SIST EN 50640:2018

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-oktober-2018
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SIST-TS CLC/TS 50640:2015
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Household and similar electric appliances - Methods for measuring the performance of
clothes washing machines intended for commercial use
Waschmaschinen für den gewerblichen Gebrauch - Verfahren zur Messung der
Gebrauchseigenschaften
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 50640:2018
ICS:
97.060 Aparati za nego perila Laundry appliances
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 50640
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
July 2018
ICS 97.060 Supersedes CLC/TS 50640:2015
English Version
Household and similar electric appliances - Methods for
measuring the performance of clothes washing machines
intended for commercial use
Waschmaschinen für den gewerblichen Gebrauch -
Appareils électrodomestiques et analogues - Méthodes de
Verfahren zur Messung der Gebrauchseigenschaften
mesure de l'aptitude à la fonction pour les machines à laver
le linge à usage commercial
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2018-04-23. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC
Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2018 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN 50640:2018 E
Contents Page
European foreword .4
1 Scope .5
2 Normative references .5
3 Terms, definitions and symbols .5
3.1 Terms and definitions .5
3.2 Symbols .9
4 Requirements . 10
4.1 General . 10
4.2 Rated Capacity . 11
4.3 Dimensions . 11
5 Test conditions, materials, equipment and instrumentation . 12
5.1 General . 12
5.2 Reference machine . 12
5.3 Ambient conditions. 12
5.4 Test materials . 14
5.5 Equipment . 16
5.6 Instrumentation and accuracy . 18
6 Preparation for testing . 19
6.1 General . 19
6.2 Test washing machine and reference machine preparation . 19
6.3 Detergent . 20
6.4 Test loads . 22
7 Performance measurements – general requirements . 27
8 Tests for performance . 28
8.1 General . 28
8.2 Test procedure for performance tests . 28
8.3 Measurements to determine washing performance . 30
8.4 Measurements to determine maximum spin speed . 31
8.5 Measurements to determine water extraction performance . 31
8.6 Measurement to determine the bath temperature . 32
8.7 Measurements to determine water and energy consumption and cycle time . 32
9 Assessment of performance . 33
9.1 General . 33
9.2 Evaluation of washing performance . 33
9.3 Evaluation of water extraction performance . 35
9.4 Evaluation of water and energy consumption and cycle time . 36
10 Data to be reported . 38
Annex A (normative) Specification of stain test strip EN/IEC-60456 . 39
Annex B (normative) Standard detergent — IEC Standard Powder Detergent 2016 (IEC-
P) . 44
Annex C (normative) Specifications for base load — Cotton/synthetics blends base
load EN 50640 – small sheet and large sheet . 46
Annex D (normative) Reference machine — Specification of the reference washing
machines and method of use . 48
Annex E (normative) Reference machine programme definitions . 51
Annex F (normative) The bone-dry method of conditioning . 54
Annex G (normative) Folding and loading the test load . 56
Annex H (normative) Measuring the wash temperature . 67
Annex I (normative) Performance testing of gas fired washing machines . 69
Annex J (normative) Performance testing of steam heated washing machines . 72
Annex K (normative) Procedure to determine test load size when rated capacity is not
declared . 82
Annex L (normative) Test procedure for a performance test of a cotton 60 programme
with full load at standard rating conditions . 86
Annex M (informative) Uncertainty of measurements in the present document . 98
Annex N (normative) Test report – Data to be reported . 101
Annex O (informative) Reporting of key parameters . 109
Bibliography . 111

European foreword
This document (EN 50640:2018) has been prepared by CLC/TC 59X “Performance of household and
similar electrical appliances”.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which this document has (dop) 2019-04-23
to be implemented at national level by
publication of an identical national
standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national (dow) 2021-04-23
standards conflicting with this document
have to be withdrawn
This document supersedes CLC/TS 50640:2015.
This European Standard is a new standard, but it is based on portions from EN 60456:2011.
The procedures described in this European Standard are modified substantially compared to the
procedures described in EN 60456. Therefore results of tests according to this European Standard
cannot and are bound not to be compared to results of similar procedures of EN 60456.
Significant technical differences from EN 60456 are:
a) the method includes procedures for measuring steam heated and gas heated washing
machines;
b) the introduction of a new type of base load;
c) a new reference programme;
d) a new formulation of the standard detergent.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CENELEC by the European Commission
and the European Free Trade Association.
