2008 Standard for Performance Rating of Heat Pump Pool Heaters

ARI Standard 1160: 2008 Standard for Performance Rating of Heat Pump Pool Heaters

For engineers and designers involved in the pool and spa industry, understanding equipment performance is paramount. The 2008 Standard for Performance Rating of Heat Pump Pool Heaters, also known as ARI Standard 1160, provides an essential framework for evaluating and comparing the thermal output and efficiency of these critical HVAC components. This authoritative standard is a cornerstone for ensuring transparency and consistency in product claims.

What is ARI Standard 1160?

Developed by the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), ARI Standard 1160: 2008 establishes definitive procedures for testing and rating heat pump pool heaters. Its primary purpose is to provide a standardized method for determining and publishing performance metrics, enabling users to make informed decisions based on reliable data. This comprehensive standard aims to ensure that manufacturers accurately represent their products' capabilities.

Scope & Purpose

This industry-leading standard governs the testing and rating of complete, factory-made, electrically driven, mechanical compression-type heat pump pool heater refrigeration systems. It specifically applies to air-source units operating on 60 Hz single-phase or three-phase compressors. The standard delineates what constitutes a "Standard Rating" and "Application Rating," focusing on heating capacity and Coefficient of Performance (COP) under defined conditions. Importantly, it excludes individual component assemblies, water-source heat pumps, and certain categories of commercial and unitary air conditioning equipment.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: HVAC Engineers, Product Engineers, Test Technicians, Quality Assurance Managers, and Compliance Officers.
• • Industries affected: HVAC Manufacturing, Pool and Spa Equipment Manufacturing, Appliance Industry, and Testing and Certification Services.
• • Compliance nature: While the standard itself outlines procedures for voluntary participation in ARI's certification program, adherence to its testing and rating methodologies is crucial for manufacturers seeking to make certified performance claims.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically verified through participation in the ARI certification program, where independent third-party testing confirms adherence to the standard's requirements.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard mandates a structured approach to performance evaluation. Key provisions include:

• • The establishment of clear definitions for terms such as Coefficient of Performance (COP) and Heating Capacity.
• • Requirements for conducting performance tests under specific "Standard Rating Conditions" to ensure comparability.
• • Provisions for determining and publishing "Standard Ratings" for heating capacity and COP at both high and low air temperatures.
• • Guidelines for minimum data requirements that must be published by manufacturers to support their product ratings.
• • Specifications for marking and nameplate data to clearly identify key performance information on the equipment.

Related Standards & References

ARI Standard 1160: 2008 often works in conjunction with other relevant standards. For instance, ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 146 provides foundational test methods that ARI Standard 1160 references for verifying performance ratings. Additionally, related ARI standards for other HVAC equipment, such as ARI Standard 210/240 for unitary air conditioners and heat pumps, help delineate scope and avoid overlap. While this 2008 version has been superseded, understanding its principles remains valuable for historical context and appreciating the