IEC 60704-2-4:2025

Household and similar electrical appliances - Test code for the determination of airborne acoustical noise - Part 2-4: Particular requirements for washing machines and spin extractors

IEC 60704-2-4:2025 applies to single unit electrical washing machines and the washing and spinning function of combined appliances for household and similar use and to spin extractors for household and similar use.
For washer-dryers, see IEC 60704-2-16:2019.
Requirements for the declaration of noise emission values are not within the scope of this standard.
For determining and verifying noise emission values declared in product specifications, see IEC 60704-3:2019.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2011. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) alignment to IEC 60704-1:2021;
b) alignment to Edition 6 of IEC 60456:2024, especially regarding test programme and detergent;
c) considering multi-compartment washing machines;
d) considering wall-mounted washing machines;
e) definition of the drum speed measurement;
f) adapting parts for standard test load and test programme.
This document is intended to be used in conjunction with the fourth edition of IEC 60704-1:2021.

Appareils électrodomestiques et analogues - Code d'essai pour la détermination du bruit aérien - Partie 2-4: Exigences particulières pour les machines à laver le linge et les essoreuses centrifuges

L'IEC 60704-2-4:2025 s’applique à des machines à laver électriques monofonction, à des appareils combinant les fonctions de lavage et d’essorage pour usage domestique et analogue et à des essoreuses centrifuges pour usage domestique et analogue.
Pour les lavantes-séchantes, voir l’IEC 60704-2 16:2019.
Les exigences relatives à la déclaration des valeurs d’émission sonore n’entrent pas dans le domaine d’application de la présente norme.
Pour la détermination et la vérification des valeurs d’émission sonore déclarées dans les spécifications de produit, voir l’IEC 60704 3:2019.
Cette quatrième édition annule et remplace la troisième édition parue en 2011. Cette édition constitue une révision technique.
Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente
a) alignement sur l’IEC 60704-1:2021;
b) alignement sur l'Édition 6 de l’IEC 60456:2024, notamment en ce qui concerne le programme d’essai et le détergent;
c) prise en compte des machines à laver à compartiments multiples;
d) prise en compte des machines à laver murales;
e) définition de la mesure de la vitesse du tambour;
f) adaptation de pièces pour la charge d’essai normalisée et le programme d’essai.
Le présent document est destiné à être utilisé conjointement avec la quatrième édition de l’IEC 60704 1:2021.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Jan-2025
• ICS: 17.140.20 - Noise emitted by machines and equipment
• ICS: 97.060 - Laundry appliances
• Technical Committee: SC 59D - Performance of household and similar electrical laundry appliances
• Drafting Committee: JWG 2 - TC 59/JWG 2
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 31-Jan-2025
• Completion Date: 07-Mar-2025

Relations

• Revises: IEC 60704-2-4:2011 - Household and similar electrical appliances - Test code for the determination of airborne acoustical noise - Part 2-4: Particular requirements for washing machines and spin extractors
• Effective Date: 22-Dec-2023

Overview

IEC 60704-2-4:2025 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies the test code for determining airborne acoustical noise emitted by household and similar electrical appliances, focusing particularly on washing machines and spin extractors. This fourth edition updates and replaces the 2011 version, aligning the methodology with recent standards such as IEC 60704-1:2021 and IEC 60456:2024. It is designed to ensure consistent and accurate noise measurement for single-unit washing machines, combined washing and spinning appliances, and spin extractors used in household settings.

This standard is intended for laboratories, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies to perform noise emission testing under controlled and repeatable conditions, enabling reliable comparisons between different products and models. Note that washer-dryers are covered separately under IEC 60704-2-16:2019, and emissions declaration protocols are outside the scope of this document.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability
  IEC 60704-2-4 applies specifically to:

  • Single-unit electric washing machines
  • Washing and spinning functions of combined appliances
  • Spin extractors designed for household or similar use
    It excludes declaration requirements for noise emissions which are addressed in IEC 60704-3:2019.

• Measurement Methods and Instrumentation
  The standard defines precise measurement protocols, instrumentation setups, and the acoustical environments necessary for routine and comparative noise testing. This ensures noise levels are accurately captured, reflecting real-world operating conditions for these appliances.