1 Scope
This European Standard deals with the performance of clothes washing machines intended to be
used by trained users e.g. in hotels, hospitals, factories, in light industry and on farms. It also covers
washing machines declared for commercial use in public areas and operated by lay persons e.g. in
launderettes, apartment houses and communal laundry rooms. The clothes washing machines can
be utilizing cold and/or hot water supply and without heating or with heating devices for electricity,
steam or gas. This European Standard covers top, front and side loaded clothes washing machines
with horizontal or vertical axis and with one or more wash compartments. It also deals with appliances
for both washing and drying textiles (washer-dryers) with respect to their washing related functions
and to separate spin extractors related to their dewatering capabilities.
NOTE 1 Performance of tumble dryers declared for commercial use is assessed in EN 50594.
NOTE 2 The object is to state and define the principal performance characteristics of clothes washing
machines declared for commercial use and to describe the test methods for measuring these characteristics.
NOTE 3 This European Standard does not apply to continuous batch washing machines (e.g. tunnel
washers) or washing machines only possible to operate with automatic loading and unloading.
NOTE 4 This European Standard does not specify safety requirements for clothes washing machines
declared for commercial use. Safety requirements are specified in EN 50571 and the EN ISO 10472- series.
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.
EN 437:2003+A1:2009, Test gases — Test pressures — Appliance categories
CEN/TR 1749:2014, European scheme for the classification of gas appliances according to the
method of evacuation of the combustion products (types)
EN 12953-10, Shell boilers — Part 10: Requirements for feedwater and boiler water quality
EN 50571, Household and similar electrical appliances — Safety — Particular requirements for
commercial electric washing machines
EN 60456, Clothes washing machines for household use — Methods for measuring the performance
(IEC 60456)
EN 60734, Household electrical appliances — Performance — Water for testing (IEC 60734)
EN ISO 80000-1:2013, Quantities and units — Part 1: General (ISO 80000-1:2009 + Cor 1:2011)
IAPWS-IF97, IAPWS Industrial Formulation 1997 for the Thermodynamic Properties of Water and
Steam [International Association for the Properties of Water and Steam]
3 Terms, definitions and symbols
3.1 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
3.1.1
washing machine
appliance for cleaning and rinsing of textiles using water which may also have a means of extracting
excess water from the textiles
3.1.2
test washing machine
washing machine that is subjected to part or all of the requirements in this European Standard in
order to determine its performance
Note 1 to entry:Test washing machine can include washing machines according to 3.1.6, 3.1.7.
3.1.3
reference machine
specially constructed washing machine of known performance which is used to increase repeatability
and reproducibility of results
Note 1 to entry:It can be used to provide a known performance level within a laboratory against which to compare
selected performance parameters on test washing machines as defined in this European Standard – refer to
5.5.2.
3.1.4
washer-dryer
washing machine which includes means for drying the textiles, usually by heating and tumbling
Note 1 to entry:This European Standard only covers the operations which relate to the washing machine
function – see Clause 1.
3.1.5
spin extractor
separate water-extracting appliance in which water is removed from textiles by centrifugal action (spin
extraction)
3.1.6
horizontal axis washing machine
washing machine in which the load is placed in a drum which rotates around an axis with an angle
less than 45° to horizontal
Note 1 to entry:The classification of vertical axis or horizontal axis in this European Standard is only used to
define the placement of the load into the drum.
3.1.7
vertical axis washing machine
washing machine in which the load is placed in a drum which rotates around an axis which rotates
with an angle of 45° or more related to horizontal
Note 1 to entry:The classification of vertical axis or horizontal axis in this European Standard is only used to
define the placement of the load into the drum.
3.1.8
automatic machine
washing machine where the load is fully treated by the machine without the need for user
intervention at any point during the cycle prior to its completion
3.1.9
top loaded machine
washing machine where the load is placed in the wash compartment from the top, and which may be
of a horizontal or vertical axis type
3.1.10
side loaded machine
washing machine where the load is placed in the wash compartment from the side, and which is of a
horizontal axis type
3.1.11
pullman machine
washing machine where the wash compartment is divided in two compartments
3.1.12
Y-pocket machine
washing machine where the wash compartment is divided in three compartments
3.1.13
test run
single performance assessment as specified in Clause 8 of this European Standard
3.1.14
test series
group of test runs on a test washing machine which, collectively, are used to assess the
performance of a washing machine
3.1.15
operation
each performance of a function that occurs during the washing machine programme such as pre-
wash, washing, rinsing, draining or spinning
3.1.16
programme
series of operations which are pre-defined within the washing machine and which are declared by
the manufacturer as suitable for washing certain textile types
3.1.17
cycle
complete washing process until the load is accessible to the user, as defined by the programme
selected, consisting of a series of operations (wash, rinse, spin, etc.)
