الهيئة السعودية للمواصفات والمقاييس والجودة  
Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Org(SASO)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DRAFT  OF UPDATING OF SASO  2874/0000   
 
 
 
 
 
LARGE CAPACITY AIR CONDITIONERS  –  
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS AND METHODS 
OF TESTING 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ICS:  23.120   ,  27.080  
This document is a draft Saudi Standard circulated for comments. It is, 
therefore, subject to alteration and modification and may not be referred to as a 
Saudi Standard until approved by SASO.
SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 2874 :0000  
1 
 Content  
 
1. SCOPE  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 3 
2. NORMATIVE REFERENCES  ................................ ................................ ...........................  4 
3. TER MS AND DEFINITIONS  ................................ ................................ .............................  5 
4. TESTING REQUIREMENTS  ................................ ................................ ..........................  11 
4.1 Voltages and frequency  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 11 
4.2 Reference test conditions at full load operation  ................................ ............................  11 
4.3 Maximum operating temperature requirements  ................................ ..........................  12 
4.4 Reference test conditions and calculation method for  partial load operation  ............  13 
4.5 Declaration of the rated cooling capacity  ................................ ................................ ....... 13 
4.6 Declaration of the rated EER, SEER, IEER, IPLV and NsensCOP  ...........................  13 
5. MINIMUM ENERGY PERFORMANCE STANDARD (MEPS)  ................................ . 13 
6. PARTIAL LOAD RATING  ................................ ................................ ..............................  13 
7. CRITERIA FOR ACCEPTABILITY OF PRODUCTS AT REGISTRATION AND 
MARKET SURVEILLANCE  ................................ ................................ ...............................  25 
8. MARKING AND INSTRUCTIONS  ................................ ................................ .................  25 
8.1 General  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............................  25 
8.2 Information on the nameplate  ................................ ................................ .........................  25 
8.3 Instruction sheet  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  25 
8.4 Ad ditional submittals  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 26 
9. REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS  ................................ ................................ .............  26 
 
  SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 2874 :0000  
2 
 Introduction  
All requirements outlined in this document shall supersede the requirements of the previous 
standard: SASO -2874 “AIR CONDITIONERS - MINIMUM ENERGY PERFORMANCE 
REQUIREMENTS AND TESTING REQUIRMENTS”. This standard was updated to:  
 
1- Update the Energy Efficien cy Ratio (EER) Minimum Energy Performance Standard 
(MEPS) requirements, based on the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and 
Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE:2022) values.  
2- Introduce the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) metric, based on the 
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) reference standard.  
3- Introduce partial load rating metrics (Integrated Energy Efficiency Ratio (IEER) and 
Integrated Part Load Value (IPLV)), based on the Air -Conditioning, Heating, and 
Refrigeration Inst itute (AHRI) reference standards for all partial -load rating 
conditions.  
4- Changes to close control air conditioners type to cover Ceiling -mounted, Floor -
Mounted air conditioners and condensing units serving computer rooms.  
  SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 2874 :0000  
3 
 1. SCOPE  
This standard specifies  the Minimum Energy Performance standard (MEPS) and testing 
requirements for large capacity air conditioners for the following main product categories:  
 Electrically operated air conditioners.  
 Condensing units.  
 Chillers.  
 Absorption chillers.  
 Electrically op erated variable refrigerant flow (VRF) air conditioners.  
 Ceiling -mounted, Floor -Mounted air conditioners and condensing units serving computer 
rooms . 
The standard applies to air conditioners designed to operate with single -phase circuits or 
Three -phase cir cuits (Frequency of 60 Hz):  
Note 1: Air  conditioners having special voltages, not under the scope of this standard, shall be 
subject to SASO approval, in condition that they do not exceed 600 V.  
 
Note 2: Voltages of Water -cooled chillers up to 15,000 V are  included in the scope of this 
standard.  
 
Air conditioners categories, capacities, and reference testing standards falling under the scope 
of this standard are detailed in c lause 5.  
Exclusions : 
 Air conditioners not specified in clause 5.  
 Single Package Vertical Air -conditioner (SPVAC)  
 Direct Expansion -Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DX -DOAS) Units  
 Portable (mobile) Air conditioners  
 Process Cooling Chiller  
 Desert Cooler  
 Explosion proof air conditioner  
 Swimming pool air conditioner  
 Air conditioners that are covered under the scope of the latest version of SASO 2663 
standard: ”Air conditioners minimum energy performance, labelling and testing 
requirements for low capacity window type and single -split.”  
  SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 2874 :0000  
4 
 2. NORMATIVE REFERENCES  
The following  normative  referenc e testing standards apply. However, this standard supersedes 
the below reference testing standards in case of conflicting requirements. For dated reference 
testing standards, only the edition cited applies. For undated reference testing standards, the 
latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.  
 
