IEC 60456:2010
(Main)Clothes washing machines for household use - Methods for measuring the performance
Clothes washing machines for household use - Methods for measuring the performance
IEC 60456:2010 specifies methods for measuring the performance of clothes washing machines for household use, with or without heating devices utilising cold and/or hot water supply. It also deals with appliances for water extraction by centrifugal force (spin extractors) and is applicable to appliances for both washing and drying textiles (washer-dryers) with respect to their washing related functions. This International Standard also covers washing machines which specify the use of no detergent for normal use. This edition includes the following significant changes from the previous edition.
- modified test load mass requirement for cases where rated capacity of test machine is not declared;
- introduction of soft water option;
- expanded stain/soil set;
- improved method of loading and folding test load items to better suit vertical axis, horizontal axis and twin tub systems;
- revised and amended reference machine specifications reflecting full qualification on new Electrolux Wascator CLS;
- new reference programmes for lower temperature and vertical axis systems;
- refined rinsing efficiency method;
- introduction of low power modes "OFF" and "Left On";
- new annex regarding uncertanity of measurements.
Machines à laver le linge pour usage domestique - Méthodes de mesure de l'aptitude à la fonction
L'IEC 60456:2010 spécifie les méthodes de mesure de l'aptitude à la fonction des machines à laver le linge à usage domestique, avec ou sans dispositif de chauffage et alimentées en eau froide et/ou en eau chaude. Elle traite également des appareils à essorer le linge par la force centrifuge (essoreuses centrifuges). De même, elle est applicable aux appareils destinés à laver et sécher le linge (machines lavantes-séchantes) pour ce qui concerne leurs fonctions relatives au lavage. La présente Norme internationale couvre également les machines à laver spécifiées comme n'utilisant pas de détergent en utilisation normale. L'aptitude à la fonction des sèche-linge est évaluée selon l'IEC 61121. L'objet de la présente norme est d'établir et de définir les caractéristiques principales d'aptitude à la fonction des machines à laver électriques à usage domestique et de décrire les méthodes d'essai et de mesure de ces caractéristiques. La présente Norme internationale s'applique également aux machines à laver à usage collectif dans les immeubles ou les laveries automatiques. Elle ne s'applique pas aux machines à laver des blanchisseries. La présente Norme internationale n'est pas destinée à être utilisée dans le cadre d'une évaluation comparative de détergents. La présente Norme internationale ne spécifie pas les exigences relatives au bruit applicables aux machines à laver. Les mesures de bruit sont spécifiées dans l'IEC 60704-1 et l'IEC 60704-2-4. La présente Norme internationale ne spécifie pas les exigences de sécurité applicables aux machines à laver. Les exigences de sécurité sont spécifiées dans l'IEC 60335-2-7. Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente.
- modification de l'exigence de masse de la charge d'essai dans le cas où la capacité assignée de la machine d'essai n'est pas déclarée. La détermination de la masse de la charge d'essai dans le cas où la capacité assignée n'est pas déclarée a été modifiée afin de supprimer l'ambiguïté de l'édition 4 et d'encourager cette déclaration.
- introduction d'une option d'eau douce.
- extension des salissures employées (pour l'évaluation de l'aptitude au lavage).
- amélioration de la méthode de chargement et de pliage des articles de charge d'essai pour une meilleure adaptation aux machines à axe vertical, à axe horizontal et à double cuve.
- révision et amendement des spécifications de la machine de référence reflétant toutes les qualifications de la nouvelle Electrolux Wascator CLS.
- nouveaux programmes de référence pour les systèmes à axe vertical et basses températures. Nouvelle annexe informative comparant les programmes de référence aux programmes domestiques types.
- affinage de la méthode d'efficacité du rinçage.
- introduction de modes "arrêt" et "marche" basse puissance (pour l'évaluation de la consommation d'énergie).
- nouvelle annexe relative à l'incertitude des mesures.
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
IEC 60456 ®
Edition 5.0 2010-02
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Clothes washing machines for household use – Methods for measuring the
performance
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IEC 60456 ®
Edition 5.0 2010-02
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Clothes washing machines for household use – Methods for measuring the
performance
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
PRICE CODE
XG
ICS 97.060 ISBN 978-2-88910-196-2
– 2 – 60456 © IEC:2010(E)
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.7
1 Scope.9
2 Normative references .9
3 Terms, definitions and symbols .10
3.1 Terms and definitions .10
3.2 Symbols .13
3.2.1 Symbols relating to Subclause 9.2 – washing performance.13
3.2.2 Symbols relating to Sublause 9.3 – water extraction (spinning) .14
3.2.3 Symbols relating to Subclause 9.4 – rinsing performance .14
3.2.4 Symbols relating to Subclause 9.5 – energy, water and time .14
3.2.5 Symbols relating to Clause 10 – wool shrinkage .14
3.2.6 Symbols relating to Annex G .15
3.2.7 Symbols relating to Annex I .15
3.2.8 Symbols relating to Annex L .15
4 Requirements .15
4.1 General .15
4.2 Rated capacity .16
4.3 Dimensions .16
5 Test conditions, materials, equipment and instrumentation .17
5.1 General .17
5.2 Ambient conditions .17
5.2.1 Electricity supply .17
5.2.2 Water supply .17
5.2.3 Ambient temperature and humidity .18
5.3 Test materials .19
5.3.1 General .19
5.3.2 Base loads .19
5.3.3 Stain test strips .19
5.3.4 Wool shrinkage specimens .20
5.3.5 Detergents.20
5.4 Equipment.20
5.4.1 General .20
5.4.2 Reference machine.21
5.4.3 Spectrophotometer .21
5.4.4 Equipment for conditioning the base load .22
5.4.5 Standard extractor.22
5.4.6 Iron for preparation of stain test strips after washing .23
5.4.7 Titration equipment.23
5.4.8 Other equipment.23
5.5 Instrumentation and accuracy.24
5.5.1 General .24
5.5.2 Instruments .24
5.5.3 Measurements.25
6 Preparation for testing .25
6.1 General .25
6.2 Test washing machine and reference machine preparation.25
60456 © IEC:2010(E) – 3 –
6.2.1 Test washing machine .25
6.2.2 Reference machine.26
6.3 Detergent .26
6.3.1 General .26
6.3.2 Detergent dose.27
6.3.3 Mixing detergent.27
6.3.4 Detergent placement .27
6.4 Test loads .28
6.4.1 General .28
6.4.2 Pre-treatment of new base load items prior to use .30
6.4.3 Requirements regarding the age of base load items .30
6.4.4 Normalization of base load items before a new test series.31
6.4.5 Conditioning of base load items before a new test series.32
6.4.6 Test load composition.33
6.4.7 Addition of stain test strips or wool shrinkage specimens to the base
load .36
7 Performance measurements – general requirements .37
8 Tests for performance .38
8.1 General .38
8.2 Test procedure for performance tests .38
8.2.1 Test conditions, materials and preparation for testing .38
8.2.2 Test load and loading .39
8.2.3 Programme.39
8.2.4 Test procedure .39
8.2.5 Test series .40
8.3 Measurements to determine washing performance .42
8.3.1 General .42
8.3.2 Removal and drying of stain test strips .42
8.3.3 Assessment of stain test strips .42
8.4 Measurements to determine water extraction performance .43
8.4.1 General .43
8.4.2 Washing machines .43
8.4.3 Spin extractors .43
8.5 Measurements to determine rinsing performance .44
8.5.1 General .44
8.5.2 Spin extraction and sampling.44
8.5.3 Alkalinity measurements.45
8.6 Measurements to determine water and energy consumption and programme
time.46
8.6.1 General .46
8.6.2 Procedure.46
9 Assessment of performance .47
9.1 General .47
9.2 Evaluation of washing performance .47
9.3 Evaluation of water extraction performance .49
9.4 Evaluation of rinsing performance .50
9.4.1 General .50