• Technical Revisions in 2025 Edition
  Significant updates include:

  • Alignment with the latest general noise measurement standards and detergent/test programme requirements from IEC 60456:2024.
  • Inclusion of multi-compartment (multi-drum) and wall-mounted washing machines.
  • Definition and specification of drum speed measurement methods.
  • Adjustments for standard test loads and test programmes to reflect modern washing machine designs.

• Terminology and Definitions
  The document standardizes key terms such as “washing machine”, “multi-compartment washing machine”, “wall-mounted washing machine”, “spin extractor”, “rated capacity”, and “standard test load” to ensure clarity and consistency across testing and reporting.

Applications

IEC 60704-2-4:2025 plays a vital role in several practical areas:

• Product Development and Quality Control
  Appliance manufacturers use the standard to test noise emission during product design and production, ensuring that models comply with industry noise expectations.

• Compliance and Certification Testing
  Laboratories conducting conformity assessments rely on the test code to verify that washing machines and spin extractors meet applicable noise limits and performance standards in different markets.

• Consumer Information and Product Comparison
  Although noise emission declarations are outside this standard’s scope, testing data generated according to IEC 60704-2-4 supports accurate noise level information for consumer product specifications, enhancing buyer confidence.

• Innovative Appliance Designs
  The inclusion of multi-compartment and wall-mounted washing machines reflects evolving household appliance trends, enabling evaluation of new form factors under standardized noise measurement conditions.

Related Standards

• IEC 60704-1:2021
  General requirements for noise testing of household and similar electrical appliances. IEC 60704-2-4 is intended to be used together with this general part.

• IEC 60704-2-16:2019
  Specific requirements for noise testing of washer-dryers.

• IEC 60704-3:2019
  Procedures for determining and verifying noise emission values declared in product specifications.

• IEC 60456:2024
  Methods for measuring the performance of washing machines including test programmes and detergent specifications used in noise testing.

---

Keywords: IEC 60704-2-4, airborne acoustical noise, washing machines, spin extractors, noise emission testing, household appliances, IEC standards, noise measurement, multi-compartment washing machines, wall-mounted washing machines, test code, electrical appliances noise testing.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 60704-2-4 ®
Edition 4.0 2025-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Household and similar electrical appliances – Test code for the determination of
airborne acoustical noise –
Part 2-4: Particular requirements for washing machines and spin extractors

Appareils électrodomestiques et analogues – Code d'essai pour la détermination
du bruit aérien –
Partie 2-4: Exigences particulières pour les machines à laver le linge et les
essoreuses centrifuges
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IEC 60704-2-4 ®
Edition 4.0 2025-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Household and similar electrical appliances – Test code for the determination of

airborne acoustical noise –
Part 2-4: Particular requirements for washing machines and spin extractors

Appareils électrodomestiques et analogues – Code d'essai pour la

détermination du bruit aérien –

Partie 2-4: Exigences particulières pour les machines à laver le linge et les

essoreuses centrifuges
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 17.140.20, 97.060 ISBN 978-2-8327-0180-5

– 2 – IEC 60704-2-4:2025 © IEC 2025
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
INTRODUCTION . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Measurement methods and acoustical environments . 9
5 Instrumentation . 11
6 Operation and location of appliances under test . 11
7 Measurement of sound power levels . 14
8 Calculation of sound pressure and sound power levels . 15
9 Information to be recorded . 16
10 Information to be reported . 16
Annex A (normative) Standard test table . 18
Bibliography . 19

Table 1 – Standard deviations of sound power levels for washing machines . 10
Table 2 – Standard deviations of sound power levels for spin extractors . 10
Table 101 – Standard deviations for washing machines . 10
Table 102 – Standard deviations for spin extractors . 10

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
HOUSEHOLD AND SIMILAR ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES –
TEST CODE FOR THE DETERMINATION
OF AIRBORNE ACOUSTICAL NOISE –

Part 2-4: Particular requirements for washing machines
and spin extractors
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
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IEC 60704-2-4 has been prepared by subcommittee 59D: Performance of household and similar
electrical laundry appliances, of IEC technical committee 59: Performance of household and
similar electrical appliances. It is an International Standard.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2011. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.

