Overview
IEC 60704-2-20:2026 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies the procedures for measuring airborne acoustical noise emitted by electric wet hard floor cleaning appliances for household and similar use. The document applies to both mains-operated and battery-operated (cordless) appliances, focusing exclusively on the wet cleaning function in products with combined capabilities. It aims to ensure accurate, repeatable, and comparable noise measurements to support product specifications, quality testing, design improvements, and regulatory compliance.
This particular standard does not cover:
IEC 60704-2-20:2026 is designed to be used alongside IEC 60704-1:2021, which describes general requirements for acoustical noise measurement for household electrical appliances.
Key Topics
- Scope of Application: Defines the categories of appliances covered, specifically household and similar-use wet hard floor cleaners, whether corded or cordless.
- Measurement Methods: Outlines engineering-grade methods (direct and comparison methods) for determining the sound power level (in decibels, dB) under controlled conditions.
- Testing Environments: Describes appropriate acoustical environments for testing, such as hemi-anechoic rooms, special reverberation test rooms, and hard-walled rooms, referencing relevant ISO standards.
- Instrumentation and Procedures: Specifies the types of acoustic instrumentation required, including microphone arrays and reference sound sources, as well as procedures for appliance preparation, operation, and mounting during tests.
- Reporting and Documentation: Details what information must be recorded and reported, ensuring full traceability and reproducibility of acoustical test results.
- Limitations: States that the standard applies only to airborne acoustical noise and not other types (e.g., structure-borne noise).
Applications
IEC 60704-2-20:2026 provides significant value across the appliance industry and regulatory landscape:
- Product Development: Manufacturers use standardized noise determination methods when designing new wet hard floor cleaners to ensure their products meet regulatory and consumer expectations for noise emission.
- Comparison and Benchmarking: Facilitates fair comparison of noise emissions between different wet hard floor cleaning appliances, supporting both manufacturers and consumers in decision-making.
- Noise Declarations: Ensures accurate, reproducible data for product labeling and specification sheets, meeting consumer information requirements and regulatory obligations.
- Quality Control: Supports routine production testing and conformity assessments by providing a consistent test framework.
- Regulatory Compliance: Serves as a referenced method in regulations and eco-design directives where product noise data is mandated.
- Market Surveillance: Empowers test labs, market surveillance authorities, and certification bodies to independently verify manufacturers’ acoustical claims.
Related Standards
IEC 60704-2-20:2026 references several international standards to ensure harmonized testing methodology and compatibility, including:
- IEC 60704-1:2021 - General requirements for acoustical noise measurement of household and similar appliances
- IEC 60704-3:2019 - Procedures for determining and verifying declared noise emission values
- IEC/ASTM 62885-6:2023 - Performance measurement methods for wet hard floor cleaning appliances
- ISO 3743-1:2010, ISO 3743-2:2018, ISO 3744:2010 - Determination of sound power levels (various engineering methods)
- IEC 61260-1:2014, IEC 61672-1:2013 - Specifications for electroacoustic instruments (octave-band filters, sound level meters)
By using IEC 60704-2-20:2026, manufacturers, laboratories, and regulatory bodies can ensure precise, reproducible, and internationally recognized acoustical testing for wet hard floor cleaning appliances, strengthening product trust and supporting global market requirements.