9.4.2 Calculations.50
9.4.3 Evaluation .50
– 4 – 60456 © IEC:2010(E)
9.5 Evaluation of water and energy consumption and programme time.51
9.5.1 General .51
9.5.2 Water volumes .51
9.5.3 Programme time .51
9.5.4 Energy consumption .51
10 Shrinkage during the wool wash programme.53
10.1 General .53
10.2 Overview .53
10.2.1 General .53
10.2.2 Determination of reference shrinkage .53
10.3 Procedure .53
10.3.1 Preparation of wool shrinkage specimens .53
10.3.2 Wool programme test .55
10.3.3 Evaluation .56
11 Data to be reported .57
Annex A (normative) Specification of stain test strips with standardized soiling.58
Annex B (normative) Reference detergent A*.62
Annex C (normative) Specifications for base loads .64
Annex D (normative) Reference machine specification.67
Annex E (normative) Reference machine programme definitions.72
Annex F (informative) Reference programmes and examples of comparable washing
machine programmes .75
Annex G (normative) The bone-dry method of conditioning .76
Annex H (normative) Folding and loading the test load .78
Annex I (normative) Calculation of weighted average age of the cotton base load.95
Annex J (normative) Loading a large standard extractor (rinsing performance) .97
Annex K (informative) Laboratory internal testing guide .101
Annex L (normative) Measurement of energy consumption in low power modes of
washing machines .106
Annex M (normative) Testing procedure for manual washing machines. 109
Annex N (normative) Procedure to determine test load size where rated capacity is
not declared.111
Annex O (informative) Additional evaluation of washing performance. 113
Annex P (informative) Testing deviations to reduce costs and their limitations .118
Annex Q (informative) Uncertainty of measurements in IEC 60456 .124
Annex R (informative) Environmental aspects of washing machine use determined in
IEC 60456 .127
Annex S (normative) Test report – data to be reported.130
Annex T (normative) Wool shrinkage specimens . 138
Annex U (informative) Sources of materials and supplies. 139
Bibliography.140
Figure 1 – Load item preparation prior to a test series .29
Figure 2 – Load composition and age requirements .30
Figure 3 – Attached test strip .37
Figure 4 – Test series: process and decisions for load mass and age .41
60456 © IEC:2010(E) – 5 –
Figure 5 – Positions for measuring soiled test pieces.43
Figure 6 – Wool shrinkage specimen, uncut .54
Figure 7 – Wool shrinkage specimen, fraying the edges and V-cuts .54
Figure 8 – Wool shrinkage specimen, marks .55
Figure H.1 – Folding towel with a stain test strip attached.78
Figure H.2 – Folding towel without a stain test strip attached.79
Figure H.3 – Folding pillowcases .79
Figure H.4 – Folding bed sheets .79
Figure H.5 – Folding pillowcases with a stain test strip attached .80
Figure H.6 – Folding pillowcases without a stain test strip attached .80
Figure H.7 – Folding shirts.81
Figure H.8 – Illustration of horizontal axis washing machine .81
Figure H.9 – Illustration of vertical axis washing machine .82
Figure H.10 – Horizontal axis washing machine: placement of items in the drum .83
Figure H.11 – Vertical axis washing machine: placement of items in the drum .83
Figure H.12 – Horizontal axis washing machine: illustration of alternating orientation .85
Figure H.13 – Placement of 2 towels with strips in one layer for load sizes larger than
10 kg .87
Figure H.14 – Vertical axis washing machines, four quadrants (plan view) .90
Figure I.1 – Example for the exchange of load items for a 5 kg cotton load .96
Figure J.1 – Example of a large standard extractor .97
Figure J.2 – View from the top: loading the large standard extractor .97
Figure J.3 – Areas for loading .98
Figure J.4 – Folding of items.98
Figure J.5 – 3 areas of loading .99
Figure J.6 – Outer circle .99
Figure J.7 – Outer circle .99
Figure J.8 – Middle circle.100
Figure J.9 – Inner circle .100
Figure J.10 – Towels covering the load.100
Table 1 – Detergent dose.27
Table 2 – Number of items in the cotton test load for various test load masses .34
Table 3 – Number of items in the synthetics/blends test load for various test load
masses .35
Table 4 – Number of items in the wool programme test load for various test load
masses .36
Table A.1 – Ratios and tolerances of standardized soils, Reference Machine CLS and
MP Lab .61
Table B.1 – Composition of the reference detergent A*.62
Table C.1 – Specification of the cotton base load items .64
Table C.2 – Specification of the synthetics/blends base load items .66
Table D.1 – Description of the reference washing machine and method of use type 1.68
Table D.2 – Description of the reference washing machine and method of use type 2.70
– 6 – 60456 © IEC:2010(E)
Table D.3 – Programmed volume for type 2 reference machine .71
Table E.1 – Specification of reference washing programmes.73
Table E.2 – Tolerances given for some procedure parameters .74
Table F.1 – Reference programmes and examples of comparable washing machine
programmes.75
Table H.1 – Vertical axis washing machines, loading sequence example for a
synthetics/blends load .84
Table H.2 – Horizontal axis washing machines, loading sequence .86
Table H.3 – Horizontal axis washing machine, loading example (5 kg) .88
Table H.4 – Vertical axis washing machines, small loads without sheets (1,0 kg to 2,5 kg) .90
Table H.5 – Vertical axis washing machines, medium loads with two sheets (3,0 kg to
7,0 kg) .91
Table H.6 – Vertical axis washing machines, large loads with three sheets (7,5 kg to
8,5 kg) .92
Table H.7 – Vertical axis washing machines, very large loads with four sheets (9,0 kg
to 10,0 kg) .93
Table H.8 – Vertical axis washing machine – loading example (5 kg) .94
Table S.1 – Data for test washing machine .130
Table S.2 – Data, parameters and performance results, cotton or synthetics/blends
base loads .132
Table S.2a – Data, parameters and results, cotton or synthetics/blends base loads . 132
Table S.2b – Performance results, cotton or synthetics/blends base loads. 133
Table S.3 – Data, parameters and results – wool shrinkage – polyester base load.134
Table S.4 – Weighted average age – cotton load .135
Table S.5 – Materials.136
Table S.6 – Equipment .137
60456 © IEC:2010(E) – 7 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
_____________
CLOTHES WASHING MACHINES FOR HOUSEHOLD USE –
METHODS FOR MEASURING THE 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 interna-
tional co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this
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ganization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two
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2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all inter-
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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.
International Standard IEC 60456 has been prepared by subcommittee 59D: Home laundry
appliances, of IEC technical committee 59: Performance of household and similar electrical
appliances.
This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 2003 and constitutes
a technical revision.
Experience with the use of the fourth edition of IEC 60456, together with some revised test
conditions and the need for a more globally applicable standard, are the main reasons for this
fifth edition.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes from the previous edition.
• Modified test load mass requirement for cases where rated capacity of test machine is not
declared. Test load mass determination in case rated capacity is not declared was
changed to remove the ambiguity in edition 4 and to encourage declaration.
• Introduction of soft water option.
• Expanded stain/soil set (for assessment of washing performance).
– 8 – 60456 IEC:2010(E)
Improved method of loading and folding test load items to better suit vertical axis, horizon-
tal axis and twin tub systems.
Revised and amended reference machine specification reflecting full qualification of new
Electrolux Wascator CLS.
New reference programmes for lower temperatures and vertical axis systems. New in-
formative annex comparing reference programmes to typical household programmes.