– 4 – IEC 60704-2-4:2025 © IEC 2025
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) alignment to IEC 60704-1:2021;
b) alignment to Edition 6 of IEC 60456:2024, especially regarding test programme and
detergent;
c) considering multi-compartment washing machines;
d) considering wall-mounted washing machines;
e) definition of the drum speed measurement;
f) adapting parts for standard test load and test programme.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
59D/526/FDIS 59D/528/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
This document is intended to be used in conjunction with the fourth edition of IEC 60704-1:2021,
Household and similar electrical appliances – Test code for the determination of airborne
acoustical noise – Part 1: General requirements.
The relevant text of IEC 60704-1:2021 as amended by this document establishes the test code
for washing machines and spin extractors.
This document supplements or modifies the corresponding clauses in IEC 60704-1:2021. When
a particular subclause of IEC 60704-1:2021 is not mentioned in this document, that subclause
is applicable as far as reasonable. Where this standard states "addition", "modification" or
"replacement", the relevant requirements, test specifications or explanatory matter in
IEC 60704-1:2021 should be adapted accordingly.
Subclauses, tables and figures that are additional to those in IEC 60704-1:2021 are numbered
starting from 101. Additional annexes are lettered AA, BB, etc.
Unless notes are in a new subclause or involve notes in IEC 60704-1:2021, they are numbered
starting from 101, including those in a replaced clause or subclause.
Words in bold in the text are defined in Clause 3.
A list of all the parts in the IEC 60704 series, under the general title Household and similar
electrical appliances – Test code for the determination of airborne acoustical noise, can be
found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn, or
• revised.
– 6 – IEC 60704-2-4:2025 © IEC 2025
INTRODUCTION
The measuring conditions specified in this document provide for sufficient accuracy in
determining the noise emitted and comparing the results of measurements taken by different
laboratories, whilst simulating as far as possible the practical use of household washing
machines and spin extractors.
It is recommended to consider the determination of noise levels as part of a comprehensive
testing procedure covering many aspects of the properties and performance of household
washing machines and spin extractors.
NOTE As stated in the introduction to IEC 60704-1:2021, this test code is concerned with airborne noise only.

HOUSEHOLD AND SIMILAR ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES –
TEST CODE FOR THE DETERMINATION
OF AIRBORNE ACOUSTICAL NOISE –

Part 2-4: Particular requirements for washing machines
and spin extractors
1 Scope
Addition:
These particular requirements apply to single unit electrical washing machines and the
washing and spinning function of combined appliances for household and similar use and to
spin extractors for household and similar use.
NOTE 101 For washer-dryers, see IEC 60704-2-16:2019.
Requirements for the declaration of noise emission values are not within the scope of this
standard.
NOTE 102 For determining and verifying noise emission values declared in product specifications, see
IEC 60704-3:2019.
2 Normative references
Addition:
IEC 60456:2024, Washing machines for household use – Methods for measuring the
performance
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.101
washing machine
appliance for cleaning and rinsing of textiles using water, which can also have a means of
extracting excess water from the textiles
[SOURCE: IEC 60456:2024, 3.1.1]
3.102
multi-compartment washing machine
washing machine equipped with more than one drum, whether in separate units or in the same
casing
[SOURCE: IEC 60456:2024, 3.1.11]

– 8 – IEC 60704-2-4:2025 © IEC 2025
3.103
wall-mounted washing machine
washing machine which is intended to be mounted to a wall and cannot be placed on the floor
3.104
spin extractor
separate water-extracting appliance that removes water from textiles by centrifugal action (spin
extraction)
[SOURCE: IEC 60456:2024, 3.1.5]
3.105
rated capacity
maximum mass in kg of dry textiles of a particular type that the manufacturer declares can be
treated in the washing machine on the programme selected
Note 1 to entry: When a multi-compartment washing machine operates in multi-drum mode, the rated capacity
is considered for each individual drum.
[SOURCE: IEC 60456:2024, 3.1.29]
3.106
cotton towels
towels only of the cotton base load defined in IEC 60456
3.107
standard test load
batch of textile load consisting of a specific number of cotton towels only
3.108
simultaneous programme
series of operations which are pre-defined within the multi-compartment washing machine
and which are declared by the manufacturer as suitable for washing certain textile types in two
or more drums at the same time
Note 1 to entry: This programme can be also used for drums that can be operated separately.
[SOURCE: IEC 60456:2024, 3.1.21]
3.109
rinsing operation
operation intended to remove detergent and dirt from the textiles by washing with clean water
3.110
washing period
operating period that begins at the first water filling and ends at the start of the drainage pump
before the first rinsing operation
3.111
rinsing and spinning period
operating period that begins at the start of the drainage pump before the first rinsing operation
and ends with the end of programme