 AHRI 340/360:2022 : “Performance Rating of Commercial and Industrial Unitary Air -
Conditioning and Heat Pump Equipment”.  
 AHRI 365:2009 :“Commercial and Industrial Unitary Air -Condition ing Condensing 
Units”.  
 AHRI 550/590:2023 : “Performance Rating of Water -Chilling and Heat Pump Water -
Heating Packages Using the Vapor Compression Cycle”.  
 AHRI 560:2023 : Performance Rating of Water -cooled Lithium Bromide Absorption 
Water -chilling and Water -heating Packages.  
 AHRI 1230:2023 : “Performance Rating of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Multi -Split 
Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump Equipment”.  
 AHRI 1360:2022 : “Performance Rating of Computer and Data Processing Room Air 
Conditioners”.  
 ASHRAE 90.1:2022 : “Energy standard for Buildings Except Low -Rise Residential 
Buildings”.  
 SASO GSO 1899 : "GCC Standard Voltages and Frequencies for Alternating Current 
Distribution Systems".  
 SASO ISO 15042:2017 : “Multiple split -system air conditioners and air to air heat pumps  
– Testing and rating for performance“.  
 SASO 2663 : “Air conditioners minimum energy performance, labelling and testing 
requirements for low -capacity window type and single -split”.  
 SASO ISO 5151 : “Non -ducted air conditioners and heat pumps — Testing and rat ing for 
performance“.  
 SASO ISO 13253 : “Ducted air -conditioners and air to air heat pumps – Testing and rating 
for performance“.  
 
  SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 2874 :0000  
5 
 3. TERMS AND DEFINITIONS  
For the purposes of this Standard, the following terms and definitions shall apply.  
 
3.1 Absorption chillers  
A factory designed and prefabricated assembly employing water as the refrigerant and 
consisting of an evaporator, absorber, condenser, generator(s) and solution heat exchangers, 
with interconnections and accessories used for chilling o r heating water.  The package utilizes 
single or multiple reconcentration of an absorbent solution. The reconcentration of the 
absorbent are known as effects.  A single effect package employs one step reconcentration of 
the absorbent in the generator.  Wat er vapor is released after the heat energy is introduced into 
the generator.  The concentrated absorbent is returned to the absorber where it can absorb 
water vapor flashed off in the evaporator.  A double effect package employs a two -step 
reconcentration of the absorbent through the use of an additional high temperature generator.  
An absorption package can be further defined by the following:  
 
3.1.1 Direct fired package  
This type of package reconcentrates  the absorbent from heat energy through the combustion 
of natural gas, LP gas or oil.  
 
3.1.2 Indirect fired package  
This type of package reconcentrates the absorbent from heat energy from steam or hot water.  
 
3.2 Adjustment factor (Kadj)  
Factor used to ada pt the performance of air conditioning not designed for operation testing 
condition.  
 
3.3  Ceiling -mounted Unit.  
A type of   and Data Processing Room Air Conditioners (CDPR) with an Indoor Unit 
marketed to be installed above a dropped ceiling inside a building with one airflow direction 
through the unit (horizontal) and multiple airflow connections. Discharge from the unit 
consists of either Ducted Discharge or Free Air Discharge. Return to the unit consists of either 
Ducted Return or Free Air Return.  
 
3.4 Chillers  
A factory -made and prefabricated assembly (not necessarily shipped as one package) of one 
or more compressors, condensers and evaporators, with interconnections and accessories 
designed for the purpose of cooling or heating water.  It is a mac hine specifically designed to 
make use of a vapor compression refrigeration cycle to remove heat from water and reject the 
heat to a cooling medium, usually air or water.  The refrigerant condenser may or may not be 
an integral part of the package.  
 
3.5 Condensing units  
A factory -made assembly of refrigeration components designed to compress and liquefy a 
specific refrigerant.  It consists of one or more refrigerant compressors, refrigerant condensers SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 2874 :0000  
6 
 (air-cooled, evaporatively – cooled, and/or water -cooled ), condenser fans and motors (where 
used) and factory -supplied accessories.  
 
3.6 Condenser  
A refrigeration system component which condenses refrigerant vapor. Desuperheating and 
sub-cooling of the refrigerant may occur as well.  
 
3.6.1 Air-cooled condense r  
A component which condenses refrigerant vapor by rejecting heat to air mechanically 
circulated over its heat transfer surface causing a rise in the air temperature.  
  
3.6.2 Evaporatively -cooled condenser  
A component which condenses refrigerant vapor by rejecting heat to a water and air mixture 
mechanically circulated over its heat transfer surface, causing evaporation of the water and an 
increase in the enthalpy of the air.  
 
3.6.3 Water -cooled condenser  
A component which utilizes refrigerant -to-water h eat transfer means, causing the refrigerant 
to condense and the water to be heated.  
 
3.7 Computer and  Data Processing Room Air Conditioner (CDPR)  
An air conditioning unit specifically marketed for cooling Data Centers and ITE that consist 
of one or more factory -made assemblies, that include a direct expansion evaporator or chilled 
water -cooling coil, an air -moving device(s) and air -filtering device(s). The air conditioner can 
include a compressor, condenser, Humidifier, or reheating function. Functions al one or in 
combination with a cooling plant, can include providing air filtration, air circulation, cooling, 
and humidity control if the necessary options are included for humidity control.  
 
3.8 Desert Cooler  
A device that cools air through the evaporation of water. Evaporative cooling differs from 
typical air conditioning systems, which use vapor -compression or absorption refrigeration 
cycles.  
 
3.9 Direct Expansion -Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DX -DOAS) Units  
A type of air -cooled, evaporatively -cooled, or w ater-cooled air -conditioner, or an air -source 
or water source heat pump, that is a factory assembled product designed and marketed and 
sold to provide ventilation and dehumidification of 100 % Outdoor Air.  
 
