Kingdom of Bahrain Technical Regulation on Commercial  
Air-Conditioners  
 
 
 
Minimum Energy Performance Requirements  
And Testing Requirements  
 Table of Contents  
1. Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  2 
1.1 Exclusions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............................  2 
2. Normative references  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  2 
3. Terms and Definitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  4 
3.8 Conden sing Units  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  5 
3.26.2  Should  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................  8 
3.27 VRF multiple air to air - air split system  ................................ ................................ ...............  8 
3.28 VRF heat recovery multiple split system  ................................ ................................ ..............  8 
3.29 Water Chilling or Water -Heating Package  ................................ ................................ ...........  8 
4. Testing Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  8 
4.1 Reference test conditions ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 8 
4.2 Declaration of the rated cooling capacity  ................................ ................................ .........  10 
4.3 Declaration of the rated Energy Efficiency Ratio or Coefficient of Performance  ..............  11 
5. Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS)  ................................ ................................ .... 11 
5.1 Applicable values for MEPS  ................................ ................................ ............................  11 
5.2 MEPS for Electrically operated Unitary Air -Conditioners  ................................ .................  12 
5.4 MEPS for Chillers  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  14 
5.5 MEPS for Absorption chillers  ................................ ................................ ..........................  16 
5.6 MEPS for Electrically operated variable -refrigerant -flow (VRF) air conditioner systems  .. 17 
5.7 MEPS for Close control Air -Conditioners and condensing units serving computer rooms  17 
5.8 Maximum Operating Temperature (52 oC) Requirements  ................................ ...............  19 
6. Criteria for acceptability of products at registration  ................................ ................................ ... 20 
6.1 General  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  20 
6.2 PATH A – Product using the AHRI certification program  ................................ .................  20 
6.3 PATH B – Product using test report as evidence of the declared performances  ..............  21 
7. Criteria for market surveillance  ................................ ................................ ................................  22 
7.1 Periodic verification for Air -Conditioners using PATH A for registration  ...........................  22 
7.2 Criteria for acceptability  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 22 
8. Marking and instructions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  22 
8.1 General  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  22 
8.2 Information on the Nameplate  ................................ ................................ .........................  22 
8.3 Additional nameplate voltage requirements for 60 Hz equipment  ................................ .... 23  
 
 
 8.4 Instruction sheet  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  23 
 
Table of tables:  
Table 2 REFERENCE TESTING CONDITIONS  ................................ ................................ ................  9 
Table 3 REFERENCE TESTING CONDITIONS in each GCC country  ................................ ...............  9 
Table 4 VOLTAGES FOR CAPACITY AND PERFORMANCE TESTS  ................................ ..............  9 
Table 5 RESOLUTION FOR EXPRESSING THE RATED COOLING CAPACITY  ...........................  10 
Table 6 MEPS for electrically operated Air -Conditioners (Unitary Air Conditioning Equipment)1,2 .... 12 
Table 7 MEPS for condensing units  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 13 
Table 8 MEPS for chillers  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  14 
Table 9 MEPS for absorption chillers  ................................ ................................ ...............................  16 
Table 10 MEPS for Electrical operated variable refrigerant flow (VRF) air conditioner systems  ....... 17 
Table 11 MEPS for Computer and Data Processing Room Air -Conditioners (as defined by clause 3)
 ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  18 
 
   
 
 
 Kingdom of Bahrain Technical Regulation on Commercial Air -
Conditioners  
 
Minimum Energy Performance Requirements  
And Testing Requirements  
1. Scope   
 
This Regulation  specifies the Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS) and testing 
requirements for Air-Conditioners  with nominal capacity more than 65 ,000 Btu /h of the following main 
product categories : 
• Electrically operated Air-Conditioners  
• Condensing units  
• Chillers  
• Absorption chillers  
• Electrically operated variable refrigerant flow (VRF) Air-Conditioners  
• Close control Air-Conditioners  and condensing units serving computer rooms    
  
It shall apply to Air-Conditioners  designed to operate in AC single -phase  circuits and three -phase 
circuits . Air-Conditioners having special voltages, not under the scope of this regulation  in condition 
that they do not exceed 600 V.  
For water -cooled chillers voltages up to 15000 V are included . 
Product categories, capacities, and applicable testing standards falling under the scope of this 
Regulation  are detailed in clause 5. 
1.1 Exclusions  
This Regulation  does not apply to Air-Conditioners  that are covered under the scope of  the Ministerial 
order no. 70 for 2015.  
2. Normative references  
The following  normative  reference standards apply . For undated references the latest apply. In 
addition this Regulation  supersedes the below reference standards in case of conflicting requirements.  
• AHRI 1361 (SI/2017), Performance Rati ng of Computer and Data Processing Room Air-
Conditioners   
 