3.112
end of programme
when the washing machine indicates programme completion and the load is accessible to the
user
Note 1 to entry: 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.
Note 2 to entry: Where there is no end of programme indicator and the door is not locked during operation, the
programme is complete when the electric power of the appliance falls to a steady state condition.
Note 3 to entry: An indication of the end of programme can 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. Some washing machines can have a short delay from
an end of programme indicator until the load is accessible to the user.
Note 4 to entry: Electronic checks of the status of safety components are not considered as function or operation
and can occur after the end of the programme.
[SOURCE: IEC 60456:2024, 3.1.33]
4 Measurement methods and acoustical environments
4.2 Direct method
Addition:
If pure tone components are present in the noise emitted by the source, the estimated standard
deviation of the measured sound pressure levels in the special reverberation room can increase.
In such cases, additional microphone positions or source positions can be necessary as
specified in ISO 3743-2.
4.3 Comparison method
Addition:
If pure tone components are present in the noise emitted by the source, the estimated standard
deviation of the measured sound pressure levels in the hard-walled test room or in the special
reverberation room can increase. In such cases, additional microphone positions or source
positions can be necessary as specified in ISO 3743-1 or ISO 3743-2.
4.4 Acoustical environments
4.4.1 General requirements and criterion for adequacy of the test environment
Addition:
Add after the first paragraph:
The methods specified in ISO 3743-1, ISO 3743-2 and ISO 3744 can be used for measuring
noise emitted by washing machines and spin extractors.
The method specified in ISO 3744 is applicable to noise sources of any size. When applying
ISO 3743-1 and ISO 3743-2, it shall be ensured that the maximum size of the washing machine
or spin extractor under test fulfils the requirements specified in ISO 3743-1:2010, 4.2 and
ISO 3743-2:2018, Clause 5.
– 10 – IEC 60704-2-4:2025 © IEC 2025
4.5 Measurement uncertainties
4.5.2 Standard deviations on repeatability and reproducibility and standard
deviations related to declaration and verification
Replacement:
For washing machines, the estimated values of standard deviations of sound power levels,
determined according to this document, are as indicated in Table 1:
Table 1 – Standard deviations of sound power levels for washing machines
Standard deviation
dB
σ (repeatability) σ (reproducibility)
r R
0,6 1,0
For spin extractors, the estimated values of standard deviations of sound power levels,
determined according to this document, are as indicated in Table 2:
Table 2 – Standard deviations of sound power levels for spin extractors
Standard deviation
dB
σ (repeatability) σ (reproducibility)
r R
0,5 1,0
For the purpose of determining and verifying noise emission values for washing machines
according to IEC 60704-3, the values indicated in Table 101 apply:
Table 101 – Standard deviations for washing machines
Standard deviation
dB
σ (production) σ (total) σ (reference)
P t M
1,0 to 2,2 1,4 to 2,4 2,5
For the purpose of determining and verifying noise emission values for spin extractors
according to IEC 60704-3, the values indicated in Table 102 apply:
Table 102 – Standard deviations for spin extractors
Standard deviation
dB
σ (production) σ (total) σ (reference)
P t M
1,0 to 1,2 1,4 to 1,6 2,0
5 Instrumentation
5.3 Instrumentation for measuring operating conditions
5.3.1 Addition:
Drum speed shall be recorded at intervals of 1 s or less.
If it is necessary to remove or modify any parts of the test washing machine in order to install
a sensor for the measurement of drum speed, then all such parts and modifications shall be
replaced as far as possible in their original position so that the installation does not significantly
affect the noise of the test washing machine in any way pertinent to the tests being carried
out.
6 Operation and location of appliances under test
6.1 Equipping and pre-conditioning of appliances
6.1.3 Replacement:
Prior to noise measurements, the washing machine shall have been operated for at least five
complete cycles as specified in 6.4.2 with standard test load as specified in 6.101, but
regardless of the age of the test load. Conditioning, intermediate treatment and drying of the
load between the cycles are not necessary. For washing machines with brushless motor, the
procedure can be reduced to two cycles.
Separate spin extractors shall have been operated without load for a total duration of at least
10 min at the highest speed setting and if necessary, with rest periods as specified in the
manufacturer’s instructions.
6.1.4 Not applicable.
6.2 Supply of electric energy and of water or gas
6.2.2 and 6.2.3 Not applicable.
6.2.4 Replacement:
For noise measurements, the static water pressure during filling shall be (240 ± 50) kPa, if not
contradictory to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Appliances shall be supplied with cold water, if not otherwise specified by the manufacturer.
The temperature of cold water shall be in a range from 10 °C to 20 °C.
The temperature of hot water shall be as indicated by the manufacturer ±5 K, or (60 ± 5) °C if
no value is given.
When the manufacturer specifies a hot water temperature range, which includes (60 ± 5) °C,
the hot water temperature shall be set at (60 ± 5) °C. When the manufacturer specifies a hot
water temperature range, which does not include (60 ± 5) °C, the hot water temperature shall
be set at the end of the temperature range which is closest to (60 ± 5) °C. When the
manufacturer specifies a single temperature with a tolerance, then this temperature shall be
used.
The water hardness may be neglected.

