ARI Standard 1200-2002: Method for Determining Electrical Energy Consumption of Commercial Refrigerated Display Cases

ARI 1200-2002: Method for Determining Electrical Energy Consumption of Commercial Refrigerated Display Cases

For engineers and designers in the commercial refrigeration sector, understanding and accurately reporting equipment energy consumption is paramount. ARI Standard 1200-2002 provides an essential, comprehensive methodology for this critical task, ensuring consistency and comparability in the evaluation of commercial refrigerated display cases. This industry-leading standard empowers professionals to make informed decisions and design more energy-efficient systems.

What is ARI 1200-2002?

ARI Standard 1200-2002, developed by the Commercial Refrigerator Manufacturers Division (CRMD), establishes a standardized and repeatable proven method for determining the electrical energy consumption of commercial refrigerated display cases. Its primary purpose is to provide a consistent basis for manufacturers to rate their equipment and for users to compare the energy performance of different units.

Scope & Purpose

This authoritative standard governs the methodology for calculating and reporting the daily electrical energy consumption (measured in kWh per day per unit length) for both self-contained and remote commercial refrigerated display cases. It specifically addresses the energy consumed by internal electrical components (such as lighting and fan motors) and the refrigeration compressor. The standard does not cover the energy impact of remote condensing units on the overall building's HVAC system, nor does it facilitate direct energy comparisons between self-contained and remote case types.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Refrigeration Engineers, Product Developers, Test Engineers, and Compliance Officers involved in the design, manufacturing, and validation of commercial refrigerated display cases.
• • Industries affected: Appliance Manufacturing, Commercial Refrigeration, Retail Operations, and Food Service.
• • Compliance nature: While ARI standards are often voluntary, compliance is typically a prerequisite for participation in industry certification programs and is highly recommended for accurate product differentiation and market competitiveness.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is generally self-enforced by manufacturers, with verification often conducted by third-party certification bodies associated with ARI programs.

Key Requirements Overview

• • The standard requires the direct measurement of total daily energy consumption (TDEC) for self-contained display cases, encompassing all integrated electrical components.
• • For remote display cases, a Calculated Daily Energy Consumption (CDEC) is determined through a combination of direct component measurements and estimated compressor energy usage based on industry-standard Energy Efficiency Ratios (EER).
• • Manufacturers must utilize specific test procedures to ensure repeatable and accurate energy consumption data.
• • The standard provides a framework for calculating the impact of substituting more energy-efficient electrical components on the overall energy consumption, though this calculation is limited to direct component energy and does not account for secondary compressor load effects in self-contained units.
• • Published TDEC and CDEC values should account for potential product performance variations, measurement tolerances, and the use of calculated substitutions to present realistic operating estimates.

Related Standards & References

ARI 1200-2002 often works in conjunction with other standards that may govern specific components or testing environments within the commercial refrigeration ecosystem. For instance, standards related to refrigeration system performance or electrical component safety may be referenced to ensure a holistic approach to equipment design and evaluation. While not explicitly listed in the provided text, standards from organizations like ASHRAE or