What is the climate class of a refrigerator?
The installation for cooling products may be located in a room with a high temperature.
In this case, the following problems are observed:
- overheating of the electrical circuit;
- engine failure;
- destruction of the start relay.
The consumer should know what the climate class of the refrigerator is in order to properly operate the equipment and prevent damage to the main parts.
Standard parameters are indicated by letters printed on the rear wall of the case.
The compliance of the household appliance with the climatic operating conditions allows you to choose a room in which you can install a model designed for cooling products. Refrigerators with a combination range are highly durable, so they can be installed in places that have poor ventilation systems.
In Russia they sell climate control equipment N and Sn. Units with double designations are in demand: N-St, NT, Sn-St, Sn-T.
Climatic class of the freezer
It’s easy to guess what a refrigerated cabinet means for many buyers: its basic parameters allow you to operate household appliances for a long time. The owner also needs to pay attention to the compliance of the household appliance with the climatic conditions of use.
The following types of refrigeration chambers are used:
- N - normal;
- Sn - subnormal;
- St - subtropical;
- T - tropical.
The equipment is operated at a temperature of +16…+32°C. In a subtropical climate, a device for generating cold is installed in the room, designated O (general climate cooling).
What it is
The weather is becoming more and more capricious. You have to deal with either sultry heat or severe frosts. It is these changes in temperature and weather conditions that often cause refrigerator breakdowns.
The climate class is an indicator that tells the owner at what exact room temperature this unit can operate efficiently. Knowing it, you can create the most comfortable working conditions for the selected model.
It is worth clarifying that if your unit breaks down and it is determined that it was used in inappropriate climate conditions, warranty repairs will be denied. In addition, the service life of the equipment under such circumstances will be short.
The climate class is indicated by letters. It is indicated on the back wall of the refrigerator or in the instructions for use.
When producing a unit, a specific compressor is initially installed in it. Its main task is to maintain the difference between the temperature of the room in which the refrigerator is located and the temperature of the device itself. However, the compressor can only do this within a strictly specified range.
Therefore, when choosing a new model, you should also take into account its climate class so that the food remains fresh and the model itself works properly.
What climate class refrigerator is best to choose?
A successful purchase of a unit is only possible if the buyer complies with the following rules:
- He understands the types of climate control equipment and has studied the markings on the back panel, which are necessary for stable operation of the unit.
- Having chosen the model I liked, I checked its climate control.
- I assessed the temperature indicators: they ensure the smooth operation of the installation.
- After the purchase, I provided conditions for stable operation of the purchased model. Failure to follow the operating rules specified in the instructions leads to damage to the unit. In this case, the warranty does not cover malfunctions caused by negligence.
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Premium refrigerators
High-quality units are divided into inexpensive models and luxury equipment.
Premium class refrigerators are characterized by the following distinctive features:
- large dimensions;
- high build quality.
The buyer needs to pay attention to the manufacturer of the product cooling device.
The following brands of premium refrigerators are in demand among consumers:
- Bosch;
- Sharp;
- Samsung;
- Liebherr;
- LG.
Expensive units have the following distinctive features:
- stylish design;
- large freezer volume;
- zigzag refrigerators;
- No Frost system;
- climate regulators for each zone.
What does climate class mean?
Any refrigerator must be operated under certain climatic conditions, including temperature indicators. The thing is that manufacturers install compressors on their products that are able to effectively maintain the temperature difference between the chambers and the room within a strictly limited range.
The climate class is a direct indication to the owner of the temperature inside the room where a specific model of refrigeration machine is expected to be installed and operated. By indicating it on the refrigerator, the manufacturer guarantees that, within a given temperature range, its product will operate flawlessly during the stated service life.
Based on the above, we can conclude that the climate class affects the service life of the device and the manufacturer’s fulfillment of its warranty obligations. That is why, before you start choosing a refrigerator, you should familiarize yourself in detail with the climatic design of this equipment. This will not only allow you to select a model with the most suitable technical characteristics, but also ultimately save on repairs, purchase new equipment and reduce energy costs.
Which climate class of freezer is better?
When purchasing a refrigerator, the buyer first of all evaluates the volume and location of the freezer cabinet.
When choosing a refrigerator, you should pay attention to such parameters as:
- capacity;
- type of freezing;
- energy consumption class;
- power;
- additional options.