3.1.18
spin extraction
water-extracting function by which water is removed from textiles by centrifugal action, which is
included as a function (built in operation) of an automatic washing machine but may also be
performed in a spin extractor
3.1.19
spin speed
rotational frequency of a drum during spin extraction
Note 1 to entry:A method for determination of spin speed is not defined in this European Standard.
3.1.20
base load
unsoiled textiles used for testing
3.1.21
test load
base load used for testing plus stain test strips
3.1.22
test load mass
actual mass of the base load including stain test strips
3.1.23
nominal test load mass
mass of dry textiles of a particular type for which the performance of the test washing machine shall
be tested (rated capacity or part load)
Note 1 to entry:Target value for the conditioned test load mass.
3.1.24
rated capacity
maximum mass in kilograms of dry textiles of a particular type which the manufacturer declares can be
treated in the washing machine on the selected programme
3.1.25
end of cycle
when the load is accessible to the user and next programme can be started
3.1.26
cycle time
time from the initiation of the programme (excluding any user programmed delay) until the end of
cycle
3.1.27
main wash duration
time from the commencement of the initial water intake for the main wash until the commencement of
the initial water intake for the first rinse
Note 1 to entry:Variations in the laboratory water supply pressure can affect the main wash duration. This
definition is only applicable to test washing machines. The reference machine wash time used for calibration of
the reference machine is defined differently. Refer to Table E.1.
3.1.28
remaining moisture content
measure of the additional amount of moisture that is contained in the base load in relation to the
equilibrium condition for base load items which have been conditioned in a controlled space (refer to
6.4.5.2)
Note 1 to entry:This equilibrium condition is defined as 0 % remaining moisture content in this European
Standard. Hence it is possible for a base load or load items to have a negative remaining moisture content
when treated with a tumble drier. Refer also to Annex F.
3.1.29
rated voltage
voltage assigned to the appliance by the manufacturer
3.1.30
cycle energy
energy consumed during the cycle time in one test run
3.1.31
programme time
time from the initiation of the programme (excluding any user programmed delay) until the load is
accessible
3.2 Symbols
3.2.1 Symbols relating to 9.2 – washing performance
C
the sum of the average reflectance values (Y-values) for each test run
k
the average sum of the reflectance values (Y-values) for each of the five types of soils, for
C
all valid test runs
the sum of the reflectance values in each test run of the test washing machine
C
k
test
the average sum of the reflectance values of the test washing machine
C test
the average sum of the reflectance values in each test run of the reference machine
C
ref
m the number of soil types per stain test strip
n the number of stain test strips in each test run
p confidence interval for q
q
ratio between the test washing machine, C , and the reference machine, C
test ref
standard deviation of the ratio q
s
q
the standard deviation of C
s
k
C
s the standard deviation of the reflectance values for each soil type within a given test run
i
the “Student T” factor for (w-1) degrees of freedom for a confidence of 95 % (i.e. 2,776 for
t
w−1, 0,05
five test runs equals four degrees of freedom, two sided test)
w the number of test runs in the test series
the average reflectance values for each soil type
x
i
the average reflectance value of the 4 individual readings for each of the 5 soil types on a
x
ij
stain test strip
3.2.2 Symbols relating to 9.3 – water extraction (spinning)
RMC remaining moisture content
average remaining moisture content
RMC
M the mass of the conditioned base load (g)
M
the mass of base load at the end of the test run (g)
r
3.2.3 Symbols relating to 9.4 – energy, water and time
T
the measured average cold water inlet temperature (°C)
c
T the measured average hot water inlet temperature (°C)
h
V
the volume of the cold water used during an operation (l)
c
V the volume of external hot water used during operation (l)
h
W the cold water energy correction for the operation (kWh)
c
W
the total cold water energy correction determined during the test (kWh)
ct
W the total electrical energy metered during the test (kWh)
et
W
the total gas energy metered during the operation (kWh)
gt
W the calculated hot water energy for the operation (kWh)
h
W the calculated total hot water energy determined during the test (kWh)
ht
W the total steam energy metered during the operation (kWh)
st
W
total energy (kWh)
total
3.2.4 Symbols relating to Annex F
M the mass of base load at the end of the bone dry run (g)
bd
3.2.5 Symbols relating to Annex G
M
the total test load mass (kg)
T
M the mass of a small sheet (kg)
S
M
the mass of a stain test strip (kg)
ST
M the mass of a small sheet with a stain test strip attached (kg)
S+ST
M the mass of a large sheet (kg)
L
X number of small sheets
S
X
number of small sheets with stain test strips attached
S+ST
X fixed number of small sheets
SF
X
additional number of small sheets
A
X number of large sheets
L
4 Requirements
4.1 General
This European Standard describes test methods for the measurement of the following performance
parameters:
— washing performance;
— rinsing performance (under consideration);
— water extraction performance;
— water consumption;
— energy consumption;
— wash bath temperature;
— cycle time.
