Household refrigerating appliances - Characteristics and test methods

Specifies the essential characteristics of household refrigerating appliances, factory-assembled and cooled by internal natural convection or forced air circulation, and establishes test methods for checking the characteristics. These are type tests, and because of this, when verification of the performance of a refrigerating appliance of a given type in relation to this standard is necessary, it is preferable, wherever practicable, that all the tests specified be applied to a single unit. The tests can also be made individually for the study of a particular characteristic. The contents of the corrigendum of March 2008 have been included in this copy.

Appareils de réfrigération à usage ménager - Caractéristiques et méthodes

Spécifie les caractéristiques essentielles des appareils de réfrigération à usage ménager, assemblés en usine et refroidis par convection naturelle interne ou par circulation d'air forcé, et établit les méthodes d'essai pour la vérification des caractéristiques. Ce sont des essais types et, pour cette raison, lorsqu'il est nécessaire de vérifier les performances d'un appareil de réfrigération d'un type donné, en liaison avec la présente Norme internationale, il est préférable, si c'est réalisable, que tous les essais spécifiés soient appliqués à un seul appareil. Ces essais peuvent être également effectués séparément pour l'étude d'une caractéristique particulière. Le contenu du corrigendum de mars 2008 a été pris en considération dans cet exemplaire.

General Information

Status
Replaced
Publication Date
12-Dec-2007
Current Stage
DELPUB - Deleted Publication
Start Date
13-Feb-2015
Completion Date
13-Feb-2026

Relations

Effective Date
05-Sep-2023
Effective Date
05-Sep-2023
Effective Date
05-Sep-2023
Effective Date
05-Sep-2023
Standard

IEC 62552:2007 - Household refrigerating appliances - Characteristics and test methods Released:12/13/2007 Isbn:2831895057

English and French language
173 pages
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Frequently Asked Questions

IEC 62552:2007 is a standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Its full title is "Household refrigerating appliances - Characteristics and test methods". This standard covers: Specifies the essential characteristics of household refrigerating appliances, factory-assembled and cooled by internal natural convection or forced air circulation, and establishes test methods for checking the characteristics. These are type tests, and because of this, when verification of the performance of a refrigerating appliance of a given type in relation to this standard is necessary, it is preferable, wherever practicable, that all the tests specified be applied to a single unit. The tests can also be made individually for the study of a particular characteristic. The contents of the corrigendum of March 2008 have been included in this copy.

Specifies the essential characteristics of household refrigerating appliances, factory-assembled and cooled by internal natural convection or forced air circulation, and establishes test methods for checking the characteristics. These are type tests, and because of this, when verification of the performance of a refrigerating appliance of a given type in relation to this standard is necessary, it is preferable, wherever practicable, that all the tests specified be applied to a single unit. The tests can also be made individually for the study of a particular characteristic. The contents of the corrigendum of March 2008 have been included in this copy.

IEC 62552:2007 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 97.030 - Domestic electrical appliances in general. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

IEC 62552:2007 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to IEC 62552-2:2015, IEC 62552-1:2015, IEC 62552-3:2015, IEC 62552:2007/COR1:2008. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

IEC 62552:2007 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


IEC 62552
Edition 1.0 2007-12
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Household refrigerating appliances – Characteristics and test methods

Appareils de réfrigération à usage ménager – Caractéristiques et méthodes
d'essai
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IEC 62552
Edition 1.0 2007-12
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Household refrigerating appliances – Characteristics and test methods

Appareils de réfrigération à usage ménager – Caractéristiques et méthodes
d'essai
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
XC
CODE PRIX
ICS 97.030 ISBN 2-8318-9505-7

– 2 – 62552 © IEC:2007
CONTENTS
FOREWORD .4

1 Scope.6

2 Normative references .6

3 Terms, definitions and symbols.6

4 Classification .12

5 Materials, design and manufacture .13

6 Storage temperatures.15
7 Determination of linear dimensions, volumes and areas .17
8 General test conditions.22
9 Testing air-tightness of doors, lids or drawer seals.29
10 Testing opening force of doors or lids .29
11 Testing the durability of doors, lids and drawers.29
12 Testing mechanical strength of shelves and similar components.32
13 Testing storage temperatures .33
14 Water vapour condensation test.37
15 Energy consumption test.38
16 Temperature rise test .43
17 Freezing test.44
18 Ice-making test .48
19 Final test report.51
20 Designation.51
21 Marking.52
22 Technical and commercial product information.54
23 Instructions for users .55

