GB12021.4-2013
The maximum allowable values of the energy，water consumption and grades for household electric washing machines
电动洗衣机能效水效限定值及等级
GB 12021.4-2013 is a current mandatory Chinese national standard for The maximum allowable values of the energy，water consumption and grades for household electric washing machines. It appears in the Electronics compliance cluster with a energy efficiency focus and has an implementation date of Oct 1, 2013.
Applicability depends on product scope, certification route, competent authority notices and transition rules. Requst for the translation or verify source before using this record in a compliance decision.
Compliance overview
Scope and applicability
This standard applies to household electric washing machines (referred to as washing machines) with a rated washing capacity of 13 kg or less. It is not applicable to machines with a rated capacity of 1.0 kg or less, single-tub machines without a spin function, or agitator-type washing machines. For washer-dryer combos, only the washing function is evaluated under this standard.
Technical requirements
This standard classifies washing machines into 5 energy efficiency grades and 5 water efficiency grades, where Grade 1 represents the highest efficiency. The classification is determined by the unit energy consumption per kilogram, unit water consumption per kilogram, and the washing performance ratio (cleaning rate). The standard sets mandatory maximum allowable values for energy and water consumption. Products must meet the requirements of Grade 5 to be considered qualified for the market. Additionally, it specifies evaluation values for energy and water conservation, which correspond to Grade 2 requirements. It also defines allowed deviations between the declared values on the energy label and actual test data, accounting for testing repeatability and reproducibility limits.
Testing methods
Testing is conducted according to the referenced standard GB/T 4288-2018 (updated by the 2026 modification single). The evaluation requires testing three samples under both rated capacity and partial capacity (half load) conditions. Key metrics measured include energy consumption, water consumption, washing performance ratio, spin drying performance, and rinsing performance. The final unit consumption values are calculated using specific compensation coefficients based on the machine type (impeller vs. drum).
FAQs
What products are regulated under GB 12021.4-2013?
The standard applies to household electric washing machines with a rated washing capacity of 13 kg or less. It excludes machines with a capacity of 1.0 kg or less, single-tub machines without a spin function, and agitator-type machines.
Are there any updates from the previous version of GB 12021.4?
The 2013 version introduced water efficiency grades and partial capacity testing. It also modified the energy efficiency grade indicators and added allowed deviation tolerances for declared values on the energy label.
How does GB 12021.4-2013 relate to other testing standards?
The standard references the testing methods and baseline requirements from GB/T 4288-2018 (updated via a 2026 modification single). It also uses specific compensation coefficients for energy and water efficiency calculations.
The summary above provides a high-level overview of GB 12021.4-2013. To ensure complete compliance for your products entering the Chinese market, a precise and professional translation of the full technical specifications is essential. Purchase our high-quality English translation of GB 12021.4-2013 today to access all detailed parameters, tables, and testing procedures.
Applicability hints
- Type
- Management
- CCS
- F01
- ICS
- 27.010
- Competent department
- Standardization Administration of China
- Technical committee
- National Technical Committee on Energy Fundamentals and Management of Standardization Administration of China