Any claims of performance referring to this European Standard for these parameters shall be
measured in accordance with the requirements of this European Standard (refer to Clause 8 for
details).
This European Standard does not specify minimum performance requirements for clothes washing
machines.
4.2 Rated Capacity
Either the manufacturer or supplier shall declare the rated capacity at 0,5 kg intervals.
NOTE For different textile types the rated capacity of a washing machine is usually different.
The rated capacity shall not exceed the maximum mass of dry laundry, in kilograms, to be used in the
test washing machine in accordance with EN 50571.
When the manufacturer or supplier gives a range of values for the rated capacity for a particular
textile type, the highest value shall be used.
Where information on the rated capacity is not available, the test load mass shall be determined
according to Annex K.
4.3 Dimensions
Where a manufacturer declares dimensions, these shall be in accordance with the following
requirements, as applicable. The dimensions shall be given in mm and shall be rounded up to the
nearest whole mm.
Height α = vertical dimension measured from the floor to a horizontal plane at the maximum
a
1/ 2
height of the washing machine, with the door/lid closed. If adjustable levelling
feet are provided, they shall be moved up and down to determine minimum (α )
and maximum (a ) possible heights.
= maximum vertical dimension measured from the floor to a horizontal plane at the
Height α a
3/ 4
maximum height of the washing machine with the door/lid open (generally when
at right angles to the machine top). If adjustable levelling feet are provided, they
shall be moved up and down to determine minimum (α ) and maximum (a )
3 4
possible heights.
Width b = horizontal dimension, between the sides, as measured between two parallel
vertical planes against the sides of the washing machine including all
projections.
Width b = horizontal dimension, between the sides, as measured between two parallel
including all
vertical planes against the sides of the washing machine
projections including an open side mounted door/lid.
Depth c = horizontal dimension as measured from a vertical rear plane against the back of
the washing machine and the most prominent part of the front fascia, with the
door/lid closed. For this measurement, the door thickness, knobs and handles
are generally not included in the measurement.
Depth c = horizontal dimension as measured from a vertical rear plane against the back of
the washing machine and the most prominent part of the front fascia, with the
door/lid closed. For this measurement, the door thickness, knobs and handles
are included in the measurement.
horizontal dimension as measured from a vertical rear plane against the washing
Depth c =
machine and the most prominent part of the front, knobs and handles also being
taken into account, with the door/lid open (generally when at right angles to the
machine front).
Drum volume = the volume of a washing machine, where required, shall be determined in
accordance with Annex K.
NOTE 1 Dimension α
a is generally only applicable to top loaded washing machines while dimension c is
3/ 4 2
generally only applicable to front loaded washing machines.
NOTE 2 Width b is referring to washing machines with a loading door at the side of the machine.
NOTE 3 Dimension c is intended to provide an indication of the required depth for the washing machine
where the fascia is intended to be flush with adjacent furniture or appliances.
5 Test conditions, materials, equipment and instrumentation
5.1 General
The tolerances specified for parameters within this European Standard, using the symbol “±”, indicate
the allowable limits of variation from the specified parameter outside which the test or results shall be
invalid. The statement of tolerance does not permit the deliberate variation of these specified
parameters.
