EPA Section 608 Universal Certification ExamType III (Low-Pressure Appliances)Hard
A technician is decommissioning a low-pressure chiller containing 120 lbs of R-123. The chiller was manufactured in 1995. What is the EPA-required recovery level for this appliance?
- ARecover to 15 inches Hg vacuum.
- BRecover to 25 inches Hg vacuum.
- CRecover to 20 inches Hg vacuum.
- DRecover to 29 inches Hg vacuum.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Recover to 25 inches Hg vacuum.
For low-pressure appliances manufactured AFTER 1992, with a charge of 50 lbs or more, the EPA requires recovery to 25 inches Hg vacuum. Since 1995 is after 1992 and 120 lbs is over 50 lbs, this standard applies.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 15 inches Hg vacuum is the standard for low-pressure appliances manufactured BEFORE 1993 with a charge of 50 lbs or more.
- C. 20 inches Hg vacuum is the standard for low-pressure appliances with a charge of LESS than 50 lbs, regardless of manufacture date.
- D. 29 inches Hg vacuum is an extremely deep vacuum, typically for evacuation, not a required recovery level.
Low-Pressure Recovery Standard (Post-1992, >=50 lbs)
For low-pressure appliances manufactured after 1992 with a refrigerant charge of 50 lbs or more, the EPA requires recovery to 25 inches Hg vacuum.
- Applies to chillers post-1992.
- Charge must be 50 lbs or more.
- Recovery target: 25 inches Hg vacuum.
- Different standards exist for pre-1993 or smaller charges.
Memory trick: Post-92, Big Chiller, 25 is the 'Deep Dive' number.