EPA Section 608 Universal Certification ExamType III (Low-Pressure Appliances)Medium
A technician is recovering refrigerant from a low-pressure chiller that contains 60 lbs of R-123. The recovery equipment was manufactured before November 15, 1993. What is the EPA-mandated recovery vacuum level for this scenario?
- A4 inches of Hg vacuum
- B0 psig
- C25 mm Hg absolute
- D10 inches of Hg vacuum
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 4 inches of Hg vacuum
For low-pressure appliances with a full charge of 50 pounds or more, using recovery equipment manufactured *before* November 15, 1993, the EPA-mandated recovery vacuum is 4 inches of Hg vacuum. This is a less stringent standard than for newer equipment.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 0 psig is atmospheric pressure and not a sufficient vacuum for recovery.
- C. 25 mm Hg absolute is for equipment manufactured *after* November 15, 1993, with 35 lbs or more charge.
- D. 10 inches of Hg vacuum is for equipment manufactured *after* November 15, 1993, with *less than* 35 lbs charge, or for equipment manufactured *before* November 15, 1993, with *less than* 50 lbs charge.
Low-Pressure Appliance Recovery Standard (Pre-1993, Large Charge)
The EPA-mandated vacuum level for recovering refrigerant from low-pressure appliances with a full charge of 50 lbs or more, using recovery equipment manufactured before November 15, 1993.
- Applies to low-pressure appliances.
- Charge size: 50 lbs or more.
- Equipment manufactured before November 15, 1993.
- Required vacuum: 4 inches of Hg vacuum.
Memory trick: Old gear, big charge, 50 lbs, 4 inches, that's the barge.