 
 • AHRI 551/591 (SI/2015): Performance Rating of Water -chilling and Heat Pump Water -heating 
Packages Using the Vapor Compression Cycle (with Addendum 1)  
• ANSI/AHRI 210/240: “Performance Rating of Unitary  Air-Conditioning and Air-Source Heat 
Pump Equipment” . 
• ANSI/AHRI 340/360: “Performance Rating of Commercial and Industrial Unitary Air -
Conditioning and Heat Pump Equipment”.  
• ANSI/AHRI 365(I -P):“Commercial and Industrial Unitary Air-Conditioning Condensing Units”.  
• ANSI/AHRI 366 (SI/2009): Commercial and Industrial Unitary Air -Conditioning Condensing 
Units  
• ANSI/AHRI 550/590(I -P): “Performance Rating of Water -Chilling and Heat Pump Water -
Heating Packages Using the Vapor Compression Cycle”.  
• AHRI 560 (2000): Absorption Water Chilling and Water Heating Packages  
• ANSI/AHRI 1230: “Performance Rating of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Multi -Split Air -
Conditioning and Heat Pump Equipment”.  
• ANSI/AHRI 1360 (I -P): Performance Rating  of Computer and Data Processing Room Air-
Conditioners  
• ASHRAE 90. 1:2013 : Energy standard for Buildings Except Low -Rise Residential Buildings  
• GSO 1899 "GCC Standard Voltages and Frequencies for Alternating Current Distribution 
Systems".  
• ISO 5151 (2010): No n-ducted Air-Conditioners  and heat pumps — Testing and rating for 
performance  
• ISO 13253 (2011): Ducted air -conditioners and air to air heat pumps – Testing and rating for 
performance   
• ISO 15042 (2011): Multiple split -system Air-Conditioners  and air to air heat pumps – Testing 
and rating for performance  
• ISO13256 -1 (2007): Water -source heat pumps – Testing and rating for performance – Part 1 
– Water to air and brine to air heat pumps  
• ISO1 3256 -2 (2007): Water -source heat pumps – Testing and rating for pe rformance – Part 2  
– Water to water and brine to water heat pumps   
 
 
 3. Terms and Definitions  
For the purposes of this Regulation , the following terms and definitions shall apply.  
3.1  Absorpt ion 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 or heating water.  The package utilizes 
single or multiple reconcentrations of an absorbent solution.  The reconcentrations of the 
absorbent are known as effects.  A single effect package e mploys one step reconcentration  of 
the absorbent in the generator.  Wa ter 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 two step s 
reconcentrations  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 combust ion 
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 Accredited laboratory  
Any laboratory recognized by National Standard Body or/and recognized through the ILAC 
system for the list of testing procedures listed in this regulation  
 
3.3 Adjustment factor (Kadj)  
 Factor used to adapt the performance of air -conditioners not designed for operation at testing 
conditions.  
Note: For centrifugal chillers ASHRAE 901:2013 clause 6.4.1.2.1 is a recognized method to 
calculate such a factor .  
 
3.4 Basic Model Group (BMG)  
A BMG is a set of models that share characteristics which allow the performance of one (1) 
model to be generally representative of the performance of other models within the group.  This 
group of products does not necessarily have to share discrete performanc e. The Product 
Specific Operations Manual specifies the exact product features that define a BMG.  
Example: A basic model group of commercial boilers is a set of models that range in size, but 
are of similar type, design, and construction.  A basic model g roup would consist of boilers that 
are:  
- Constructed of the same material (i.e. aluminum, cast iron, or steel);  
-  Have the same control mechanism (i.e. condensing, modulating, pressure fired, power 
burner, natural draft, etc.);  
- Have the same vent si ze; and have the same energy input capacity.     
 
 
 Example: A basic model group of residential air -conditioning systems consists of outdoor units 
(which have same condenser, outdoor coil surface area, and outdoor air volume flowrate ) that 
are paired with spec ific indoor models (coils)  
Note: Use of Basic Model Group applies to PATH  A only .  
3.5  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 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 wate r.  The refrigerant condenser may or may not be an integral 
part of the package  
3.6 Close Control Air-Conditioners  and Condensing Units Serving Computer Rooms  
A Computer and Data Processing Room  (CPDR)  Air Conditioner consisting of one or more 
factory -made assemblies, which include a direct expansion evaporator or chilled water cooling 
coil, an air -moving device(s), and air -filtering device(s). The air conditioner may include a 
compressor, condenser, hu midifier, or reheating function. The functions of a CDPR, either 
alone or in combination with a cooling plant, are to provide air filtration, air circulation, cooling, 
and humidity control (if the necessary options are included).  
3.7 Condenser  
A refrigerat ion system component which condenses refrigerant vapor  at constant saturation 
pressure . De-superheating and sub -cooling of the refrigerant may occur as well.  
3.7.1 Air-Cooled Condenser  
 A component which condenses refrigerant vapor by rejecting heat to air  that is  mechanically 
circulated over its heat transfer surface , causing a rise in the air temperature.  
3.7.2 Evaporatively -Cooled Condenser  
 A component which condenses refrigerant vap or 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.  
3.7.3 Water -Cooled Condenser  
A component which utilizes refrigerant -to-wate r heat transfer means, causing the refrigerant to 
condense and the water to be heated . 
3.8 Condensing Units  
 A factory -made assembly of refrigeration components designed to compress and liquefy a 
specific refrigerant.  It consists of one or more refrigeran t compressors, refrigerant condensers 
(air-cooled, evaporatively – cooled, and/or water -cooled), condenser fans and motors (where 
used) and factory -supplied accessories.  
3.9 Ducted Air-Conditioners  
An air conditioner model configuration where the indoor side is situated separately  to the space 
to be conditioned.  The conditioned air is supplied or extracted via a duct.   
 