3.10 Ducted air conditioners  
An air conditioner model configuration where the indoor side is situated remote to the space 
to be conditioned.  The conditioned air is supplied or extracted via a duct.  
 
 
 SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 2874 :0000  
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 3.11 Electrically operated unitary air conditioners  
One or more factory -made assemblies, which normall y include a cooling coil, an air moving 
device, a compressor(s) and condenser combination, and may include a heating function as 
well.  Where such equipment is provided in more than one assembly, the separate assemblies 
shall be designed to be used togethe r, and the requirements of rating outlined in this standard 
shall be based upon the use of matched assemblies.  These assemblies are electrically 
operated, vapor compression refrigeration systems.  
 
3.12 Electrically Operated Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF)  air conditioners  
An engineered direct expansion (DX) multi -split system incorporating at least one variable 
capacity compressor distributing refrigerant through a piping network to multiple indoor fan 
coil units each capable of individual zone temperature  control, through proprietary zone 
temperature control devices and common communications network.  Variable refrigerant flow 
implies three or more steps of control on common, inter -connecting piping.  
 
3.13 Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)  
A ratio of the Cooli ng Capacity in Btu/h to the power input values in watts at any given set of 
rating conditions.  
 
3.14 Explosion proof air conditioner  
An HVAC unit needs to be able to withstand any explosion from within its housing .  
3.15 Floor -mounted unit  
A type of CDPR with an Indoor Unit that is marketed to be installed on a raised floor, floor 
stand, or a solid floor inside the building. These have two airflow configuration options: 
direction and connection. Each unit can be a combination of one directio n and two 
connections (one Discharge from unit and one Return to unit). Discharge from the unit 
consists of either Ducted Discharge, Free Air Discharge, or Raised Floor Plenum Discharge. 
Return to the unit consists of either Ducted Return, Free Air Return,  or Raised Floor Plenum 
Return Flow direction of the Floor -mounted Unit consists of either:  
3.15.1 Downflow  
A Floor -mounted Unit where return air enters above the top of the cooling coil and discharge 
air leaves below the bottom of the cooling coil.  
3.15. 2 Horizontal -flow 
A Floor -mounted Unit that is neither a Downflow nor an Upflow unit.  
3.15.3 Upflow  
A Floor -mounted Unit where return air enters below the bottom of the cooling coil and 
discharge air leaves above the top of the cooling coil.  
 
 
 
 SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 2874 :0000  
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 3.16 Integ rated Part -Load Value (IPLV)  
A single -number figure of merit based on part -load EER, expressing part -load efficiency for 
air-conditioning and heat pump equipment on the basis of weighted operation at various load 
capacities for the equipment.  
 
3.17  Integrated Energy Efficiency Ratio (IEER)  
A single -number figure of merit based on part -load EER, expressing part -load efficiency for 
air-conditioning and heat pump equipment on the basis of weighted operation at various load 
capacities for the equipment.  
 
3.18 Maximum operating conditions  
The maximum allowable working conditions that a system, a part of a system or equipment is 
designed to and/or can withstand.  
 
3.19 Net sensible cooling capacity  
The rate, expressed in Btu/h or kW, or both, where the equipment removes sensible heat from 
the air passing through the unit under specified conditions of operation, including the fan 
energy dissipated into the conditioned space.  
 
3.20 Net Sensible Coefficient of Performance (NSensCOP)  
A ratio of the Net Sensi ble Cooling Capacity in kilowatts to the total power input in kilowatts 
(excluding reheaters and Humidifiers) at any given set of Rating Conditions.  
 
3.21 Non-ducted air conditioner  
An air conditioner model configuration where the indoor side is situated partly or wholly 
within the space to be conditioned.  The conditioned air is supplied and extracted directly to 
and from the conditioned space.  
 
3.22 Portable (mobile) air conditioners  
A mobile self -contained air conditioner model that can be moved from pl ace to place.  
 
3.23 Process Cooling Chiller  
Process Cooling Chillers provide cooling or extract heat mainly from a fluid required for 
dedicated process, maintain temperature during a process or cool an equipment or its 
components. Process chiller applicati ons require operating duty that is beyond the domain of 
AHRI standard rating conditions , also includes additional accessories like water pumps , 
heater exchangers , expansion tank & water pipes.  
 
3.24 Rated cooling capacity  
The rated capacity claimed by the manufacturer of an air conditioner model determined as per 
the relevant testing and rating standard.  
 
Note: Conversion factor: 1000 Btu/h equals 0.293 kW . 
 
 SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 2874 :0000  
9 
 3.25 Rated power  
Effective power input of the air conditioner model as claimed by the manufacturer during the 
determination of rated cooling capacity and rated heating capacity, as applicable.  
 
3.26 Rated voltage  
The electric potential or potential difference claimed by the manufacturer of an air conditioner 
model fo r which a piece of equipment is designed.  
 
3.27 Rated frequency  
The number of cycles per second through which an alternating electric current pass as claimed 
by the manufacturer of an air conditioner model.  
 
