ISO 23953-1:2023

Overview

ISO 23953-1:2023 - "Refrigerated display cabinets - Part 1: Vocabulary" is the third edition (2023) of the international vocabulary standard for refrigerated display cabinets used in retail sale and display of foodstuffs. The document establishes standardized terms and definitions for cabinet families, shapes, parts, dimensional and operating characteristics, test environment elements, and energy‑related concepts. It does not apply to refrigerated vending machines or cabinets intended for catering or other non‑retail uses.

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Key topics

This vocabulary standard defines terminology that supports consistent design, testing and communication across the refrigeration supply chain. Major topic groups include:

• Cabinet families and types
  • Vertical, semi‑vertical, horizontal (counter), combined, multi‑temperature, multi‑use, roll‑in, closed, open, self‑service and assisted‑service configurations.
• Shapes and installation arrangements
  • Island, wall, line‑up, internal/external angle, end and island runs.
• Parts and components
  • Air discharge/return, shelves, base deck, canopy, front panel, handrail, kickplate, night covers/blinds, sneeze guards, condensing unit.
• Dimensional characteristics
  • Display heights, refrigerated shelf area and load limits; definitions reference ISO 23953-2 for measurement details.
• Operating and test terms
  • Operating characteristics, test environment, standard rating conditions and configuration, energy and coefficient concepts (e.g., heat removal, refrigeration electrical energy consumption).
• Product family designation
  • Rules for grouping cabinets with similar design and functional characteristics (Annex A).

The 2023 edition updates and adds many terms (for example: multi‑use cabinet, assisted‑service door/lid, door for loading food, revised energy and heat removal terms) and supersedes ISO 23953-1:2015.

Applications and users

ISO 23953-1:2023 is a foundational reference for:

• Manufacturers and designers - to use consistent terminology in product data sheets, manuals and design specifications.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies - to align test reports and conformity assessments with standardized vocabulary.
• Retailers and procurement teams - to specify cabinet types, configurations and energy characteristics unambiguously.
• Standards developers and regulators - to harmonize requirements across performance and energy testing standards.
• Consultants and facility engineers - for clear communication when planning installations, line‑ups or energy audits.

Using this vocabulary improves clarity in contracts, technical documentation, regulatory compliance and international trade.

Related standards

• ISO 23953-2:2023 - Refrigerated display cabinets - Part 2: Classifications, requirements and test conditions (normative reference cited by Part 1).

For authoritative definitions and implementation, consult the full ISO 23953-1:2023 publication and the ISO Online Browsing Platform.