This International Standard 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 (washerdryers) with respect to their washing related functions. This International Standard also covers washing machines which specify the use of no detergent for normal use.

NOTE 1 Tumble dryer performance is assessed to IEC 61121.

The object is to state and define the principal performance characteristics of electric household washing machines and spin extractors and to describe the test methods for measuring these characteristics.

NOTE 2 This international standard applies also to washing machines for communal use in blocks of flats or in launderettes. It does not apply to washing machines for commercial laundries. This International Standard is not intended to be used for the comparative evaluation of detergents.

NOTE 3 This International Standard does not specify acoustical noise requirements for washing machines.

Acoustical noise measurements are specified in IEC 60704-1 and IEC 60704-2-4.

NOTE 4 This International Standard does not specify safety requirements for washing machines. Safety requirements are specified in IEC 60335-2-7.