EPA Section 608 Universal Certification ExamType II (High-Pressure Appliances)Medium
A technician is decommissioning a small, self-contained high-pressure appliance containing 10 ounces of R-134a for disposal. Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the recovery of refrigerant from this appliance?
- AThe technician must recover at least 90% of the refrigerant.
- BThe technician must recover at least 80% of the refrigerant.
- CThe technician must recover to 0 psig before disposal.
- DThe technician is exempt from recovery requirements due to the small charge.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The technician must recover at least 80% of the refrigerant.
For small appliances (defined as hermetically sealed systems with 5 lbs or less of refrigerant), the EPA requires recovery of at least 80% of the refrigerant when using equipment manufactured AFTER November 15, 1993, or to 4 inches of Hg vacuum. Since the charge is less than 5 lbs (10 oz = 0.625 lbs), the 80% rule applies.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 90% recovery is typically for larger high-pressure appliances (over 5 lbs charge) with post-1993 equipment.
- C. Recovering to 0 psig is a requirement for non-major repairs on systems with less than 200 lbs charge, but for small appliances, the 80% rule or 4 inches Hg vacuum is specified.
- D. There are no blanket exemptions for small charges; specific recovery percentages or vacuum levels must always be met.
Small Appliance Recovery Requirements
Specific EPA regulations for the recovery of refrigerant from small, self-contained appliances (5 lbs or less charge).
- 80% recovery or 4 inches Hg vacuum.
- Both system-dependent and self-contained methods allowed.
- No exemptions for small charge amounts.
Memory trick: Small appliance, big rule: 'EIGHTY' percent or a good vacuum!