What Is This Tool?
This converter helps translate mechanical power expressed in horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s) to cooling capacity expressed in tons of refrigeration. It aids in aligning engine or motor ratings with HVAC and refrigeration system power metrics.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the power value in horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s)
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Select horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s) as the input unit
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Choose ton (refrigeration) as the target unit
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Click convert to obtain the equivalent cooling capacity
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Review the converted output for comparison or engineering calculations
Key Features
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Converts power units from horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s) to ton (refrigeration)
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Based on standard definitions for mechanical horsepower and refrigeration ton
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Offers quick calculation with a fixed conversion rate
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Useful for engineering and HVAC industry applications
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Browser-based and easy to use without installation
Examples
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5 horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s) equals approximately 1.06018 ton (refrigeration)
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10 horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s) equals about 2.12036 ton (refrigeration)
Common Use Cases
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Rating internal-combustion engines and small machinery power
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Specifying HVAC equipment cooling capacity in refrigeration tons
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Comparing mechanical power of engines to cooling load capacities
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Sizing cooling devices and performing thermal calculations in building engineering
Tips & Best Practices
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Ensure consistent unit definitions to avoid discrepancies
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Use the tool for HVAC and refrigeration contexts primarily
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Understand the conceptual difference between mechanical power and heat removal rates
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Double-check results when performing critical engineering calculations
Limitations
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Conversion relies on standard definitions; differences may affect results
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Ton (refrigeration) is non-SI and relevant mainly in cooling system contexts
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Mechanical horsepower and ton refrigeration measure different physical rates, so equivalence is conceptual and context-dependent
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s) represent?
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It is an imperial unit of mechanical power defined as 550 foot-pound-force per second, commonly used to rate engines and small motors.
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What is a ton (refrigeration) used for?
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A ton (refrigeration) measures cooling capacity, equal to the heat removal rate to melt one short ton of ice in 24 hours, often used in HVAC and refrigeration equipment ratings.
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Is the conversion between these units exact?
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The conversion is based on standard definitions but is conceptual because mechanical power and heat removal rates differ in nature.
Key Terminology
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Horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s)
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An imperial unit of mechanical power equal to 550 foot-pound-force per second, used to express engine and motor power.
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Ton (refrigeration)
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A unit of cooling capacity equivalent to the heat removal necessary to melt one short ton of ice in 24 hours, commonly used in HVAC.