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EPA 608 Core Exam·Recovery Techniques

What is the required recovery efficiency for small appliance recovery equipment manufactured after November 15, 1993 when the compressor is operating?

  1. A80% of the refrigerant
  2. 90% of the refrigerant OR evacuation to 4 inches Hg vacuum
  3. C95% of the refrigerant
  4. D100% of the refrigerant

Correct answer

90% of the refrigerant OR evacuation to 4 inches Hg vacuum

Why

When the compressor is operating, post-11/15/93 recovery equipment must capture 90% of the refrigerant OR achieve a 4-inch Hg vacuum, whichever occurs first. When the compressor is NOT operating, the requirement is 80% recovery or 4 inches Hg vacuum.

The concept behind this question

Recovery technique depends on the appliance and how much refrigerant it holds. The practical distinction is between system-dependent (passive) recovery, which relies on the appliance's own compressor or pressure and is limited to small appliances, and self-contained (active) recovery, which uses a powered recovery machine and is required for larger equipment. Recovery equipment must be certified to the applicable standard, and required evacuation levels vary with appliance size and type.

More questions on this topic

Exam-style practice question. Not an official EPA exam question.