Rounding shall only be applied to reported values in Annex N. If numbers have to be rounded, they
shall be rounded to the nearest number according to EN ISO 80000-1:2013, B.3, Rule B. If the
rounding takes place to the right of the comma, the omitted places shall not be filled with zeros. If a
value to be reported is an intermediate required for use in the calculation of other values then rounding
shall only apply to the format of the intermediate in the report; the rounding shall not apply prior to its
use in subsequent calculations.
5.2 Reference machine
Unless otherwise specified, the reference machine shall be considered a test washing machine with
respect to conditions, materials and equipment specified.
5.3 Ambient conditions
5.3.1 Electricity supply
The supply voltage to each test washing machine shall be 230 V or 400 V as defined by the
manufacturer’s installation guide. If more than one option for installation is available and no clear
indication for testing is given, the supply voltage shall be 400 V. The supply voltages shall be
maintained throughout the test within ± 2 %. For washing machines with a drum volume equal or
larger than 400 l the voltage tolerance is allowed to be ± 3 %.The supply voltage measured during the
tests shall be recorded.
The electric supply cable shall not exceed 4 m of length unless a longer supply cable is delivered
together with the washing machine from the manufacturer. The plug (or the end of the cable furthest
from the washing machine) is the reference point at which the supply voltage shall be maintained.
The supply frequency to each test washing machine shall be maintained at 50 Hz ± 1 % throughout
the test.
Voltage stabilizers should be designed such that the normal operation of the test washing machine
does not cause undue distortion of the voltage waveform during the whole test.
5.3.2 Water supply
5.3.2.1 General
The measured total water hardness, water temperature and water pressure of water supplied to test
washing machines shall comply with the following requirements and shall be reported. This water is
generally referred to as laboratory supply water in this European Standard.
5.3.2.2 Water hardness
For all treatments of the base load prior to a test series and all washing machine test runs in
accordance with this European Standard soft water shall be used. The soft water shall have a total
water hardness of (0,5 ± 0,2) mmol/l.
Normalization of a base load prior to use in a test series (refer to 6.4.4) shall always be done using
laboratory supply water with the same total water hardness as that used for the subsequent test
series.
Total water hardness is determined and expressed in mmol/l of CaCO equivalent.
If total water hardness needs to be adjusted, it shall be prepared according to EN 60734.
Measurements of total water hardness shall be undertaken on water that is representative of the
laboratory supply water used for tests.
5.3.2.3 Water temperature
The temperature of the laboratory supply water to each test washing machine shall be measured
and recorded to the nearest 0,1 °C. It shall be:
– for cold water (15 ± 2) °C;
– for hot water the temperature indicated by the manufacturer ± 2 K, or (60 ± 2) °C, if no value is
given.
For washing machines with a drum volume equal or larger than 400 l the cold and hot water
temperature tolerance can be increased to ± 5 K.
When the manufacturer specifies a hot water temperature range, which includes (60 ± 2) °C, the hot
water temperature shall be set at (60 ± 2) °C.
When the manufacturer specifies a hot water temperature range, which does not include (60 ± 2) °C,
the hot water temperature shall be set at the end of the temperature range which is closest to (60 ± 2)
°C.
However the supplied hot water temperature shall never be allowed to be higher than 60 °C.
The water supply system shall be configured so that the temperature of all water entering the inlet
hose of the test washing machine is within specified tolerance with the exception of up to 500 ml of
each increment up to a test load mass of 10 kg and up to 1000 ml of each increment up to and equal
to a test load of 50 kg.
For larger test load masses the exception for each increment is 2000 ml. A temperature recording
system shall record inlet water temperature at intervals of no less than once per second.
NOTE Clause 8 requires water temperatures and volumes to be recorded on a continuous basis during filling
in order to determine weighted average temperature.
5.3.2.4 Water pressure
The static (gauge) pressure of the laboratory supply water at the inlet to each test washing machine
shall be maintained at (240 ± 50) kPa during filling operations. The water supply to the reference
machine shall be in accordance with D.3.1.
The hot and cold water pressure (as applicable) shall be determined as close as practicable to the
point of connection of each test washing machine to the laboratory water supply system. The
pressure measurement shall be made downstream of the last reduction in the supply pipe diameter
before the test washing machine and less than 3 m from the washing machine inlet. The measured
pressure shall be rounded up to the nearest whole 10 kPa to compare with the allowed range. If
connecting inlet hoses are placed between the point of pressure measurement and the washing
machine water inlet these hoses shall not contribute in large extent to a reduction of water flow and or
water pressure. If water inlet hoses are delivered with the washing machine these hoses shall be used
throughout the test.