 
  
3.10 Electrically Operated Unitary ACs  
One or more factory -made assemblies, which  normally 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  together, and the requirements of rating outlined in this regulation  
shall be based upon the use of matched assemblies.  These assemblies are electrically 
operated, vapor compression refrigeration systems.  
3.11 Electrically Operated Variable Refrigerant F low (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 te mperature 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.  
3.12 Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)  
A ratio of t he Cooling Capacity in Btu/h to the power input values in watts at any given set of 
rating conditions.  
3.13 Maximum Operating Conditions  
The maximum allowable working conditions that a system, a part of a system or equipment is 
designed to and/or can withs tand.  
3.14     Modular Unit  
A Modular Unit is a unit that is made up of multiple units that can function individually or as a 
single unit.  Modular units shall be certified, provided that the unit is rated and listed in the 
AHRI certification directory as  a complete unit with a specific combination of modules and with 
a total capacity that is within the scope of the program.  In this case, the complete Modular Unit 
consisting of multiple modules must be certified as a single complete unit as part of the 
certification program . 
Note: unit can be chiller, condenser or other product within the scope of this document . 
 
3.15 Multiple split Air-Conditioners  and Heat pump (or Multi -split or multi split Air-
Conditioners  and heat pumps  
Split system that has one outdoor unit and two or more Indoor units and/or blower coil indoor 
units connected with a single refrigerant circuit. The indoor units operate independently and 
can condition multiple zones in response to at least two indoor thermostats or temperature 
sensors. The outdoor unit operates in response to independent operation of the indoor units 
based on control input of multiple indoor thermostats or temperature sensors, and/or 
refrigeration circuits sensor input (e.g. suction pressure) . 
 
3.16 Net sensible cooling capacity  
The total gross cooling capacity less the latent cooling less  the energy to the air movement . 
3.17 Net Sensible Coefficient of Performance (NSenCOP)      
 
 
 A ratio of the Net Sensible Cooling Capacity in kilowatts to the total power input in kilowatts 
(excluding reheaters and humidifiers) at any given set of Rating Conditions . 
3.18 Non-ducted air conditioner  
An air conditioner or heat pump that is designed to be permanently installed and directly heats 
or cools air within the conditio ned space using one or more indoor coils that are mounted on 
room walls and/or ceilings. The unit may be of a modular design that allows for combining 
multiple outdoor coils and compressors to create one overall system . 
3.19 Rated capacity  
The nominal rate d capacity claimed by the manufacturer of an air conditioner model 
determined as per the relevant testing and rating standard.  
3.20 Rated power  
Effective power input of the air conditioner model as claimed by the manufacturer during the 
determination of r ated cooling capacity and rated heating capacity, as applicable.  
3.21 Rated voltage  
 The electric potential or potential difference claimed by the manufacturer of an air conditioner 
model for which a piece of equipment is designed.  
3.22 Rated frequency  
The number of cycles per second through which an alternating electric current passes as 
claimed by the manufacturer of an air conditioner model.  
3.23 Registration system:   
As per the national registration  procedure implemented by Kingdom of Bahra in. 
3.24 Sensible coefficient of performance ( Nsens COP)  
A ratio calculated by dividing the net sensible cooling capacity in watts by the total power input 
in watt (excluding re -heaters and humidifiers) at conditions detailed in the relevant testing 
standard. The net sensible cooling capacity minus the energy dis sipated into the cooled space 
by the fans system .  
3.25 Split system  
Any air conditioner that has at least two separate assemblies that are connected with 
refrigerant piping when installed. One of these assemblies includes an indoor coil that 
exchanges heat with the indoor air to provide heating or cooling, while one of the others 
includes an outdoor coil that exchanges heat with the outdoor air. Split Systems may be either 
blower coil systems or coil -only systems.  
3.26 "Shall" or "Should":  
"Shall" or "should" shall be interpreted as follows:  
3.26.1 Shall:  
Where "shall" or "shall not" is used for a specified provision, that provision is mandatory if 
compliance with the regulation  is claimed.   
 
