IEC 60436, clause by clause.
The international method for measuring how household dishwashers clean, dry and consume energy and water. Here is what it asks of a laboratory, and where we help.
About the standard
IEC 60436 sets out how to prepare, load, run and assess a dishwasher so that results from different laboratories can be compared. Each test machine runs side by side with a reference machine, under the same conditions and with soils from the same batch. Cleaning and drying are scored relative to that reference; energy, water and programme time are measured in the same runs.
It covers performance only — not safety and not minimum requirements. Its results underpin manufacturers’ declarations and the energy label.
What changed in Edition 5
Laboratories set up for earlier editions need new consumables, equipment and procedures.
New reference system
A new reference machine reflecting modern water- and energy-saving designs, and a new reference detergent closer to market products.
Cleaning alignment factor
Links cleaning results under the new reference system to those of the previous edition.
Revised low-power method
A step-by-step procedure that now includes networked standby and reactions to user interaction.
Tighter starting conditions
Temperature inside the machine is checked before each programme starts.
Updated load
Alternatives for discontinued items and revised weights for load items.
New test designs
An additional method for unit-to-unit variation, and guidance for multi-compartment dishwashers.
Where we help
We support you across the whole standard now, are developing our own equipment where measurement is the core, and connect you with specialist suppliers for the rest.
| Clause | What it requires of the lab | How we support it | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| §8 | Energy, water and programme time measured over every run of the test series, with rules for intermittent functions such as regeneration. | Measurement bench and evaluation software (in development); method and data support now | In development Support |
| Annex K | Power in off, standby, networked standby, delay start and left-on modes. | Low-power module (in development); test support now | In development Support |
| §5 | Stable electricity supply, controlled room climate, water at set temperature, pressure and hardness, reference consumables, reference machine. | Specification of the power supply (voltage, frequency, THD), water and climate monitoring; gap analysis of the rest | Support |
| §6 | Defined tableware load, seven standard soils prepared and applied in set quantities, controlled drying. | Specification and setup advice; load kits and consumables via partner suppliers | Support Partners |
| §7 | Item-by-item scoring of drying and cleaning, indices relative to the reference machine. | Procedure review, assessor consistency, calculation checks | Support |
| §9 | Airborne noise to the dedicated IEC acoustics standard, before performance tests. | Referral to partner acoustic laboratories | Partners |
Setting up an IEC 60436 laboratory?
We start with a gap analysis against every clause and give you a prioritised list: what to buy, what to change in procedures, and what to prepare for an ISO/IEC 17025 assessment.
Discuss your IEC 60436 project
New laboratory, Edition 5 upgrade, or just the energy part — tell us where you stand.