SC 59D - Performance of household and similar electrical laundry appliances

IEC 60456:2024 specifies methods for measuring the performance of electric washing machines for household use, with or without heating devices, and utilising cold and/or hot water supply, including those which specify the use of no detergent for normal use. It is also applicable to washing machines for communal use in blocks of flats or in launderettes and to electrical household appliances for both washing and drying textiles (household washer-dryers) with respect only to their washing related functions. It also deals with electrical appliances for water extraction by centrifugal force (spin extractors).
Household washer-dryer combined performance is assessed to IEC 62512.
Household tumble dryer performance is assessed to IEC 61121.
The object is to state and define the performance characteristics of household washing machines, the washing related functions of washer-dryers and water extraction function of spin extractors, and to describe the test methods for measuring these characteristics.
This document does not apply to washing machines for commercial use such as in commercial laundries.
The preparation of methods for measuring the performance of washing machines for commercial use is under evaluation.
This document does not specify the acoustical noise measurement for household washing machines.
Acoustical noise measurements and evaluation for household washing machines are specified in IEC 60704-1, IEC 60704-2-4 and IEC 60704-3.
This document is not intended to be used for the comparative evaluation of detergents.
This sixth edition cancels and replaces the fifth edition published in 2010 and its Amendment 1:2022. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) Title changed from previous edition to more accurately describe application: "Washing machines for household use – Methods for measuring the performance".
b) Separation of the test method results from the number of test runs in a test series, with the independence of each test run or test series, allowing different test classes to be evaluated.
c) Introduction of a new standard powder detergent IEC-P, that substitutes the standard powder detergent IEC-A* by replacing sodium perborate with sodium percarbonate, for a better correlation with market offerings and in line with health/safety recommendations. Introduction of the new standard liquid detergents IEC-L and of the new wool standard detergent IEC-W with associated dosage instructions.
d) Introduction of new measurement and evaluation methods for:
- wool cleaning performance,
- LAS rinsing performance,
- gentleness of action,
- low power mode consumption,
- temperature inside the washload,
- intermittently recurring functions,
- cold water washing machines,
- replacing washing performance by cleaning performance.
e) Addition of alternative ambient conditions for conditioning of the test load with associated correction factors.
f) Extension of the description of the washing machine loading, up to and beyond 25 kg of cotton test load, and introduction of a new mixed polyester-cotton load.
g) Addition of the necessary definitions, measurement, and calculation methods for the evaluation of multi-compartment washing machines.
h) Relocation of supplementary information to the IEC free-access supporting documents dashboard: reference machine maintenance information, test materials supplier information, expanded uncertainty values and any other pertinent information for the general public.

IEC TS 63429:2023 provides a test method for measuring the microbial contamination reduction performance of household washing machines with textile pieces contaminated with test microorganisms under standardized conditions. The microbial numbers on the contaminated textile pieces are measured before and after the washing programme and the reduction is calculated. Furthermore, a potential cross contamination from contaminated to uncontaminated textile pieces within the washing programme is measured.
This document does not address the microbial contamination reduction due to any potential or claimed antimicrobial action of detergents as well as of bleach systems or any additives.
This document applies to washing machines for household use, within the meaning that the scope of TC 59 indicates for household use, including the washing related functions of washer-dryers.
This document does not apply to professional washing machines nor to commercial laundry operations associated with food service, hospital linens or other non-residential applications.
This document deals with measurement procedures regarding the reduction of microbial contamination resulting from the use of electrical appliances for household and similar use. This document specifies methods that enable reproducible measurements. These derived measurement results can only be used for a relative statement. Absolute statements, i.e., health-related claims or conclusions about prevention or treatment of a disease or health improvement, are reserved for explicit regulatory action after a medical assessment.
This document does not apply to appliances intended to be used in medical, veterinary, or pharmaceutical applications.
This document does not address sanitization, disinfection, or sterilization measures.

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.

IEC 60704-2-16:2019 applies to single-unit electric washer-dryers for household and similar use intended for placing on the floor against a wall, for building-in or placing under a counter, a kitchen worktop or under a sink, for wall-mounting or on a counter.
This standard is concerned with objective methods of engineering accuracy for determining sound power levels of airborne acoustical noise.
Requirements for the declaration of noise emission values are not within the scope of this document.
This part is intended to be used in conjunction with IEC 60704-1:2010.

IEC 62512:2012 provides a globally applicable and agreed method to test the washing and drying function of washer-dryers. Although this standard is based on IEC 61121:2012 on tumble dryers and IEC 60456:2010 on clothes washers, it specifies the conditions needed to test the combined function of washing and drying. The main elements of this standard are:
- the definition of the loads to be tested in continuous and interrupted operation cycles;
- the method for testing automatic and not automatic operation of the drying cycles;
- the way to handle the load for interrupted operation cycles;
- the correction to be applied to test results for continuous and interrupted operation cycles.

IEC 60734:2012 describes the preparation of four types of water of different hardness, conductivity and alkalinity, intended to be used for testing the performance of household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, tumble dryers, steam irons etc. It defines the characteristics of these waters and establishes various methods to be used for obtaining them. It also includes specifications for required measurements.

IEC 60704-2-6:2012 is applicable to the methods of determination of airborne acoustical noise emitted by tumble dryers for household and similar use. This standard applies to single unit electric tumble dryers intended for placing on the floor against a wall, for building in or placing under a counter, a kitchen work-top or under a sink, for wall-mounting or for mounting on a counter. For the purpose of this standard, washer-dryer combinations, when operated as a dryer, are considered as a tumble dryer. This standard is also applicable for gas-fired electric tumble dryers. Key words: tumble dryers, airborne acoustical noise, dryers, noise
This publication is to be read in conjunction with IEC 60704-1:2010.

