a capacity not exceeding 5 l.
This document is concerned neither with safety nor with performance requirements. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) 5.3: introduction of clarifications on voltage and frequency to be applied for the tests;
b) 5.12: introduction of an anti-circumvention subclause;
c) 9.2.3: clarification on the procedure for measuring steaming rate;
d) 14.1 and 14.2: clarification on type of water used for the tests;
e) Figure 2: clarifications and alignment with the relevant formula.

Fers à repasser électriques pour usage domestique ou analogue - Méthodes de mesure de l'aptitude à la fonction

L'IEC 60311:2016 est applicable aux fers à repasser électriques pour usage domestique ou analogue.
Le présent document a pour objet d'énumérer et de définir les principales caractéristiques d'aptitude à la fonction des fers à repasser électriques pour usage domestique ou analogue intéressant l’utilisateur et de décrire les méthodes normalisées pour la vérification de ces caractéristiques. Les fers à repasser électriques couverts par la présente norme comprennent
- les fers fonctionnant à sec;
- les fers à production de vapeur;
- les fers à production de vapeur ouverts à l’air libre avec motopompe;
- les fers à pulvérisation d'eau;
- les fers à production de vapeur avec réservoir d’eau séparé ou bouilleur/générateur de vapeur dont la capacité ne dépasse pas 5 l.
Le présent document ne traite pas des exigences de sécurité, ni des exigences concernant l'aptitude à la fonction. Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente:
a) 5.3: introduction de clarifications sur la tension et fréquence à appliquer pour les essais;
b) 5.12: introduction d'un paragraphe anti-contournement;
c) 9.2.3: clarification de la procédure pour mesurer le débit de vapeur;
d) 14.1 et 14.2: clarification du type d'eau utilisée pour les essais;
e) Figure 2: clarifications et alignement sur la formule correspondante.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
15-Dec-2016
Current Stage
PPUB - Publication issued
Start Date
16-Dec-2016
Completion Date
03-Jan-2017
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IEC 60311:2016 - Electric irons for household or similar use - Methods for measuring performance
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IEC 60311 ®
Edition 5.0 2016-12
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
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

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IEC 60311 ®
Edition 5.0 2016-12
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
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

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 97.060 ISBN 978-2-8322-3706-9

– 2 – IEC 60311:2016 © IEC 2016
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 Measurements for various types of irons. 10
5 General conditions for measurements . 12
5.1 General . 12
5.2 Ambient conditions . 12
5.3 Voltage and frequency for measurements . 12
5.4 Steady conditions . 12
5.5 Iron support for measurements . 13
5.6 Temperature measurement . 13
5.7 Cordless irons having a mains supply attachment . 13
5.8 Irons fitted with separate steam generator/boiler . 13
5.9 Irons fitted with auto switch-off devices . 13
5.10 Test sample . 13
5.11 Irons with additives . 13
5.12 Circumvention . 13
6 General requirements . 14
6.1 Determination of mass . 14
6.2 Measurement of length of the supply cord . 14
7 Temperature measurements . 14
7.1 Measurement of heating-up time . 14
7.2 Measurement of initial overswing temperature and heating-up excess

temperature . 14
7.3 Measurement of sole-plate temperature . 15
7.4 Determination of the hottest point . 15
7.5 Measurement of temperature distribution . 16
7.6 Measurement of cyclic fluctuation of temperature of the hottest point . 16
8 Assessment of the spray function . 16
8.1 Determination of the mass of spray . 16
8.1.1 Determination of the mass of spray for irons with manual spray pumps . 16
8.1.2 Determination of the mass of spray for irons with means for continuous
spray . 17
8.2 Determination of the spray pattern . 17
9 Measurements concerning steaming operation . 18
9.1 Measurement of heating-up time for steaming operation . 18
9.1.1 For vented steam irons . 18
9.1.2 For pressurized steam irons or instantaneous steam irons . 19
9.2 Measurement of steaming time, steaming rate and water leakage rate . 19
9.2.1 For vented steam irons . 19
9.2.2 For pressurized steam irons and instantaneous steam irons . 20
9.2.3 Tolerances and control procedures for the steaming rate . 21
9.3 Determination of mass of a shot of steam . 22
10 Assessment of smoothing . 23
10.1 General . 23

