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

Overview

SIST EN 60704-2-4:2012/A11:2020 is a European standard developed by CLC that sets particular requirements for testing airborne acoustical noise levels of household washing machines and spin extractors. It is part of the IEC 60704 test code series, focusing specifically on noise emissions for single-unit washing machines and combined washing and spinning appliances intended for household use. This amendment A11, published in 2020, updates the 2012 standard by incorporating enhanced measurement uncertainty considerations, revising test load definitions, and harmonizing the test enclosure specifications in line with Part 1 of IEC 60704.

This standard plays a critical role in ensuring consistent, reliable noise testing procedures to assess the acoustical performance of laundry appliances, supporting manufacturers and regulators in achieving compliance and consumer transparency.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application
  Applies to single washing machines, combined washing and spinning units, and household spin extractors. It covers the washing and spinning functions for acoustical noise measurement.

• Test Program Adjustments
  The standard test program has been updated to the “eco 40-60” washing program aligned with EU regulations, excluding pre-wash cycles to reflect actual consumer usage more closely.

• Measurement Procedures
  Modifications account for measurement uncertainty and standard deviations to improve the accuracy and repeatability of airborne noise level assessments.

• Test Enclosure Standardization
  The amendment replaces specific test enclosure requirements with the common test enclosure detailed in Part 1 of IEC 60704 to harmonize testing environments across appliances and labs.

• Reporting Requirements
  Information required for noise measurement reports has been updated for clearer communication of results, including exemptions for certain washing cycles under EU energy labeling regulations.

• Regulatory Alignment
  Linked to EU regulations such as Regulation (EU) 2019/2014 related to energy labeling of household washing machines and washer-dryers, ensuring that noise testing supports broader compliance frameworks.

Applications

• Manufacturing and Quality Control
  Appliance manufacturers use SIST EN 60704-2-4:2012/A11:2020 to design, verify, and document compliance with noise emission limits, facilitating product development that meets European noise standards.

• Regulatory Compliance
  Testing laboratories and certification bodies rely on this standard to conduct noise assessments for CE marking and energy labeling compliance within the European Union.

• Consumer Information
  The standardized noise measurement and reporting help provide consumers with reliable noise performance data, assisting in informed purchasing decisions.

• Environmental and Workplace Noise Management
  By ensuring washing machines and spin extractors meet noise emission criteria, this standard contributes to reducing noise pollution in residential environments and improving user comfort.

Related Standards

• IEC 60704-1:2010
  Defines general requirements for the measurement of airborne acoustical noise emitted by household appliances and serves as the foundational test code referenced in SIST EN 60704-2-4:2012/A11:2020.

• Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2014
  Supplementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1369, this regulation governs energy labeling and set requirements that influence noise measurement programs and reporting for household washing appliances.

• Other IEC 60704 Parts
  Various parts of IEC 60704 cover noise measurements for other household electrical appliances, supporting standardized noise determination across product categories.

Keywords: SIST EN 60704-2-4:2012/A11:2020, washing machine noise standard, spin extractor noise testing, airborne acoustical noise, household appliance noise measurement, IEC 60704, European noise emission standards, appliance noise testing, laundry appliance acoustics, energy labeling regulations.