Annex A (informative) Conditions particular to certain countries .76
Annex B (informative) Percentage running time .78

Annex C (informative) Test for absence of taste and odour.79
Annex D (normative) Built-in refrigerating appliances.82
Annex E (informative) Rated characteristics and control procedure.83

Bibliography.85

Figure 1 – Example of operating cycle for frost-free refrigerator-freezer .16
Figure 2 – Overall space required in use (upright type) .17
Figure 3 – Partition to restrict air circulation and ambient temperatures sensor position .24
Figure 4 – Example of opening and closing external door(s).30
Figure 5 – Example of opening and closing of external drawer(s).31

62552 © IEC:2007 – 3 –
Figure 6 – Test position for sliding components which have no limiting stop .32

Figure 7 – Examples of shifted package stack.34

Figure 8 – Example of multiple stacks with shifted package.35

Figure 9 – Condensation codes .38

Figure 10 – Determination by interpolation of energy consumption – Refrigerators and types I and II

refrigerator-freezers.41

Figure 11 – Identification symbol for food freezer compartment (for further details, see Figure 20) .53

Figure 12 – Star identification symbols for frozen-food storage compartments (for further details, see

Figure 21) .53

Figure 13 – Marking of load limit .54
Figure 14 – Temperature measurement points in fresh-food storage compartments with different
arrangements of evaporator .57
Figure 15 – Temperature measurement points T in cellar compartments of refrigerators relative to
ci
height h and internal fittings.59
c
Figure 16 – Examples of storage plan (see 13.3) .61
Figure 17 – Examples of positioning of M-packages .63
Figure 18 – Examples of determination of dimensions for calculating shelf area (see 7.3).66
Figure 19 – Examples of determination of mean dimensions for calculating basket area (see 7.3.2.6,
7.3.2.7.2 and 7.3.2.7.3) .67
Figure 20 – Details of identification symbols for food freezer compartments .68
Figure 21 – Details of identification symbols for frozen-food storage compartments .69
Figure 22 – Examples of determination of gross volume .70
Figure 23 – Determination of volume of evaporator space .72
Figure 24 – Example of determination of storage volume of frozen-food storage or food freezer
compartments/cabinets .74
Figure 25 – Determination of volumes of shelves and partitions .75
Figure A.1 – Cold zone identification symbol .76

Table 1 – Climate classes .13
Table 2 – Storage temperatures.15
Table 3 – Test package dimensions and mass.25

Table 4 – Chill compartment storage load.34
Table 5 – Energy-storage temperature conditions for determining energy consumption .40

– 4 – 62552 © IEC:2007
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

____________
HOUSEHOLD REFRIGERATING APPLIANCES –

CHARACTERISTICS AND TEST METHODS

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising all
national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international co-

operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and in addition
to other activities, IEC publishes Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports, Publicly Available
Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to
technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with may participate in this
preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate
in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance
with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all interested
IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National Committees
in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC Publications is accurate,
IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
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IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter.
5) IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any equipment
declared to be in conformity with an IEC Publication.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and members
of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or other damage of
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publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of patent
rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 62552 has been published under the responsibility of IEC technical
committee 59: Performance of household and similar electrical appliances.
It cancels and replaces International Standard ISO 15502 and its corrigendum (2005) prepared by
subcommittee 5: Testing and rating of household refrigeration appliances of ISO technical
committee 86, Refrigeration and air-conditioning, which was transferred to the IEC subsequent to

IEC SMB decision 127/11.
The first edition of ISO 15502 cancelled and replaced ISO 5155:1995, ISO 7371:1995, ISO
8187:1991 and ISO 8561:1995, of which it constitutes a technical revision. It also incorporates the
amendments ISO 7371:1995/Amendment 1:1997, ISO 8187:1991/Amendment 1:1997 and ISO
8561:1995/Amendment 1:1997.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

62552 © IEC:2007 – 5 –
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until the

maintenance result date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data

related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be

• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or

• amended.
The contents of the corrigendum of March 2008 have been included in this copy.

