Convert Ton of Refrigeration to Mechanical Horsepower
Convert Ton of Refrigeration (RT) to Mechanical Horsepower (hp) instantly and accurately.
Conversion Formula
hp = RT × 4.716177347
About Ton of Refrigeration
One ton of refrigeration (RT) = 12,000 BTU/h ≈ 3,517 W - the cooling rate to freeze 1 short ton (2,000 lb) of water in 24 hours. This follows from water's latent heat: 144 BTU/lb × 2,000 lb ÷ 24 h = 12,000 BTU/h. US residential AC is 1.5-5 tons; a large commercial building 500-2,000 tons; a hyperscale data centre 50,000-100,000 tons. The RT is deeply embedded in North American HVAC catalogs, load calculation software, and contractor pricing. 1 RT = 3,516.85 W.
About Mechanical Horsepower
The mechanical horsepower (hp) is exactly 550 ft·lbf/s ≈ 745.7 W - defined by James Watt by timing mine horses to set a comparable steam engine rating. A typical compact car produces 100-150 hp (75-112 kW); a sports car 300-600 hp; an F1 car ~1,000 hp (745 kW). SAE net horsepower is measured at the flywheel with all accessories fitted. Marine diesel engines, aircraft piston engines, and lawn equipment are still rated in hp. 1 hp = 550 ft·lbf/s = 745.6998715822704 W.
Quick Reference Table
| Ton of Refrigeration (RT) | Mechanical Horsepower (hp) |
|---|---|
| 1 RT | 4.71618 hp |
| 2 RT | 9.43235 hp |
| 5 RT | 23.5809 hp |
| 10 RT | 47.1618 hp |
| 25 RT | 117.904 hp |
| 50 RT | 235.809 hp |
| 100 RT | 471.618 hp |