A technician is performing a leak test on a low-pressure chiller operating with R-123. If the annual leak rate exceeds 30% of the full charge, what action is mandated by EPA regulations?
- AThe system must be repaired within 30 days, or a plan to retrofit/retire within 12 months.
- BThe system must be immediately shut down and repaired.
- CThe system must be repaired within 90 days.
- DThe system must be retrofitted or retired within 18 months.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The system must be repaired within 30 days, or a plan to retrofit/retire within 12 months.
For comfort cooling appliances with a full charge of 50 pounds or more, if the annual leak rate exceeds 10%, the owner/operator must repair the leak within 30 days or develop a retrofit/retirement plan within 30 days and execute it within 12 months. For industrial process refrigeration and commercial refrigeration, the threshold is 20%. For all other appliances, including low-pressure chillers, the threshold is 30%. Since the leak rate exceeds 30% for a low-pressure chiller, the 30-day repair or 12-month retrofit/retirement plan applies.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Immediate shutdown is not typically mandated unless there is an immediate danger or specific local regulations.
- C. 90 days is incorrect; the initial repair period is 30 days.
- D. 18 months is incorrect; the retrofit/retirement plan must be executed within 12 months.
EPA Leak Repair Requirements (Low-Pressure)
For low-pressure appliances with a full charge of 50 lbs or more, if the leak rate exceeds 30% annually, the owner/operator must repair the leak within 30 days or develop a retrofit/retirement plan within 30 days to be executed within 12 months.
- Threshold for low-pressure appliances: 30% annual leak rate.
- Repair within 30 days, or
- Develop retrofit/retirement plan within 30 days.
- Execute plan within 12 months.
Memory trick: Don't 'Leak' out of the '30-day' repair window for 'Low-Pressure' systems.