EPA Section 608 Universal Certification ExamType I (Small Appliances)Easy
A technician is performing a refrigerant recovery on a small appliance. What is the maximum allowable amount of refrigerant that can be left in the appliance after recovery using a system-dependent (passive) recovery method?
- ATo atmospheric pressure
- B4 inches of mercury vacuum
- C80% of the appliance's charge
- D0 pounds of refrigerant
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 4 inches of mercury vacuum
For small appliances using non-operating compressors, technicians must recover refrigerant until at least 4 inches of mercury vacuum is achieved. This ensures effective removal without requiring specialized equipment for deeper vacuums.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Recovering only to atmospheric pressure would leave a significant amount of refrigerant in the system.
- C. 80% recovery is a general guideline for some larger systems, not specific to small appliance vacuum levels.
- D. Complete removal to 0 pounds is not always required or achievable with passive methods.
Small Appliance Recovery Vacuum (System-Dependent)
When using a system-dependent (passive) recovery method on a small appliance, the technician must recover refrigerant until at least 4 inches of mercury vacuum is achieved.
- Applies to small appliances with non-operating compressors.
- System-dependent recovery relies on the appliance's internal pressure.
- This vacuum level ensures adequate refrigerant removal.
Memory trick: Four (4) Fingers of Mercury for Small Appliance Recovery.