Overview
IEC 61591:1997/AMD2:2010 is Amendment 2 to the international standard for household range hoods and other cooking fume extractors - methods for measuring performance. The amendment extends the existing test methods to explicitly cover down‑draft systems, updates definitions for control settings (normal highest setting vs. boost), and clarifies measurement procedures for airflow, grease retention, odour removal and hob lighting.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope extension: Includes down‑draft systems installed beside, behind or under the cooking surface and clarifies installation and test arrangements.
- New definitions: Introduces terms such as down‑draft system, highest setting for normal use (tested at 75% of maximum airflow) and boost position (76–100% range; for occasional use).
- Fan control & test points: Variable‑speed devices are tested at 75% of maximum airflow (excluding boost); boost must be clearly marked and described in user instructions.
- Volumetric airflow measurement: Connect device outlet to a pressure compensation chamber; airflow for recirculating devices is measured at ambient chamber pressure and extraction devices are measured with specified flue pressure/flow characteristics.
- Grease absorption test: Defines installation and arrangement (including new Figure 3A for down‑draft systems), use of an absolute filter with ≥99.995% collecting efficiency, and procedures for weighing oil retained in filters and airways.
- Odour extraction (MEK) test: Assesses odour‑filter effectiveness for recirculating devices and odour removal capability for extraction devices. Test uses a specified MEK evaporation (312 g in 30 min ±15 s) and measures concentration decay with device operating.
- Hob light effectiveness: Specifies luminance measurement points - five points for 600 mm hobs, nine points for larger hobs - and how to report average lux.
- Dimensions, cord length and mass reporting: Clarifies how to measure and round cord length (0.05 m steps) and mass (nearest 0.1 kg upward) and to state whether device is for fixed wiring.
- Figures and test diagrams: Adds/updates figures to illustrate airflow, grease test arrangement (including down‑draft), pressure/flow curves and light measurement points.
Applications and users
This amendment is essential for:
- Manufacturer R&D and product compliance teams validating performance claims for range hoods, island hoods and down‑draft extractors.
- Independent test laboratories and certification bodies performing standardized performance tests.
- Product designers and HVAC engineers integrating extractors with kitchen ventilation systems.
- Regulators and procurement specialists specifying minimum performance, labelling and safety requirements.
Keywords: IEC 61591, household range hoods, cooking fume extractors, down‑draft system, performance measurement, volumetric airflow, grease absorption, odour extraction, hob light.
Related standards
- Base publication: IEC 61591:1997 (amended by IEC 61591:1997/A2:2010).
- Other IEC or national standards on household appliances and ventilation may apply for electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility and installation; consult your national IEC member committee for the latest cross‑references.