5.3.3 Ambient temperature and humidity
5.3.3.1 Ambient temperature and humidity for washing machine testing
The ambient temperature of the test room shall be (23 ± 2) °C at the start of the test washing
machine test. The ambient temperature shall not rise more than 4 K during the test run. The
measured ambient temperature for washing machine testing shall be reported. It shall be rounded to
the nearest 0,5 °C.The maximum and minimum ambient temperature during the test run shall be
recorded. The measurement location shall be in the vicinity of machine under test. For washing
machines with a drum volume equal or larger than 400 l the ambient temperature tolerance can be
increased to (23 °C + 6 °C / - 2 °C).
The ambient humidity is not specified for washing machine testing.
5.3.3.2 Ambient temperature and ambient relative humidity for conditioning of base load
items
Where an ambient controlled room or chamber is used for conditioning the base load, the following
conditions shall be maintained:
— ambient temperature: (20 ± 2) °C;
— ambient relative humidity: (65 ± 5) %.
The measured ambient temperature and relative humidity for conditioning base load items shall be
reported. The ambient temperature shall be rounded to the nearest 0,5 °C. The ambient relative
humidity shall be rounded to the nearest whole percentage. Specific requirements regarding
conditioning of the base load are specified in 6.4.5.2. As an alternative to using a controlled room or
chamber for conditioning the base load, the bone dry method may be used. Refer to 6.4.5.3.
5.4 Test materials
5.4.1 General
This section sets out the specifications for test materials required for washing machine testing to this
European Standard, including:
— base load (load items);
— stain test strips;
— detergent.
5.4.2 Base load
The base load shall consist of 2 sizes of sheets as specified in Annex C. The size and mass of each
of the base load items are given in Table 1:
Table 1 — Size and mass of the different base load items
Base load item Size Nominal mass
mm g
Small sheet 155 ± 10
Width 720 ± 20
Length 900 ± 20
Large sheet 750 ± 20
Width 1 480 ± 20
Length 2 200 ± 20
5.4.3 Stain test strips
Stain test strips shall be attached to the base load prior to testing to assess the washing performance
of a test washing machine. Different soil types are used in order to assess the following washing
characteristics:
— the scouring effect, chiefly due to mechanical action, the first test piece used being soiled with
sebum and the second with a mixture of carbon black and mineral oil,
— the removal of protein pigments, the test piece used being soiled with blood;
— the removal of organic pigments, the test piece used being soiled with cocoa;
— the bleaching effect, the test piece used being soiled with red wine.
Stain test strips consist of square pieces with individual soil types measuring
(120 ± 5) mm × (120 ± 5) mm each which are joined together into a strip with the different kinds of soil
in the following order:
– unsoiled piece;
– sebum;
– carbon black/mineral oil;
– blood;
– cocoa;
– red wine.
The specifications of test pieces with standardized soiling for each soil type which are used to make a
stain test strip are given in Annex A.
NOTE Information about the compliance of stains used in stain test strips with respect to importation
regulations of particular countries can be obtained from the supplier.
5.4.4 Detergents
The detergent to be used throughout the test shall be IEC Standard Powder Detergent 2016 (IEC-P).
The specification of the detergent is given in Annex B.
The IEC Standard Powder Detergent 2016 (IEC-P) is distributed in three separate components:
— base powder (with enzyme and foam inhibitor);
— sodium percarbonate;
— bleach activator (TAED).
The three components shall be stored separately. The date of manufacture for each component shall
be marked by the supplier on the container. The lifetime of each component for IEC Standard Powder
Detergent 2016 (IEC-P) and the storage conditions shall be as specified by the manufacturer. If no
expiry date for the detergent components is specified by the manufacturer, the expiry date is deemed
to be one and a half year from the date of manufacture.
Mixing of detergent components, lifetime after mixing, dosage and placement of detergent is specified
in 6.3.
5.5 Equipment
5.5.1 General
This section sets out the specifications for specialized test equipment required for washing machine
testing to this European Standard including:
— reference machine;
— spectrophotometer;
— equipment for conditioning the base load;
— iron.
