Household appliances – Testing and Certification at the VDE Institute

We test the following products, among other things:

• Stoves and microwaves
• Hobs and induction devices
• Baking ovens
• Steam cookers

The following guidelines apply for cooking and baking devices in the EU:

• The EU Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU)
• The EU Directive on Electromagnetic Compatibility (2014/30/EU) and
• The Product Safety Act (ProdSG)

Furthermore, the VDE Institute offers a large array of serviceability tests. With the help of test foods, our ecotrophologists perform practical tests that can serve to evaluate the heat distribution and the moisture management of the devices. Standardized test foods include, among other things, muffins for evaluating baking overs and broccoli for evaluating steam cookers. In addition, the ones that are often used by consumers are used. That is to say, tests are continuously adapted to developments in the food industry and are therefore a valuable aid for the continued development of household appliances. Results are evaluated according to ecotrophological criteria, such as the degree of cooking/browning, texture (crumb/crust), baking altitude along with sensory characteristics (visual, olfactory, gustatory, haptic).

The accessibility of devices during loading and unloading along with functional, cleaning and handling properties are also reviewed. If test points such as “safety”, “EMC” and product-specific quality criteria like “energy efficiency”, “noise emission” and service life are also fulfilled, the product receives the “VDE Quality Tested” label. As such, safety-related and quality-oriented test requirements make the label a special quality award for manufacturers and retailers.

The modern testing facilities at the VDE Institute’s laboratories fully replicate the testing conditions required by standards. Going beyond normative requirements, the usage characteristics of extractor hoods are also tested upon request according to the manufacturer and retailer’s specific requirements.

The following requirements apply for extractor hoods:

• Energy labelling according to Regulation (EU) No. 65/2014
• Environmentally compatible design according to Regulation (EU) No. 66/2014 (Ecodesign Directive)

In addition to the aforementioned services, the VDE Institute’s experts furthermore measure the extractor hoods’ air delivery volume (fluid-dynamic efficiency), noise reduction and power consumption in standby mode and off mode. Additionally, the amount of grease removed and lighting efficiency are determined. In order that extractor hoods stand the test in day-to-day use, our services also include noise emission measurements and handling tests. If the product is holistically evaluated and the test results are positive, the extractor hoods can receive “VDE Quality Tested” certification.

We test the following products, among other things:

• Washing machines
• Dryers
• Dishwashers

To face the new challenges in the global market that are brought about by energy efficiency requirements and technical developments, the VDE Institute operates an ultra-modern test laboratory for washing machines, dryers and dishwashers. Using the powerful water treatment plant, many different water hardnesses and temperatures are emulated so as to precisely replicate the normative conditions of the international target markets. Thanks to two separate feed and discharge systems, tests can be conducted in parallel and throughput times can be reduced.

A special room for laundry conditioning is available for the preparatory measures for testing performance and energy-efficiency characteristics. Complying with the established conditions during testing preparation is another important contribution to the VDE Institute’s accurate and reliable measurement results.

In the field of white goods, the VDE Institute furthermore offers additional tests in addition to the aforementioned services, and the electromagnetic fields (EMF) are also tested here apart from electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).  Furthermore, noise emission measurements are performed. Since the issue of hygiene is becoming increasingly important for many consumers, hygiene tests along with testing washing machines for allergy friendliness (in collaboration with ECARF) is also part of the VDE Institute’s service portfolio. If your product is holistically evaluated and tested with positive results, it can receive the “VDE Quality Tested” certification.

A low-noise power supply provides the foundation for accurate test results. Test benches are ideally equipped with automated measurement and documentation processes.

We test the following products, among other things:

• Cooling units/refrigerators
• Freezing units/freezers
• Refrigerator-freezer combinations

The VDE Institute is, among other things, a recognized test laboratory for the US Energy Star program, a selected partner in Europe by the China Standard Certification Center for energy labelling tests as an approved body for the Law on Products Related to Energy Consumption (EVPG).

In addition to the aforementioned services, we also offer holistic product evaluation for refrigerators and freezers (with “VDE Quality Tested” certification), noise emission measurements and hygiene tests along with electromagnetic field (EMF) tests. The test spectrum also includes devices for commercial use in commercial kitchens and in retail.

For vacuum cleaners or floor treatment devices to succeed on the market, they must have the right usage characteristics and performance.

When testing these devices, we take into account the requirements for environmentally friendly design according to Eco-design Directive, among other things. However, other standards and directives are also applied.

Assessing performance and energy efficiency are a priority at our ultra-modern test laboratory for vacuum cleaners. The testing facilities fully replicate the testing conditions required by standards. Since high standards are placed on vacuum cleaners and floor treatment devices, our services also include measuring dust absorption from carpets, hard floors and floor crannies along with measuring many different service parameters such as efficiency, vacuum and revolutions. In mechanical durability tests (door threshold/jam test, tumbling barrel), the service life and reliability of vacuum cleaners and their accessories are tested. In order that products stand the test in day-to-day use as well, experts at the VDE Institute determine motion resistance, conduct noise emission tests and handling tests and determine filter efficiency and dust retention capacity. If the product is holistically evaluated and the test results are positive, the vacuum cleaners can receive “VDE Quality Tested” certification.

We test the following products, among other things:

• Coffee and expresso makers, coffee machines
• Food processors
• Kettles, toasters, grills
• Hair care and hair removal appliances
• Personal hygiene appliances and shavers
• Irons and laundry care appliances

All components are precisely examined and the functionality, user-friendliness and durability of the appliances are tested. In the test kitchen, dough is kneaded, vegetables are cut and coffee is brewed. All this takes place in the name of safety, energy efficiency and serviceability.