3.28 Single Package Vertical Air -conditioner (SP VAC)  
 A type of air -cooled small or large package air conditioning and heating equipment; factory 
assembled as a single package having its major components arranged vertically, which is an 
encased combination of cooling and optional heating components. Thi s equipment is intended 
for exterior mounting on, adjacent interior to, or through, an outside wall. It may contain 
separate indoor grille(s), outdoor louvers, various ventilation options, indoor free air 
discharge, indoor ductwork, wall plenum or sleeve. Heating components may include 
electrical resistance, steam, hot water, gas or no heat, but shall not include reverse cycle 
refrigeration as a heating means. SPVAC, either alone or in combination with a heating plant, 
shall provide air -circulation, air -cleaning, cooling with controlled temperature and 
dehumidification, and may include the function of heating, humidifying and ventilation.  
 
3.29 Split system  
An air conditioner with separate indoor and outdoor components that are connected with 
refrigerant pip ing.  The indoor unit usually lies within the conditioned space and may be 
installed or portable/mobile.  
 
3.30 SASO registration system  
The registration system used by SASO consist of a web application where an applicant 
(manufacture/importer/…) can record  all information needed to identify the product and 
required evidence to enter the Saudi market. Information is submitted through the application 
to SASO for verification.  
 
3.31 Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER)  
Cooling Seasonal Performance Factor (CSPF) multiplied by 3.412 (Unit: Btu/(W.h)).  
 
3.31.1 Cooling Seasonal Performance Factor (CSPF)  
Ratio of the total annual amount of heat that the equipment can remove from the indoor air 
when operated for cooling in active mode to the total annual amoun t of energy consumed by 
the equipment during the same period.  
 
 
 SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 2874 :0000  
10 
 3.32  VRF Air -source System.  
A VRF Heat Pump with Single Module or Combined Module Outdoor Units that have air -to-
refrigerant heat exchangers.  
 
3.33  VRF Heat Recovery System.  
A VRF Air -source System or VRF Water -source Heat Pump capable of providing 
simultaneous heating and cooling operation through a Heat Recovery Control Unit, where 
recovered energy from the Indoor Units operating in one mode can be transferred to one or 
more other Indoor Units operating in the other mode.  
 
3.34 Water -chilling or Water -heating Package.  
A factory -made and prefabricated assembly (not necessarily shipped as one package) of one 
or more compressors, Condensers and Evaporators, with interconnections and accessories 
designed for the purpose of cooling or heating water. It is a machine specifically designed to 
make use of a vapor compression refrigeration cycle to remove heat from water and reject the 
heat to a cooling medium, usually air or water. The refr igerant Condenser can be an integral 
or separate part of the package.   SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 2874 :0000  
11 
 4. TESTING REQUIREMENTS  
 
4.1 Voltages and frequency  
Products are tested under the rated voltage and rated frequency (60Hz) according to SASO 
GSO 1899, for equipment with dual rated frequencies (50 -60 Hz), the equipment shall be 
tested at 60 Hz.  
If the tested voltage is not mentioned in the reference testing standards, Table 1 below shall be 
applied:  
 
Table 1 – Voltages for capacity and performance tests  
Rated voltage a 
V Test voltage b 
V 
90 to 109  
110 to 127  
180 to 207  
208 to 253  
254 to 341  
342 to 420  
421 to 506  
507 to 633  100 
115 
200 
230 
265 
400 
460 
575 
a For equipment with dual voltage, such as 115/230 and 220/440, the test voltage would be 115 V and 230 V 
in the first example, and 230 V and 460 V in the second example. For equipment with an extended voltage 
range, such as 110 V to 120 V or 220 V to 240 V , the test voltage would be 115 V or 230 V respectively. 
Where the extended voltage range spans two or more of the rated voltage ranges, the mean of the rated 
voltage shall be used to determine the test voltage of this table.  
Example: For equipment with an  extended voltage range of 200 V to 220 V, the test voltage would be 230V, 
based on the mean voltage of 210 V.  
b The voltages in this table are for capacity and performance tests other than the maximum cooling 
performance tests.  
Note: For voltages over 600 and up to 15,000 V, admissible tested voltage is presented for 
each relevant standard.  
 
4.2 Reference test conditions at full load operation  
The reference testing conditions full load are presented in Table 2.  
 
Tests are perfor med according to the relevant reference testing standards corresponding to the 
type of air conditioners listed in Clause 5.  
 
For water -cooled systems, the reference testing conditions at full load are presented in the 
relevant reference testing standards f or each type of air conditioner.  SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 2874 :0000  
12 
 Table 2 –Reference testing conditions at full load  
Testing conditions  Indoor section  Outdoor section  
Dry-Bulb  
oC Wet-Bulb oC 
(when 
applicable)  Dry-Bulb  
oC Wet-Bulb oC 
(when 
applicable)  
Temperature T1  27.0 19.0 35.0 24.0 
Temperature T3  29.0 19.0 46.0 24.0 
4.3 Maximum operating temperature requirements    
4.3.1 Scope for the test of operability at 52 oC 
The test is applicable to air conditioners covered by Clause 5 when the entering fluid to the 
outdoor unit (condenser) is air..  
 