Refined rinsing efficiency method.
Introduction of low power modes “Off” and “Left On” (for assessment of energy consump-
tion).
New annex about uncertainty of measurements.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
59D/358/FDIS 59D/360/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
Words in bold in the text are defined in Clause 3.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data re-
lated to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
reconfirmed,
withdrawn,
replaced by a revised edition, or
amended.
A bilingual version of this publication may be issued at a later date.
The contents of the corrigendum of September 2011 have been included in this copy.
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 understand-
ing of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a colour printer.
60456 © IEC:2010(E) – 9 –
CLOTHES WASHING MACHINES FOR HOUSEHOLD USE –
METHODS FOR MEASURING THE PERFORMANCE
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies methods for measuring the performance of clothes
washing machines for household use, with or without heating devices utilising cold and/or
hot water supply. It also deals with appliances for water extraction by centrifugal force (spin
extractors) and is applicable to appliances for both washing and drying textiles (washer-
dryers) with respect to their washing related functions. This International Standard also cov-
ers washing machines which specify the use of no detergent for normal use.
NOTE 1 Tumble dryer performance is assessed to IEC 61121.
The object is to state and define the principal performance characteristics of electric house-
hold washing machines and spin extractors and to describe the test methods for measuring
these characteristics.
NOTE 2 This international standard applies also to washing machines for communal use in blocks of flats or in
launderettes. It does not apply to washing machines for commercial laundries. This International Standard is not
intended to be used for the comparative evaluation of detergents.
NOTE 3 This International Standard does not specify acoustical noise requirements for washing machines.
Acoustical noise measurements are specified in IEC 60704-1 and IEC 60704-2-4.
NOTE 4 This International Standard does not specify safety requirements for washing machines. Safety re-
quirements are specified in IEC 60335-2-7.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents 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 60335-2-7, Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – Part 2-7: Particular re-
quirements for washing machines
IEC 60734, Household electrical appliances – Performance – Hard water for testing
IEC 62053-21, Electricity metering equipment (a.c.) – Particular requirements – Part 21: Static
meters for active energy (classes 1 and 2)
IEC 62301, Household electrical appliances – Measurement of standby power
IEC Guide 109, Environmental aspects – Inclusion in electrotechnical product standards
ISO 31-0:1992, Quantities and units – Part 0: General principles
ISO 2060, Textiles – Yarn from packages – Determination of linear density (mass per unit
length) by the skein method
ISO 2061, Textiles – Determination of twist in yarns – Direct counting method
ISO 7211-2, Textiles – Woven fabrics – Construction – Methods of analysis – Part 2: Determi-
nation of number of threads per unit length
– 10 – 60456 © IEC:2010(E)
EN 12127, Textiles – Fabrics – Determination of mass per unit area using small samples
3 Terms, definitions and symbols
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following definitions apply.
3.1.1
washing machine
appliance for cleaning and rinsing of textiles using water which may also have a means of ex-
tracting 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 document in order
to determine its performance
NOTE Test washing machine may include washing machines according to 3. 1. 7, 3. 1. 8, 3. 1. 9 an d/ o r 3. 1. 10.
3.1.3
reference machine
specially constructed washing machine of known performance which is used to increase re-
peatability and reproducibility of results
NOTE It may be used to provide a known performance level within a laboratory against which to compare se-
lected performance parameters on test washing machines as defined in this document – refer 5. 4. 2.
3.1.4
washer-dryer
washing machine which includes both a spin extraction function and also a means for dry-
ing the textiles, usually by heating and tumbling
NOTE This document only covers the operations which relate to the washing machine function – see Scope.
3.1.5
spin extractor
separate water-extracting appliance in which water is removed from textiles by centrifugal ac-
tion (spin extraction)
3.1.6
standard extractor
spin extractor used to remove water remaining in the base load at the completion of the pro-
gramme where a rinse performance measurement is required
3.1.7
vertical axis washing machine
washing machine in which the load is placed in a drum which rotates around an axis which is
vertical or close to vertical. For the purposes of this document, vertical axis is where the angle
of the axis of rotation is more than 45 degrees to horizontal. Where the drum does not rotate,
the washing machine shall be classified as a vertical axis washing machine.
NOTE The classification of vertical axis or horizontal axis in this document is only used to define the placement of
the load into the drum.
3.1.8
horizontal axis washing machine
washing machine in which the load is placed in a drum which rotates around an axis which is
horizontal or close to horizontal. For the purposes of this document, horizontal axis is where
the angle of the axis is less than or equal to 45 degrees to horizontal.
60456 © IEC:2010(E) – 11 –
NOTE The classification of vertical axis or horizontal axis in this document is only used to define the placement of
the load into the drum.
3.1.9
manual washing machine
washing machine where the machine requires user intervention at one or more points during
the programme to enable the machine to proceed to the next operation
NOTE Examples of user intervention could include manual fill (non automatic water level), transfer of the load
between a washing drum and a spin extractor drum or manual draining. Manual washing machines have special
requirements regarding the programme which is tested for this document; see Annex M.
3.1.10
automatic machine
washing machine where the load is fully treated by the machine without the need for user
intervention at any point during the programme prior to its completion
3.1.11
test run
single performance assessment as specified in Clause 7 of this document
3.1.12
test series
group of test runs on a test washing machine which, collectively, are used to assess the
performance of a washing machine
3.1.13
operation
each performance of a function that occurs during the washing machine programme such as
pre-wash, washing, rinsing, draining or spinning
3.1.14
programme
series of operations which are pre-defined within the washing machine and which are de-
clared by the manufacturer as suitable for washing certain textile types
3.1.15
cycle
complete washing process, as defined by the programme selected, consisting of a series of
operations (wash, rinse, spin, etc.) and including any operations that occur after the comple-
tion of the programme
NOTE Examples of operations that may occur after the completion of the programme are pumping, monitoring
and anti-creasing (where applicable).
3.1.16
spin extraction
water-extracting function by which water is removed from textiles by centrifugal action. This is
included as a function (built in operation) of an automatic washing machine but may also
be performed in a spin extractor
3.1.17
spin speed
rotational frequency of a drum during spin extraction
NOTE A method for determination of spin speed is not defined in this standard.
3.1.18
base load
textile load used for testing without stain test strips or wool shrinkage specimens
– 12 – 60456 © IEC:2010(E)
3.1.19
test load
base load used for testing plus stain test strips or wool shrinkage specimens
3.1.20
test load mass
actual mass of the base load plus stain test strips or wool specimen
3.1.21
nominal test load mass
mass of dry textiles of a particular type for which the performance of the test washing ma-
chine shall be tested (rated capacity or part load). Target value for the conditioned test load
mass
3.1.22
rated capacity
maximum mass in kg of dry textiles of a particular type which the manufacturer declares can
be treated in the washing machine on the programme selected
3.1.23
programme time
programme time is the time from the initiation of the programme (excluding any user pro-
grammed delay) until the completion of the programme. If the end of programme is not indi-
cated, the programme time is equal to the cycle time.
3.1.24
end of programme
the programme is complete when the washing machine indicates the end of the programme
and the load is accessible to the user. Where there is no end of programme indicator and the
door is locked during operation, the programme is complete when the load is accessible to
the user. Where there is no end of programme indicator and the door is not locked during
operation, the programme is complete when the power consumption of the appliance drops to
some steady state condition and is not performing any function.
NOTE An indication of the end of the programme may be in the form of a light (on or off), a sound, an indicator
shown on a display or the release of a door or latch. In some washing machines there may be a short delay from
an end of programme indicator until the load is accessible by the user.