– 12 – IEC 60704-2-4:2025 © IEC 2025
NOTE 101 When, in some countries, the water supply pressure/temperature differs from the water supply
pressure/temperature of the country concerned, measurements carried out at rated pressure/temperature can be
misleading for the consumer. In this case, additional measurements can be necessary.
6.4 Loading and operating of appliances during tests
6.4.2 Replacement:
Washing machines are operated in the same programme for cotton load as required for the
performance measurement. If more than one programme is possible, select the cotton
programme with the highest spin speed and possibly with the lowest temperature.
If the performance test programme does not use the highest available spin speed of the
machine, select the highest spin speed.
If in the performance test programme the highest spin speed of the machine cannot be selected,
the performance test programme shall only be used to measure the washing noise. For spinning
noise, a programme with the highest available spin speed of the machine and the rated
capacity shall be selected.
If there is no requirement for a performance test programme, the noise test shall be performed
in a cotton programme with the highest available spin speed of the machine and the rated
capacity. If several temperatures are possible, select the lowest one.
Spin extractors shall be operated for the duration recommended by the manufacturer or for
4 min if instructions are not given. The spin speed setting shall be the highest available.
The standard test programme for noise measurements is carried out with dry standard test
load according to 6.101 and without detergent.
The way of loading the machine influences the results of the noise measurements. To get
reproducible results, it is necessary to load the machine always item by item. Items should be
spread evenly to utilise the full volume of the drum.
Spin extractors, or separate spin extractor drums in combination with a washing machine,
or washing machines, where the spinning action is not included in the programme, shall be
loaded with standard test load according to 6.101. In this case, wet cotton towels which have
been washed and rinsed before, in an appropriate washing machine (for a machine
combination, in the accompanying washing machine), shall be used. If, for a machine
combination, the rated capacity for spin extraction is different from that for washing, the load
shall be adjusted for this function accordingly.
In case of a spin extractor with vertical axis, wet cotton towels shall be placed as close
together as possible in an arrangement around the inner wall of the drum to reduce the chance
of the spin extractor becoming unbalanced.
For multi-compartment washing machines, all drums that can be operated separately shall
be measured separately. All drums that can be operated simultaneously shall be measured
additionally in simultaneous programme.