Note: If not described in the reference standards listed in Clause 5 and applicable to the tested 
product the following procedure applies   
 
4.3.2 Temperature conditions   
Temperature conditions shall be set as presented in Table 3.  
 
Table 3 –Reference testing conditions of operability at 52 oC 
Testing conditions  Indoor section  Outdoor section  
Dry-Bulb  
oC Wet-Bulb oC 
(when 
applicable)  Dry-Bulb  
oC Wet-Bulb oC 
(when applicable)  
Operability at 52 
oC 32 23 52.0 31.0 
4.3.3   Procedure and measurements  
 Equipment  shall be operated continuously for one hours at the temperature conditions and 
voltage(s) specified.  
 All power to the equipment shall be interrupted for a minimum period of five seconds and 
a maximum period of seven seconds an d then be restored.  
 The unit shall resume continuous operation within one hour of restoration of power and 
shall then operate continuously for one hour. Operation and resetting of safety devices 
prior to establishment of continuous operation is permitted.  
 Air volume rate is based on specification from manufacturer.  
 When relevant, the external static pressure shall be greater than or equal to the minimum 
external static pressure defined for the measurements at T1, as described in the 
corresponding standard p er type of units as presented in Clause 5.  
The average cooling capacity of the units during the test shall be reported.  
 
4.3.4 Tolerances for high temperature operating test  
The tolerance for outdoor temperature is ±0.6 oC. SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 2874 :0000  
13 
 4.4 Reference test conditions a nd calculation method for partial load operation  
For Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), testing conditions and calculation method 
mentioned in SASO 2663 shall be applied.  
 
For Integrated Part Load Value (IPLV) and Integrated Energy Efficiency Ratio (IEER), 
testing conditions and calculation method mentioned in the reference testing standards listed 
in Clause 5 shall be applied.  
 
4.5 Declaration of the rated cooling capacity  
The declaration of the rated cooling capacity CC rated shall be expressed in terms of Btu/h as 
presented in Table 4 . 
 
Table 4 - Rules to express the rated cooling capacity.  
Rated cooling capacity  
(Btu/h)  Multiples  
(Btu/h)  
CC rated <20,000  100 
20,000 ≤ CC rated <38,000  200 
38,000 ≤ CC rated <70,000  500 
70,000 ≤ CC rated <135,000  1,000  
135,000 ≤ CC rated <400,000  2,000  
400,000 ≤ CC rated 5,000  
 
4.6 Declaration of the rated EER, SEER, IEER, IPLV and NsensCOP  
Values of energy efficiency, whenever published, shall be expressed as presented below:  
 
 For the rated EER and SEER, multiples of the nearest 0.05 Btu/(W.h)  
 For the rated IEER and IPLV, multiples of the nearest 0.1 Btu/(W.h)  
 For the rated NsensCOP, multiples of the nearest 0.01 (W/W)  
5. MINIMUM ENERGY PERFORMANCE STANDARD (MEPS)  
The Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS) requirements for air conditioners 
within the scope of this standard are based on the rated EER at T1 testing conditions, or 
NsensCOP for floor -mounted A/C and condensing units serving computer rooms.  
 
MEPS for air conditioners w ithin the scope of this standard are presented in Tables 5 through 
12. 
 
6. PARTIAL LOAD RATING  
Air conditioners within the scope of this standard shall submit the Partial Load Rating as 
presented in Tables 5 through 10 as applicable.  
 SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 2874 :0000  
14 
 Table 5 – MEPS for el ectrically operated unitary air conditioning1 
Air 
conditioner 
type Rated cooling capacity  
(Btu/h)  Testing 
method  MEPS  
 Rated EER at 
T1 
(Btu/W.h)  Partial 
Load 
Rating  
Air 
conditioners,  
air cooled  ≤ 65,000 (excluding 
window, split ducted, and 
split non-ducted)  SASO ISO 
5151  
Or 
SASO ISO 
13253  11.2 SEER  
> 65,000 and < 135,000  
AHRI 
340/360  
 11.2 
IEER  ≥ 135,000 and < 240,000  11.0 
≥ 240,000 and < 760,000  10.0 
≥ 760,000  9.7 
Air 
conditioners,  
water cooled  ≤ 65,000  
AHRI 
340/360  12.1 
> 65,000 and < 135,000  12.1 
≥ 135,000 and < 240,000  12.5 
≥ 240,000 and < 760,000  12.4 
≥ 760,000  12.2 
Air 
conditioners,  
evaporatively 
cooled  ≤ 65,000  
AHRI 
340/360  12.1 
> 65,000 and < 135,000  12.1 
≥ 135,000 and < 240,000  12.0 
≥ 240,000 and < 760,000  11.9 
≥ 760,000  11.7 
  
                                                 
1 Values apply when the unit has no heating section or when the heating section is electrical resistance type, for all 
other type deduct 0.2 from the MEPS values.  
 SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 2874 :0000  
15 
 Table 6 – MEPS for electrically operated heat pump1 
Air 
Conditioner 
Type  Rated cooling 
capacity  
(Btu/h)  Testing method  MEPS  
 Rated EER at 
T1 
(Btu/W.h)  Partial 
load 
rating  
Air 
conditioners,  
air cooled  
(cooling 
mode)  ≤ 65,000 (excluding 
window, split ducted, 
and split non -ducted)  SASO ISO 5151  
Or 
SASO ISO 13253  11.0 SEER  
> 65,000 and < 
135,000  
AHRI 340/360  
 11.0 
IEER  ≥ 135,000 and < 
240,000  10.6 
≥ 240,000  9.5 
  