3.1.25
cycle time
time from the initiation of the programme (excluding any user programmed delay) until all ac-
tivity ceases. Activity is considered to have ceased when the power consumption reverts to a
steady state condition that persists indefinitely without user intervention. If there is no activity
after the end of the programme, the cycle time is equal to the programme time
NOTE Cycle time includes any activity that may occur after the programme is completed. This could include any
electronic activity or any additional mechanical activity that occurs for a limited period after any end of programme
indicator. Any cyclic event that occurs indefinitely is considered to be steady state.
3.1.26
main wash duration
time from the commencement of the initial water intake for the main wash until the com-
mencement of the initial water intake for the first rinse
NOTE Variations in the laboratory water supply pressure may affect the main wash duration. This definition is
only applicable to test washing machines. The reference machine wash time used for calibration of the refer-
ence machine is defined differently. Refer to Table E.1.
60456 © IEC:2010(E) – 13 –
3.1.27
remaining moisture content
measure for 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 This equilibrium condition is defined as 0 % remaining moisture content in this document. 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 A nne x G.
3.1.28
off mode
condition where the product is switched off using appliance controls or switches that are ac-
cessible and intended for operation by the user during normal use to attain the lowest power
consumption that may persist for an indefinite time while connected to a mains power source
and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Where there are no controls, the
washing machine is left to revert to a steady state power consumption of it
...
IEC 60456 ®
Edition 5.1 2022-12
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Clothes washing machines for household use – Methods for measuring the
performance
Machines à laver le linge pour usage domestique – Méthodes de mesure de
l'aptitude à la fonction
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IEC 60456 ®
Edition 5.1 2022-12
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Clothes washing machines for household use – Methods for measuring the
performance
Machines à laver le linge pour usage domestique – Méthodes de mesure de
l'aptitude à la fonction
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 97.060 ISBN 978-2-8322-6310-5
IEC 60456 ®
Edition 5.1 2022-12
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
REDLINE VERSION
VERSION REDLINE
colour
inside
Clothes washing machines for household use – Methods for measuring the
performance
Machines à laver le linge pour usage domestique – Méthodes de mesure de
l'aptitude à la fonction
– 2 – IEC 60456:2010+AMD1:2022 CSV
IEC 2022
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 7
1 Scope . 9
2 Normative references . 9
3 Terms, definitions and symbols . 10
3.1 Terms and definitions . 10
3.2 Symbols . 13
3.2.1 Symbols relating to Subclause 9.2 – washing performance . 13
3.2.2 Symbols relating to Sublause 9.3 – water extraction (spinning) . 14
3.2.3 Symbols relating to Subclause 9.4 – rinsing performance . 14
3.2.4 Symbols relating to Subclause 9.5 – energy, water and time . 14
3.2.5 Symbols relating to Clause 10 – wool shrinkage . 14
3.2.6 Symbols relating to Annex G . 15
3.2.7 Symbols relating to Annex I . 15
3.2.8 Symbols relating to Annex L . 15
4 Requirements . 15
4.1 General . 15
4.2 Rated capacity . 16
4.3 Dimensions . 16
5 Test conditions, materials, equipment and instrumentation . 17
5.1 General . 17
5.2 Ambient conditions . 17
5.2.1 Electricity supply . 17
5.2.2 Water supply . 17
5.2.3 Ambient temperature and humidity . 18
5.3 Test materials . 19
5.3.1 General . 19
5.3.2 Base loads . 19
5.3.3 Stain test strips . 19
5.3.4 Wool shrinkage specimens . 20
5.3.5 Detergents . 20
5.4 Equipment . 20
5.4.1 General . 20
5.4.2 Reference machine . 21
5.4.3 Spectrophotometer . 21
5.4.4 Equipment for conditioning the base load . 22
5.4.5 Standard extractor . 22
5.4.6 Iron for preparation of stain test strips after washing . 23
5.4.7 Titration equipment . 23
5.4.8 Other equipment . 23
5.5 Instrumentation and accuracy . 24
5.5.1 General . 24
5.5.2 Instruments . 24
5.5.3 Measurements . 25
6 Preparation for testing . 25
6.1 General . 25
6.2 Test washing machine and reference machine preparation . 25
IEC 2022
6.2.1 Test washing machine . 25
6.2.2 Reference machine . 26
6.3 Detergent . 26
6.3.1 General . 26
6.3.2 Detergent dose . 27
6.3.3 Mixing detergent . 27
6.3.4 Detergent placement . 27
6.4 Test loads . 28
6.4.1 General . 28
6.4.2 Pre-treatment of new base load items prior to use . 30
6.4.3 Requirements regarding the age of base load items . 30
6.4.4 Normalization of base load items before a new test series . 31
6.4.5 Conditioning of base load items before a new test series . 32
6.4.6 Test load composition . 33
6.4.7 Addition of stain test strips or wool shrinkage specimens to the base
load . 36
7 Performance measurements – general requirements . 37
8 Tests for performance . 38
8.1 General . 38
8.2 Test procedure for performance tests . 38
8.2.1 Test conditions, materials and preparation for testing . 38
8.2.2 Test load and loading . 39
8.2.3 Programme . 39
8.2.4 Test procedure . 39
8.2.5 Test series . 40
8.3 Measurements to determine washing performance . 41
8.3.1 General . 41
8.3.2 Removal and drying of stain test strips . 42
8.3.3 Assessment of stain test strips . 42
8.4 Measurements to determine water extraction performance . 43
8.4.1 General . 43
8.4.2 Washing machines . 43
8.4.3 Spin extractors . 43
8.5 Measurements to determine rinsing performance . 43
8.5.1 General . 43
8.5.2 Spin extraction and sampling . 44
8.5.3 Alkalinity measurements . 45
8.6 Measurements to determine water and energy consumption and programme
time . 46
8.6.1 General . 46
8.6.2 Procedure . 46
9 Assessment of performance . 46
9.1 General . 46
9.2 Evaluation of washing performance . 47
9.3 Evaluation of water extraction performance . 49
9.4 Evaluation of rinsing performance . 49
9.4.1 General . 49
9.4.2 Calculations. 49
9.4.3 Evaluation . 50
– 4 – IEC 60456:2010+AMD1:2022 CSV
IEC 2022
9.5 Evaluation of water and energy consumption and programme time . 51
9.5.1 General . 51
9.5.2 Water volumes . 51
9.5.3 Programme time . 51
9.5.4 Energy consumption . 51
10 Shrinkage during the wool wash programme . 52
10.1 General . 52
10.2 Overview . 52
10.2.1 General . 52
10.2.2 Determination of reference shrinkage . 53
10.3 Procedure . 53
10.3.1 Preparation of wool shrinkage specimens . 53
10.3.2 Wool programme test . 55
10.3.3 Evaluation . 56
11 Data to be reported . 57
Annex A (normative) Specification of stain test strips with standardized soiling . 58
Annex B (normative) Reference detergent A* . 62
Annex C (normative) Specifications for base loads . 66
Annex D (normative) Reference machine specification . 69
Annex E (normative) Reference machine programme definitions . 74
Annex F (informative) Reference programmes and examples of comparable washing
machine programmes . 77
Annex G (normative) The bone-dry method of conditioning . 78
Annex H (normative) Folding and loading the test load . 80
Annex I (normative) Calculation of weighted average age of the cotton base load . 97
Annex J (normative) Loading a large standard extractor (rinsing performance) . 99
Annex K (informative) Laboratory internal testing guide . 103
Annex L (normative) Measurement of energy consumption in low power modes of
washing machines . 108
Annex M (normative) Testing procedure for manual washing machines . 111
Annex N (normative) Procedure to determine test load size where rated capacity is
not declared . 113
Annex O (informative) Additional evaluation of washing performance . 115
Annex P (informative) Testing deviations to reduce costs and their limitations . 119
Annex Q (informative) Uncertainty of measurements in IEC 60456 . 125
Annex R (informative) Environmental aspects of washing machine use determined in
IEC 60456 . 128
Annex S (normative) Test report – data to be reported . 131
