White goods & small appliances
Air conditioning testing and certification
An air-conditioning appliance that operates with a refrigerant.
Air conditioning — conformity scope
For air conditioners, the file covers energy efficiency and refrigerant legislation alongside electrical safety and EMC. Outdoor-unit noise and installation requirements are separately regulated by market; which regime applies becomes clear once the target market is selected.
The list below is the European Union framework. The same product falls under a different mark and approval regime in another market; Smart Service Finder shows that market's requirements when you select it.
Regulation
Air conditioning legislation that typically comes into play for
The following is the European Union framework and shows typical application. Which title actually applies depends on the class, intended use and components of the product; The scope is determined by examining the product.
The Low Voltage Directive. Governs the electrical safety of equipment operating in the 50–1000 V AC range; the manufacturer makes the declaration, with no notified body involvement.
The Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive. Covers both the interference a device emits into its environment (emission) and its resistance to interference from outside (immunity).
Ecodesign requirements for air conditioners and comfort fans. Sets minimum thresholds and a declaration obligation for seasonal efficiency and sound power level.
Energy labelling for air conditioners. The class on the label is based on measurement and is one of the first points examined in market surveillance.
The Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulation. The refrigerant type and its GWP value directly affect the product's placement on the market and labelling obligation.
Restriction of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment; an integral part of the CE declaration.
Noise emitted into the environment by outdoor equipment. Whether the outdoor unit falls within scope is assessed according to product type.
Standards
Standards typically referenced in the dossier
- IEC 60335-1Safety in home and similar electrical devices
- IEC 60335-2-40Safety in home and similar electrical devices
- EN 14511
- EN 55014-1
- EN 55014-2
- IEC 61000-3-2harmonic current emission
- IEC 61000-3-3voltage fluctuation and flicker
What is required?
Each item links to the relevant service page: the legislation entry to the certification scheme, the test family to the laboratory page, and the mark to the market page.
European Union — required mark
5- CE — European UnionThe umbrella for entering the EU market; all regulations applicable to the product are met.
- LVD — European UnionLow Voltage Directive — no notified body; the declaration is made by the manufacturer.
- EMC — European UnionElectromagnetic Compatibility Directive — emission and immunity requirements.
- RoHS — European UnionRestriction of hazardous substances in electrical equipment; part of the CE declaration.
- REACH — European UnionChemical legislation — not covered by CE, but affects almost all products.
Required legislation
5- Low Voltage Directive (LVD)Safety of electrical products
- EMC Directive
- Ecodesign and energy label
- RoHS
- REACH
Required tests
4- Electrical SafetyThe IEC 60335 series
- EMC / EMI TestingEmission and immunity
- Fire TestingGlow wire and flammability
- Environmental & Climatic Testing
Required certificates
3- LVD (CE) Certification
- Ecodesign and energy label conformity
- Hazardous Substance Restriction Compliance (RoHS Compliance) Certification
What must be in the technical file
6- Technical file and risk assessment
- EU declaration of conformity (DoC)
- User manual and warnings (in the target market's language)
- Energy label and product information sheet
- Critical component list and component certificates
- Details of the authorised representative or importer established in the EU
How does the process work?
The flow below is a general order independent of product type; timing and acceptance criteria are determined by the standard the product falls under.
1Defining the scope
It is determined which legislation the product falls under based on its technical characteristics and intended use.
2Testing and evaluation
Tests are planned for the applicable headings; results are evaluated according to the relevant standards.
3Technical file
Design, production and test records are compiled in the technical file, accompanied by a risk assessment.
4Declaration or certificate
Depending on the product group, the manufacturer's declaration is prepared or third-party certification is carried out.
Air conditioning which market is it going to?
Who bears the obligation, where the test will be performed, and what customs will require all vary by market.
What changes depending on the market?
Same product, different regimen
- European UnionUnder the CE mark, LVD, EMC, RoHS and ecodesign/energy label are met together; F-Gas registration also applies for the refrigerant.
- United KingdomThe UKCA regime carries the same technical requirements into its own legislation; declaration and labelling run through a UK-based responsible person.
- United StatesElectrical safety runs through NRTL listing (UL), and energy efficiency through DOE regulations and ENERGY STAR; on the EMC side, FCC authorisation is required.
- Saudi ArabiaUnder SASO, a product and shipment conformity certificate is obtained through the SABER platform; separate SASO rules apply for energy efficiency.
Products in the same group
Air conditioning — let's work out the scope together
Share the product's technical characteristics; let us tell you in writing which headings apply to your scope and which tests are required.
This result is a starting roadmap, not a conformity assessment. Which legislation a product falls under depends on its technical characteristics, intended use and user group; it is only finalised by examining the product. You may have an obligation not shown in the list, and an item shown here may not apply to your product.