GB12021.2-2025
Maximum allowable values of energy consumption and energy efficiency grade for household refrigerating appliance
家用电冰箱耗电量限定值及能效等级
GB 12021.2-2025 is a current mandatory Chinese national standard for Maximum allowable values of energy consumption and energy efficiency grade for household refrigerating appliance. It appears in the Construction compliance cluster with a energy efficiency focus and has an implementation date of Jun 1, 2026.
Applicability depends on product scope, certification route, competent authority notices and transition rules. Requst for the translation or verify source before using this record in a compliance decision.
Compliance overview
Scope and applicability
This standard applies to motor-driven compressor household refrigerating appliances and semiconductor refrigerating appliances with a volume of 60L or less. It is not applicable to refrigerating appliances specifically designed for commercial or vehicle-mounted purposes. Manufacturers of household refrigerators, freezers, and wine coolers must comply with this standard to access the Chinese market.
Technical requirements
The standard establishes the maximum allowable values of energy consumption and the energy efficiency grading system for household refrigerators. It categorizes appliances into 10 distinct types based on compartment characteristics, such as deep temperature compartments and star-rated freezers. The energy efficiency is divided into 5 grades, where Grade 1 represents the highest energy efficiency. It introduces the calculation of adjusted volume and baseline energy consumption, which serve as the reference lines for product comparison. The baseline calculation now incorporates new correction factors, including the volume utilization rate (VUR), smart grid signal response function, and functional corrections for features like transparent doors and automatic ice makers. Manufacturers must ensure that the measured energy consumption does not exceed the maximum allowable limits and is not greater than 115% of the rated value. Additionally, the standard defines requirements for smart grid signal response functions, including off-peak defrost capabilities, delayed load capabilities, and temporary load reduction. Appliances claiming this functionality must pass specific verification tests to qualify for the corresponding energy consumption correction factor.
Testing methods
Testing procedures align with IEC 62552-3:2020 for volume and energy consumption measurements. The standard specifies volume utilization tests to determine the ratio of the actual volume to the appliance's external dimensions. Energy consumption tests are conducted under specific ambient temperatures (16°C and 32°C for compressor types; 25°C for semiconductor types) and include load processing energy consumption tests to simulate user behavior. Furthermore, it outlines specific verification methods for the smart grid signal response function, assessing off-peak defrost and demand response capabilities.
FAQs
What products are regulated under GB 12021.2-2025?
The standard applies to motor-driven compressor household refrigerating appliances and semiconductor refrigerating appliances with a volume of 60L or less. It explicitly excludes refrigerating appliances designed exclusively for commercial or vehicle-mounted applications.
Are there any major updates from the previous GB 12021.2-2015 version?
The 2025 version expands the scope to include semiconductor refrigerators (≤60L) and introduces new concepts like volume utilization rate and smart grid signal response. It also updates the calculation formulas for baseline energy consumption, adds deep temperature compartments, and aligns testing methods with IEC 62552-3:2020.
How is the energy efficiency grade determined under this standard?
The standard classifies refrigerators into 10 categories based on compartment characteristics (e.g., no-star compartment, X-star compartment, chest freezer, wine cooler). The energy efficiency grade (1 to 5) is determined by calculating the standard or total energy efficiency index, which is the ratio of the appliance's energy consumption to the baseline energy consumption.
The summary above provides a high-level overview of GB 12021.2-2025. To ensure complete compliance for your products entering the Chinese market, a precise and professional translation of the full technical specifications is essential. Purchase our high-quality English translation of GB 12021.2-2025 today to access all detailed parameters, calculation tables, and testing procedures.
Applicability hints
- Type
- Management
- CCS
- F01
- ICS
- 27.010
- Competent department
- Standardization Administration of China
- Technical committee
- National Technical Committee on Energy Fundamentals and Management of Standardization Administration of China
Relationships
Replaces:GB 12021.2-2015