Ton of Refrigeration Conversion Tool - Convert Ton of Refrigeration to Any Unit
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Ton of Refrigeration Conversion Table
This comprehensive conversion table shows how various power units relate to tons of refrigeration. Use this reference for quick conversions between TR and other common power units.
| Conversion | To Unit | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| Ton of Refrigeration to watts | Watts | 3516.85 |
| Ton of Refrigeration to kilowatts | Kilowatts | 3.51685 |
| Ton of Refrigeration to megawatts | Megawatts | 0.00351685 |
| Ton of Refrigeration to horsepower | Horsepower | 4.71618 |
| Ton of Refrigeration to BTU/hour | BTU/hour | 12000 |
| Ton of Refrigeration to calories/second | Calories/second | 836.804 |
| Ton of Refrigeration to kilocalories/hour | Kilocalories/hour | 3012.5 |
| Ton of Refrigeration to foot-pounds/second | Foot-pounds/second | 2599.03 |
This ton of refrigeration conversion reference table provides accurate conversion factors for both metric and imperial power units. All values are based on internationally recognized standards for maximum precision in engineering and HVAC applications.
What is a Ton of Refrigeration?
A ton of refrigeration (TR) is a unit of power that describes the heat absorption rate of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. It is defined as the power required to melt or freeze 1 short ton (2000 pounds) of ice at 0°C (32°F) in 24 hours. This equals approximately 12,000 BTU/hour or 3.517 kilowatts.
The term originated in the late 19th century when ice was used for commercial refrigeration. Our ton of refrigeration conversion tool helps you easily convert between TR and other power units. For example, a typical residential air conditioner might be rated at 3 TR (approximately 10.5 kW).
What is the Standard for Ton of Refrigeration?
The ton of refrigeration is defined as exactly 12,000 BTU/hour or 3.5168528421 kilowatts. This definition is used throughout the HVAC industry and is recognized by standards organizations such as ASHRAE. For power unit conversion, this standard ensures consistency across different manufacturers and applications.
- 1 TR = 12,000 BTU/hour
- 1 TR = 3.51685 kW
- 1 TR = 4.71618 horsepower
- 1 TR = 3012.5 kilocalories/hour
What is Ton of Refrigeration Used For?
Tons of refrigeration are primarily used in the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) industry to specify the cooling capacity of equipment. This unit is commonly used for power conversion in commercial and industrial refrigeration systems:
Commercial Air Conditioning
Office buildings, shopping centers, and restaurants often specify their cooling requirements in tons. For example, a medium-sized office building might need a 100-ton chiller unit.
Industrial Refrigeration
Food processing plants, cold storage warehouses, and manufacturing facilities use large refrigeration systems rated in hundreds or thousands of tons.
Residential HVAC
Home air conditioning systems are typically sized using tons of refrigeration. Common residential units range from 1.5 to 5 tons.
Engineering Calculations
Mechanical engineers use tons of refrigeration when designing HVAC systems, calculating heat loads, and specifying equipment capacities for various applications.
Etymology and History
The term "ton of refrigeration" originated in the late 1800s when ice was the primary method of refrigeration. The unit was defined based on the amount of heat required to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours. This historical definition established the basis for modern refrigeration equipment specifications.
As mechanical refrigeration systems replaced ice, the term was retained as a standard unit of measurement in the HVAC industry. The adoption of standardized conversion factors allows for precise power unit conversion between TR and other units like watts, BTU/hour, and horsepower.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a ton of refrigeration defined?
A ton of refrigeration is defined as the rate of heat absorption required to freeze one short ton (2000 pounds) of water at 0°C (32°F) in 24 hours. This equals exactly 12,000 BTU/hour or approximately 3.517 kilowatts. This standard definition ensures consistency when specifying HVAC equipment capacities.
Why is refrigeration measured in tons?
The term originated in the 19th century when ice was used for commercial refrigeration. The capacity of early refrigeration systems was compared to the amount of ice that could be produced or melted in a day. This historical unit has been retained in the HVAC industry for specifying cooling equipment capacities due to its practicality and widespread recognition.
How do I convert tons of refrigeration to other units?
Use our ton of refrigeration conversion calculators above, or multiply by the appropriate conversion factor. For example, to convert tons to kilowatts, multiply by 3.517; to convert to BTU/hour, multiply by 12,000. For detailed instructions on converting tons to BTU/hour, visit our TR to BTU/h converter.
What size air conditioner do I need for my home?
Residential air conditioners typically range from 1.5 to 5 tons of refrigeration capacity. A general rule of thumb is 20 BTU per square foot of living space, which translates to roughly 1 ton per 600 square feet. However, proper sizing requires a detailed heat load calculation considering factors like insulation, windows, and local climate.
How accurate is the ton of refrigeration conversion?
Our ton of refrigeration conversion tool provides highly accurate results based on the standard definition of 1 TR = 12,000 BTU/hour. The conversion factors used are industry-standard values that ensure precision for engineering calculations, equipment specification, and HVAC system design across all power unit conversions.
What's the difference between ton and tonne in refrigeration?
In refrigeration terminology, "ton" always refers to the short ton (2000 pounds) used in the United States, not the metric tonne (1000 kg). This is important when using our power conversion tools, as the refrigeration ton is specifically defined based on the short ton measurement system.
Can I use ton of refrigeration for heating systems?
While technically possible, tons of refrigeration are primarily used for cooling capacity specifications. Heating systems are typically rated in BTU/hour or kilowatts. However, heat pumps may specify both heating and cooling capacities, with cooling often expressed in tons of refrigeration for consistency with HVAC industry standards.
Is your ton of refrigeration conversion tool free to use?
Yes, our ton of refrigeration converter is completely free with no registration required. Simply enter your value, select your target unit, and get instant, accurate results. We believe precise measurement conversion should be accessible to everyone, from HVAC technicians to students learning about power units.