– 6 – 62552 © IEC:2007
HOUSEHOLD REFRIGERATING APPLIANCES –

CHARACTERISTICS AND TEST METHODS

1 Scope
This International Standard specifies the essential characteristics of household refrigerating appliances,

factory-assembled and cooled by internal natural convection or forced air circulation, and establishes test

methods for checking the characteristics. These are type tests, and because of this, when verification of the

performance of a refrigerating appliance of a given type in relation to this standard is necessary, it is
preferable, wherever practicable, that all the tests specified be applied to a single unit. The tests can also be
made individually for the study of a particular characteristic.

NOTE For the safety requirements applicable to household refrigerating appliances, see IEC 60335-2-24; for noise requirements
applicable to household refrigerators and freezers, see ISO 8960; and for additional safety requirements applicable to the refrigerating
systems of household refrigerating appliances, see ISO 5149.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 534, Paper and board – Determination of thickness, density and specific volume
ISO 817, Refrigerants – Designation system
IEC 60335-2-24:2002, Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – Part 2-24: Particular
requirements for refrigerating appliances, ice-cream appliances and icemakers
3 Terms, definitions and symbols
For the purposes of this document, the following terms, definitions and symbols apply.
3.1
refrigerating appliance
factory-assembled insulated cabinet with one or more compartments and of suitable volume and equipment
for household use, cooled by natural convection or a frost-free system whereby the cooling is obtained by
one or more energy-consuming means
NOTE From the point of view of installation, there are various types of household refrigerating appliance (free-standing, wall-mounted,

built-in, etc.).
3.1.1
compression-type refrigerating appliance
refrigerating appliance in which refrigeration is effected by means of a motor-driven compressor
3.1.2
absorption-type refrigerating appliance
refrigerating appliance in which refrigeration is effected by an absorption process using heat as energy
source
3.1.3
refrigerator
refrigerating appliance intended for the preservation of food, one of whose compartments is suitable for the
storage of fresh food
62552 © IEC:2007 – 7 –
3.1.3.1
frost-free refrigerator
refrigerator in which all compartments are automatically defrosted with automatic disposal of the defrosted

water and at least one compartment is cooled by a frost-free system and at least one is a “frozen-food

storage” compartment
NOTE A single-compartment refrigerator using a frost-free system cannot be called a frost-free refrigerator.

3.1.4
refrigerator-freezer
refrigerating appliance having at least one compartment suitable for the storage of fresh food (the fresh-food
storage compartment) and at least one other (the food freezer compartment) suitable for the freezing of fresh
food and the storage of frozen food under three-star storage conditions

3.1.4.1
frost-free refrigerator-freezer
refrigerator-freezer in which all compartments are automatically defrosted with automatic disposal of the
defrosted water and at least one compartment is cooled by a frost-free system
3.1.5
frozen-food storage cabinet
refrigerating appliance having one or more compartments suitable for the storage of frozen food
3.1.5.1
frost-free frozen-food storage cabinet
frozen-food storage cabinet in which all compartments are automatically defrosted with automatic disposal of
the defrosted water and which is cooled by a frost-free system
3.1.6
food freezer
refrigerating appliance having one or more compartments suitable for freezing foodstuffs from ambient
temperature down to a temperature of -18 °C and which is also suitable for the storage of frozen food under
three-star storage conditions
NOTE In certain instances, two-star sections and/or compartments are permitted within the compartment or cabinet (see 7.2.8).
3.1.6.1
frost-free food freezer
food freezer in which all compartments are automatically defrosted with automatic disposal of the defrosted
water and at least one compartment is cooled by a frost-free system
3.1.7
built-in appliance
fixed refrigerating appliance intended to be installed in a cabinet, in a prepared recess in a wall or similar
location
3.2
frost-free system
system automatically operated to prevent the permanent formation of frost, in which cooling is provided by
forced air circulation, the evaporator or evaporators are defrosted by an automatic defrost system and the
water from defrosting is disposed of automatically
3.3 Compartments and sections
3.3.1
fresh-food storage compartment
compartment intended for the storage of unfrozen food, which may itself be divided into sub-compartments
NOTE The storage temperatures can be maintained according to Clause 6.

