IEC 63086-2-1:2024
Household and similar electrical air cleaning appliances - Methods for measuring the performance - Part 2-1: Particular requirements for determination of reduction of particles
- Standard No.
- IEC 63086-2-1:2024
- Release Date
- 2024
- Published By
- International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
- Latest
- IEC 63086-2-1:2024
- Introduction
Standard Overview and Technical Background
IEC 63086-2-1 is an International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard for measuring the particulate matter purification performance of electrical air purifiers for household and similar use. As a key component of the IEC 63086 series of standards, this standard, released in 2024, represents the current international state-of-the-art in air purifier performance testing. The standard specifies test methods for four different particle size ranges (ultrafine, fine, medium, and coarse) to ensure that test results fully reflect the performance of air purifiers in actual use environments.
Core Test Principles and Methodology
The standard uses the attenuation constant method to calculate the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR). By measuring the natural and total decay rates of particle concentration within the test chamber, the standard accurately calculates the actual purification capacity of the air purifier. The testing process consists of two phases: the natural decay test and the total decay test. By comparing the difference in particle concentration decay under the two conditions, the influence of factors such as natural settling is eliminated.
Test phase Test conditions Measurement parameters Data processing requirements Natural attenuation test Purifier off state Natural attenuation rate (k_nat) Sample standard deviation ≤0.12 h⁻¹ Total attenuation test Purifier maximum performance mode Total attenuation rate (k_tot) Sample standard deviation ≤0.48 h⁻¹ Aerosol generation and measurement instrument specifications
Test aerosol types
The standard specifies four representative test aerosols: Salt aerosol (ultrafine particles), Smoke aerosol and Salt aerosol (fine particles), Dust aerosol (medium particles), Pollen aerosol (coarse particles). Each aerosol type has strict generation requirements and quality control standards.
Measurement Instrument Selection
Particle Size Range Main Measuring Instruments Detection Principle Accuracy Requirements Ultrafine Particles Condensation Particle Counter (CPC) Condensation Amplified Optical Particle Counter (OPC) D50: 0.0025-0.015μm Fine Particles Optical Particle Counter (OPC) Light Scattering Principle ≥6 Logarithmically Equally Spaced Channels Medium and Coarse Particles Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS) Time-of-Flight Method Counting Efficiency 100% Key Technical Requirements for the Test Procedure
Test Chamber Condition Control
The test chamber volume is typically 30m³, and the temperature and relative humidity must be strictly controlled within the range specified by IEC 63086-1. The background particulate matter concentration must be lower than 1% of the initial concentration to ensure the accuracy of the test results.
Aerosol Mixing and Homogenization
The standard specifies detailed requirements for mixing and homogenization time. Salt, smoke, and dust aerosols require a 3-minute homogenization time, while pollen aerosols only require a 1-minute homogenization time due to their higher natural attenuation rate.
Aerosol Type Mixing Time (min) Homogenization Time (min) Test Duration (min) Salt Aerosol 1 3 5-20 Smoke/Salt Aerosol 1 3 5-20 Dust Aerosol 1 3 5-20 Pollen Aerosol 1 1 3-10 Data Processing and Calculation Methods
Decay Constant Calculation
The exponential decay model: C(t) = C₀·e^(-kt) was used, and the decay constant k was calculated by log-linear regression. The minimum number of data points must meet the requirements: at least 18 data points for ultrafine, fine, and medium particles, and at least 9 data points for coarse particles.
CADR Calculation Formula
Q = V·(k_tot - k_nat), where V is the test chamber volume (m³), k_tot and k_nat are the total attenuation rate and natural attenuation rate (h⁻¹), respectively.
Statistical Quality Control
The standard strictly specifies sample standard deviation limits for the slope of the regression line to ensure statistical significance of the test results. Any data points outside the 99% prediction interval must be eliminated.
Measurement Limits and Applicability
The standard clearly defines the upper and lower limits for CADR measurement. The minimum measurable CADR value varies depending on the test aerosol: 14 m³/h for salt aerosol, 14 m³/h for smoke/salt aerosol, 7 m³/h for dust aerosol, and 65 m³/h for pollen aerosol. CADR values exceeding the maximum measurable value must be determined by the laboratory based on equipment capabilities.
Implementation Recommendations and Best Practices
Laboratory Preparation Requirements
Before implementing this standard, laboratories must be equipped with a qualified aerosol generation system, particle measurement instruments, and a standard test chamber. All instruments must be calibrated at least annually to ensure measurement accuracy.
Testing Procedure Key Points
- The test chamber must be thoroughly cleaned before testing, and background particle concentration must meet the standard.
- Relative humidity must be controlled during aerosol generation to ensure that particles remain in a solid state.
- Temperature and humidity data must be continuously recorded during testing, and retesting is required if out of range.
- Outlier rejection rules must be strictly followed during data processing.
Quality Control Measures
Laboratories are advised to establish a comprehensive quality control system, including regular instrument calibration, operator training, test process monitoring, and data review mechanisms. Critical parameters such as background concentration, temperature and humidity control, and so on, must be monitored and recorded in real time.
Standard Technology Evolution and Industry Impact
The release of IEC 63086-2-1 marks a transition to a more scientific and standardized stage for air purifier performance testing. Compared to previous standards, this standard's major technical advancements include: the adoption of a multi-size range test method, which better reflects the particle size distribution of particulate matter in real environments; the clarification of measurement limits and statistical quality control requirements, which improves the comparability and reliability of test results; and the provision of detailed aerosol generation and instrumentation requirements, ensuring the repeatability and reproducibility of testing.
The implementation of this standard will have a profound impact on the air purifier industry: manufacturers will be required to conduct product performance testing and labeling according to unified standards, consumers can make product selections based on standardized test results, and regulatory agencies will have a scientific and technical basis for market oversight. With its widespread adoption, it will promote the advancement of air purifier technology and the standardized development of the market.
IEC 63086-2-1:2024 history
- 2024 IEC 63086-2-1:2024 Household and similar electrical air cleaning appliances - Methods for measuring the performance - Part 2-1: Particular requirements for determination of reduction of particles
- 0000 IEC 63086-2-1:2023 PRV
