Essential Standards for Acoustics, Optical Cables, and Meter Communication Systems
- Valentina Bosenko
- Feb 4
- 6 min read
Accurate measurement and reliable data transmission are the foundation of trust and efficiency in modern industries. In the world of metrology and measurement, international standards ensure that the data you rely on—whether it’s utility usage, aircraft safety, or home appliance noise levels—remain consistent, interoperable, and credible. This comprehensive guide explores three pivotal standards shaping metrology today: communication protocols for meter systems, aerospace optical cables, and the determination of acoustical noise in household appliances. These standards are crucial for companies investing in smart infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, energy management, aerospace innovation, and consumer appliance design, supporting scalable growth and global market access.
Overview
Measurement is more than numbers—it’s about data reliability, system compatibility, and end-user confidence. Whether you’re a utility provider using smart meters, an aerospace supplier relying on optical cables, or a home appliance manufacturer optimizing your products’ acoustics, applying the right international standards can set your business apart.
This article covers:
How robust standards ensure reliable meter data communication and interoperability
The specifications surrounding high-precision optical cables for aerospace
The rigorous test codes for measuring airborne acoustical noise in household appliances
By understanding these requirements, stakeholders can improve their quality assurance, enhance operational efficiency, meet compliance mandates, and scale globally in competitive markets.
Detailed Standards Coverage
SIST EN 13757-3:2025 – Smart Meter Communication Application Protocols
Communication systems for meters – Part 3: Application protocols
Modern utility management relies heavily on advanced metering infrastructure for electricity, gas, water, and thermal energy. SIST EN 13757-3:2025 defines the application protocols for communication systems used by meters, incorporating sensors and actuators within the metering environment. It is especially focused on the widely adopted M-Bus application protocol for both wired (EN 13757-2) and wireless (EN 13757-4, -5) communication layers.
Scope and Key Requirements:
Specifies application layer services and data structures for reliable transfer of consumption data, alarms, events, and manufacturer-specific information.
Supports multiple application protocols and features selection mechanisms for device types per the CI-field in EN 13757-7.
Provides detailed message structuring (Data and Value Information Blocks), error reporting, clock synchronization, alarm status, and manufacturer extensions.
Includes robust support for sensor and actuator device types, accommodating the needs of multi-utility and multi-service metering environments.
Target Audience:
Utility companies (electricity, water, district heating/cooling, gas)
Smart city integrators and IoT solution providers
Meter manufacturers and system integrators
Building automation companies
Energy management and analytics firms
Practical Impacts:
Enables seamless, standardized data interchange and interoperability among heterogeneous equipment
Optimizes energy efficiency and metering accuracy
Reduces integration complexity in multi-vendor environments
Ensures data consistency and security throughout the metering lifecycle
Key highlights:
Support for M-Bus and supplementary protocols (wired and wireless)
Enhanced handling of sensor/actuator devices and alarm/status communication
Robust framework for message integrity, synchronization, and error processing
Access the full standard: View SIST EN 13757-3:2025 on iTeh Standards
SIST EN 4641-102:2025 – Aerospace Optical Cables: Semi-Loose 62.5/125 µm GI Fibre
Aerospace series – Cables, optical 125 μm outside diameter cladding – Part 102: Semi-loose 62,5/125 µm GI fibre nominal 1,8 mm outside diameter – Product standard
High-reliability data transmission is critical in aerospace. SIST EN 4641-102:2025sets precise requirements for optical cables used in aerospace electrical and data systems, specifically focusing on semi-loose buffer cables with a 62.5/125 µm graded-index fibre and a nominal 1.8 mm diameter.
Scope and Key Requirements:
Defines general characteristics, qualification, acceptance, and quality assurance criteria for aerospace-grade fibre optic cables.
Specifies cable construction, material properties, and optical performance (attenuation, bandwidth, immunity to ambient light, etc.), referencing extensive aerospace test methods (EN 3745 series).
Covers mechanical endurance (bending, temperature cycling, tensile and torsion resistance, impact, and abrasion capabilities) and environmental resilience (thermal shock, aging, fluids, humidity resistance).
Target Audience:
Aerospace manufacturers and suppliers (avionics, aircraft, spacecraft)
Defence and military technology providers
Cable and connector manufacturers
High-reliability data network integrators
Quality assurance and certification bodies
Practical Impacts:
Assures the delivery of robust, lightweight, and durable fibre optic cabling for mission-critical systems
Reduces risk in safety-critical data communications in airborne platforms
Simplifies supplier qualification and benchmarking during system integration
Key highlights:
Extensive environmental and mechanical test provisions (EN 3745)
Quality assurance and traceability requirements tailored for aerospace
Precise material, packaging, and cable construction standards
Access the full standard: View SIST EN 4641-102:2025 on iTeh Standards
SIST EN IEC 60704-2-4:2025 – Acoustical Noise Test Code for Washing Machines and Spin Extractors
Household and similar electrical appliances – Test code for the determination of airborne acoustical noise – Part 2-4: Particular requirements for washing machines and spin extractors (IEC 60704-2-4:2025)
For manufacturers and testing labs, determining the airborne acoustical noise emissions from household appliances like washing machines is not just about compliance—it’s a key differentiator in product quality and marketability. SIST EN IEC 60704-2-4:2025 provides harmonized methodology for measuring and comparing the sound output from washing machines and spin extractors, ensuring results are meaningful and comparable worldwide.