                                                 
1 Values apply when the unit has no heating section or when the heating section is electrical resistance type, for 
all other type deduct 0.2 from the MEPS values.  SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 2874 :0000  
16 
 Table 7 – MEPS for condensing units  
Air 
Conditioner 
Type  Rated cooling 
capacity  
(Btu/h)  Testing 
method  MEPS  
 Rated EER at T1  
(Btu/W.h)  Partial 
load 
rating  
Condensing 
units, air 
cooled  
≥ 135,000  AHRI 365  10.5 
IEER  Condensing 
units, water 
cooled  AHRI 365  13.5 
Condensing 
units, 
evaporatively 
cooled  AHRI 365  13.5 
  SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 2874 :0000  
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 1MEPS for chillers – Table 8  
Air 
Conditioner 
Type Rated cooling capacity 
(Btu/h )  Testing 
method MEPS 
 Rated EER at T1 
(Btu/W.h )  Partial 
load 
rating 
Air-cooled 
chillers < 1,800,000 
AHRI 
550/590 9.7 
IPLV ≥ 1,800,000 9.7 
Water -cooled 
electrically 
operated, 
positive 
displacement < 900,000 15.4 
≥ 900,000   
and < 1,800,000 16.0 
≥ 1,800,000   
and < 3,600,000 17.7 
≥ 3,600,000   
and < 7,200,000 19.2 
≥ 7,200,000 20.5 
Water -cooled 
electrically 
operated, 
centrifugal < 1,800,000 17.3 
≥ 1,800,000   
and < 3,600,000 18.9 
≥ 3,600,000   
and < 4,800,000 20.2 
≥ 4,800,000 
 and < 7,200,000 20.5 
≥ 7,200,000 20.5 
  
                                                 
1 Use of the Kadj factor expressed in ASHRAE 90.1 Clause 6.4.1.2.1 is allowed for determinatio n of the rated 
EER at T1 conditions.  SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 2874 :0000  
18 
 1MEPS for absorption chillers – Table 9  
Air 
Conditioner 
Type Rated cooling 
capacity 
(Btu/h )  Testing 
method MEPS 
 Rated EER at T1 
(Btu/W.h )  Partial 
load 
rating 
Water -cooled 
absorption, 
single effect All capacities 
AHRI 560 2.4  
Absorption 
double effect, 
indirect fired All capacities 3.4 
IPLV 
Absorption 
double effect, 
direct fired All capacities 3.4 
  
                                                 
1 Use of the Kadj factor expressed in ASHRAE 90.1 Clause 6.4.1.2.1 is allowed for determination of the rated 
EER at T1 conditions.  SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 2874 :0000  
19 
  
Table 10 – MEPS for electrically operated variable refrigerant flow (VRF) and 
applied heat pumps1 
Air 
Conditioner 
Type  Rated cooling 
capacity  
(Btu/h)  Testing 
method  MEPS  
 Rated EER at T1  
(Btu/W.h)  Partial 
load rating  
VRF multi 
split air 
conditioners, 
air cooled  ≤ 65,000  ISO 15042  11.2 SEER  
> 65,000  
 and ≤ 135,000  
AHRI 
1230  10.5 
IEER  > 135,000  
 and ≤ 240,000  10.3 
> 240,000  9.5 
VRF multi 
split air 
conditioners, 
heat pumps  ≤ 65,000  ISO 15042  11.2 SEER  
> 65,000  
 and ≤ 135,000  
AHRI 
1230  10.3 
IEER  > 135,000  
 and ≤ 240,000  9.9 
> 240,000  9.1 
VRF multi 
split air 
conditioners, 
water cooled  ≤ 65,000  
AHRI 
1230  12.0 
IEER  > 65,000   
and ≤ 135,000 12.0 
> 135,000   
and ≤ 240,000  10.0 
> 240,000 10.0 
  