– 8 – 62552 © IEC:2007
3.3.2
cellar compartment
compartment intended for the storage of particular foods or beverages at a temperature warmer than that of

the fresh-food storage compartment

NOTE The storage temperatures can be maintained according to Clause 6.

3.3.3
chill compartment
compartment intended specifically for the storage of highly perishable foodstuffs whose volume is capable of

containing at least 2 M packages

NOTE The storage temperatures can be maintained according to Clause 6.

3.3.4
ice-making compartment
low-temperature compartment intended specifically for the freezing and storage of ice
3.3.5
frozen-food storage compartment
low-temperature compartment intended specifically for the storage of frozen food
NOTE Frozen-food storage compartments are classified according to temperature, see 3.3.5.1 to 3.3.5.5.
3.3.5.1
one-star compartment
frozen-food storage compartment in which the temperature is not warmer than -6 °C
3.3.5.2
two-star compartment
frozen-food storage compartment in which the temperature is not warmer than -12 °C
3.3.5.3
three-star compartment
frozen-food storage compartment in which the temperature is not warmer than -18 °C
3.3.5.4
food freezer compartment
four-star compartment
compartment suitable for freezing foodstuffs from ambient temperature down to -18 °C, and which is also
suitable for the storage of frozen food under three-star storage conditions
NOTE Two-star sections and/or compartments are permitted within the compartment or cabinet (see 7.2.8).
3.3.5.5
two-star section
part of a food freezer compartment or cabinet, or three-star compartment or cabinet, which is not self-
contained (i.e., does not have its own individual access door or lid) and in which the temperature is not
warmer than -12 °C
3.4
rated
stated as a value (for example, a volume) by the manufacturer
3.5 Physical aspects and dimensions
3.5.1
top-opening type
refrigerating appliance in which the compartment(s) are accessible from the top

62552 © IEC:2007 – 9 –
3.5.2
upright type
refrigerating appliance in which the compartment(s) are accessible from the front

3.5.3
overall dimensions
space – height, width and depth – with doors or lids closed taken up by the refrigerating appliance

3.5.4
overall space required in use
total space – height, width and depth – with doors or lids open necessary for the refrigerating appliance for

normal use
3.5.5
gross volume
volume within the inside liner of the refrigerating appliance, or of a compartment with an external door,
without internal fittings and with the doors or lids closed
3.5.6
storage volume
part of the gross volume of any compartment that remains after deduction of the volume of components and
spaces recognized as unusable for the storage of food
NOTE See 7.2.
3.5.7
shelf
horizontal surface (shelves, partitions, etc.) on which food can be placed
NOTE It can be formed by one component or by components fitted side by side, which can be fixed or removable.
3.5.8
storage shelf area
sum of the horizontal projections of the storage surfaces within the storage volume, including door shelves
and the bottom of each compartment
NOTE See 7.3.
3.5.9
load limit
surface enveloping a frozen-food storage volume
3.5.10
load-limit line
permanent mark indicating limit of three-star frozen-food storage volume
3.5.11
storage plan
arrangement of test packages within a refrigerating appliance
3.6 Definitions relating to performance characteristics
3.6.1
energy consumption
energy consumed by a refrigerating appliance calculated over a period of 24 h when tested according to this
standard
3.6.2
fresh-food storage temperature
t
ma
mean temperature of the fresh-food storage compartment

– 10 – 62552 © IEC:2007
3.6.3
frozen-food storage temperature

t*, t**, t***
maximum temperature of any M package during the test period

NOTE 1 The superscript attached to the symbol t corresponds to the one-star, two-star or three-star temperature.