Annex T (normative) Wool shrinkage specimens . 139
Annex U (informative) Sources of materials and supplies . 140
Bibliography . 141
Figure 1 – Load item preparation prior to a test series . 29
Figure 2 – Load composition and age requirements . 30
Figure 3 – Attached test strip . 37
Figure 4 – Test series: process and decisions for load mass and age . 41
IEC 2022
Figure 5 – Positions for measuring soiled test pieces . 42
Figure 6 – Wool shrinkage specimen, uncut . 53
Figure 7 – Wool shrinkage specimen, fraying the edges and V-cuts . 54
Figure 8 – Wool shrinkage specimen, marks . 54
Figure H.1 – Folding towel with a stain test strip attached . 80
Figure H.2 – Folding towel without a stain test strip attached . 81
Figure H.3 – Folding pillowcases . 81
Figure H.4 – Folding bed sheets . 81
Figure H.5 – Folding pillowcases with a stain test strip attached . 82
Figure H.6 – Folding pillowcases without a stain test strip attached . 82
Figure H.7 – Folding shirts . 83
Figure H.8 – Illustration of horizontal axis washing machine . 83
Figure H.9 – Illustration of vertical axis washing machine . 84
Figure H.10 – Horizontal axis washing machine: placement of items in the drum . 85
Figure H.11 – Vertical axis washing machine: placement of items in the drum . 85
Figure H.12 – Horizontal axis washing machine: illustration of alternating orientation . 87
Figure H.13 – Placement of 2 towels with strips in one layer for load sizes larger
than 10 kg. 89
Figure H.14 – Vertical axis washing machines, four quadrants (plan view) . 92
Figure I.1 – Example for the exchange of load items for a 5 kg cotton load . 98
Figure J.1 – Example of a large standard extractor . 99
Figure J.2 – View from the top: loading the large standard extractor . 99
Figure J.3 – Areas for loading . 100
Figure J.4 – Folding of items . 100
Figure J.5 – 3 areas of loading . 101
Figure J.6 – Outer circle, with sheets . 101
Figure J.7 – Outer circle, with sheets and pillow cases on top . 101
Figure J.8 – Middle circle . 102
Figure J.9 – Inner circle . 102
Figure J.10 – Towels covering the load . 102
Table 1 – Detergent dose . 27
Table 2 – Number of items in the cotton test load for various test load masses . 34
Table 3 – Number of items in the synthetics/blends test load for various test load
masses . 35
Table 4 – Number of items in the wool programme test load for various test load
masses . 36
Table A.1 – Ratios and tolerances of standardized soils, Reference Machine CLS and
MP Lab . 61
Table B.1 – Composition of the reference detergent A* . 62
Table B.2 – composition of the standard powder detergent (IEC-P). 64
Table C.1 – Specification of the cotton base load items . 66
Table C.2 – Specification of the synthetics/blends base load items . 67
Table D.1 – Description of the reference washing machine and method of use type 1 . 70
– 6 – IEC 60456:2010+AMD1:2022 CSV
IEC 2022
Table D.2 – Description of the reference washing machine and method of use type 2 . 72
Table D.3 – Programmed volume for type 2 reference machine . 73
Table E.1 – Specification of reference washing programmes. 75
Table E.2 – Tolerances given for some procedure parameters . 76
Table F.1 – Reference programmes and examples of comparable washing machine
programmes. 77
Table H.1 – Vertical axis washing machines, loading sequence example for a
synthetics/blends load . 86
Table H.2 – Horizontal axis washing machines, loading sequence . 88
Table H.3 – Horizontal axis washing machine, loading example (5 kg) . 90
Table H.4 – Vertical axis washing machines, small loads without sheets
(1,0 kg to 2,5 kg) . 92
Table H.5 – Vertical axis washing machines, medium loads with two sheets (3,0 kg to
7,0 kg) . 93
Table H.6 – Vertical axis washing machines, large loads with three sheets (7,5 kg to
8,5 kg) . 94
Table H.7 – Vertical axis washing machines, very large loads with four sheets (9,0 kg
to 10,0 kg) . 95
Table H.8 – Vertical axis washing machine – loading example (5 kg) . 96
Table S.1 – Data for test washing machine . 131
Table S.2 – Data, parameters and performance results, cotton or synthetics/blends
base loads . 133
Table S.2a – Data, parameters and results, cotton or synthetics/blends base loads . 133
Table S.2b – Performance results, cotton or synthetics/blends base loads . 134
Table S.3 – Data, parameters and results – wool shrinkage – polyester base load . 135
Table S.4 – Weighted average age – cotton load . 136
Table S.5 – Materials . 137
Table S.6 – Equipment . 138
IEC 2022
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
_____________
CLOTHES WASHING MACHINES FOR HOUSEHOLD USE –
METHODS FOR MEASURING THE PERFORMANCE
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
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6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
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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.
This consolidated version of the official IEC Standard and its amendment has been pre-
pared for user convenience.
IEC 60456 edition 5.1 contains the fifth edition (2010-02) [documents 59D/358/FDIS and
59D/360/RVD], its corrigendum (2011-09) and its amendment 1 (2022-12) [documents
59D/486/CDV and 59D/496/RVC].
In this Redline version, a vertical line in the margin shows where the technical content
is modified by amendment 1. Additions are in green text, deletions are in strikethrough
red text. A separate Final version with all changes accepted is available in this publica-
tion.
– 8 – IEC 60456:2010+AMD1:2022 CSV
IEC 2022
International Standard IEC 60456 has been prepared by subcommittee 59D: Home laundry
appliances, of IEC technical committee 59: Performance of household and similar electrical
appliances.
This fifth edition constitutes a technical revision.
Experience with the use of the fourth edition of IEC 60456, together with some revised test
conditions and the need for a more globally applicable standard, are the main reasons for this
fifth edition.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes from the previous edition.
• Modified test load mass requirement for cases where rated capacity of test machine is not
declared. Test load mass determination in case rated capacity is not declared was
changed to remove the ambiguity in edition 4 and to encourage declaration.
• Introduction of soft water option.
• Expanded stain/soil set (for assessment of washing performance).
• Improved method of loading and folding test load items to better suit vertical axis, horizon-
tal axis and twin tub systems.
• Revised and amended reference machine specification reflecting full qualification of new
Electrolux Wascator CLS.
• New reference programmes for lower temperatures and vertical axis systems. New in-
formative annex comparing reference programmes to typical household programmes.
• Refined rinsing efficiency method.
• Introduction of low power modes "Off" and "Left On" (for assessment of energy consump-
tion).
• New annex about uncertainty of measurements.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
Words in bold in the text are defined in Clause 3.
The committee has decided that the contents of the base publication and its amendment will
remain unchanged until the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under webstore.iec.ch
in the data related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication 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 understand-
ing of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a colour printer.
IEC 2022
CLOTHES WASHING MACHINES FOR HOUSEHOLD USE –
METHODS FOR MEASURING THE PERFORMANCE
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies methods for measuring the performance of clothes
washing machines for household use, with or without heating devices utilising cold and/or
hot water supply. It also deals with appliances for water extraction by centrifugal force (spin
extractors) and is applicable to appliances for both washing and drying textiles (washer-
dryers) with respect to their washing related functions. This International Standard also co-
vers washing machines which specify the use of no detergent for normal use.
NOTE 1 Tumble dryer performance is assessed to IEC 61121.
