Overview
EN ISO 22044:2022 (ISO 22044:2021) defines classification, design requirements and standardized test conditions for commercial beverage coolers with integral refrigeration systems. Endorsed by CEN in January 2022 and superseding the earlier EN 16902 edition, this standard applies to cabinets with built-in refrigeration and is explicitly not applicable to remote or secondary system cabinets. It is intended to harmonize terminology, construction requirements and test methods for performance, energy and product protection.
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard covers a comprehensive set of technical topics and testing protocols, including:
- Classification and temperature ranges - categorization of commercial beverage coolers by intended temperature class.
- Construction and materials - general construction rules, materials, and thermal insulation requirements.
- Refrigerating system and electrical components - requirements for integral refrigeration units and associated electrical parts.
- Parts, dimensions and volumes - definitions of cabinet parts, net/equivalent volume calculations (normative annexes).
- Tests outside the test room - door and lid seal tests, durability checks, linear dimensions and areas.
- Tests inside the test room - controlled environment tests including room conditions, loading procedures, running-in and stable-state protocols.
- M-can test method - referenced standardized load item used in performance testing (M-can).
- Performance metrics and energy - procedures to calculate Specific Energy Consumption (SEC) and performance/energy rating (normative Annex F).
- Lighting and condensation - lighting tests, night covers and water vapour condensation assessments (informative annexes).
- Marking and information - load limits, marking plate requirements and manufacturer information to be supplied.
- Supporting normative/informative annexes - net volume, equivalent volume, TDA calculation, tests for absence of odour/taste, lighting, and a mapping to EU ecodesign requirements (Annex ZA relates to Commission Regulation (EU) No 2019/2024).
Practical applications and users
This standard is practical for:
- Manufacturers and product designers developing or certifying commercial beverage coolers with integral refrigeration.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies performing standardized performance and durability tests.
- Procurement teams and facility managers specifying compliant equipment for retail, catering and vending environments.
- Regulators and compliance officers aligning product evaluation with EU ecodesign and energy labelling frameworks.
Using EN ISO 22044:2022 helps ensure reproducible testing, consistent performance claims, and alignment with regional regulatory expectations for energy and product safety.
Related standards
- EN ISO 22044:2022 is identical to ISO 22044:2021 and supersedes EN 16902.
- Annex ZA explicitly links this standard to EU ecodesign Regulation (EU) No 2019/2024 for energy-related requirements.