NOTE 2 See 8.8.3.
3.6.4
cellar compartment storage temperature
t
cma
mean temperature of the cellar compartment
3.6.5
chill compartment storage temperature
t
cc
instantaneous storage temperature of the chill compartment
3.6.6
freezing capacity
amount of food expressed in kilograms that can be frozen to a temperature of -18 °C in 24 h when tested in
accordance with Clause 17 of this standard
3.6.7
ice-making capacity
quantity of ice the refrigerating appliance is capable of producing within 24 h in an automatic icemaker,
and/or the time necessary for the freezing of the water in the ice tray(s) supplied with the refrigerating
appliance
3.6.8
automatic defrost
defrosting where no action is necessary by the user to initiate the removal of frost accumulation or to restore
normal operation, and the disposal of the defrost water is automatic
3.6.9
semi-automatic defrost
defrosting where an action is necessary by the user to initiate the removal of frost accumulation and normal
operation is restored automatically, the defrost water being removed manually or removed and disposed of
automatically
3.6.10
semi-automatic defrost
defrosting where no action is necessary by the user to initiate the removal of frost accumulation nor to restore

normal operation, but the removal of the defrost water is manual
3.6.11
manual defrost
defrosting where an action is necessary by the user to initiate the removal of frost accumulation and where
restoration to normal operation requires a further action by the user, the defrost water being removed
manually or removed and disposed of automatically
3.6.12
automatic disposal of defrost water
removal and evaporation of the defrost water which does not require any action by the user
3.6.13
manual removal of defrost water
collection and removal of defrost water that requires actions by the user

62552 © IEC:2007 – 11 –
3.6.14
adaptive defrost
form of automatic defrosting system where energy consumed in defrosting is reduced by an automatic

process whereby the time intervals between successive defrosts are determined by an operating condition

variable (or variables) other than, or in addition to, elapsed time or compressor run time.

3.6.15
test package
food simulant used as load when testing frozen food compartments and chill compartments and during

freezing capacity testing in all compartments of refrigerator-freezers

3.6.16
M-package
test package fitted with a temperature sensor at its geometric centre
3.6.17
operating cycle
〈frost-free systems〉 period commencing at the initiation of an automatic defrosting cycle and terminating at
the moment of initiation of the next automatic defrosting cycle
3.6.18
operating cycle
〈systems designed to operate continuously〉 period of 24 h under stable operating conditions
3.6.19
operating cycle
〈other refrigerating appliances〉 period between two successive stops of the refrigerating system, or part of
the system, under stable operating conditions
3.6.20
automatic defrosting cycle
period between the moment when the means of defrosting the evaporator(s) is switched on and the moment
when the refrigeration process is re-established
3.6.21
stable operating conditions
conditions in which a refrigerating appliance's mean temperatures and energy consumption are stable
3.6.22
ambient temperature
measured temperature in the space surrounding the refrigerating appliance under test
3.6.23
temperature rise time
time period needed to raise the temperature of food in the frozen food compartment from -18 °C to − 9 °C
after the operation of the refrigerated system has been interrupted
3.7 Definitions relating to refrigerating system
3.7.1
refrigerant
fluid used for heat transfer in a refrigerating system, which absorbs heat at a low temperature and at a low
pressure of the fluid and rejects heat at a higher temperature and at a higher pressure of the fluid, usually
involving changes of state of the fluid
3.7.2
condenser
heat exchanger in which vaporized refrigerant is liquefied by rejecting heat to an external cooling medium

– 12 – 62552 © IEC:2007
3.7.3
evaporator
heat exchanger in which the liquid refrigerant is vaporized by absorbing heat from the medium to be

refrigerated
3.7.4
temperature control device
device which automatically regulates the operation of a refrigerating system according to the temperature of

an evaporator or of a compartment or cabinet

3.8 Symbols
T , T temperature measurement points
i ci
t instantaneous temperature value (fresh food compartment)
i
t instantaneous temperature value (cellar compartment)
ci
t instantaneous temperature value (chill compartment)
cc
t integrated time average of t
im i
t integrated time average of t
cim ci
instantaneous arithmetic average of t , t , t
t
a 1 2 3
t instantaneous arithmetic average of t , t , t
ca c1 c2 c3
t arithmetic average of t , t , t
ma 1m 2m 3m
t arithmetic average of t , t , t
cma c1m c2m c3m
i subscript representing 1, 2 or 3
4 Classification
4.1 Refrigerating appliances conforming to this standard are classified into four climate classes or into a
range of classes, see Table 1. The range of ambient temperatures in which the appliances are intended to be
used, and for which the required storage temperatures are to be met (see Clause 6), shall be as specified in
Table 1.
62552 © IEC:2007 – 13 –
Table 1 – Climate classes
Class Symbol Ambient temperature range

