ARLINGTON, Va. -The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) and the Korea Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Assessment Center (KRAAC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) granting KRAAC the license to use all ARI performance standards, updates, and modifications, for the development of industry standards in Korea.

"The signing of this MOU has strengthened the relationship between ARI and KRAAC and will help to promote the development of the Korean and U.S. air conditioning industries," said William G. Sutton, ARI president. "This is a cause for celebration."

ARI and KRAAC have entered into the MOU with the following goals:

  • To promote the harmonization of ARI and Korean HVACR standards and of international standards in general;

  • To promote communication and information exchange between the two organizations;

  • To avoid duplication of work efforts where possible;

  • To promote the knowledge of standard development activities of each organization and interpretation of standards;

  • To mutually promote relevant standards and certification programs where appropriate;

  • To jointly sponsor training/technical seminars, meetings, and trade shows where appropriate.

    Joining ARI staff at the signing were Jung-Tae Woo, executive director of KRAAC, Jin-Heung Yoo, director of the Korea Testing Laboratory (KTL), Dr. Jae-Ho Yoon, director of the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH), and Dr. Jun-Young Choi, senior researcher of KTL.

    ARI develops and publishes performance standards for HVACR industry products. ARI standards establish rating criteria and procedures for measuring and certifying product performance. In this way, products are rated on a uniform basis, so that buyers and users can properly make selections for specific applications.

    For more information, visit www.ari.org.

    Publication date: 08/02/2004