The Air-Purifier Standard of Three Highs and One Low

The new national standard defines the principle of 'three highs and one low': high CADR, high CCM, high purification energy efficiency, and low noise.

CADR

Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) is the volume of clean air an air purifier delivers per unit of time, measured in m³/h. It includes separate values for particulate matter and formaldehyde. In practical terms, CADR measures purification speed. For example, a particulate CADR of 500 m³/h means the purifier can process particulate matter in 500 cubic meters of air in one hour. Likewise, a formaldehyde CADR of 200 m³/h means it can process formaldehyde in 200 cubic meters of air in one hour.

CCM

Cumulative Clean Mass (CCM) is the total mass of a pollutant that a purifier removes before its CADR falls to 50% of the initial value, measured in milligrams.

Particulate CCM is designated by P and has four levels. P1 corresponds to 3,000–5,000 mg, P2 to 5,000–8,000 mg, P3 to 8,000–12,000 mg, and P4 to more than 12,000 mg. P4 is the highest level.

Formaldehyde CCM is designated by F and also has four levels. F1 corresponds to 300–600 mg, F2 to 600–1,000 mg, F3 to 1,000–1,500 mg, and F4 to more than 1,500 mg. F4 is the highest level.

CCM represents total pollutant-removal capacity. A high CADR alone does not necessarily mean an air purifier will remain effective. When both CADR and CCM are high, the purifier can provide fast purification, greater total capacity, and a longer filter life. Noise and purification energy efficiency must also be considered.

Noise

The noise value is the sound level produced when the purifier operates at its maximum CADR, measured in decibels (dB). A higher CADR usually requires a faster fan, which can raise noise levels. An effective air purifier should combine strong purification performance with low operating noise.

Purification energy efficiency

Purification energy efficiency is the ratio of CADR to rated power. Separate values are used for particulate and formaldehyde purification. A good air purifier should not only be effective but also conserve energy.