EPA Section 608 Universal Certification ExamType I (Small Appliances)Medium

A technician is preparing to recover refrigerant from a small appliance that uses R-410A. Which of the following statements about R-410A is TRUE regarding recovery procedures?

  1. AR-410A is a low-pressure refrigerant, allowing for slower recovery rates.
  2. BR-410A can be recovered into the same cylinder as R-22, as they are both HCFCs.
  3. CR-410A recovery requires a recovery machine rated for high-pressure refrigerants.
  4. DR-410A is a zeotropic blend and must be recovered as a liquid to maintain its composition.
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C. R-410A recovery requires a recovery machine rated for high-pressure refrigerants.

R-410A operates at significantly higher pressures than many older refrigerants like R-22. Therefore, recovery equipment, including the recovery machine, must be specifically rated for these higher pressures to ensure safety and effective operation.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. R-410A is a high-pressure refrigerant; this statement is incorrect.
  • B. R-410A is an HFC, not an HCFC, and mixing refrigerants is strictly prohibited.
  • D. R-410A is a near-azeotropic blend, not zeotropic, and while liquid recovery is preferred for blends, the primary characteristic for equipment rating is its high pressure.

R-410A Recovery Equipment

R-410A operates at significantly higher pressures than many other refrigerants, necessitating the use of recovery equipment specifically rated for high-pressure refrigerants.

  • R-410A is an HFC, not an HCFC.
  • Requires recovery machines, hoses, and gauges rated for high pressures.
  • Mixing refrigerants is illegal and creates contaminated blends.

Memory trick: For '410-A,' think 'High-P' for pressure, you'll see!

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