EPA Section 608 Universal Certification ExamType II (High-Pressure Appliances)Medium
A technician is using a system-dependent (passive) recovery device to recover refrigerant from a high-pressure appliance with an operating compressor and a charge of 40 pounds of R-22. To what level must the technician evacuate the appliance?
- A0 psig
- B10 inches Hg vacuum
- C4 inches Hg vacuum
- D25 inches Hg vacuum
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 4 inches Hg vacuum
For high-pressure appliances with an operating compressor and a charge of less than 200 pounds of refrigerant, a system-dependent recovery device must evacuate the system to 4 inches Hg vacuum.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 0 psig is for self-contained recovery of small appliances (<50 lbs) or for very high-pressure appliances.
- B. 10 inches Hg vacuum is for high-pressure appliances (>50 lbs) using a self-contained device.
- D. 25 inches Hg vacuum is typically for low-pressure appliances.
System-Dependent Recovery Evacuation Levels (High-Pressure)
EPA regulations specify distinct evacuation levels for high-pressure appliances when using system-dependent (passive) recovery devices, depending on the charge size and compressor status.
- For high-pressure appliances <200 lbs with an operating compressor, 4 inches Hg vacuum is required.
- System-dependent devices rely on the appliance's compressor or pressure differential.
- These levels are critical for minimizing refrigerant release.
Memory trick: System-dependent, 4 inches is the way, for a working compressor, come what may.