Convert Ton of Refrigeration to Metric Horsepower
Convert Ton of Refrigeration (RT) to Metric Horsepower (PS) instantly and accurately.
Conversion Formula
PS = RT × 4.781589149
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 Metric Horsepower
The metric horsepower (PS/CV/pk) equals exactly 75 kgf·m/s = 735.49875 W - the European equivalent of mechanical horsepower, defined as lifting 75 kg by 1 m/s. It was the DIN 66036 standard for European automotive ratings until the EU mandated kW. A 100 PS car produces 73.55 kW; 200 PS = 147.1 kW. The ~1.4% difference from mechanical hp (745.7 W) means a 100 PS car rates as 98.6 mechanical hp. German car advertising still shows PS parenthetically alongside kW. 1 PS = 735.49875 W.
Quick Reference Table
| Ton of Refrigeration (RT) | Metric Horsepower (PS) |
|---|---|
| 1 RT | 4.78159 PS |
| 2 RT | 9.56318 PS |
| 5 RT | 23.9079 PS |
| 10 RT | 47.8159 PS |
| 25 RT | 119.54 PS |
| 50 RT | 239.079 PS |
| 100 RT | 478.159 PS |