10.2 Creasing of test cloth . 23
10.2.1 Test cloth . 23
10.2.2 Conditioning of test cloth before creasing . 23
10.2.3 Creasing tool . 23
10.2.4 Wrapping and creasing of test cloth . 23
10.3 Conditioning of the iron . 24
10.4 Ironing . 24
10.5 Ironing with shot of steam . 24
10.6 Evaluation . 25
11 Measurement of input power and energy consumption . 25
11.1 Measurement of input power . 25
11.2 Measurement of energy consumption . 25
11.2.1 Preparation of the test cloth . 25
11.2.2 Measurement of the energy consumed during heating-up operation . 26
11.2.3 Measuring of energy consumed during an ironing operation . 26
11.3 Ironing efficiency. 27
12 Assessment of sole-plate . 27
12.1 Determination of smoothness of the sole-plate . 27
12.2 Measurement of scratch resistance of sole-plate . 28
12.2.1 General . 28
12.2.2 Test procedure . 28
12.2.3 Evaluation of results . 29
12.3 Determination of adhesion of polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) coating or
similar coating on sole-plate . 29
13 Measurement of thermostatic stability . 30
13.1 Heating test . 30
13.2 Drop test . 30
13.3 Determination of drift of thermostat . 31
14 Determination of total steaming time for hard water . 31
14.1 For non-pressurised steam irons . 31
14.2 For pressurised steam irons or instantaneous steam irons . 32
15 Instruction for use . 33
16 Information at the point of sale . 33
Annex A (informative) Measurement of steaming time, steaming rate and water
leakage rate for pressurized steam irons or instantaneous steam irons . 47
Annex B (normative) Ironing board . 48
Annex C (normative) Cotton cloth . 51
Annex D (informative) Classification of electric irons . 52
D.1 Classification according to temperature control . 52
D.2 Classification according to the existence or non-existence of steam-
producing ability. 52
D.3 Classification of steam irons according to steam control . 52
D.4 Classification according to existence or non-existence of spraying ability . 52
D.5 Classification according to nature of power supply . 52
D.6 Classification according to voltage . 52
D.7 Classification according to usage . 52
D.8 Designation of irons . 53
Bibliography . 54

– 4 – IEC 60311:2016 © IEC 2016

Figure 1 – Arrangement for measuring the sole-plate temperature . 34
Figure 2 – Variation of sole-plate temperature after switching-on . 35
Figure 3 – Determination of spray pattern . 36
Figure 4 – Test apparatus . 37
Figure 5 – Creasing tool. 38
Figure 6 – Wrapping rod and pencil . 38
Figure 7 – Circular and rectangular blocks . 39
Figure 8 – Conditioning of the iron . 39
Figure 9 – Ironing . 39
Figure 10 – Evaluation . 40
Figure 11 – Comparison charts . 42
Figure 12 – Test apparatus for smoothness of sole-plate . 43
Figure 13 – Scratch . 44
Figure 14 – Positions of cutting area . 45
Figure 15 – Apparatus for drop test . 45
Figure 16 – Test apparatus for total steaming time . 46
Figure A.1 – Measurements concerning steaming operation. 47
Figure B.1 – Example of construction of the ironing board . 50

Table 1 – Measurements of various types of irons . 11
Table 2 – Classes of scratch resistance . 29

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
ELECTRIC IRONS FOR HOUSEHOLD OR SIMILAR USE –
METHODS FOR MEASURING PERFORMANCE

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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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.
International Standard IEC 60311 has been prepared by subcommittee 59L: Small household
appliance, of IEC technical committee 59: Performance of household and similar electrical
appliances.
This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 2002, Amendment
1:2005 and Amendment 2:2009. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) 5.3: introduction of clarifications on voltage and frequency to be applied for the tests;
b) 5.12: introduction of an anti-circumvention subclause;
c) 9.2.3: clarification on the procedure for measuring steaming rate;
d) 14.1 and 14.2: clarification on type of water used for the tests;
e) Figure 2: clarifications and alignment with the relevant formula.