°C
Extended temperate SN + 10 to + 32

Temperate N + 16 to + 32
Subtropical ST + 16 to + 38
Tropical T + 16 to + 43
4.2 Refrigerator-freezers conforming to this standard are classified into the following two types:
a) refrigerator-freezer type I – having a single, user-adjustable temperature control device for regulating the
temperatures of the fresh-food storage compartment and of the food freezer compartments;
b) refrigerator-freezer type II – having user-adjustable means for the separate regulation of the
temperatures of the fresh-food storage compartment and of the food freezer compartments.
NOTE Where there is another kind of compartment, there can be additional means of regulating that compartment's temperature.
5 Materials, design and manufacture
5.1 General
Refrigerating appliances shall be constructed in such a manner as to ensure adequate performance and
durability in use. Their performance in use is checked by applying a series of relevant tests, which shall be
recorded in the final test report (see Clause 19).
5.2 Materials and finishes
Materials used inside refrigerating appliances shall not transmit odours or taste to food. A test procedure for
guidance is given in Annex C.
Materials used inside refrigerating appliances shall not contaminate food placed in contact with them nor
transmit poisonous substances to food. They shall be resistant to the action of moisture and food acids.
All surface finishes shall be resistant to impact, sufficiently hard, colour-fast, smooth, easily washable, and
resistant to damage by moisture and by food acids.

5.3 Thermal insulation and air-tightness
The thermal insulation of the refrigerating appliances shall be efficient. In particular, the insulating material
shall not be subject to shrinkage and shall not allow, under normal working conditions, an excessive
accumulation of moisture.
No running water shall appear externally when the refrigerating appliance is subjected to the water vapour
condensation test specified in Clause 14.
When the door or lid is closed, there shall be no abnormal ingress of air into the interior. Compliance is
checked by the test specified in Clause 9.
5.4 Doors, lids, drawers and fittings
External doors, lids and drawers of refrigerating appliances shall withstand opening and closing without
deterioration which could be prejudicial to their air-tightness. Fittings shall be capable of maintaining their
proper function. Compliance is checked by the test specified in Clause 11.

– 14 – 62552 © IEC:2007
It shall be possible to open an external door, lid or drawer on a refrigerating appliance from the inside.
Compliance is checked by the test given in Clause 10.

5.5 Shelves and containers
Shelves, containers and similar components shall have adequate mechanical strength. Those used for
storing food shall withstand the loading test specified in Clause 12 without showing such distortion that they

could no longer fulfil their intended function. In particular, sliding or revolving components shall be capable of

their full movement when loaded.

Shelves, containers and similar components which are intended to be removable shall be easily removable.

5.6 Collection and disposal of defrost water
5.6.1 For refrigerating appliances with automatic disposal of defrost water, means shall be provided for
collecting completely the defrost water either in a removable internal drip tray, or in an external receptacle
wherein the defrost water is evaporated, or by other means. For frost-free refrigerating appliances or
compartments, defrost water shall only be collected into external receptacles.
The drip tray or other defrost water receptacle should have adequate volume and, additionally, external drip
trays should have adequate evaporating means.
The volume of drip trays of evaporators which are semi-automatically or manually defrosted shall be at least
equal to the volume for the related evaporator(s), calculated by multiplying by 1 mm their total surface area
on which ice can form.
Any drainage system shall be designed to ensure its proper function. It shall be easily accessible for the
clearing of any blockage, and shall be designed so as to prevent any undue ingress of air into the food
storage compartment(s).
5.6.2 For refrigerating appliances with manual removal of defrost water, means or instructions shall be
provided to enable the collection of defrost water in such a way as to prevent water from flooding the floor
beneath the refrigerating appliance and/or damaging foodstuffs that may remain in the refrigerating appliance
during defrosting.
The volume of drip trays of evaporators with semi-automatic or manual defrost shall be at least equal to the
volume for the related evaporator(s), calculated by multiplying by 1 mm their total surface area on which ice
can form.
Any drainage system shall be designed to ensure its proper function. It shall be easily accessible for the
clearing of any blockage, and shall be designed so as to prevent any undue ingress of air into the food
storage compartment(s).
5.7 Refrigerating system
5.7.1 The mechanical operation of the refrigerating appliance should not give rise to undue noise or
vibration.
5.7.2 The design of the condenser should be such as to reduce to a minimum the accumulation of dust.
5.7.3 The evaporator should be so designed or protected so that it will not suffer any damage during the
normal use of the refrigerating appliance.
The heat exchange surfaces shall be made of corrosion-resistant material, or shall be finished with a
corrosion-proof, non-poisonous coating resistant to temperature changes and alternating frosting and
defrosting.
5.7.4 The means of adjustment of temperature control devices, if intended to be adjusted by the user, shall
be readily accessible, and their function shall be such as to enable the refrigerating appliance to meet the
requirements of the performance tests.

