Refrigerators and freezers are designed to operate within specified temperature and humidity limits. Manufacturers guarantee the normal operation of refrigeration equipment only in those conditions that correspond to its climate class. If, in the event of a breakdown, it turns out that the refrigerator was operated in improper temperature ranges, the manufacturer has the right to refuse the user in the warranty repair of the product.

In total, there are four climatic classes of refrigeration and freezing equipment:

1. N (Normal) - normal

Class N devices will work normally within the temperature range from +16 to +32 °C. In domestic latitudes, this is the most popular category of refrigerators and freezers, which is suitable for classic use at home, in the office or in commercial premises.

Equipment of a "normal" climate class demonstrates high energy efficiency, is cheaper than "tropical" peers, can be operated in air-conditioned rooms at an ambient temperature slightly above +32 °C.

Two-chamber refrigerators with climate class N

2. SN (SubNormal) - subnormal

Refrigerators of a subnormal climate class can be installed in poorly heated rooms in the manner of pantries, loggias, glazed balconies, garages or verandas of a private house. The lower threshold of their operating temperature is +10 °C. The upper one is the same as in the Normal class (+32 °С).

Refrigerators of subnormal climate class can operate at lower air temperatures and be installed in poorly heated rooms.

Under low-temperature working conditions, models of a subnormal climate class are not well adapted. When the "mercury column" of the thermometer drops below 10 degrees Celsius, the viscosity of the oil in the compressor unit of the equipment increases, as a result of which the lubrication of rubbing parts deteriorates and rapid wear of the mechanisms occurs. Under lower temperature limits, specialized refrigeration and freezing equipment is produced. For example, the portfolio of the German brand Liebherr includes the FrostProtect freezer line, which has the ability to operate at ambient temperatures down to -15 °C.

Two-chamber refrigerators with climate class N

3. ST (SubTropical) - subtropical

Subtropical equipment can be used in hot regions with high relative humidity. The operating temperature range for refrigerators and freezers with the ST label is declared in the range from +18 to +38 ° С.

Models of this climate class are equipped with more powerful compressors, have evaporators and condensers with an enlarged surface, and have a thick layer of thermal insulation. In the manufacture of refrigerators for operation in humid and hot climates, materials that are resistant to mold are used.

4. T (Tropical) - tropical

The letter of the Latin alphabet T stands for the most heat-resistant refrigerators and freezers. Tropical-class devices remain fully operational within the temperature range from +18 to +43 °C. They are designed for continuous operation in dry and very hot climates.

"Tropical" models of refrigerators will not let you down in terms of cooling capacity even in the hot jungle.

Tropical and subtropical refrigerators are rare guests on the shelves of domestic appliance stores. Yet they are intended for hot countries. Sales are dominated by "normal" and "subnormal" models of refrigerators, as well as multi-class units covering several climatic zones in one person.

Multi-class gradation

Due to the frequent increase in air temperature above +35 ° C in the summer, many refrigerators began to be labeled with a double designation of the climate class. It says about the extended temperature limits for the operation of equipment:

  • N-ST - from +16 to +38 °С;
  • NT - from +16 to +43 °С;
  • SN-ST - from +10 to +38 °С;
  • SN-T - from +10 to +43 °С.
Refrigerators of the SN-T hybrid class are rightfully considered the most versatile - the operating temperature range for them is declared in the widest range from +10 to +43 ° С.

An important advantage of multiclass refrigerators and freezers is the versatility of use throughout the year. However, they have higher power consumption and are more expensive. A number of changes are also made to the design of the station wagons, for example, a double skin of the freezer is mounted or a compressor with increased productivity is installed.

How to determine the climate class?

Information about the climatic class of the equipment is indicated in the accompanying technical documentation and on the nameplate on the “back” side or on a sticker inside the refrigerator compartment. Also, this plate often contains the serial number of the device, information about the refrigerant used, the level of energy consumption and other “passport” parameters of the equipment.

To indicate the climatic class of equipment on the nameplate of the refrigerator, a separate line or cell is usually allocated.

Under the condition of a hot summer, purchase a refrigerator with a margin for the climate class, so that on the hottest days you do not have to face the lack of cold at the wrong time. And finally, one more useful tip: do not overload the freezer beyond the norm and monitor the condition of the rubber door seal - leaky rubber causes cold leaks most often.


Good luck and good luck with your choice!