 
 3.26.2 Should  
“Should” is used to indicate provisions which are desirable as good practice, but are not 
mandatory.  
 
3.27 VRF multiple air to air  - air split system  
A VRF system air -conditioner or VRF Heat Pump with one or more manifolded Outdoor Units 
that have air -to-air heat exchangers . 
3.28 VRF heat recovery multiple split system  
VRF air -to-air Heat Pump or VRF Water Source Heat Pump that is capable of providing 
simultaneous heating and cooling operation, 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.   
3.29 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 refrigerant condenser may or may not be 
an integral part of the package . 
4. Testing Requirements  
 4.1 Reference test conditions  
The reference testing conditions are presented in Table 2. 
Tests are performe d according to the relevant AHRI or ISO standards corresponding to the type of 
Air-Conditioners  listed in Clause 5.  
All units shall be tested according to Table 3  
For water cooled system, the testing conditions are presented in the relevant standards for each type 
of air -conditioners.  
In addition, the operability shall be checked at 52oC for two continuous hours according to AHRI o r 
ISO standards as applicable.   
The Minimum E nergy Performance Standard (MEPS) requirements in the scope of this  Regulation  are 
based on  temperature testing considering T1 testing conditions mentioned in  Table  2 and Table  3. 
   
 
 
 Table 1 REFERENCE TESTING CONDITIONS  
 
 
TESTING CONDITION   INDOOR  SECTION  OUTDOOR SECTION  
Dry-Bulb 
 
oC 
[ºF] Wet-Bulb 
when 
applicable  
oC 
[ºF] Dry-Bulb 
 
oC 
[ºF] Wet-Bulb 
when applicable  
oC 
[ºF] 
T1 27.0 
[80.6]  19.0 
[66.2]  35.0 
[95.0]  24.0 
[75.2]  
T3 29.0 
[84.2]  19.0 
[66.2]  46.0 
[114.8]  24.0 
[75.2]  
OPERABILITY AT 52 oC 
[ 125.6 ºF ]  26.7 
[80.0]  19.4 
[67.0]  52.0 
[125.6]  31.0 
[87.8]  
Test Frequency* Rated Frequency  
Test Voltage  See Table4  
*: for equipment with dual rated frequencies (50 -60 Hz), it shall be tested according to GSO1899.  
 
Table 2 REFERENCE TESTING CONDITIONS  
Testing conditions  T1 
For computers room  and data processing Air-Conditioners , MEPS and temperature conditions are 
defined in Table 11. 
Products are tested under the rated voltage and rated frequency  applicable according to GSO1899.  
For tests , the rated voltage as  per clause 5 applies ; if rated voltage is not mentioned in the testing 
standards , refer to Table 4, below . 
Table 3 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 2 30 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.  
For voltages over 600 V and up to 15000 V , admissible tested voltage is presented in each relevant 
standard.  
4.2 Declaration of the rated cooling capacity  
The declaration of the rated cooling  capacity  CC rated shall be expressed only in terms of Btu/h as 
show n in Table  5.  
Table 4 RESOLUTION  FOR  EXPRESS ING THE RATED COOLING CAPACITY  
Rated cooling capacity  
(Btu/h)  Multiples  
CC rated <20,000   [5.86 kW]  100  (Btu/h) or  30 (W)  
20,000 [5.86 kW] ≤ CC rated <38,000  [11.13 kW]  200 (Btu/h) or  60 (W)  
38,000  [11.13 kW]  ≤ CC rated <65,000 [19.05 kW]  500 (Btu/h) or  150 (W)  
65,000 [19.05 kW]  ≤ CC rated <135,000  [39.56 kW]  1,000  (Btu/h) or  30 0 (W) 
135,000 [39.56 kW] ≤ CC rated <400,000  [117.20 kW]  2,000  (Btu/h) or  500 (W)  
 
 
 CC rated ≥ 400,000  [117.20 kW]   5,000  (Btu/h)  or  100 0 (W)  
 
4.3 Declaration of the rated E nergy Efficiency Ratio or Coefficient of Performance  
Standard measures of energy efficiency, whenever published, shall be expressed in multiples of the 
nearest 0.05 Btu/(W ⋅h) for the rated EER  or in multiples of the nearest 0.01 (W/W) fo r the rated net 
sensible COP (Ns ensCOP), or in multiples of the nearest 0.05 kW/RT.  
5. Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS)  
5.1 Applicable values for MEPS  
MEPS for Air-Conditioners  within the scope of thi s regulation  are presented in Tables 6 through 11. 
The MEPS are established from the rated values. Conditions for acceptability of the tested values 
used to confirm the rated values are presented in Clause 6.  
For convenience, the cooling capacities are ex pressed in Btu/h and in kW using a conversion factor 
of 1000 Btu/h equal to 0.293 kW    
 
 
 5.2 MEPS for Electrically operated Unitary Air-Conditioners 
Table 5 MEPS for electrically operated  Air-Conditioners  (Unitary Air Conditioning Equipment)1,2 
Air 
Conditioner / 
Appliance 
Type  Rated cooling 
capacity  
(Btu/h) [kW]  Testing method  EER (T1)  
(Btu/W.h)  
 
