EPA Section 608 Universal Certification ExamType I (Small Appliances)Hard
A technician is recovering refrigerant from a small appliance. The recovery equipment must be capable of recovering 90% of the refrigerant when the compressor is operating or achieving a 4-inch mercury vacuum. What is the maximum allowable leakage rate for this recovery equipment, as per EPA regulations?
- AIt must not leak more than 1 ounce per year.
- BIt must not leak more than 15% of its charge annually.
- CIt must not leak more than 5 pounds per year.
- DIt must not leak any refrigerant.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. It must not leak any refrigerant.
EPA regulations require that all recovery and recycling equipment used for refrigerants must be certified by an EPA-approved third-party organization and must be designed to prevent any refrigerant leakage. Any detectable leak from recovery equipment is a violation.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is incorrect; there is no allowable leakage rate for recovery equipment.
- B. This refers to the annual leak rate for certain appliances, not the recovery equipment itself.
- C. This is incorrect; there is no allowable leakage rate for recovery equipment.
Recovery Equipment Leakage
EPA-certified refrigerant recovery and recycling equipment must be designed and maintained to prevent ANY release of refrigerant into the atmosphere.
- Zero tolerance for leaks in recovery equipment.
- Equipment must be certified by an EPA-approved organization.
- Regular maintenance and leak checks are vital.
- Any detectable leak renders the equipment non-compliant.
Memory trick: Recovery gear must be 'tight and true,' no 'leaks' allowed, it's the EPA's rule for you!