Scope and Key Requirements:
Applies to laundry appliances, including single-unit washing machines, combination appliances’ washing and spinning functions, and spin extractors for household/similar use.
Specifies operating conditions, test set-up (including placement, load, test program, measurement sequence), and the instruments/techniques required for accurate airborne noise determination.
Details calculation methods for sound power and pressure levels, as well as stringent reporting and information recording requirements.
Incorporates amendments to align with the latest general acoustical testing standards (IEC 60704-1:2021) and washing machine test protocols (IEC 60456:2024).
Target Audience:
Household appliance manufacturers (product design, R&D, quality)
Acoustic testing laboratories and consumer safety groups
Market surveillance and regulatory compliance officials
Retailers and brands prioritizing quiet appliance certification
Practical Impacts:
Uniformity in noise emission testing and acoustical product labelling
Enhancement of consumer trust by delivering quieter, higher-quality appliances
Greater efficiency in design optimization and regulatory approval
Key highlights:
Comprehensive test protocols for new appliance designs (multi-compartment, wall-mounted machines)
Updates for measurement alignment with latest standards (test loads, drum speed, detergent)
Clear guidance for calculation and documentation of acoustic results
Access the full standard: View SIST EN IEC 60704-2-4:2025 on iTeh Standards
Industry Impact & Compliance
How These Standards Affect Businesses
Whether you operate in utilities, aerospace, or consumer goods, the application of these internationally recognized standards helps align your products and processes with global best practices:
Utilities and Smart Metering: With EN 13757-3:2025, utilities and solution providers can deliver IoT-enabled, interoperable metering systems for real-time consumption management, billing, and analytics, achieving cost reductions and better resource allocation.
Aerospace Manufacturing: The adoption of EN 4641-102:2025 ensures integrity in data communications, contributing to the overall reliability and safety of next-generation aircraft and aerospace platforms.
Appliance Manufacturers: Using IEC 60704-2-4:2025 for airborne noise testing enables consumer-centric, low-noise product development, improving market acceptance and competitive positioning.
Compliance Considerations
Global Market Access: Meeting these standards is often required for international trade and procurement—increasing your eligibility for tenders, certifications, and regulatory approval.
Operational Excellence: Consistent application drives internal efficiencies, reduces development and integration risks, and builds a foundation for ongoing innovation.
Mitigating Risks: Non-compliance can mean lost contracts, penalties, or recalls, as well as long-term damage to corporate reputation and consumer trust.
Benefits of Adopting Standards:
Enhanced interoperability
Reduced technical risk and integration cost
Increased quality and reliability
Simplified certification and approval processes
Scalability in smart infrastructure and manufacturing
Risks of Non-Compliance:
Limited access to key markets
Integration failures
Increased returns or warranty claims
Regulatory penalties
Implementation Guidance
Common Implementation Approaches
Gap Assessment: Review existing product/process alignment with each relevant standard’s requirements.
Staff Training: Ensure teams (engineering, QA, operations) understand the technical and management aspects of the standards.
Systems Integration: Utilize reference implementations, certified components, or partner platforms pre-aligned to these standards.
Documentation and Traceability: Maintain records of tests, quality checks, and design decisions in line with standards’ reporting requirements.
Best Practices:
Engage with industry consortia and technical bodies to stay ahead of revisions
Leverage certified testing labs for verification
Automate data collection and analysis for compliance monitoring
Implement modular designs to accommodate future standard updates
Resources for Organizations:
Download full-text standards from iTeh Standards
Access sample reports, templates, and technical annexes for correct implementation
Seek consultancy or third-party testing for complex products or markets
Conclusion & Next Steps
From robust smart metering solutions to aerospace-grade optical networks and high-performance quiet appliances, adopting the right standards is a pathway to quality, compliance, and market leadership. Each standard examined in this article offers direct, practical benefits for industries seeking scalable growth, operational reliability, and enhanced customer satisfaction.
Key Takeaways:
International metrology and measurement standards drive consistency, interoperability, and trust across industries.
Compliance supports market expansion, strengthens B2B partnerships, and ensures regulatory success.
Effective implementation is a strategic investment in future-proofing products and services.
Recommendation: Organizations across utilities, aerospace, and manufacturing should regularly review standard revisions, integrate compliance into product development and procurement, and leverage resources like iTeh Standards for ongoing support. Stay informed, stay competitive, and ensure your quality benchmarks remain world-class.
Ready to upgrade your compliance or explore full standard texts?
Visit iTeh Standardsand unlock the advantage of best-in-class metrology and measurement protocols today.
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