IEC 61121:2012 is applicable to household electric tumble dryers of the automatic and non-automatic type, with or without a cold water supply and incorporating a heating device. This excludes tumble dryers which use gas or other fuels as a heating source. The object is to state and define the principal performance characteristics of household electric tumble dryers of interest to users and to describe standard methods for measuring these characteristics. This edition includes significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition and content has been reorganised into a more logical and simple structure.

IEC 60704-2-4:2011 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. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (2001). Main changes are:
- measurement uncertainty and standard deviations are taken into account,
- definitions of standard test load and standard test program are modified,
- test enclosure was replaced by common test enclosure defined in Part 1 and
- information to be reported is modified.
This publication is to be read in conjunction with  IEC 60704-1:2010.

IEC/TR 62617:2010(E) applies to uncertainty reporting of home laundry electrical appliances. It allows to estimate the uncertainty of a measured result and to predict the range of values that may be measured when the same appliance is measured in another laboratory following the same measurement method.

Deals with methods for measuring the performance of clothes washing machines for household use, with or without heating devices and for cold and/or hot water supply. Also included, appliances for water extraction by centrifugal force and appliances for both washing and drying textiles (called washer-dryers) with respect to their washing performance. The object is to state and define the principal performance characteristics of household electric washing machines and spin extractors and to describe the standard methods for measuring these characteristics. The contents of the corrigendum of September 2005 have been included in this copy.

IEC 61121 Corrigendum 1 Ed.3 - Tumble dryers for household use - Methods for measuring the performance.

Applies to the methods of determination of airborne acoustical noise emitted by tumble dryers for household and similar use. This standard applies to single unit electic tumble dryers intended for placing on the floor against a wall, for building in or placing under a counter, a kitchen work-top or under a sink, for wall-mounting or for mounting on a counter. For the purpose of this standard, washer-dryer combinations, when operated as a dryer, are considered as a tumble dryer.

Describes the preparation of three types of water of differend hardness for testing the performance of household appliances (e.g. washing machines, dishwashers, dryers, steam irons, etc). It defines the characteristics of these waters and gives various methods for obtaining them.

Describes standard methods for measuring the performance of clothes washing machines and spin extractors. This covers household use, and communal use in blocks of flats and in laundrettes. It includes appliances connected to cold and/or hot water, with or without heating. It also covers special appliances for both washing and drying textiles (called washer-dryers), agitator and impeller washing machines, and water extraction by centrifugal force. The standard uses specific textile test loads and a reference washing machine.

Defines the principal performance characteristics and standard methods for measuring them for household electric tumble dyrers. Applies to automatic and non-automatic tumble dryers, with or without a cold water supply and incorporating a heating device.

IEC TR 62617:2015(E) applies to uncertainty reporting of measurements of home laundry electrical appliances. It allows to estimate the uncertainty of a measured result and to predict the range of values that may be measured when the same appliance is measured in another laboratory following the same measurement method. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- alternative expression of expanded uncertainties in absolute values;
- expanded uncertainty for horizontal drum washing machines according to IEC 60456:2010;
- expanded uncertainties for washer-dryer according to IEC 62512:2012;
- clarifications of the examples of expanded uncertainty calculation.

Technical Report type 3 deals with the determination of repeatability and reporducibility of test methods used for assessing the characteristics of household electrical appliances. It does not coverthe development of measurement methods but deals with gathering and evaluation the information needed by a manufacturer so that values can be stated after an appliance has been subjected to an agreed test.

IEC PAS 63125:2017(E) specifies methods for measuring the performance of clothes washing machines for commercial use utilizing cold and/or hot water supplies and without heating or with heating devices for electricity, steam or gas. It also deals with appliances for both washing and drying textiles (washer-dryers) with respect to their washing-related functions. This PAS covers top, front and side-loaded non-household washing machines with horizontal or vertical axes and with one or more wash compartments.
The object is to state and define the principal performance characteristics of non-household washing machines and to describe the test methods for measuring these characteristics.
Non household tumble dryer performance is assessed to CLC/TS 50594.
This PAS does not apply to continuous batch washing machines (e.g. tunnel washers) or washing machines only possible to operate with automatic loading and unloading.
This PAS does not specify safety requirements for non-household washing machines. Safety requirements are specified in EN 50571 and the EN ISO 10472 series.

IEC PAS 63124:2017(E) is applicable to tumble dryers for commercial use of the automatic and non-automatic type, incorporating an electric or steam heating device. It also includes tumble dryers which use gas as a heating source with a reference to appropriate EN gas standards.
The object is to state and define the principal performance characteristics of tumble dryers for commercial use of interest to users and to describe standard methods for measuring these characteristics.
It does not apply to transfer tumble dryers or dryers with automatic loading and unloading.

IEC PAS 62958:2015(E) specifies a test method for measuring the reduction of microbial contamination in clothes washing machines and of the possible cross contamination to uncontaminated load. This PAS applies to clothes washing machines for household use, with or without heating devices utilising cold and/or hot water supply. It also covers washing machines which specify the use of no detergent for normal use. This PAS applies also to washing machines for communal use in blocks of flats or in launderettes. This PAS does not deal with professional washing machines nor with commercial laundry operations associated with food service, hospital linens or other non-residential applications. It also does not address the needs of persons with specific health conditions requiring special sanitization and/or disinfection techniques. This PAS does not specify safety requirements and does not deal with performance of washing machines measured under IEC 60456 nor with effects on fabrics.

Deals with methods for measuring the "gentleness of action" (GoA) of clothes washing machines for household use, with or without heating devices and for cold and/or hot water supply. It is also applicable to appliances for both washing and drying textiles (called washer-dryers) with respect to the washing phase.