– 6 – IEC 60311:2016 © IEC 2016
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
CDV Report on voting
59L/116/CDV 59L/121/RVC
Full information on the voting for the approval of this International Standard can be found in
the report on voting indicated in the above table.
This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
In this standard, the following print types are used:
• test specifications: in italic type
• notes: in small roman type
• other texts: in roman type
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to
the specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IMPORTANT – The “colour inside” logo on the cover page of this publication
indicates that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this publication using a
colour printer.
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 document 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;
• vented steam irons with motor pump;
• spray irons;
• steam irons with separate water reservoir or boiler/generator having a capacity not
exceeding 5 l.
This document 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, 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 is not given to minor differences in any one result.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their
content constitutes requirements 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, Direct acting indicating analogue electrical measuring instruments and their
accessories – Part 1: Definitions and general requirements common to all parts
IEC 60734, Household electrical applicances – Performance – Hard water for testing
ISO 105–F01, Textiles – Test for colour fastness – Specification for wool adjacent fabric
ISO 105–F02, Textiles – Test for colour fastness – Specification for cotton and viscose
adjacent fabrics.
ISO 105–F03, Textiles – Test for colour fastness – Specification for polyamid adjacent fabric
ISO 1518–1, Paints and varnishes – Determination of scracth resistance – Part 1: constant-
loading method
– 8 – IEC 60311:2016 © IEC 2016
ISO 2409:2013, Paints and varnishes – Cross-cut test
ISO 3801, Textiles – Woven fabrics – Determination of mass per unit length and mass per unit
area
ISO 6330:2012, Textiles – Domestic washing and drying procedures for textile testing
ISO 7211-2, Textiles – Woven fabrics – Construction – Methods of analysis – Part 2:
Determination of number of threads per unit length
ISO 9073-2, Textiles – Test methods for nonwovens – Part 2: Determination of thickness
ISO 13934-1, 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 document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
electric iron
portable appliance, which has an electrically heated sole-plate and is used for ironing textile
materials
Note 1 to entry: In this document, "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 the means to produce and supply steam nor to spray water onto textile
materials while ironing
3.5
steam iron
iron having the means to produce and supply steam to textile materials while ironing
Note 1 to entry: It can be provided with a means to supply a shot of steam.
3.5.1
shot-of-steam iron
iron provided with the 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 1 to entry: The water reservoir may be incorporated in the iron or connected by a hose to the iron.
3.5.4
pressurized steam iron
steam iron in which steam is produced in a boiler at a pressure exceeding 50 kPa
Note 1 to entry: 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 1 to entry: The water reservoir and the boiler are connected to the iron by a tube.
3.5.6
vented steam iron with motor pump
vented steam iron in which the water is pumped from the internal water reservoir to the steam
chamber by means of an (electric) motor pump
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