A compact chest freezer is installed in a small room, its volume reaches 100 liters. A refrigerator equipped with a No Frost system requires constant maintenance. The food inside the chamber does not freeze, but it must be packaged carefully.
Volumetric cabinets with manual defrosting have a vertical shape and occupy a small area in the room. When choosing a chest, you should evaluate the possibilities of its energy consumption, noise level, and cost of equipment.
Which climate class is better?
It’s easy to get lost in the variety of technical characteristics, but the answer to the question “which one is better” will turn out to be extremely individual.
Electricity consumption, all other things being equal, is lower than normal class models. And the wider the range, the more energy the device uses.
Materials - special requirements are put forward only for the tropical class. But the special base will affect the final price.
Thermal insulation - for devices adapted to a hot environment, this figure is higher.
Reference! Reliable refrigerators of normal and subtropical classes can be found in the low price segment.
Double marked models
Due to the increase in temperature in the summer months to +35°C, units that meet the climatic operating conditions are in great demand.
The equipment operates under wide temperature conditions:
- N-St - the unit is operated in a room in which indicators of +16..+38°C are recorded;
- NT - general climatic type (+16…+43°С);
- Sn-St - equipment operates at a temperature of +10...+38°C;
- Sn-T - the refrigerator is operated in the range of +10...+43°C.
Models marked Sn-T are manufactured by companies such as:
- Bosch;
- Sharp;
- Samsung;
- Liebherr;
- LG;
- Electrolux;
- Miele.
The equipment is installed in rooms with a minimum temperature of +10°C and a maximum temperature of +43°C. Whirlpool brand refrigerators, such as WBC 3534 A +NFCX, WTC 3746 A+NFCX, belong to the NT class. They are characterized by high energy consumption (A+).
Design features of refrigerators of different climate classes
The climatic design of the refrigerator affects its design. The main differences are as follows:
- The performance of the compressor unit in devices with ST and T versions is significantly higher than in refrigeration equipment marked N and SN. The reason for this is the large temperature difference between the chambers and the atmosphere. Such a unit has to work almost constantly for cooling;
- The main feature of models designed to work in humid climates is the use of corrosion-resistant materials and a special coating that prevents the spread of fungi and mold colonies;
- Refrigeration equipment marked ST and T uses special thermal insulation that prevents the slightest heat exchange between the chambers and the atmospheric air.
Compressor performance in ST and T units is higher than in N and SN units
It should be understood that all these design differences significantly affect the cost of refrigeration equipment.
Type Definition
The markings of various models contain information about the parameters of these units. Studying the marks will help the consumer choose the required type of refrigerator presented among the products of a recognized brand.
This method allows you to evaluate the functionality of the equipment. The name code of the refrigeration unit contains alphabetic as well as digital designations containing information about the functionality of the installation.
Model BOSCH KGE36XL20R, year of manufacture 2012, contains information about the functions, size, and design of the device. The symbols indicate the type of refrigerator, the location of the freezer compartment, and the presence and thickness of insulation. The letters inform about the technological equipment, the number of compressors, and the presence of the No Frost system.
In Russia, BOSCH brand units are assembled with a width of 60 cm, in Spain - 70 cm, in South Korea - 90 cm.
Main types of climate classes of refrigerators
There are 4 climate classes for refrigeration units. Each has its own markings and temperature ranges:
- normal – N;
- subnormal – SN;
- subtropical – ST;
- tropical - T.
A large number of companies began to produce devices with double markings:
- tropical + subnormal – SN-T;
- subtropical and subnormal – SN-ST;
- tropical + normal – NT;
- subtropical and normal – N-ST.
They combine the characteristics of two climate classes. As a result, mixed models become more versatile.
N
These refrigerator models can be installed in rooms where the temperature ranges from +16°C to +32°C. , the climate of the middle zone fits these indications . In the southern regions, it is necessary to install air conditioning in the room. The devices are distinguished by their simple design, reduced electricity consumption, and affordable price .
The best models with climate class N:
Indesit DF 5200 W
ATLANT XM 6025-031
Indesit DF 5200 S
SN
This is a subnormal or, in other words, an extended range, in which the room temperature can be reduced to 10°C. Models with climate class SN are adapted for work on glazed loggias, balconies, corridors, and in not very heated areas .
