Overview
ISO/IEC 15404:2000 specifies the minimum information that must be included in specification sheets for facsimile (fax) equipment intended for office use. Its purpose is to help users, purchasers and vendors compare fax machines consistently by standardizing the format and content of product specifications. The standard applies to group 3 and group 4 facsimile equipment operated in normal office environments (not devices requiring specially equipped rooms or specially trained operators).
Key topics and requirements
ISO/IEC 15404 defines the structure and the mandatory content of a specification sheet. Major technical topics include:
- General data: machine name/model, type (portable, desk-top, floor-standing, modular, multifunction), approvals, equipment group (ITU‑T Group 3/4), and operating modes (manual/automatic transmit/receive, polling, memory mode, error correction).
- Transmitter / Scanner: scanner type, maximum/minimum document size, paper weight, resolution (pels/mm and pels per 25.4 mm), halftone/multicolour/full-colour scanning and colour recognition.
- Receiver / Printer: paper handling (cut-sheet, roll, cassettes), recording technology, printing resolution, writable media and storage characteristics.
- Transmission performance: transmitting time parameters for Group 3 and Group 4 operation.
- Installation and environmental conditions: dimensions, space requirements, operating temperature and relative humidity ranges. Default test conditions are specified (e.g., temperature 18–25 °C, relative humidity 30–70 %, paper weight 60–90 g/m²).
- Power and safety: rated voltage, power consumption, frequency range, safety class and applicable safety standards.
- EMC and emissions: electromagnetic capability, acoustical noise (measured per ISO 7779/ISO 9295 and declared per ISO 9296), heat emission, consumables, optional and accessory equipment.
- Order and completeness: specification sheets must contain all relevant items in the order shown (conformance requirement).
The standard includes an informative annex with an example layout for a complete specification sheet.
Applications and who uses it
ISO/IEC 15404 is practical for:
- Manufacturers and product teams assembling consistent fax product datasheets.
- Procurement and purchasing professionals comparing fax models across vendors.
- Test labs and certification bodies verifying that published specifications include required information.
- Technical writers and marketing teams preparing compliant specification sheets and user-facing product literature.
Using this standard reduces ambiguity in product comparisons, supports procurement decisions, and helps ensure regulatory and compatibility claims are clearly stated.
Related standards
Normative references cited by ISO/IEC 15404 include:
- ISO 554 (standard atmospheres), ISO 7779, ISO 9295, ISO 9296 (acoustics/noise), IEC 60950 (safety) and CISPR Pub.22 (radio interference). It also refers to ITU‑T recommendations for Group classification.