The object is to state and define the principal performance characteristics of electric house-
hold washing machines and spin extractors and to describe the test methods for measuring
these characteristics.
NOTE 2 This international standard applies also to washing machines for communal use in blocks of flats or in
launderettes. It does not apply to washing machines for commercial laundries. This International Standard is not
intended to be used for the comparative evaluation of detergents.
NOTE 3 This International Standard does not specify acoustical noise requirements for washing machines.
Acoustical noise measurements are specified in IEC 60704-1 and IEC 60704-2-4.
NOTE 4 This International Standard does not specify safety requirements for washing machines. Safety re-
quirements are specified in IEC 60335-2-7.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents 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 60335-2-7, Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – Part 2-7: Particular re-
quirements for washing machines
IEC 60734, Household electrical appliances – Performance – Hard water for testing
IEC 62053-21, Electricity metering equipment (a.c.) – Particular requirements – Part 21: Static
meters for active energy (classes 1 and 2)
IEC 62301, Household electrical appliances – Measurement of standby power
IEC Guide 109, Environmental aspects – Inclusion in electrotechnical product standards
ISO 31-0:1992, Quantities and units – Part 0: General principles
ISO 2060, Textiles – Yarn from packages – Determination of linear density (mass per unit
length) by the skein method
ISO 2061, Textiles – Determination of twist in yarns – Direct counting method
ISO 7211-2, Textiles – Woven fabrics – Construction – Methods of analysis – Part 2: Determi-
nation of number of threads per unit length
– 10 – IEC 60456:2010+AMD1:2022 CSV
IEC 2022
EN 12127, Textiles – Fabrics – Determination of mass per unit area using small samples
3 Terms, definitions and symbols
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following definitions apply.
3.1.1
washing machine
appliance for cleaning and rinsing of textiles using water which may also have a means of ex-
tracting 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 document in order
to determine its performance
NOTE Test washing machine may include washing machines according to 3.1.7, 3.1.8, 3.1.9 and/or 3.1.10.
3.1.3
reference machine
specially constructed washing machine of known performance which is used to increase re-
peatability and reproducibility of results
NOTE It may be used to provide a known performance level within a laboratory against which to compare select-
ed performance parameters on test washing machines as defined in this document – refer 5.4.2.
3.1.4
washer-dryer
washing machine which includes both a spin extraction function and also a means for dry-
ing the textiles, usually by heating and tumbling
NOTE This document only covers the operations which relate to the washing machine function – see Scope.
3.1.5
spin extractor
separate water-extracting appliance in which water is removed from textiles by centrifugal ac-
tion (spin extraction)
3.1.6
standard extractor
spin extractor used to remove water remaining in the base load at the completion of the pro-
gramme where a rinse performance measurement is required
3.1.7
vertical axis washing machine
washing machine in which the load is placed in a drum which rotates around an axis which is
vertical or close to vertical. For the purposes of this document, vertical axis is where the angle
of the axis of rotation is more than 45 degrees to horizontal. Where the drum does not rotate,
the washing machine shall be classified as a vertical axis washing machine.
NOTE The classification of vertical axis or horizontal axis in this document is only used to define the placement of
the load into the drum.
3.1.8
horizontal axis washing machine
washing machine in which the load is placed in a drum which rotates around an axis which is
horizontal or close to horizontal. For the purposes of this document, horizontal axis is where
the angle of the axis is less than or equal to 45 degrees to horizontal.
IEC 2022
NOTE The classification of vertical axis or horizontal axis in this document is only used to define the placement of
the load into the drum.
3.1.9
manual washing machine
washing machine where the machine requires user intervention at one or more points during
the programme to enable the machine to proceed to the next operation
NOTE Examples of user intervention could include manual fill (non automatic water level), transfer of the load
between a washing drum and a spin extractor drum or manual draining. Manual washing machines have special
requirements regarding the programme which is tested for this document; see Annex M.
3.1.10
automatic machine
washing machine where the load is fully treated by the machine without the need for user
intervention at any point during the programme prior to its completion
3.1.11
test run
single performance assessment as specified in Clause 7 of this document
3.1.12
test series
group of test runs on a test washing machine which, collectively, are used to assess the
performance of a washing machine
3.1.13
operation
each performance of a function that occurs during the washing machine programme such as
pre-wash, washing, rinsing, draining or spinning
3.1.14
programme
series of operations which are pre-defined within the washing machine and which are de-
clared by the manufacturer as suitable for washing certain textile types
3.1.15
cycle
complete washing process, as defined by the programme selected, consisting of a series of
operations (wash, rinse, spin, etc.) and including any operations that occur after the comple-
tion of the programme
NOTE Examples of operations that may occur after the completion of the programme are pumping, monitoring
and anti-creasing (where applicable).
3.1.16
spin extraction
water-extracting function by which water is removed from textiles by centrifugal action. This is
included as a function (built in operation) of an automatic washing machine but may also
be performed in a spin extractor
3.1.17
spin speed
rotational frequency of a drum
...
IEC 60456 ®
Edition 5.0 2010-02
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Clothes washing machines for household use – Methods for measuring the
performance
Machines à laver le linge pour usage domestique — Méthodes de mesure de
l'aptitude à la fonction
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IEC 60456 ®
Edition 5.0 2010-02
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Clothes washing machines for household use – Methods for measuring the
performance
Machines à laver le linge pour usage domestique — Méthodes de mesure de
l'aptitude à la fonction
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 97.060 ISBN 978-2-8322-6206-1
– 2 – IEC 60456:2010 IEC:2010
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 7
1 Scope . 9
2 Normative references . 9
3 Terms, definitions and symbols . 10
3.1 Terms and definitions . 10
3.2 Symbols . 13
3.2.1 Symbols relating to Subclause 9.2 – washing performance . 13
3.2.2 Symbols relating to Sublause 9.3 – water extraction (spinning) . 14
3.2.3 Symbols relating to Subclause 9.4 – rinsing performance . 14
3.2.4 Symbols relating to Subclause 9.5 – energy, water and time . 14
3.2.5 Symbols relating to Clause 10 – wool shrinkage . 14
3.2.6 Symbols relating to Annex G . 15
3.2.7 Symbols relating to Annex I . 15
3.2.8 Symbols relating to Annex L . 15
4 Requirements . 15
4.1 General . 15
4.2 Rated capacity . 16
4.3 Dimensions . 16
5 Test conditions, materials, equipment and instrumentation . 17
5.1 General . 17
5.2 Ambient conditions . 17
5.2.1 Electricity supply . 17
5.2.2 Water supply . 17
5.2.3 Ambient temperature and humidity . 18
5.3 Test materials . 19
5.3.1 General . 19
5.3.2 Base loads . 19
5.3.3 Stain test strips . 19
5.3.4 Wool shrinkage specimens . 20
5.3.5 Detergents . 20
5.4 Equipment . 20
5.4.1 General . 20
5.4.2 Reference machine . 21
5.4.3 Spectrophotometer . 21
5.4.4 Equipment for conditioning the base load . 22
5.4.5 Standard extractor . 22
5.4.6 Iron for preparation of stain test strips after washing . 23
5.4.7 Titration equipment . 23
5.4.8 Other equipment . 23
5.5 Instrumentation and accuracy . 24
5.5.1 General . 24
5.5.2 Instruments . 24
5.5.3 Measurements . 25
6 Preparation for testing . 25
6.1 General . 25
6.2 Test washing machine and reference machine preparation . 25
6.2.1 Test washing machine . 25
6.2.2 Reference machine . 26
6.3 Detergent . 26
6.3.1 General . 26
6.3.2 Detergent dose . 27
6.3.3 Mixing detergent . 27
