Standard for Performance Rating of Heat Pump Pool Heaters

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

For engineers and designers in the HVAC and pool equipment sectors, ensuring accurate and comparable performance data for heat pump pool heaters is paramount. ARI Standard 1160 provides the essential framework for achieving this, offering a proven methodology for rating these systems and fostering confidence in their energy efficiency and operational capabilities.

What is Standard 1160?

Published by ARI, Standard 1160 is an authoritative document dedicated to establishing consistent methods for rating the performance of heat pump pool heaters. Its primary purpose is to define standardized testing procedures and rating criteria, enabling manufacturers to present comparable performance data and allowing professionals to make informed selection decisions based on reliable specifications.

Scope & Purpose

This comprehensive standard governs the testing and performance rating of complete, factory-made, air-source, electrically driven, mechanical compression-type heat pump pool heater refrigeration systems. It specifically covers units designed for pool heating and potentially pool heating/cooling functions, operating on 60 Hz power. Crucially, Standard 1160 excludes individual component ratings, unitary air conditioners below a certain capacity threshold, water-source heat pumps, and larger commercial/industrial unitary equipment.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: HVAC Engineers, Product Designers, Test Technicians, Certification Engineers, and Project Managers involved in heat pump pool heater development and specification.
• • Industries affected: HVAC Manufacturing, Pool Equipment Manufacturing, Building Services, and Energy Efficiency Consulting.
• • Compliance nature: Voluntary, but essential for participation in certification programs and for manufacturers seeking to provide verified performance data.
• • Enforcement: Primarily through third-party certification bodies and manufacturer self-declaration in accordance with ARI's certification program provisions.

Key Requirements Overview

• • The standard requires the establishment of Standard Ratings for both heating capacity and Coefficient of Performance (COP) at defined high and low air temperature conditions.
• • Professionals must ensure that all performance ratings are verified through tests conducted in accordance with recognized industry testing standards, such as ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 146.
• • Key provisions include defining Standard Rating Conditions for testing, ensuring uniformity across different manufacturers.
• • The standard mandates specific minimum data requirements for published ratings, outlining what information must be clearly presented by manufacturers in their literature.
• • Manufacturers are required to provide clear marking and nameplate data on their units, indicating compliance with the standard and essential performance characteristics.

Related Standards & References

Standard 1160 often works in conjunction with other industry-leading documents. For general testing procedures, ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 146 is a critical reference. Additionally, definitions and broader concepts may align with or reference the ASHRAE Terminology of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. These complementary standards ensure a holistic approach to equipment performance evaluation.