The best models with climate class SN:
ATLANT ХМ 4425-000 N
Samsung RB-30 J3000WW
LG DoorCooling+ GA-B509 SEDZ
ST
Refrigerators with a subtropical class can be installed where the ambient temperature ranges from +18°C to +38°C. The electrical circuits are reliably insulated, so they are not afraid of overheating. Contacts are additionally protected from exposure to high humidity. The insulation is impregnated with chemical compounds that prevent fungi and mold from appearing . Buyers of ST class refrigerators living in central Russia should keep in mind when purchasing that if the room temperature is lower than the required temperature, the thermostat and compressor will begin to work poorly.
The best models with climate class ST:
ATLANT XM 6024-031
ATLANT МХМ 2835-90
Hotpoint-Ariston HF 4180 W
T
These models are presented in a tropical version. They can be used in regions with a dry climate , where the air warms up to 43°C. The engine in them does not overheat. The freezer is additionally insulated ; due to the insulation, ice melting is reduced.
The best refrigerators with climate class T:
Hotpoint-Ariston HF 9201 B RO
Indesit DF 5201 X RM
Samsung RB-37 J5200WW
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Which option should you prefer?
The design of the installation depends on the climatic version. It is up to the consumer to decide which refrigerator to choose. However, it takes into account the main differences between the models. In units marked as St and T, the compressor performance is better than in refrigerators marked N and Sn. The main reason is the temperature difference between the freezer and the environment. Such equipment only works for cooling.
Units intended for operation in humid climates are equipped with corrosion-resistant materials and have a special coating that protects the refrigerator from exposure to adverse external factors. Models marked St and T use special insulation that prevents heat exchange between the chamber and the environment. A consumer living in the central zone of the Russian Federation buys a model of climate version N or SN. In Crimea and the Krasnodar Territory, devices are purchased that are marked ST and T (with active air conditioning).
When choosing a unit for cooling food, pay attention to the freshness zone. The container, which has a temperature several degrees lower than in a chest freezer, is intended for storing meat, poultry, and fish for 5 days.
The LG refrigerator has a refreshing zone, and the high humidity compartment is located above it. When purchasing, pay attention to the freezer compartment markings, made in the form of snowflakes. Their number determines the temperature of freezing and storing products: 1 snowflake up to -6°C, 3 symbols - up to -18°C.
When choosing a model, they are guided by the climatic design and take into account the design of the refrigerator that matches the interior of the kitchen.
Types of climate classes
The weather conditions are unpredictable - today it is abnormally hot, and tomorrow the first frosts hit. Such temperature fluctuations can affect the performance of the refrigerator, so it is useful to consider the acceptable range.
If the refrigerator suddenly breaks down, it may not be accepted for repair under warranty if it turns out that it was operating under unsuitable temperature conditions. Each climate class has its own designation and interpretation.
N
N (Normal), translated from English - normal. The temperature range is from +16 to +32 degrees Celsius. “Universal” and the most popular refrigerator models in Russia.
If the refrigerator is installed in the southern region, where the temperature exceeds +32 degrees, the room must have air conditioning.
In the winter season, on the contrary, the room will have to be heated, otherwise there is a chance that the equipment will not turn on at all.
SN
Subnormal - subnormal. Operating range – from +10 to +32 degrees. Such refrigerators are placed in rooms where the average temperature is lower than in residential areas: corridors, basements, loggias, utility rooms.
Moreover, if the thermometer drops below the indicated +10 degrees, this will not affect the operation of the unit.
ST
Subtropical - subtropical. The permissible ambient temperature for these modifications is from +18 to +38 degrees. In refrigerators with o, the electrical circuits are protected from overheating by insulation. That is, the “filling” is not afraid of increased temperature and humidity.
To prevent the insulation from causing the spread of fungus and mold (especially in hot climates), it is impregnated with a special chemical composition.
If an ST class refrigerator is installed in the middle zone, you will have to think about heating. When the operating temperature drops below +18 degrees, the compressor and thermostat will begin to malfunction.
T
Tropical - tropical. Range - from +18 to +43 degrees, mostly dry regions. Thanks to design changes, the motors of large equipment do not overheat.
Due to the increased cross-section of the condenser tubes, more freon is supplied, which is necessary to improve heat transfer.
The freezer has also undergone changes - there is more insulation in it, which reduces the melting of ice. Since the electric motor in these refrigerators is an order of magnitude more powerful, the equipment consumes more electricity. Such refrigerators are practically not found in the Russian Federation.
