Refrigerator inspection and key knowledge inspection, factory inspection, inspection and certification services

Refrigerators are essential appliances for modern households, and their quality and performance directly impact user experience and brand reputation. For inspectors, a thorough understanding of various inspection items, testing methods, and compliance requirements is crucial during the inspection, factory inspection, and final delivery of refrigerators. This article, based on national standards and industry practices, systematically outlines the inspection process and key quality control points for refrigerators, providing practical reference for quality control (QC) personnel.

1. Appearance quality inspection

Appearance inspection is the first step in refrigerator inspection, which directly affects consumers' purchasing decisions and brand image.

1. Common appearance defects

   • Dirt, scratches, rust, cracks, missing, loose, misaligned, burrs, etc.

   • Door sealing strip deformation, corner opening, overflow, magnetism deficiency, air leakage;

   • White marks on the plastic end stop of the door;

   • Wave marks on the outer shell (caused by the built-in condenser being ejected);

   • Dents, protrusions or delamination caused by poor foaming of the door/box body;

   • Drawers, shelves, etc. are not pushed or pulled smoothly or cannot be adjusted smoothly;

   • The knobs or buttons are stuck or too loose to lock;

   • The panel LED display or indicator light is abnormal;

   • The pipes in the compressor warehouse are interfering and the wiring is messy.

2. Inspection methods

   • Perform a visual inspection in a well-lit environment and use your hands to identify potential problems.

   • Use a standard light box to compare color differences and confirm surface treatment consistency;

   • Conduct multiple opening and closing tests on key parts such as sealing strips and door hinges to evaluate durability.

2. Functional performance inspection

Functional performance is the core inspection item of refrigerators and requires systematic testing using professional instruments.

1. Basic functions (refrigeration system)

   • Storage temperature : Set the ambient temperature according to the climate type (SN, N, ST, T) and test whether the temperature of each compartment meets the marked value;

   • Refrigeration speed : evaluates the time required for the refrigerator to cool from room temperature to the set temperature;

   • Ice making capacity : Check the ice making capacity and freezing time of the automatic ice making device.

2. Accessibility

   • Whether the automatic defrost function is normal and whether the defrost water is automatically discharged;

   • Is the door light linkage switch sensitive?

   • The effectiveness of the glass door defogging function;

   • Magnetic door seal sealing performance;

   • The horizontal door's 45-degree hovering function is reliable.

3. Performance indicators

   • Power consumption : measured value ≤ rated value × 115%;

   • Noise : Measured value < marked value + 3dB, and in compliance with the limit requirements of GB19606;

   • Total effective volume : measured value ≥ rated value 97%;

   • Refrigeration capacity : measured value ≥ 85% of rated value, and ≥ 4.5kg/100L or 2kg/24h;

   • Refrigeration system sealing : annual leakage ≤0.5g.

3. Safety and Compliance Inspection

Safety is the top priority in refrigerator inspection, and national standards and international specifications must be strictly followed.

1. Electrical safety testing

   • Electrical strength : 1800V/3s without breakdown;

   • Leakage current : ≤0.75mA;

   • Ground resistance : ≤0.5Ω;

   • Insulation resistance : ≥2MΩ;

   • Starting voltage : Normal starting at 85% rated voltage.

2. Mechanical and structural safety

   • Stability test: to ensure that the refrigerator has no risk of tipping over under different floor conditions;

   • Internal wiring specifications, no exposure or interference;

   • The power connection and external flexible wires comply with safety standards;

   • External wire terminals are firm and reliable;

   • Grounding measures are effective.

3. Environmental adaptability test

   • Leakage current and electrical strength test at operating temperature;

   • Leakage current and electrical strength test after tidal test.

IV. Online Testing and Performance Verification

During factory inspections and production line spot checks, the following key tests are performed:

1. Safety testing

   • Use professional instruments to test parameters such as electrical strength, leakage current, and ground resistance;

   • Record test data to ensure all items meet standard requirements.

2. Leak test

   • Use a multi-fluid halogen leak detector to check the welding points of each pipeline;

   • The leakage value must be ≤0.5g/year.

3. Refrigeration performance test

   • Cooling speed : evaluates cooling efficiency;

   • Start and stop time : Check whether the compressor working cycle is normal;

   • Temperature range : Confirm that the temperature of each room meets the design standards.

4. Power consumption and storage temperature test

   • In the environmental laboratory, temperature conditions are set according to the climate type;

   • Use the M package (temperature measurement package) to monitor temperature changes and calculate power consumption.

5. Noise test

   • The noise values ​​at the five center points of the surface were measured in an anechoic chamber;

   • Ensure that the measured value is less than the marked value +3dB.

5. Refrigerator Classification and Terminology Analysis

Inspectors need to be familiar with refrigerator classifications and related terminology to ensure that the inspection basis is accurate.

1. Classification by refrigeration temperature

   • Refrigerator (C), Refrigerator-Freezer (CD), Freezer (D).

2. Classification by cooling method

   • Direct cooling (natural convection), air cooling (forced air circulation, frost-free system).

3. Classification by purpose

   • Refrigerators (mainly refrigeration), freezers (mainly freezing), and wine cabinets (mainly refrigeration).

4. Key Terms

   • Gross volume, effective volume, load limit, storage temperature, freezing capacity, automatic defrost, etc.

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6. Common inspection issues and quality control suggestions

1. Typical defects

   • Appearance defects: scratches, rust, deformation of sealing strips;

   • Functional abnormalities: insufficient cooling, excessive noise, door light not working;

   • Safety issues: electrical parameters are unqualified and grounding is ineffective.

2. Key points of factory audit

   • Verify whether the supplier's quality control system is sound;

   • Review production records, inspection reports and standardized operating procedures;

   • Evaluate the calibration and maintenance of production line test equipment.

3. Packaging and shipping inspection

   • The packaging must be strong, moisture-proof, suitable for transportation, and clearly marked (model, volume, climate type, etc.);

   • Avoid bumps and tilts during transportation to prevent damage to the refrigeration system.

Conclusion

Refrigerator inspection is a multi-dimensional, systematic quality assessment process encompassing appearance, functionality, performance, and safety. Inspectors must be proficient in both national standards and customer requirements, integrating sensory evaluation, instrumental measurement, and functional testing to comprehensively assess product quality. Companies should establish a comprehensive quality control system from raw materials to finished product, and conduct regular factory inspections and tests to ensure product compliance with safety and performance standards, thereby enhancing market competitiveness. At China Huibang Focus, we specialize in product inspection and quarantine, testing and certification, supplier background checks, audits, and factory inspections.