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IS 11360:1985 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for reciprocating compressors for refrigerants - specification. This standard specifies the requirements, rating conditions, testing methods, and marking for reciprocating refrigerant compressors. It covers both open-type and hermetic compressors, ensuring manufacturers provide standardized performance data for fair comparison and selection.
Specifies requirements for design, construction, performance, and testing of reciprocating compressors used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! This standard is based on the obsolete ISO 917:1974. For modern projects, it is often supplemented by international standards like EN 12900 or AHRI standards for performance rating.
! Always verify that the manufacturer's rated conditions align with the project's actual design conditions (evaporating/condensing temps). Apply corrections if there is a mismatch.
! The performance and safety requirements vary significantly based on the refrigerant group. Ensure the selected compressor is appropriate for the specified refrigerant.
ISO 917:2018International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International
HighCurrent
Positive-displacement refrigerant compressors — Testing and rating
Directly corresponds to testing and rating procedures, but is updated for modern refrigerants and methods.
AHRI 540-2020Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), USA
HighCurrent
Performance Rating of Positive Displacement Refrigerant Compressors and Compressor Units
Covers performance rating and testing, forming the basis for certification programs widely used globally.
EN 12900:2013European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Europe
HighCurrent
Refrigerant compressors - Rating conditions, tolerances and presentation of performance data
Focuses on standardizing rating conditions and how performance data is presented, crucial for the EU market.
JIS B 8606:2014Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS), Japan
MediumCurrent
Positive displacement refrigerant compressors and condensing units -- Testing and rating
Specifies testing and rating methods similar to ISO 917, tailored for the Japanese market.
Key Differences
≠IS 11360:1985 includes specific material and manufacturing requirements (e.g., castings, shafts), whereas modern international standards like AHRI 540 and EN 12900 focus almost exclusively on performance rating, testing methods, and data presentation, leaving construction details to the manufacturer.
≠The Indian standard is based on older refrigerants like R-12 and R-22 (CFCs/HCFCs). International equivalents are continuously updated to cover a wide range of modern HFC, HFO, and natural refrigerants (e.g., R-134a, R-410A, R-1234yf, CO2).
≠Modern standards like AHRI 540 have extensive provisions for rating variable-capacity compressors and specify methodologies for calculating seasonal efficiency metrics (e.g., IPLV), which are not addressed in the 1985 Indian standard.
≠International standards specify more stringent requirements for the accuracy of instrumentation used during testing and more detailed procedures for uncertainty analysis compared to the broader guidelines in IS 11360.
Key Similarities
≈All standards establish the fundamental principle of testing and rating compressors at a set of standardized conditions (e.g., evaporating temperature, condensing temperature, superheat, subcooling) to allow for fair and direct comparison of different models.
≈The primary performance metrics, such as Refrigerating Capacity, Power Input, and the derived Coefficient of Performance (COP), are defined and used consistently across both the Indian standard and its international counterparts.
≈Both IS 11360 and international standards like AHRI 540 specify acceptance tolerances for performance ratings, typically requiring that measured capacity is not less than 95% and power input is not more than 105% of the published rated values.
≈All standards mandate clear marking of the compressor with essential information, including manufacturer, model, refrigerant type, and electrical data, to ensure proper identification and application.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Refrigerating Capacity Tolerance
Measured capacity shall not be less than 95% of rated capacity.
Measured capacity shall be no less than 95% of the published rating.
AHRI 540-2020
Power Input Tolerance
Measured power input shall not exceed 105% of rated power input.
Measured power input shall not exceed 105% of the published rating.
AHRI 540-2020
Test Voltage Variation
Within ± 5% of rated voltage.
Within ± 1% of rated voltage.
AHRI 540-2020
Standard Suction Superheat
Varies by refrigerant and condition (e.g., 20K for R-22 at -5°C Evap).
10 K for most standard rating conditions, unless otherwise specified.
EN 12900:2013
Hydrostatic Test Pressure (High Side)
1.5 times the maximum working pressure, but not less than 24.5 kgf/cm².
Generally refers to specific safety standards (e.g., EN 378). Not part of performance rating standard.