6.5 Location and mounting of appliances
6.5.2 and 6.5.3 Not applicable.
6.5.5 Replacement:
Wall-mounted washing machines, including their accessories, if any, are fastened or held by
an appropriate fixture according to manufacturer’s instructions, without any resilient means
other than those incorporated in the appliance on an appropriate stand. It shall be ensured to
avoid any noise emission of the stand.
The height of the lowest edge of the appliance from the floor shall be 30 cm ± 2 cm. The location
of the appliance (fastened or held in an appropriate stand) shall be as for floor-standing
appliances according to IEC 60704-1:2021, 6.5.4. The distance of the rear side of the appliance
to the reflecting plane shall be 30 cm ± 2 cm.
NOTE The distance of 30 cm allows fixing of the appliance on an appropriate stand without contact to the reflecting
wall.
6.5.6 Addition:
Appliances designed for front loading and specified by the manufacturer for building under a
counter or for placing under a worktop between cabinets (under-counter types) shall be built-in
according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions in an appropriate test enclosure
according to IEC 60704-1:2021, Annex B.
6.101 Standard test load
6.101.1 General
The standard test load has a mass close to, but in any case not exceeding the rated capacity.
To define the number of items, the cotton towels shall be conditioned according to 6.101.4. If
the rated capacity is not declared by the manufacturer, it shall be determined according to
IEC 60456.
Between the tests, the standard test load shall be dried in a tumble dryer until the mass is the
same as the mass after conditioning with a tolerance of ±2 %. The number of items of a
standard test load shall only be adjusted after conditioning according to 6.101.4.
The standard test load shall undergo intermediate treatment as defined in 6.101.3 at least
after it has been used for ten runs of the standard test programme.
To minimize the influence of changes in the characteristics of the cotton towels with increasing
age, the standard test load shall consist of cotton towels which are well distributed in age to
give an average age of the standard test load between 20 runs and 60 runs of the standard
test programme.
The average age A of a standard test load expressed as the number of test runs is calculated
as follows:
N
Aa=
∑ i
N
i=1
– 14 – IEC 60704-2-4:2025 © IEC 2025
where
a is the age of a single cotton towel expressed as the number of test runs. Pre-treatment
i
runs and intermediate treatment runs are not considered;
N is the number of cotton towels.
No cotton towel shall be used for more than 80 runs of the standard test programme, excluding
pre-treatment runs and intermediate treatment runs.
6.101.2 Pre-treatment of new cotton towels prior to use
Before their first use, new cotton towels shall be treated five times as defined in 6.101.3.
Intermediate drying is not necessary.
6.101.3 Intermediate treatment of cotton towels
For an intermediate treatment, the cotton towels shall be washed using base powder of the
standard powder detergent according to IEC 60456 and a 40 °C cotton programme with two
rinse cycles at least. Detergent shall be dosed with 15 g/kg of cotton towels.
6.101.4 Conditioning of cotton towels
Conditioning is the process of bringing the cotton towels to a specific remaining moisture
content to determine the mass of the standard test load.
Conditioning can be done by placing the cotton towels in a room with following ambient
conditions:
– ambient temperature t = 20 °C ± 5 °C
– relative humidity RH = 50 % ± 20 %
Two methods are available as follows:
– the cotton towels shall be hung singly and separately so that air can freely circulate among
them. The load shall be left in these conditions for a period of not less than 15 h;
– the cotton towels shall be left until their mass has changed by less than 0,5 % for two
successive measurements which are taken at intervals of two hours or more.
Alternatively, the bone-dry-method of conditioning according to IEC 60456 can be used.
NOTE The standard test load does not have to be conditioned between consecutive runs of the standard test
programme.
7 Measurement of sound power levels
7.1 Microphone array, measurement surface and RSS location for essentially free-
field conditions over reflecting plane(s)
7.1.2 Not applicable.
7.1.4 to 7.1.8 Not applicable.
7.4 Measurements
7.4.1 Addition:
For washing, the A-weighted sound pressure level shall be time-averaged over the whole
duration of the washing period.

For rinsing and spinning, the highest A-weighted time-averaged sound pressure level with an
averaging time of 50 s shall be determined within the rinsing and spinning period. For the
same time interval of 50 s when the highest A-weighted time averaged sound pressure level
occurs, the averaged drum speed shall be determined.
For simultaneous programme of multi-compartment washing machine, washing noise is
measured during simultaneous part of the washing periods of all drums. It ends at the start of
the drainage pump before the first rinsing of the first drum. Rinsing and spinning period starts
at the end of the washing period and ends at the end of programme of the last drum. Audible
signals which can appear during the rinsing and spinning period shall be switched off if
possible. Otherwise, the signal is part of the measured noise.
NOTE 101 Acoustic indications of the end of programme or following actions to avoid creasing are disregarded.
If the noise of the appliance under test varies periodically, it shall be ensured to avoid any effect
of synchronism between the variation of the noise emission and the measurement procedure
(traverses of a moving microphone, duration of scanning the microphone positions, etc.).
7.4.4 Not applicable.
8 Calculation of sound pressure and sound power levels
8.101 Final result
To obtain the final result for the washing period, three complete measurements according to
7.4.1 shall be carried out in the standard test programme according to 6.4.2.
To obtain the final result for the rinsing and spinning period, three complete measurements
according to 7.4.1 shall be carried out in the standard test programme according to 6.4.2. If,
however, the difference between any two of the measurements exceeds 3,0 dB, three additional
measurements shall be carried out.
The final result for each period is the logarithmic mean value of all measurements, calculated
as follows:
N