Air-
Conditioners,  
air cooled  ≤ 65,000 [19.05 
kW] (excluding 
window, split 
ducted, and split 
non-ducted)  ANSI/AHRI 
210/240 or  
ISO 5151 or  
ISO 13253  11.2 
> 65,000 [19.05 
kW] and ≤ 135,000 
[39.56 kW]  
ANSI/ AHRI 
340/360  
Or 
ISO 5151  
Or ISO 13253  11.2 
> 135,000 [39.56 
kW] and ≤ 240,000 
[70.32 kW]  11.0 
> 240,000 [70.32 
kW] and ≤ 760,000 
[222.68 kW]  10.0 
 > 760,000 [222.68 
kW] 9.7 
 
Air-
Conditioners,  
water cooled  ≤ 65,000 [19.05 
kW] ANSI/ AHRI 
210/240  
Or 
ISO 13256 -1 12.1 
> 65,000 [19.05 
kW] and   ≤ 
135,000 [39.56 kW]  
ANSI/ AHRI 
340/360  
Or 
ISO 13256 -1 12.1 
> 135,000 [39.56 
kW] and ≤ 240,000 
[70.32 kW] 12.5 
> 240,000 [70.32 
kW] and ≤ 760,000 
[222.68 kW]  12.4 
 > 760,000 [222.68 
kW] 12.2 
Air-
Conditioners,  
evaporatively 
cooled  ≤ 65,000 [19.05 
kW] ANSI/ AHRI 
210/240  12.1 
> 65,000 [19.05 
kW] and   ≤ 
135,000 [39.56 kW]  ANSI/ AHRI 
340/360  12.1 
> 135,000 [39.56 
kW] and ≤ 240,000 
[70.32 kW]  ANSI/ AHRI 
340/360  12.0 
> 240,000 [70.32 
kW] and ≤ 760,000 
[222.68 kW]  ANSI/ AHRI 
340/360  11.9  
 
 
  > 760,000 [222.68 
kW] ANSI/ AHRI 
340/360  11.7 
 
1 Values apply when the unit has no heating section or when the heating section is of electrical 
resistance type.  For all other types, deduct 0.2 from the EER value s 
2 For systems with heat recovery, deduct 0.2 from the EER values  
5.3 MEPS for Condensing units  
Table 6 MEPS for condensing units  
Air 
Conditioner 
Appliance Type  Rated 
cooling 
capacity  
(Btu/h) [kW]  Testing methods  EER (T1)  
(Btu/W.h)  
Condensing units, 
air cooled  ≤ 135,000 
[39.56 kW]  ANSI/AHRI 
210/240 
ANSI/AHRI 
340/360  11.0 
Condensing units, 
air cooled  > 135,000 
[39.56 kW]  ANSI/AHRI 365  10.5 
Condensing units, 
water cooled  ≤ 135,000 
[39.56 kW]  ANSI/ANSI/AHRI 
340/360  11.9 
Condensing units, 
water cooled  > 135,000 
[39.56 kW]  ANSI/AHRI 365  13.5 
Condensing units, 
evaporatively 
cooled  ≤ 135,000 
[39.56 kW]  ANSI/AHRI 
340/360  11.9 
Condensing units, 
evaporatively 
cooled  > 135,000 
[39.56 kW]  ANSI/AHRI 365  13.5 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 5.4 MEPS for Chillers  
 
Table 7 MEPS for chillers  
Air 
Conditioner 
Appliance Type  Rated cooling 
capacity  
(Btu/h) [kW]1 Testing 
methods  EER (T1)  2 
(Btu/W.h)  
Air-cooled 
chillers  ≤ 1,800,000 
[527.40 kW]  ANSI/AHRI 
550/590  9.7 
> 1,800,000 
[527.40 kW]  9.7 
Water -cooled 
electrically 
operated, 
positive 
displacement  ≤ 900,000 
[263.70 kW]  
ANSI/AHRI 
550/590  
 or  
ISO 13256 -2 15.4 
> 900,000 
[263.70 kW] 
and ≤ 
1,800,000 
[[527.40 kW]  16.0 
> 1,800,000 
[527.40 kW] 
and ≤ 
3,600,000 
[1,054.80 kW]  17.7 
> 3,600,000 
[1054.80 kW] 
and ≤ 
7,200,000 
[21,109.60 kW]  19.2 
> 7,200,000 
[2,109.60 kW]  19.2 
Water -cooled 
electrically 
operated, 
centrifugal  
(Kadj factor)  ≤ 3,600,000 
[1,054.80 kW]  17.3 
> 3,600,000 
[1,054.80 kW] 
and ≤ 
7,200,000 
[2,109.60 kW]   20.5 
> 7,200,000 
[2,109.60 kW] 
and ≤ 
14,400,000 
[4,219.20 kW]  20.5 
> 14,400,000 
[4,219.20 kW]  20.5  
 