6.3.4 Detergent placement . 27
6.4 Test loads . 28
6.4.1 General . 28
6.4.2 Pre-treatment of new base load items prior to use . 30
6.4.3 Requirements regarding the age of base load items . 30
6.4.4 Normalization of base load items before a new test series . 31
6.4.5 Conditioning of base load items before a new test series . 32
6.4.6 Test load composition . 33
6.4.7 Addition of stain test strips or wool shrinkage specimens to the base
load . 36
7 Performance measurements – general requirements . 37
8 Tests for performance . 38
8.1 General . 38
8.2 Test procedure for performance tests . 38
8.2.1 Test conditions, materials and preparation for testing . 38
8.2.2 Test load and loading . 39
8.2.3 Programme . 39
8.2.4 Test procedure . 39
8.2.5 Test series . 40
8.3 Measurements to determine washing performance . 41
8.3.1 General . 41
8.3.2 Removal and drying of stain test strips . 42
8.3.3 Assessment of stain test strips . 42
8.4 Measurements to determine water extraction performance . 43
8.4.1 General . 43
8.4.2 Washing machines . 43
8.4.3 Spin extractors . 43
8.5 Measurements to determine rinsing performance . 43
8.5.1 General . 43
8.5.2 Spin extraction and sampling . 44
8.5.3 Alkalinity measurements . 45
8.6 Measurements to determine water and energy consumption and programme
time . 46
8.6.1 General . 46
8.6.2 Procedure . 46
9 Assessment of performance . 46
9.1 General . 46
9.2 Evaluation of washing performance . 47
9.3 Evaluation of water extraction performance . 49
9.4 Evaluation of rinsing performance . 49
9.4.1 General . 49
9.4.2 Calculations. 49
9.4.3 Evaluation . 50
– 4 – IEC 60456:2010 IEC:2010
9.5 Evaluation of water and energy consumption and programme time . 51
9.5.1 General . 51
9.5.2 Water volumes . 51
9.5.3 Programme time . 51
9.5.4 Energy consumption . 51
10 Shrinkage during the wool wash programme . 52
10.1 General . 52
10.2 Overview . 52
10.2.1 General . 52
10.2.2 Determination of reference shrinkage . 53
10.3 Procedure . 53
10.3.1 Preparation of wool shrinkage specimens . 53
10.3.2 Wool programme test . 55
10.3.3 Evaluation . 56
11 Data to be reported . 57
Annex A (normative) Specification of stain test strips with standardized soiling . 58
Annex B (normative) Reference detergent A* . 62
Annex C (normative) Specifications for base loads . 64
Annex D (normative) Reference machine specification . 67
Annex E (normative) Reference machine programme definitions . 72
Annex F (informative) Reference programmes and examples of comparable washing
machine programmes . 75
Annex G (normative) The bone-dry method of conditioning . 76
Annex H (normative) Folding and loading the test load . 78
Annex I (normative) Calculation of weighted average age of the cotton base load . 95
Annex J (normative) Loading a large standard extractor (rinsing performance) . 97
Annex K (informative) Laboratory internal testing guide . 101
Annex L (normative) Measurement of energy consumption in low power modes of
washing machines . 106
Annex M (normative) Testing procedure for manual washing machines . 109
Annex N (normative) Procedure to determine test load size where rated capacity is
not declared . 111
Annex O (informative) Additional evaluation of washing performance . 113
Annex P (informative) Testing deviations to reduce costs and their limitations . 118
Annex Q (informative) Uncertainty of measurements in IEC 60456 . 124
Annex R (informative) Environmental aspects of washing machine use determined in
IEC 60456 . 127
Annex S (normative) Test report – data to be reported . 130
Annex T (normative) Wool shrinkage specimens . 138
Annex U (informative) Sources of materials and supplies . 139
Bibliography . 140
Figure 1 – Load item preparation prior to a test series . 29
Figure 2 – Load composition and age requirements . 30
Figure 3 – Attached test strip . 37
Figure 4 – Test series: process and decisions for load mass and age . 41
Figure 5 – Positions for measuring soiled test pieces . 42
Figure 6 – Wool shrinkage specimen, uncut . 53
Figure 7 – Wool shrinkage specimen, fraying the edges and V-cuts . 54
Figure 8 – Wool shrinkage specimen, marks . 54
Figure H.1 – Folding towel with a stain test strip attached . 78
Figure H.2 – Folding towel without a stain test strip attached . 79
Figure H.3 – Folding pillowcases . 79
Figure H.4 – Folding bed sheets . 79
Figure H.5 – Folding pillowcases with a stain test strip attached . 80
Figure H.6 – Folding pillowcases without a stain test strip attached . 80
Figure H.7 – Folding shirts . 81
Figure H.8 – Illustration of horizontal axis washing machine . 81
Figure H.9 – Illustration of vertical axis washing machine . 82
Figure H.10 – Horizontal axis washing machine: placement of items in the drum . 83
Figure H.11 – Vertical axis washing machine: placement of items in the drum . 83
Figure H.12 – Horizontal axis washing machine: illustration of alternating orientation . 85
Figure H.13 – Placement of 2 towels with strips in one layer for load sizes larger than
10 kg . 87
Figure H.14 – Vertical axis washing machines, four quadrants (plan view) . 90
Figure I.1 – Example for the exchange of load items for a 5 kg cotton load . 96
Figure J.1 – Example of a large standard extractor . 97
Figure J.2 – View from the top: loading the large standard extractor . 97
Figure J.3 – Areas for loading . 98
Figure J.4 – Folding of items . 98
Figure J.5 – 3 areas of loading . 99
Figure J.6 – Outer circle . 99
Figure J.7 – Outer circle . 99
Figure J.8 – Middle circle . 100
Figure J.9 – Inner circle . 100
Figure J.10 – Towels covering the load . 100
Table 1 – Detergent dose . 27
Table 2 – Number of items in the cotton test load for various test load masses . 34
Table 3 – Number of items in the synthetics/blends test load for various test load
masses . 35
Table 4 – Number of items in the wool programme test load for various test load
masses . 36
Table A.1 – Ratios and tolerances of standardized soils, Reference Machine CLS and
MP Lab . 61
Table B.1 – Composition of the reference detergent A* . 62
Table C.1 – Specification of the cotton base load items . 64
Table C.2 – Specification of the synthetics/blends base load items . 65
Table D.1 – Description of the reference washing machine and method of use type 1 . 68
Table D.2 – Description of the reference washing machine and method of use type 2 . 70
– 6 – IEC 60456:2010 IEC:2010
Table D.3 – Programmed volume for type 2 reference machine . 71
Table E.1 – Specification of reference washing programmes. 73
Table E.2 – Tolerances given for some procedure parameters . 74
Table F.1 – Reference programmes and examples of comparable washing machine
programmes. 75
Table H.1 – Vertical axis washing machines, loading sequence example for a
synthetics/blends load . 84
Table H.2 – Horizontal axis washing machines, loading sequence . 86
Table H.3 – Horizontal axis washing machine, loading example (5 kg) . 88
Table H.4 – Vertical axis washing machines, small loads without sheets (1,0 kg to 2,5 kg) . 90
Table H.5 – Vertical axis washing machines, medium loads with two sheets (3,0 kg to
7,0 kg) . 91
Table H.6 – Vertical axis washing machines, large loads with three sheets (7,5 kg to
8,5 kg) . 92
Table H.7 – Vertical axis washing machines, very large loads with four sheets (9,0 kg
to 10,0 kg) . 93
Table H.8 – Vertical axis washing machine – loading example (5 kg) . 94
Table S.1 – Data for test washing machine . 130
Table S.2 – Data, parameters and performance results, cotton or synthetics/blends
base loads . 132
Table S.2a – Data, parameters and results, cotton or synthetics/blends base loads . 132
Table S.2b – Performance results, cotton or synthetics/blends base loads . 133
Table S.3 – Data, parameters and results – wool shrinkage – polyester base load . 134
Table S.4 – Weighted average age – cotton load . 135
Table S.5 – Materials . 136
Table S.6 – Equipment . 137
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
_____________
CLOTHES WASHING MACHINES FOR HOUSEHOLD USE –
METHODS FOR MEASURING THE 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 interna-
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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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4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
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tween any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
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5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
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services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and ex-
penses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC Publica-
tions.
