EPA Section 608 Universal Certification ExamType II (High-Pressure Appliances)Medium
A technician is recovering refrigerant from a high-pressure appliance using a self-contained recovery device. The appliance contains 50 pounds of R-410A. According to EPA regulations, what is the maximum evacuation level required for this recovery?
- A15 inches Hg vacuum
- B10 inches Hg vacuum
- C0 psig
- D25 inches Hg vacuum
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 10 inches Hg vacuum
For high-pressure appliances containing more than 50 pounds of refrigerant, a self-contained recovery device must evacuate the system to 10 inches Hg vacuum when the appliance is being disposed of.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 15 inches Hg vacuum is the requirement for very high-pressure appliances or when the appliance contains less than 200 lbs of refrigerant if manufactured before 1993, but not for this specific scenario.
- C. 0 psig is not a sufficient vacuum level for recovery, especially for disposal.
- D. 25 inches Hg vacuum is required for appliances with 200 lbs or more of refrigerant manufactured before 1993, or for low-pressure appliances.
High-Pressure Appliance Recovery Standards (Self-Contained)
EPA regulations specify different evacuation levels for high-pressure appliances based on refrigerant quantity and recovery device type to ensure minimal release.
- Appliances with >50 lbs refrigerant require 10 inches Hg vacuum with a self-contained device.
- Appliances with <50 lbs refrigerant require 0 psig with a self-contained device.
- These standards apply when the appliance is being disposed of.
Memory trick: High pressure, bigger charge, more vacuum needed for safety.