62552 © IEC:2007 – 15 –
5.7.5 Pipes and connections to moving or resiliently mounted parts should be arranged so as not to
generate noise, nor to touch or transmit vibrations to other parts, and should be so designed as to prevent

failure due to fatigue. All other pipes and connections should be securely anchored. Where necessary, pipes

and valves should be properly insulated.

5.7.6 Suitable means should be provided to prevent water condensed on cold parts from affecting the

operation of the unit or its controls, or from causing any other damage to the refrigeration appliance and its

surroundings.
6 Storage temperatures
Under the conditions specified in Clause 13, the refrigerating appliance shall be capable of maintaining,
simultaneously, the required storage temperatures in the different compartments and the permitted
temperature deviations (during the defrost cycle) as given in Table 2 for the different types of refrigerating
appliances and for the appropriate climate classes.
NOTE Table 5 gives the storage temperature applicable to the water condensation test specified in Clause 14, the energy
consumption test given in Clause 15 and the temperature rise test according to Clause 16.
Table 2 – Storage temperatures
°C
Fresh-food storage Food freezer Two-star One-star Cellar Chill
compartment and three-star compartment/ compartment compartment compartment
compartment/ section
cabinet
t , t , t t t*** t** t* t t
1m 2m 3m ma cm cc
a a
0 ≤ t , t , t ≤ 8 +8 ≤ t ≤ +14
≤ +4 ≤ −6 −2≤ t ≤ +3
≤ −18 ≤ −12
1m 2m 3m cm
cc
a
As a result of a defrost cycle, the storage temperatures of frost free and/or adaptive defrost refrigerating appliances are permitted
to rise by no more than 3 K during a period not greater than 4 h or 20 % of the duration of the operating cycle, whichever is the shorter.
An example of an operating cycle for a frost-free refrigerator-freezer is given in Figure 1.

– 16 – 62552 © IEC:2007
Key
X time, h
Y temperature, °C
1 start of the refrigerating process
2 period of 20 % of the operating cycle of max. 4 h when elevated temperatures are allowed for M-packages in the
freezer compartment
3 instantaneous temperatures of different M-packages
4 temperature of evaporator
5 automatic defrosting cycle
6 operating cycle
7 moments when the means of defrosting is switched on
8 instantaneous temperature of the warmest M-package
9 period under which the conditions in Table 2 should apply, with the exception of footnote a)

10 t
a
11 t
ma
12 t** + 3 K
13 t**
14 t*** + 3 K
15 t***
Figure 1 – Example of operating cycle for frost-free refrigerator-freezer

62552 © IEC:2007 – 17 –
7 Determination of linear dimensions, volumes and areas

7.1 Determination of linear dimensions

Linear dimensions shall be measured to the nearest millimetre.

The measurements shall be carried out on the refrigerating appliance as delivered and not operating. If there

is a cellar compartment, the volume of which is adjustable, measurements shall be made with this
compartment adjusted to both its minimum and maximum volumes.

The overall dimensions shall be measured as the height, width and depth of the rectangular parallelepiped,

whose base is horizontal, within which the refrigerating appliance is inscribed to include the complete
appliance except for the handle – the protrusion of which, if any, is to be specified separately.
The overall space required in use shall be measured as t
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