 
 1 Expression of cooling capacity using TR units is accepted using conventional conversion 
of 1 TR = 12,000 Btu/h  
2 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   
 
 
 5.5 MEPS for Absorption chillers  
Table 8 MEPS for absorption chillers  
Air 
Conditioner 
Appliance Type  Rated cooling 
capacity  
(Btu/h)  Testing methods  EER  (T1) 1 
(Btu/W.h)  
Air-cooled 
absorption, single 
effect  All capacities  
ANSI/AHRI 560  2.0 
Water -cooled 
absorption, single 
effect  All capacities  2.4 
Absorption double 
effect, indirect fired  All capacities  3.4 
Absorption double 
effect, direct fired  All capacities  3.4 
 
 
   
 
 
 5.6 MEPS for Electrically operated variable -refrigerant -flow (VRF) air conditioner systems  
 
Table 9 MEPS for Electrical operated variable refrigerant flow (VRF) air conditioner systems  
Air 
Conditioner Appliance 
Type  Rated cooling 
capacity  
 
(Btu/h) [kW]  Testing 
methods  EER (T1)  
(Btu/W.h)  
VRF multi split Air -
Conditioners, air cooled  < 65,000 
[19.05 kW]  
ANSI/AHRI 
1230  
or 
ISO 15042  11.2 
≥ 65,000 
[19.05 kW] 
and ≤ 135,000 
[39.56 kW]  11.2 
> 135,000 
[39.56 kW]  and 
≤ 240,000 
[70.32 kW]  11.0 
> 240,000 
[70.32 kW]  10.0 
VRF multi split Air -
Conditioners, heat 
pumps (1) ≤ 65,000 
[19.05 kW]  11.2 
> 65,000 
[19.05 kW] 
and ≤ 135,000 
[39.56 kW]  11.0 
> 135,000 and 
≤ 240,000 
[70.32 kW]  10.6 
> 240,000 
[70.32 kW]  9.5 
VRF multi split Air -
Conditioners, water 
cooled (1) ≤ 65,000 
[19.05 kW]  12.0 
> 65,000 
[19.05 kW] 
and ≤ 135,000 
[39.56 kW]  12.0 
> 135,000 
[39.56 kW] and 
≤ 240,000 
[70.32 kW]  10.0 
> 240,000 
[70.32 kW]  10.0 
 
5.7 MEPS for Close control Air-Conditioners  and condensing units serving computer rooms  
For this type of Air-Conditioners , the testing conditions are specified according to table 11, which  
supersedes Table3 .  
 
 
 Table 10 MEPS for Computer and Data Processing Room Air-Conditioners  (as defined by clause 3)  
 Minimum Net Sensible COP  
(NsensCOP)   
Return Air Dry -Bulb Temperature/Dew -
Point Temperature   
Class 1  Class 2  Class 3   
Equipment 
Type  Net 
Sensible 
Cooling 
Capacity  
(Btu/h)  
[kW]  Standard Model  23.9OC / 
11.1OC 
(75OF/5O2F) 29.4OC/ 
11.1OC 
(85OF/52OF) 35OC / 
11.1OC 
(95OF/52OF) Test 
Procedure  
Air Cooled  <65,000 
[19.05 kW]   Down -Flow Unit   2.30  
AHRI 1360  Up-Flow Unit - Ducted   2.10  
Up-Flow Unit – Non-Ducted  2.09   
Horizontal -Flow Unit    2.45 
≥65,000 
[19.05 kW]  
and 
<240,000  
[70.32 kW]    Down -Flow Unit   2.20  
Up-Flow Unit - Ducted   2.05  
Up-Flow Unit – Non-Ducted  1.99   
Horizontal -Flow Unit    2.35 
≥240,000  
[70.32 kW]   Down -Flow Unit   2.00  
Up-Flow Unit - Ducted   1.85  
Up-Flow Unit – Non-Ducted  1.79   
Horizontal -Flow Unit    2.15 
Water 
Cooled  <65,000 
[19.05 kW]  Down -Flow Unit   2.50  
AHRI 1360  Up-Flow Unit - Ducted   2.30  
Up-Flow Unit – Non-Ducted  2.25   
Horizontal -Flow Unit    2.70 
≥65,000 
[19.05 kW] 
and 
<240,000 
[70.32 kW]  Down -Flow Unit   2.40  
Up-Flow Unit - Ducted   2.20  
Up-Flow Unit – Non-Ducted  2.15   
Horizontal -Flow Unit    2.60 
≥240,000 
[70.32 kW]  Down -Flow Unit   2.25  
Up-Flow Unit - Ducted   2.10  
Up-Flow Unit – Non-Ducted  2.05   
Horizontal -Flow Unit    2.45 
Water 
Cooled with 
Fluid 
Economizer  <65,000 
[19.05 kW]  Down -Flow Unit   2.45  
AHRI 1360  Up-Flow Unit - Ducted   2.25  
Up-Flow Unit – Non-Ducted  2.20   
Horizontal -Flow Unit    2.60 
≥65,000 
[19.05 kW] 
and  
<240,000  
[70.32 kW]   Down -Flow Unit   2.35  
Up-Flow Unit - Ducted   2.15  
Up-Flow Unit – Non-Ducted  2.10   
Horizontal -Flow Unit    2.55  
 
