Many customers are asking how to get the right commercial refrigerator, freezer, fridge for their own exact applications,especially from  the areas  in hot and humid weather.  This article is  to share the knowledge on climate class rating, refrigerator levels, so that you will get some ideas on how to get suitable commercial refrigerator, freezer, fridge for you.

What is a climate class?

A climate class is a rating assigned by the manufacturer to let you know what temperature range your fridge freezer will work optimally in. Climate classes are an international standard, ranging from +10°C to +43°C. This allows everyone from every climate to have a fridge or freezer that works to the best of its ability, whatever the weather. Knowing where your appliance is going to be located, whether it’s a cold garage or a hot restaurant kitchen, is going to directly affect how well your fridge freezer runs.[1]

There are many climate types worldwide, divided into five types, while the climate types of refrigerators are divided into four. Simply put, the climate type of a refrigerator refers to the suitable climate conditions for a fridge and commerical refrigeration equipment to operate in. When designing a refrigerator, manufacturers will first determine which climate zone the main user group of a refrigerator is distributed in, and then produce a refrigerator suitable for that region. Due to the main function of refrigerators being refrigeration, the impact of climate and environment on the refrigeration capacity of refrigerators varies in different regions.

Commercial Refrigerator level: Main types

Climate classification refers to the operating condition of equipment within the temperature range of the room it is located in If the product is installed in a room with high temperatures, the compressor may have to frequently pause operation, causing the circuit to overheat, and the motor or start relay may malfunction. Climate levels (such as N, ST, SN, and T) are established standards that are clearly marked on equipment nameplates and can be riveted or pasted on the nameplates.

Refrigeration equipment usually has four major climate levels Specifically, as follows:

1. Temperate type ( N):This level is applicable to equipment that can operate within the normal temperature range, with a specific temperature range between+16℃and+32℃. Refrigerators in this climate level maintain high energy efficiency and extremely low power consumption Therefore, this type of refrigerator is particularly popular in residential areas.
2. Tropical type (T):This refers to refrigerators designed specifically for tropical (arid) areas where temperatures can reach+18C to+43C These types of refrigerators typically have stronger insulation to ensure optimal cooling performance in high temperature environments A thicker box wall helps to effectively maintain low temperatures In addition, they are equipped with sturdy and durable high-performance compressors, typically using stable components to prevent the growth of fungi, molds, and other microorganisms, in order to avoid affecting food quality. This type of refrigerator is commonly used in commercial kitchens A refrigerator with a T-class climate is suitable for countries with high temperatures throughout the year, and is also very suitable for outdoor environments such as ice cream and beverage stalls, as well as summer courtyards in cafes.
3. Subtemperature type (SN):This is suitable for subtropical climates, especially those with temperatures ranging from+10C to+32C. This grade of refrigerator is more suitable for placing in colder rooms or places with temperatures below normal SN level equipment is suitable for basements, cold corridors, and winter balconies.
4. Subtropical type (ST):This type of refrigerator is designed specifically for operation in subtropical climate conditions These areas usually have hot and humid weather, especially in summer when it is hot and lasts for a long time. They can work effectively between 18 and 38 degrees Celsius But it is not recommended to use in cold areas.

OVERVIEW OF CLIMATE CLASSES

Climate class	Environmental conditions
Extended normal  SN	10℃ to  32℃
Normal          N	16℃ to  38℃
Subtropics        ST	18℃ to  38℃
Tropics           T	16℃ to 43℃

To address this problem, many manufacturers have taken steps to develop refrigeration equipment that meets the requirements of various climate grades. This is not only beneficial to improve economic efficiency and efficiency, but also to ensure the effective operation of the refrigerator in different environmental conditions. These climate grades include：

1. Climate Rating N: This rating is for refrigerators that function best in the temperature range of +16C to +38C.
2. Climate Rating NT: Refrigerator models belonging to this climate rating can operate over a wider temperature range, from +16C to +43C.
3. Climate Rating SN-T: General-purpose refrigerators that can be used in any climate are usually labeled with this classification. The Sn-t climate rating indicates that these refrigerators can operate in the temperature range of +10 ° C to +43 ° C.
4. Climate Rating SN-ST: This rating is usually assigned to refrigerators suitable for subtropical and sub-tropical climates. They are able to operate effectively in the ambient temperature range of +10C to +38C.

Transition class

It should be acknowledged that many manufacturers have recognized this need and have begun to produce refrigerators with dual or adaptive climate Settings. These models are ideal for areas with high summer temperature fluctuations, sometimes even exceeding the “average temperature”. +32°C. You can find these hybrid options in the product ranges of well-known companies:

The decision to combine both SN and T climate grades has proved very beneficial as it has enabled our store to offer refrigerators that operate efficiently in a wide temperature range of +10. … +43°C. However, this innovation also comes at a high price.

Therefore, it is not appropriate to rush to buy transitional refrigerators to prevent hidden dangers in the future. Depending on your specific situation, standard equipment with a more moderate operating temperature range may be more suitable for you. While SN-T hybrid refrigerators are known for their ability to withstand extreme heat and cold, they can be costly to repair if there are any other failures. Is it really worth paying more for such problematic appliances?

 

[1] Thanks for appliancecity.uk to share the climate class rating meanings.