0,1L
WAi
L = 10lg 10 dB

WA ∑
N

i=1
where
L is the sound power level of the tested appliance;
WA
L are the sound power levels of the single measurements;
WAi
N is the number of measurements (three or six).
If several programmes have been tested, separate final results for all programmes shall be
calculated.
– 16 – IEC 60704-2-4:2025 © IEC 2025
9 Information to be recorded
9.2 Description of appliance under test
9.2.2
9.2.2.101 Number of drums of multi-compartment washing machines
9.2.101 Nominal maximum spin speed (if available) and rated capacity of each drum
9.7 Electric supply, water supply, etc.
9.7.2 Not applicable.
9.9 Operation of the appliance under test
9.9.1 Replacement:
Description of the standard test load(s): initial mass of the standard test load for noise
measurements, average age of the standard test load.
9.9.2 Replacement:
Description of the standard test programme: selected programme, selected spin speed.
9.9.3 Not applicable.
9.12 Measured data
9.12.101 Drum speed shall be recorded for each drum during the whole programme.
10 Information to be reported
10.2 Appliance under test
10.2.2 Design characteristics
10.2.2.101 Number of drums of multi-compartment washing machines
10.2.101 Nominal maximum spin speed (if available) and rated capacity of each drum
10.3 Test conditions for the appliance
10.3.1 Not applicable.
10.3.5 Not applicable.
10.3.11 Not applicable.
10.4 Acoustical data
10.4.101 Drum speed at highest noise level
For the time interval where the highest A-weighted time averaged sound power with an
averaging time of 50 s was determined, the averaged drum speed for each drum.
10.4.102 Maximum spin speed
The highest arithmetical averaged spin speed within an averaging time of 50 s for each drum.

– 18 – IEC 60704-2-4:2025 © IEC 2025
Annex A
(normative)
Standard test table
This annex of IEC 60704-1:2021 is not applicable.

Bibliography
Addition:
IEC 60704-2-16:2019, Household and similar electrical appliances – Test code for the
determination of airborne acoustical noise – Part 2-16: Particular requirements for washer-
dryers
___________
– 20 – IEC 60704-2-4:2025 © IEC 2025
SOMMAIRE
AVANT-PROPOS . 21
INTRODUCTION . 24
1 Domaine d’application . 25
2 Références normatives . 25
3 Termes et définitions . 25
4 Méthodes de mesure et environnements acoustiques . 27
5 Appareillage . 29
6 Fonctionnement et emplacement des appareils en essai . 29
7 Mesure des niveaux de puissance acoustique . 32
8 Calcul des niveaux de pression acoustique et de puissance acoustique . 33
9 Informations à relever . 34
10 Informations à consigner . 34
Annexe A (normative) Table d'essai normalisée . 36
Bibliographie . 37

Tableau 1 – Écarts-types des niveaux de puissance acoustique pour les machines à
laver le linge . 28
Tableau 2 – Écarts-types des niveaux de puissance acoustique pour les essoreuses
centrifuges . 28
Tableau 101 – Écarts-types pour les machines à laver le linge . 28
Tableau 102 – Écarts-types pour les essoreuses centrifuges . 28

COMMISSION ÉLECTROTECHNIQUE INTERNATIONALE
____________
APPAREILS ÉLECTRODOMESTIQUES ET ANALOGUES –
CODE D’ESSAI POUR LA DÉTERMINATION
DU BRUIT AÉRIEN –
Partie 2-4: Exigences particulières pour les machines à laver le linge
et les essoreuses centrifuges
AVANT-PROPOS
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