                                                 
1 For system with heat recovery, deduct 0.2 from MEPS values.  SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 2874 :0000  
20 
 Table 11 – MEPS for floor -mounted A/C and condensing units serving computer room  
Air 
Conditioner 
Type Standard 
Model Net Sensible   
Cooling Capacity 
(Btu/h )  MEPS 
Rated 
NsensCOP 
(W/W )  Rating 
Conditions 
Return Air   
(dry-bulb/dew -
point )  Testing 
method 
Air cooled  Downflow < 80,000 2.70 
Co 29.5 
Co 11/ 
(Class 2 )  
AHRI 
1360 ≥ 80,000   
and < 295,000 2.58 
≥ 295,000 2.36 
Upflow -
ducted < 80,000 2.67 
≥ 80,000   
 and < 295,000 2.55 
≥ 295,000 2.33 
Upflow -
nonducted < 65,000  2.16 Co 24 
Co 11/ 
(Class 1 )  ≥ 65,000  
 and < 2 40,000  2.04 
≥ 240,000  1.89 
Horizontal < 65,000 2.65 Co 35 
Co 11/  
(Class 3 )  ≥ 65,000   
 and < 240,000 2.55 
≥ 240,000 2.47 
Air cooled 
with fluid 
economizer Downflow < 80,000 2.70 
Co 29.5 
Co 11/ 
(Class 2 )  
AHRI 
1360 ≥ 80,000   
and < 295,000 2.58 
≥ 295,000 2.36 
Upflow -
ducted < 80,000 2.67 
≥ 80,000 
 and < 295,000 2.55 
≥ 295,000 2.33 
Upflow -
nonducted < 65,000 2.09 Co 24 
Co 11/ 
(Class 1 )  ≥ 65,000   
 and < 240,000 1.99 
≥ 240,000 1.81 
Horizontal < 65,000 2.65 Co 35 SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 2874 :0000  
21 
 ≥ 65,000 
 and < 240,000 2.55 Co 11/  
(Class 3 )  
≥ 240,000 2.47 
Water cooled Downflow < 80,000 2.82 
Co 29.5 
Co 11/ 
(Class 2 )  
AHRI 
1360 ≥ 80,000 
and < 295,000 2.73 
≥ 295,000 2.67 
Upflow -
ducted < 80,000 2.79 
≥ 80,000 
 and < 295,000 2.70 
≥ 295,000 2.64 
Upflow -
nonducted < 65,000 2.43 Co 24 
Co 11/ 
(Class 1 )  ≥ 65,000   
 and < 240,000 2.32 
≥ 240,000 2.20 
Horizontal < 65,000 2.79 
Co 35 
Co 11/  
(Class 3 )  ≥ 65,000   
and < 240,000  2.68 
≥ 240,000 2.6 
Water cooled 
with fluid 
economizer Downflow < 80,000 2.77 
Co 29.5 
Co 11/ 
(Class 2 )  
AHRI 
1360 ≥ 80,000   
and < 295,000 2.68 
≥ 295,000 2.61 
Upflow -
ducted < 80,000  
2.74 
≥ 80,000   
and < 295,000 2.65 
≥ 295,000 2.58 
Upflow -
nonducted < 65,000 2.35 Co 24 
Co 11/ 
(Class 1 )  ≥ 65,000   
 and < 240,000 2.24 
≥ 240,000 2.12 
Horizontal < 65,000 2.71 Co 35 
Co 11/  
(Class 3 )  ≥ 65,000   
and < 240,000 2.60 SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 2874 :0000  
22 
 ≥ 240,000 2.54 
Glycol cooled Downflow < 80,000 2.56 
Co 29.5 
Co 11/ 
(Class 2 )  
AHRI 
1360 ≥ 80,000   
and < 295,000 2.24 
≥ 295,000 2.21 
Upflow -
ducted < 80,000 2.53 
≥ 80,000   
and < 295,000 2.21 
≥ 295,000 2.18 
Upflow -
nonducted < 65,000 2.08 Co 24 
Co 11/ 
(Class 1 )  ≥ 65,000   
 and < 240,000 1.90 
≥ 240,000 1.81 
Horizontal < 65,000 2.48  
 
Co 35 
Co 11/  
(Class 3 )  
 ≥ 65,000   
and < 240,000 2.18 
≥ 240,000 2.18 
Glycol cooled 
with fluid 
economizer Downflow < 80,000 2.51 
Co 29.5 
Co 11/ 
(Class 2 )  
AHRI 
1360 ≥ 80,000   
and < 295,000 2.19 
≥ 295,000 2.15 
Upflow -
ducted < 80,000 2.48 
≥ 80,000   
and < 295,000 2.16 
≥ 295,000 2.12 
Upflow -
nonducted < 65,000 2.00 Co 24 
Co 11/ 
(Class 1 )  ≥ 65,000   
 and < 240,000 1.82 
≥ 240,000 1.73 
Horizontal < 65,000 2.44 Co 35 
Co 11/  
(Class 3 )  ≥ 65,000   
and < 240,000 2.10 
≥ 240,000 2.10 
  SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 2874 :0000  
23 
 Table 12 – MEPS for ceiling -mounted computer room A/C  
Air 
Conditioner 
Type Standard 
Model Net Sensible   
Cooling Capacity 
(Btu/h )  MEPS 
Rated 
NsensCOP 
(W/W )  Rating 
Conditions 
Return Air   
(dry-bulb/dew -
point )  Testing 
method 
Air cooled  
with fresh air 
discharge 
condenser Ducted < 29,000  2.05 
Co 24 
Co 11/ 
(Class 1 )  AHRI 
1360 ≥ 29,000  
 and < 65,000  2.02 
≥ 65,000  1.92 
Nond ucted  < 29,000  2.08 
≥ 29,000  
 and < 65,000  2.05 
≥ 65,000  1.94 
Air cooled  
with free air 
discharge 
condenser 
with fluid 
economizer Ducted < 29,000  2.01 
Co 24 
Co 11/ 
(Class 1 )  AHRI 
1360 ≥ 29,000  
 and < 65,000  1.97 
≥ 65,000  1.87 
Nond ucted  < 29,000  2.04 
≥ 29,000  
 and < 65,000  2.00 
≥ 65,000  1.89 
Air cooled 
with ducted 
condenser Ducted < 29,000  1.86 
Co 24 
Co 11/ 
(Class 1 )  AHRI 
1360 ≥ 29,000  
 and < 65,000  1.83 
≥ 65,000  1.73 
Nond ucted  < 29,000  1.89 
≥ 29,000  
 and < 65,000  1.86 
≥ 65,000  1.75 
Air cooled 
with fluid 
economizer 
and ducted 
condenser Ducted < 29,000  1.82 
Co 24 
Co 11/ 
(Class 1 )  AHRI 
1360 ≥ 29,000  
 and < 65,000  1.78 
≥ 65,000  1.68 
Nond ucted  < 29,000  1.85 SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 2874 :0000  
24 
 ≥ 29,000  
 and < 65,000  1.81 
≥ 65,000  1.70 
Water  cooled  Ducted < 29,000  2.38 
Co 24 
Co 11/ 
(Class 1 )  AHRI 
1360 ≥ 29,000  
 and < 65,000  2.28 
≥ 65,000  2.18 
Nond ucted  < 29,000  2.41 
≥ 29,000  
 and < 65,000  2.31 
≥ 65,000  2.20 
Water  cooled  
with fluid 
economizer Ducted < 29,000  2.33 
Co 24 
Co 11/ 
(Class 1 )  AHRI 
1360 ≥ 29,000  
 and < 65,000  2.23 
≥ 65,000  2.13 
Nond ucted  < 29,000  2.36 
≥ 29,000  
 and < 65,000  2.26 
≥ 65,000  2.16 
Glycol cooled  Ducted < 29,000  1.97 
Co 24 
Co 11/ 
(Class 1 )  AHRI 
1360 ≥ 29,000  
 and < 65,000  1.93 
≥ 65,000  1.78 
Nond ucted  < 29,000  2.00 
≥ 29,000  
 and < 65,000  1.98 
≥ 65,000  1.81 
Glycol cooled  
with fluid 
economizer Ducted < 29,000  1.92 
Co 24 
Co 11/ 
(Class 1 )  AHRI 
1360 ≥ 29,000  
 and < 65,000  1.88 
≥ 65,000  1.73 
Nond ucted  < 29,000  1.95 
≥ 29,000  
 and < 65,000  1.93 
≥ 65,000  1.76 
 SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 2874 :0000  
25 
 7. CRITERIA FOR ACCEPTABILITY OF PRODUCTS AT REGISTRATION AND 
MARKET SURVEILLANCE   
The tested values shall be accepted if they meet the following criteria, as applicable :  
 
