Overview
ISO 23953-2:2023 - Refrigerated display cabinets - Part 2: Classification, requirements and test conditions defines performance, construction characteristics and test methods for refrigerated display cabinets used in the sale and display of foodstuffs. The standard sets out how to classify cabinets, what manufacturer-declared characteristics are required, and the laboratory test conditions and procedures used to verify performance. It is part of the ISO 23953 series and excludes refrigerated vending machines, commercial beverage coolers (ISO 22044), ice cream freezers (ISO 22043), storage-only cabinets and non‑retail catering equipment. It does not address health & safety, ergonomics or prescribe food storage temperatures.
Key topics and technical requirements
ISO 23953-2:2023 covers a comprehensive set of technical subjects and test methods, including:
- Construction and materials
- Requirements for cabinet structure, materials and thermal insulation that impact performance.
- Refrigeration and electrical components
- Requirements for refrigerating systems (compression and indirect types), condensers and electrical components, including temperature display requirements.
- Operating characteristics
- Classification by temperature range, defrost behaviour, absence of odour/taste, water vapour condensation control.
- Energy performance
- Energy consumption and specific energy consumption measurement methods and rating procedures.
- Testing framework
- Tests outside the test room (seal tests, dimensions, areas) and inside the test room (preparation, standard test conditions, temperature tests, condensation tests, electrical energy consumption tests, and heat extraction measurement for remote condensing units).
- Marking and manufacturer information
- Load limits, marking plate requirements and a list of declared characteristics to be supplied by the manufacturer.
- Annexes
- Includes normative and informative annexes such as total display area (TDA) calculation, laboratory vs in‑store comparisons, odour/taste tests, energy rating procedures and coefficient tables.
Practical applications and who uses this standard
ISO 23953-2:2023 is essential for:
- Manufacturers designing and certifying refrigerated display cabinets to demonstrate performance and declare characteristics.
- Test laboratories performing standardized performance and energy tests.
- Retailers and procurement teams comparing cabinet performance, energy consumption and suitability for specific display applications.
- Regulators and certification bodies establishing compliance, product labeling and energy rating schemes.
- Design engineers and energy auditors evaluating refrigeration system choices, insulation and defrost strategies.
Using this standard helps ensure consistent, repeatable performance verification, supports energy-efficient product selection, and facilitates transparent product information for buyers and compliance authorities.
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 23953-2:2023, refrigerated display cabinets, classification requirements test conditions, energy consumption, temperature test, performance testing, display cabinet standards.