Acoustics

Testing, Calibration and Consultancy

Domestic Appliances

Our independent measurements conform to the British Standard sound power methods, and to the BS EN ISO 60704 series of test codes for ‘Household and similar electrical appliances’. The BS EN ISO 60704 series has been that have been specifically developed to cover the testing of domestic appliances.  

We are the only UK based acoustic test laboratory offering UKAS accredited testing to the BS EN 60704 series test codes for testing vacuum cleaners, washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers.

Tests available include:-

Vacuum CleanersBS EN 60704-2-1: 2015
DishwashersBS EN 60704-2-3: 2002
Washing machines and spin extractorsBS EN 60704-2-4: 2012
Tumble dryersBS EN 60704-2-6: 2012
Fan HeatersBS EN 60704-2-2: 2010
FansBS EN 60704-2-7: 1998
HairdryersBS EN 60704-2-9: 2003
Electric cooking ranges, ovens, grills, microwave ovensBS EN 60704-2-10: 2011
Range hoodsBS EN 60704-2-13: 2017
Refrigerators, frozen food storage cabinets and food freezersBS EN 60704-2-14:2013 +A11: 2015

We can also provide certification for verifying declared noise emission values to:

BS EN 60704-3: 2006Household and similar electrical appliances – Test code for the determination of airborne noise – Part 3: Procedure for determining and verifying declared noise emission values

Features of sound power tests for domestic appliances at the University of Salford include:

  • Fully equipped Laboratory including water supply
  • Measurements carried out in anechoic, hemi-anechoic or reverberation chambers
  • All equipment fully traceable to National Standards
  • Confidentiality guaranteed
  • Professional reporting to cover all the requirements of each standard
  • Technical expertise and independent advice on measurement requirements
  • Excellent access to main transport routes with convenient loading and storage facilities
  • Opportunity to witness tests if required

Bespoke Testing for Domestic Appliances

In addition, we also offer a broad range of non-standard measurements, diagnostic testing and R&D services including:

  • Product noise modelling and auralisation
  • Sound quality testing and analysis
  • Noise source tracking/localisation
  • Sound and vibration source characterisation
  • Transfer path analysis / source path contribution analysis
  • Noise source rank ordering and treatment
  • Vibration testing
  • Vibration isolator characterisation (dynamic stiffness measurements)
  • Virtual acoustic prototypes

Claire Lomax
t: +44 (0)161 295 3030
e: c.lomax1@salford.ac.uk