SIST EN IEC 60704-2-16:2019/A12:2023

Overview

SIST EN IEC 60704-2-16:2019/A12:2023 is an amendment to the established European Standard for assessing airborne acoustical noise emitted by household and similar electrical appliances, with a specific focus on washer-dryers. Published by SIST and harmonized across CENELEC member countries, this standard ensures a consistent and reliable test code for measuring sound emissions. The document addresses up-to-date normative references and supports manufacturers, testing laboratories, and regulatory bodies in complying with noise emission assessment requirements.

Key Topics

• Noise Measurement Procedures: Defines the standardized methods for determining airborne acoustical noise from washer-dryers. This ensures results are accurate and comparable across different appliances and markets.
• Applicable Appliance Types: Targets washer-dryers intended for household use, but may also be relevant for similar electrical appliances as defined within the standard’s scope.
• Update of Normative References: The amendment revises and updates references to related international and European standards, such as IEC 60456 and IEC 62512 (methods for measuring performance of laundry appliances), and relevant ISO standards for acoustic measurements.
• Harmonization Across Europe: Ensures compliance with CEN and CENELEC regulations, facilitating mutual recognition among member states and promoting trade and regulatory alignment.

Applications

For Manufacturers

• Product Design: Enables engineers and designers to benchmark and optimize washer-dryer models for noise emission in accordance with harmonized European requirements.
• Market Access: Assists manufacturers in demonstrating conformity to EU directives and national regulations concerning household appliance noise. Compliance with this standard is often required for CE marking and market entry.
• Competitive Advantage: Low-noise appliances can be marketed as more consumer-friendly, especially in urban environments and multi-dwelling residences.

For Testing Laboratories

• Uniform Testing Protocols: Laboratories benefit from clear, standardized test procedures, ensuring repeatability and reliability of acoustical noise measurements for washer-dryers.
• Accreditation Support: Following this recognized standard supports laboratory accreditation processes and enhances trustworthiness of test results.

For Regulatory and Consumer Bodies

• Public Safety and Comfort: Regulators use results based on this standard to set limits and guidelines for maximum allowable noise, helping to safeguard consumer well-being.
• Transparent Consumer Information: Enables clear product labeling and comparison, empowering consumers to make informed decisions based on appliance noise levels.

Related Standards

The amendment to SIST EN IEC 60704-2-16 references several key international and European standards essential for comprehensive acoustical and performance testing:

• IEC 60456: Electric clothes washing machines for household use - Methods for measuring performance
• IEC 62512: Clothes washer-dryer for household use - Methods for measuring performance
• ISO 3743-1: Acoustics - Determination of sound power levels and sound energy levels of noise sources using sound pressure - Part 1: Comparison method for hard-walled test rooms
• ISO 3744: Acoustics - Determination of sound power levels and sound energy levels of noise sources using sound pressure - Engineering methods for essentially free fields over a reflecting plane

These documents form the basis for harmonized measurement techniques and support the implementation of noise control strategies throughout the product life cycle.

Keywords: airborne acoustical noise, washer-dryers, household appliances, noise measurement standard, SIST EN IEC 60704-2-16, laundry appliance testing, noise emission compliance, appliance performance, harmonized European standards