– 10 – IEC 60311:2016 © IEC 2016
Note 1 to entry: 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
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 switch off the heating element if the iron is not moved
for a stated period of time and not intended to activate a 'standby mode' or any kind of 'low
power mode’
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
Item of measurement Thermo- Thermo- Thermo- Thermo- Cordless Cordless
static dry static dry static steam static steam irons irons having
irons irons with irons and irons with a mains
non-self- vented non-self supply
resetting steam irons resetting attachment
thermal cut with a motor thermal cut
out pump out
6.1 (Determination of
x x x x x x
mass)
6.2 (Measurement of
length of the supply x x x x x x
cord)
7.1 (Measurement of
x x x x x x
heating-up time)
7.2 (Measurement of
initial overswing
temperature and x x x x x x
heating-up excess
temperature)
7.3 (Measurement of
sole-plate x x x x x x
temperature)
7.4 (Determination of
x x x x x x
the hottest point)
7.5 (Measurement of
temperature x x x x x x
distribution)
7.6 (Measurement of
cyclic fluctuation of
x x x x x x
temperature of the
hottest point)
8 (Assessment of
(x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x)
spray function)
9.1 (Measurement of
heating-up time for x x x x x x
steaming operation)
9.2 (Measurement of
x x x
steaming time)
9.2 (Measurement of
x x x x
steaming rate)
9.3 (Determination of
mass of a shot of  (x) (x) (x) (x)
steam)
10 (Assessment of
x x x x x x
smoothing)
10.4 (Ironing with shot of
(x) (x) (x) (x)
steam)
11.1 (Measurement of
x x x x x x
input power)
11.2 (Measurement of
energy x x x x x x
consumption)
12.1 (Determination of
smoothness of the x x x x x x
sole-plate)
12.2 (Measurement of
scratch resistance x x x x x x
of sole-plate)
– 12 – IEC 60311:2016 © IEC 2016
Item of measurement Thermo- Thermo- Thermo- Thermo- Cordless Cordless
static dry static dry static steam static steam irons irons having
irons irons with irons and irons with a mains
non-self- vented non-self supply
resetting steam irons resetting attachment
thermal cut with a motor thermal cut
out pump out
12.3 (Determination of
adhesion of
polytetra-
fluorethylene x x x x x x
(PTFE) coating or
similar coating on
sole-plate)
13 (Measurement of
thermostatic x x x x x x
stability)
14 (Determination of
total steaming time  x x x
for hard water)
NOTE 1 Measurements for the spray iron are determined according to the table, whether it is of thermostatic
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
5.1 General
Unless otherwise specified, the measurements are conducted under the following conditions.
5.2 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.
5.3 Voltage and frequency for measurements
The voltage to be applied to the iron under measurement is that required to give the rated
input under steady conditions.
For appliances with a rated voltage range, measurements shall be carried out at the mean
value of the voltage range.
Unless otherwise stated, measurements shall be carried out at rated voltage with a tolerance
of ±1 % and, if applicable, at rated frequency.
5.4 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.

5.5 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.
5.6 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.
5.7 Cordless irons having a mains supply attachment
Cordless irons having a mains supply attachment are tested as conventional irons.
5.8 Irons fitted with separate steam generator/boiler
Irons fitted with separate steam generator/boiler have to be kept in ironing mode under
measurements.
5.9 Irons fitted with auto switch-off devices
Irons fitted with auto switch-off devices have to be kept in ironing mode under measurements.
5.10 Test sample
A new sample is used for the test of Clause 13.
5.11 Irons with additives
If the manufacturer requires the use of specific additives as an integral part of the functioning
of the iron, then the iron shall be tested using the additives.
5.12 Circumvention
Appliances cannot be designed to circumvent the test conditions in this document. As such,
this means that appliances cannot be designed in order to automatically have their test results
boosted when following a test protocol described in this document (i.e. the appliance
recognises that it is undergoing a steam rate measurement test and consequently adapts its
performance).
– 14 – IEC 60311:2016 © IEC 2016
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.
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 5.5), 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 5.3, 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 5.5), and a thermocouple is attached at the mid-point of the sole-plate.
The iron is switched on, with the voltage specified in 5.3.
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.
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 5.5), 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 can 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 document
takes those recommendations into account but to obtain improved ironing results the temperatures have been
adjusted as shown in the following table.
Marking Sole-plate temperature T Material, for example
°C
• (1 dot) 70 < T < 120 Acetate, elastane, polyamide, polypropylene
• • (2 dots) 100 < T < 160 Cupro, polyester, silk, triacetate, 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 variation.
b
7.4 Determination of the hottest point
The iron is placed
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