 
 ≥240,000 
[70.32 kW]  Down -Flow Unit   2.20  
Up-Flow Unit - Ducted   2.05  
Up-Flow Unit – Non-Ducted  2.00   
Horizontal -Flow Unit    2.40 
Glycol 
Cooled  <65,000 
[19.05 kW]  Down -Flow Unit   2.30  
AHRI 1360  Up-Flow Unit - Ducted   2.10  
Up-Flow Unit – Non-Ducted  2.00   
Horizontal -Flow Unit    2.40 
≥ 65,000 
[19.05 kW] 
and 
<240,000 
[70.32 kW]  Down -Flow Unit   2.05  
Up-Flow Unit - Ducted   1.85  
Up-Flow Unit – Non-Ducted  1.85   
Horizontal -Flow Unit    2.15 
≥240,000 
[70.32 kW]  Down -Flow Unit   1.95  
Up-Flow Unit - Ducted   1.80  
Up-Flow Unit – Non-Ducted  1.75   
Horizontal -Flow Unit    2.10 
Glycol 
Cooled with 
Fluid 
Economizer  <65,000 
[19.05 kW]  Down -Flow Unit   2.25  
AHRI 1360  Up-Flow Unit - Ducted   2.10  
Up-Flow Unit – Non-Ducted  2.00   
Horizontal -Flow Unit    2.35 
≥ 65,000 
[19.05 kW] 
and 
<240,000 
[70.32 kW]  Down -Flow Unit   1.95  
Up-Flow Unit - Ducted   1.80  
Up-Flow Unit – Non-Ducted  1.75   
Horizontal -Flow Unit   2.10  
≥240,000 
[70.32 kW]  Down -Flow Unit   1.90 2.10 
Up-Flow Unit - Ducted   1.80  
Up-Flow Unit – Non-Ducted  1.70   
Horizontal -Flow Unit    2.10 
 
5.8 Maximum Operating Temperature  (52 oC) Requirements    
This requirement  is not applicable to water cooled and evaporatively cooled Air-Conditioners . During 
the test, the equipment shall operate continuously without interruption for any reasons during the 
duration of the tests.  
5.8.1 Scope for the test of operability  
If not described in the normative reference standard listed in Clause 2 and applicable to the tested 
product the following procedure applies. The  test is applicable to Air-Conditioners  covered in Clause 
5 and if the  condenser is air cooled.  
5.8.2 Temperature Conditions  
Temperature conditions shall be maintained as shown in Table 2. 
5.8.3 Voltages  
Tests shall be run at the unit’s rated voltage according to Table 4.  
 
 
 5.8.4   Procedure and measurements  
All power to the equipment shall be interrupted for a period sufficient to cause the compressor to stop 
(not to exceed 5 seconds) and 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 flow rate is based on specification from manufacturer , as the rate specified is based on 
the flow rate when it is set to  Max/High Speed.  
When relevant, the external static pressure shall be greater than or equal to the minimum external 
static pressure defined for the measurements at T1 (or specified temperature class defined in Table 
11) and described in the correspon ding standard per type of units  
For information, the average cooling capacity  and power of the unit during the test shall be  reported.  
5.8.5 Tolerances for high temperature operating test  
The tolerance f or the outdoor temperature is  ±0.6 oC (or ±1 oF). 
The tolerances for the power and thermal capacities are identical to the tolera nces used for 
determination of the power and capacities at T1 testing conditions.  
6. Criteria for acceptability of products at registration  
6.1 General  
Registration of products is necessary to enter into Bahrain market  and mandatory for  both imported 
and locally manufactured products.  
To ensure the compliance to MEPS and operability test, the manufacturer shall submit evidence of the 
performances claimed according to PATH  A or PATH  B, demonstrated below.  
When products covered by the scop e of this regulation  are assembled on a modular structure defined 
as Modular Unit and including multiple units, the performance of each unit can be used to confirm the 
performance of the Modular Unit.   
For products with capacity over the capacity of certi fied products ( PATH  A only), over the capacity of 
the lab ( PATH  A or PATH  B) or for specific design the applicant shall add a technical note, based on 
a similar certified or tested products (using same compressor(s) unit(s) used as reference). In this 
case  the test report or certificate of the unit used as reference shall be attached for the registration.  
6.2 PATH  A – Product using the AHRI certification program  
The product (s) submitted for registration shall present a valid AHRI certification covering the mode (s) 
registered. If a product fails AHRI certification or if its certification is removed, the product registration 
will be automatically canceled.   
 