A checklist of other laboratory equipment which may be required for washing machine testing is
provided in 5.5.6.
5.5.2 Reference machine
A reference machine shall be run in parallel with the test washing machine, applying the same
procedure to both machines to provide a measure of relative performance and reproducible results.
Specifications for the reference machine are given in Annex D.
For the purposes of this European Standard, the test load mass used in the reference machine shall
always be 5,0 kg for the reference test programme.
5.5.3 Spectrophotometer
5.5.3.1 General
Optical measurements of each of the different stain test strip pieces after washing are performed using
a spectrophotometer.
The minimum instrument specification is provided below:
— Measuring instrument: spectrophotometer that provides reflectance data at a minimum of 16
wavelengths spaced at 20 nm intervals, or closer, between 400 nm and
700 nm;
— Parameter: tristimulus value Y (CIE 015:2004);
— Illuminant / observer: D65 / 10° – EN ISO 11664-2;
— Measuring geometry: d / 8°;
— UV-filter: The ultraviolet filter shall have a spectral transmittance of ≤ 0,01 at
wavelengths of 400 nm and less, and a spectral transmittance
of ≥ 0,80 at wavelengths in the range 450 nm to 700 nm;
— Measurement minimum 20 mm diameter;
aperture:
NOTE Where a measurement aperture is not circular, an aperture area of not less than 314 mm is
acceptable.
— Gloss / specular excluded, i.e. measurement with open gloss / specular trap.
5.5.3.2 Calibration
The calibration process shall be performed at least once a day during continuous use or after any
restart of the device using:
— white standard: barium sulfate tablet or certified white ceramic tile;
— and black standard: black body or light trap or certified black ceramic tile;
— or using procedures as specified by the instrument manufacturer.
The spectrophotometer shall be checked for its spectral performance and measurement accuracy at
least once a year.
General handling of the spectrophotometer and its use and calibration shall be in accordance with the
supplier operating instructions.
5.5.4 Equipment for conditioning the base load
This European Standard requires base load items to be treated in a controlled manner prior to their
use in performance tests in order to determine their mass under standardized ambient conditions. The
alternative methods of conditioning the base load items are:
— leaving the base load items in a room or chamber with a controlled ambient temperature and
humidity (refer to 5.3.3.2) until their remaining moisture content is in equilibrium. Refer to
6.4.5.2 for details;
— treating the base load items in a clothes dryer of specified performance to ensure that the base
load items are in a “bone dry” state. Refer to 6.4.5.3 for details. Annex F sets out the method and
the specifications for a tumble dryer which is used for this method.
5.5.5 Iron for preparation of stain test strips after washing
Where an iron or ironing appliance is used to prepare stain test strips after washing and prior to
reflectance readings, it shall have a surface temperature between 130 °C and 150 °C.
5.5.6 Other equipment
Testing of washing machines according to this European Standard requires equipment for the
measurement of a range of parameters. These parameters include the following:
— mass;
— volume of water and other liquids;
— length and dimensions;
— electrical parameters (voltage, energy, frequency);
— temperature of water and air and humidity of air;
— water pressure supplied to the washing machine;
— total water hardness of the laboratory supply water supplied to the washing machine;
— pH of the laboratory supply water;
— time.
For some of the above measurements, the specifications of instruments used to take these
measurements are not explicitly defined in this European Standard, except that the accuracy of
measurement as specified in the following section shall be achieved.
Note that several different instruments for the measurement of mass are likely to be required for
determining mass of load items and the whole base load and mass of detergent (refer to 5.6.2).
5.6 Instrumentation and accuracy
5.6.1 General
Instruments used and measurements made for this European Standard shall comply with the
specifications for instruments in 5.6.2 and for measurements in 5.6.3.
5.6.2 Instruments
Parameter Unit Minimum Minimum Additional
resolution accuracy requirements
Mass
Masses in the range up to 100 g g 0,05 g ± 0,1 g -
Masses in the range g 0,5 g ± 1 g -
between 100 g and 2 000 g
Masses in the range g 10 g ± 20 g -
from 2 kg to 50 kg
Masses in the range above 50 kg g 50 g ± 100 g -
Temperature
Ambient temperature °C 0,1 °C ± 1 K -
Water temperature °C 0,1 °C ± 0,6 K See Ann
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