IEC 63252:2020

Overview

IEC 63252:2020 is an international standard established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that defines methods for measuring the energy consumption of vending machines. This standard applies to various categories of vending machines, including those equipped with refrigeration systems, and covers both refrigerated and non-refrigerated models. It provides a consistent framework for assessing energy performance but excludes machines dispensing hot/cold drinks into cups, machines with food-heating functions, or those operating below 0 °C.

The goal of IEC 63252:2020 is to enable manufacturers, operators, and regulators to accurately measure, compare, and optimize the energy consumption of vending machines, promoting efficiency and sustainability in this growing sector.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability
  This standard covers energy consumption measurement methods for several types of vending machines:

  • Refrigerated closed-fronted machines holding canned or bottled products in stacks
  • Refrigerated glass-fronted vending units for cans, bottles, confectionery, snacks, or perishable foodstuffs
  • Dual-temperature glass-fronted refrigerated machines
  • Non-refrigerated confectionery and snack machines
  • Combination machines powered by a single chiller housing two different machine categories

• Exclusions
  IEC 63252:2020 specifically excludes:

  • Drink machines dispensing hot/cold beverages into cups
  • Vending machines with food-heating capabilities
  • Machines operating under freezing conditions (below 0 °C)
  • Machines containing any of the above compartments

• Testing Environment and Equipment
  The standard details general requirements for test rooms, measurement instruments, power supply conditions, and specifying accuracy for data collection.

• Test Procedures
  The standard includes comprehensive test procedures encompassing:

  • Loading and pull-down tests to measure energy consumption during cooling load cycles
  • Ready mode, energy-saving mode, and recovery period measurements, evaluating consumption during different operational states
  • Product loading guidelines specifying storage temperatures to reflect realistic scenarios
  • Stabilization and measurement timing considerations to ensure test accuracy

• Energy Consumption Calculation
  IEC 63252:2020 defines formulas and methods to calculate total energy usage, allowing for standardized comparison and reporting.

• Documentation and Reporting
  A test report template is provided in the annexes for consistent data presentation, including machine category, test conditions, and measured consumption.

Applications

• Vending Machine Manufacturers
  Utilize IEC 63252:2020 to design energy-efficient vending machines and validate their performance against international benchmarks.

• Regulatory Bodies and Certification Agencies
  Adopt this standard as a basis for energy labeling, compliance verification, and market surveillance to encourage energy conservation.

• Vending Operators and Facility Managers
  Apply the testing methods to select machines with lower energy consumption, optimize vending machine placement and operation, and reduce operational costs.

• Energy Efficiency Programs
  Leverage the standardized measurement methods to support incentive schemes, environmental certifications, and sustainability reporting within the vending sector.

Related Standards

• IEC 60335-1 – Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – General requirements
• IEC 60335-2-75 – Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – Particular requirements for commercial dispensing appliances and vending machines
• ISO 5149 Series – Refrigerating systems and heat pumps – Safety and environmental requirements (Parts 2 and 3 on design, construction, installation, and documentation)
• EN 50564 – Measurement of low power consumption in electrical and electronic household and office equipment

These related standards ensure safety, environmental compliance, and accurate measurement of low-power electrical appliances, complementing IEC 63252:2020’s focus on vending machines' energy consumption.

Keywords: IEC 63252, energy consumption, vending machines, energy efficiency, refrigerated vending machines, vending machine testing, energy-saving mode, vending machine standards, machine energy measurement, IEC standards, vending industry sustainability.