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.
International Standard IEC 60456 has been prepared by subcommittee 59D: Home laundry
appliances, of IEC technical committee 59: Performance of household and similar electrical
appliances.
This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 2003 and constitutes
a technical revision.
Experience with the use of the fourth edition of IEC 60456, together with some revised test
conditions and the need for a more globally applicable standard, are the main reasons for this
fifth edition.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes from the previous edition.
• Modified test load mass requirement for cases where rated capacity of test machine is not
declared. Test load mass determination in case rated capacity is not declared was
changed to remove the ambiguity in edition 4 and to encourage declaration.
• Introduction of soft water option.
• Expanded stain/soil set (for assessment of washing performance).
– 8 – IEC 60456:2010 IEC:2010
• Improved method of loading and folding test load items to better suit vertical axis, horizon-
tal axis and twin tub systems.
• Revised and amended reference machine specification reflecting full qualification of new
Electrolux Wascator CLS.
• New reference programmes for lower temperatures and vertical axis systems. New in-
formative annex comparing reference programmes to typical household programmes.
• Refined rinsing efficiency method.
• Introduction of low power modes "Off" and "Left On" (for assessment of energy consump-
tion).
• New annex about uncertainty of measurements.
This bilingual version (2018-11) corresponds to the monolingual English version, published in
2010-02.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
59D/358/FDIS 59D/360/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
The French version of this standard has not been voted upon.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
Words in bold in the text are defined in Clause 3.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data re-
lated to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
The contents of the corrigendum of September 2011 have been included in this copy.
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 understand-
ing of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a colour printer.
CLOTHES WASHING MACHINES FOR HOUSEHOLD USE –
METHODS FOR MEASURING THE PERFORMANCE
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies methods for measuring the performance of clothes
washing machines for household use, with or without heating devices utilising cold and/or
hot water supply. It also deals with appliances for water extraction by centrifugal force (spin
extractors) and is applicable to appliances for both washing and drying textiles (washer-
dryers) with respect to their washing related functions. This International Standard also co-
vers washing machines which specify the use of no detergent for normal use.
NOTE 1 Tumble dryer performance is assessed to IEC 61121.
The object is to state and define the principal performance characteristics of electric house-
hold washing machines and spin extractors and to describe the test methods for measuring
these characteristics.
NOTE 2 This international standard applies also to washing machines for communal use in blocks of flats or in
launderettes. It does not apply to washing machines for commercial laundries. This International Standard is not
intended to be used for the comparative evaluation of detergents.
NOTE 3 This International Standard does not specify acoustical noise requirements for washing machines.
Acoustical noise measurements are specified in IEC 60704-1 and IEC 60704-2-4.
NOTE 4 This International Standard does not specify safety requirements for washing machines. Safety re-
quirements are specified in IEC 60335-2-7.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents 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 60335-2-7, Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – Part 2-7: Particular re-
quirements for washing machines
IEC 60734, Household electrical appliances – Performance – Hard water for testing
IEC 62053-21, Electricity metering equipment (a.c.) – Particular requirements – Part 21: Static
meters for active energy (classes 1 and 2)
IEC 62301, Household electrical appliances – Measurement of standby power
IEC Guide 109, Environmental aspects – Inclusion in electrotechnical product standards
ISO 31-0:1992, Quantities and units – Part 0: General principles
ISO 2060, Textiles – Yarn from packages – Determination of linear density (mass per unit
length) by the skein method
ISO 2061, Textiles – Determination of twist in yarns – Direct counting method
ISO 7211-2, Textiles – Woven fabrics – Construction – Methods of analysis – Part 2: Determi-
nation of number of threads per unit length
– 10 – IEC 60456:2010 IEC:2010
EN 12127, Textiles – Fabrics – Determination of mass per unit area using small samples
3 Terms, definitions and symbols
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following definitions apply.
3.1.1
washing machine
appliance for cleaning and rinsing of textiles using water which may also have a means of ex-
tracting 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 document in order
to determine its performance
NOTE Test washing machine may include washing machines according to 3.1.7, 3.1.8, 3.1.9 and/or 3.1.10.
3.1.3
reference machine
specially constructed washing machine of known performance which is used to increase re-
peatability and reproducibility of results
NOTE It may be used to provide a known performance level within a laboratory against which to compare select-
ed performance parameters on test washing machines as defined in this document – refer 5.4.2.
3.1.4
washer-dryer
washing machine which includes both a spin extraction function and also a means for dry-
ing the textiles, usually by heating and tumbling
NOTE This document only covers the operations which relate to the washing machine function – see Scope.
3.1.5
spin extractor
separate water-extracting appliance in which water is removed from textiles by centrifugal ac-
tion (spin extraction)
3.1.6
standard extractor
spin extractor used to remove water remaining in the base load at the completion of the pro-
gramme where a rinse performance measurement is required
3.1.7
vertical axis washing machine
washing machine in which the load is placed in a drum which rotates around an axis which is
vertical or close to vertical. For the purposes of this document, vertical axis is where the angle
of the axis of rotation is more than 45 degrees to horizontal. Where the drum does not rotate,
the washing machine shall be classified as a vertical axis washing machine.
NOTE The classification of vertical axis or horizontal axis in this document is only used to define the placement of
the load into the drum.
3.1.8
horizontal axis washing machine
washing machine in which the load is placed in a drum which rotates around an axis which is
horizontal or close to horizontal. For the purposes of this document, horizontal axis is where
the angle of the axis is less than or equal to 45 degrees to horizontal.
NOTE The classification of vertical axis or horizontal axis in this document is only used to define the placement of
the load into the drum.
3.1.9
manual washing machine
washing machine where the machine requires user intervention at one or more points during
the programme to enable the machine to proceed to the next operation
NOTE Examples of user intervention could include manual fill (non automatic water level), transfer of the load
between a washing drum and a spin extractor drum or manual draining. Manual washing machines have special
requirements regarding the programme which is tested for this document; see Annex M.
3.1.10
automatic machine
washing machine where the load is fully treated by the machine without the need for user
intervention at any point during the programme prior to its completion
3.1.11
test run
single performance assessment as specified in Clause 7 of this document
3.1.12
test series
group of test runs on a test washing machine which, collectively, are used to assess the
performance of a washing machine
3.1.13
operation
each performance of a function that occurs during the washing machine programme such as
pre-wash, washing, rinsing, draining or spinning
3.1.14
programme
series of operations which are pre-defined within the washing machine and which are de-
clared by the manufacturer as suitable for washing certain textile types
3.1.15
cycle
complete washing process, as defined by the programme selected, consisting of a series of
operations (wash, rinse, spin, etc.) and including any operations that occur after the comple-
tion of the programme
NOTE Examples of operations that may occur after the completion of the programme are pumping, monitoring
and anti-creasing (where applicable).
3.1.16
spin extraction
water-extracting function by which water is removed from textiles by centrifugal action. This is
included as a function (built in operation) of an automatic washing machine but may also
be performed in a spin extractor
3.1.17
spin speed
rotational frequency of a drum during spin extraction
NOTE A metho
...
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