a) Tested  power .…………….............…......…......…...........≤  1.05 x rated  power.  
b) Tested cooling capacity …………………….…...…………≥ 0.95 x rated capacity.  
c) Tested  EER (or NsensCOP)   ……………………...…….  ≥  MEPS.  
d) Tested  EER (or NsensCOP)   …………….  ≥  0.95  x rated  EER (or Rated NsensCOP)  
e) Tested voltage according to clause 4.1  
f) Tested Frequency according to clause 4.1  
8. MARKING AND INSTRUCTIONS  
 
8.1 General  
The following information shall be marked on the name plate of the air conditioner, in Arabic 
or English or both. The marking shall not be on a detachable part of the unit and shall be 
indelible, durable, and easily legible .  
 
Any information related to energy performance added on any part of the air condition er unit 
or packaging shall not have any ambiguity or lead to misunderstanding of the performance of 
the unit .  
 
8.2 Information on the nameplate  
The information on the nameplate shall include as a minimum :  
 
 Manufacturer’s name and/or trademark  
 Year and month of manufacturing.  
 Country of origin.  
 Manufacturer’s model or type reference and serial number of the unit.  
 Rated voltage or rated voltage range in volts (V).  
 Rated frequency in hertz (Hz).  
 For each of cooling and heating test conditions as per the relevant reference testing 
standard (If applicable):  
a) Rated current in amperes (A).  
b) Rated power input in Watt (W) or kilowatts (kW).  
c) Rated cooling capacity in Btu/h or kW, tons or kW for Chillers only.  
d) Rated heating capacity in Btu/h or kW.  
e) Rated Energy Eff iciency Ratio (EER) in Btu/(W.h).  
f) Rated Net Sensible Coefficient of Performance (NSensCOP) in (W/W).  
g) Refrigerant used and mass of refrigerant charge in kg.  
8.3 Instruction sheet  
An instruction sheet in both Arabic and English shall be delivered with each air conditioner. 
Tables, drawings, and circuit diagrams may be depicted in English only.  
 
In addition, a manual in Arabic or English or both shall be delivered with each air conditioner.    SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 2874 :0000  
26 
  
The instruction sheet or manual shall include the following info rmation as a minimum :  
 
 The information specified in clause 8.2.  
 Dimensions of the unit and its method of mounting.  
 Minimum clearances between the various parts of the unit and the surrounding 
framework.  
 Instructions necessary for the correct operation of t he unit and any special precautions to 
be observed to ensure its safe use and maintenance.  
 Instruction for packing and unpacking the unit.  
 Instructions on unit handling and rigging.  
 Weight of the unit, both the net and the gross.  
 Refrigeration charging instructions, including charging and discharging refrigerant.  
8.4 Additional submittals  
In case of air conditioners required to provide a partial load SEER rating, the AC settings for 
full load, half load and minimum load operation, shall be submitted, as  applicable, through th e 
registration system electronically via SASO website .  
 
9. REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS  
Product registration is mandatory, whereby information about registration requirements are 
available in the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO) website .  
 
In order to issue a valid energy efficiency certificate, The applicant should fulfill all updated 
regulations, requirements and procedures required by SASO through the certification scheme 
of large capacity air conditioners .