 
 Operability at 52° C is verified by test or based on self -declaration (in this case justification of the 
operability at 52° C and a guaranty of operation of the product at the specified conditions shall be 
included in the declaration).  
Note: If the cooling capacity of the product is out of the scope of AHRI certification program, then 
PATH  B applies.  
6.3 PATH  B – Product using test report as evidence of  the declared performance s 
6.3.1 General  
A test report, per product, from an accredite d laboratory (as per clause 3.2) shall be presented for 
registration.  
This test report shall include results for cooling capacity and EER at T1 . 
Operability at 52° C is verified by test or based on self -declaration (in this case justification of the 
operab ility at 52° C and a guaranty of operation of the product at the specified conditions shall be 
included in the declaration).  
The test procedure shall correspond to the type of product and relevant testing standard as described 
in Clause 5.  
6.3.2. Conditions for the test report  and technical justification  
For products with specific design or wi th capacities are higher than the maximum capacity available 
from accredited laboratory a technical justification shall be presented . The  conditions and conte nt of 
this technical justification are expressed below.  
• Test report shall correspond to the model tested  
• Test for one sample is sufficient  
• Technical justification for products not able to present a test report of the model registered. 
Content  of the techn ical justification includes : 
a) Certificate or test report of a model used as reference ; 
b) Justification for representability of the reference model ; 
c) Identification of the method used to predict EER  (or Ns ensCOP) ; 
d) Information about relevance and applicability o f the method used ; 
e) Information that validates the operability at 52oC; 
f) Any information that validates the prediction of the EER  (or NsensCOP ). 
6.3.3. Criteria for acceptability  
The values presented in the test report shall be accepted as valid if they meet the  following criteria for 
cooling , as applicable:  
a) Tested  effective  power  input  ..……………..................≤  1.05 x rated  power;  
b) Tested cooling capacity …………………….…...………. ≥ 0.95 x rated  capacity;  
c) Tested  EER (or Ns ensCOP)  …………………………………………….  ≥  MEPS;  
d) Tested  EER (or Ns ensCOP)  … …….  ≥  0.95  x rated  EER (or rated Ns ensCOP) ; 
e) The standard for tests is according to the type of A /C in Clause 5;  
f) Tested voltage is according to Table 4;  
 
 
 g) Tested frequency is according to Table 2.   
7. Criteria for market surveillance  
7.1 Periodic verification for Air-Conditioners  using PATH  A for registration  
For products registered using PATH  A, Bahrain implements  its own procedure to  check the validity of 
AHRI certification .  
In case the product registered is no more AHRI certified, the registration will be canceled.  
7.2 Criteria for acceptabil ity  
The product shall be tested based on the corresponding ANSI /AHRI or ISO standards as registered 
through national registration system.  
The values shall be accepted as valid when a single sample of an appliance or unit model tested 
according to relevant standard corresponding to the type of AC and presented in Clause 5 me ets the 
following criteria for cooling, as applicable:  
a) Tested  effective  power  input  ….………………….…............ ≤1.05  x rated  power   
b) Tested cooling capacity …………….……………………. ≥ 0.95 x rated  capacity;  
c) Tested  EER (or Ns ensCOP)  …… …………………………………… ….  ≥  MEPS ; 
d) Tested  EER (or Ns ensCOP)  ……….  ≥  0.95  x rated  EER (or rated Ns ensCOP);  
e) The standard for tests is defined according to the type of A /C in Clause 5;  
f) Tested voltage is according to table 4 
g) Tested Frequency is according to table 2   
8. Marking and instructions  
8.1 General  
The following information shall be marked on the nameplate 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 inf ormation related to energy performance added on any part of the air -conditioner 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 sh all include as a minimum:  
• Manufacturer’s name and/or trademark  
• Month and year 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 testing and rating standard:   
 
 
 - Rated current in amperes (A)  
- Rated power input in Watt (W) or kilowatts (kW)  
- Rated cooling capacity in kW and Btu /h or kW and TONS (TR) for chillers only  
- Rated  heating capacity in kW and Btu /h 
- Rated Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) in Btu/(W.h)  or Rated Net sensibl e coefficient of 
performance (Ns ensCOP) in W/W when relevant  
- Refrigerant used and mass of refrigerant charge in kg .  
8.3 Additional nameplate voltage requirements for 60 Hz equipment  
Nameplate voltages for 60 Hz systems shall include one or more of the equipment nameplate voltage 
ratings shown in Clause 4.  
8.4 Instruction sheet  
An instruction sheet (basic instructions with descrip tion for storage, installation, etc.) 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.    
The instruction sheet or manual shall include the following information as a minimum:  
• The information specified in clause 8.1  
• Dimensions of the unit  (in mm)  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 the unit and any special precautions to be 
considered to ensure its safe use an d maintenance  
• Instruction s for packing and unpacking the unit  
• Instructions on unit handling and rigging  
• Weight of the unit, both the net and the gross  
• Refrigera nt type, refrigerant charge  by mass , including method of charging and discharging 
refrigerant  
•  
9. Registration requirements  
The registration procedure will be announced later.