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EPA 608 · Chapter 03 of 05

Type I: Small Appliances: EPA 608 practice questions

EPA 608 Type I practice questions on small appliances: recovery levels, passive recovery, access fittings, recovery equipment, disposal and mail-in Type I tests.

Last updated · 22 questions · every answer cites its source

Type I certification covers the maintenance, service and repair of small appliances. Under 40 CFR 82.152, a small appliance is one that is fully manufactured, charged and hermetically sealed in a factory with five pounds or less of refrigerant: household refrigerators and freezers, window and portable air conditioners, packaged terminal air heat pumps, dehumidifiers, under-the-counter ice makers, vending machines and drinking water coolers are all examples.

The recovery rules for these appliances are simpler than the vacuum table used for larger systems. Section 82.156(b) asks for a percentage of the charge, and the figure depends on when the recovery equipment was made and, for equipment made on or after November 15, 1993, whether the appliance compressor still works. Evacuating the appliance to four inches of mercury vacuum is the alternative. Because small appliances hold so little refrigerant, system-dependent ("passive") recovery devices may be used on them, and EPA's Type I test topics list methods for getting refrigerant out when the compressor has failed and what to do with access fittings when the job is done.

This chapter also covers the recovery equipment standards in § 82.158(e) and Appendix C, the process stub that small appliances must carry, the hydrocarbon venting exemptions for household refrigerators, safe disposal at scrap yards, and the Appendix D rules for Type I tests, including the mail-in format. Each answer quotes the rule or EPA page it comes from.

Form 01 / 22 #GFKVT6 #

Under the definition in 40 CFR 82.152, which of these is a small appliance?

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Answer

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Answer A vending machine sealed and charged at the factory with 4 pounds of refrigerant

Section 82.152 defines a small appliance as one that is fully manufactured, charged and hermetically sealed in a factory with five pounds or less of refrigerant, and it lists vending machines among the examples, so a factory-sealed vending machine holding 4 pounds qualifies. Freezers are listed too, but a 7-pound charge is over the five-pound limit. The split air conditioner and the walk-in cooler hold five pounds or less, yet they are charged at the job site rather than sealed and charged in a factory, so neither fits the definition however small the charge.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR 82.152 — Definitions
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.152, definition of "Small appliance" · Primary source · checked
    “Small appliance means any appliance that is fully manufactured, charged, and hermetically sealed in a factory with five (5) pounds or less of refrigerant, including … vending machines, and drinking water coolers.”
  2. 40 CFR 82.152 — Definitions
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.152, definition of "Small appliance" · Primary source · checked
    “Small appliance means any appliance that is fully manufactured, charged, and hermetically sealed in a factory with five (5) pounds or less of refrigerant, including, but not limited to, refrigerators and freezers (designed for home, commercial, or consumer use)”

Updated · Exam outline: T1: Recovery Requirements

Form 02 / 22 #HT6B5D True / False #

A packaged terminal air heat pump that is fully manufactured, charged and hermetically sealed in a factory with exactly five pounds of refrigerant falls within the 40 CFR 82.152 definition of a small appliance.

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Answer

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Answer True

True. The definition covers factory-sealed appliances with "five (5) pounds or less" of refrigerant, so a charge of exactly five pounds is inside the limit. The definition also lists room air conditioners and states that they include window air conditioners, portable air conditioners and packaged terminal air heat pumps. A factory-built, factory-charged and hermetically sealed unit of that kind with a five-pound charge is therefore a small appliance.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR 82.152 — Definitions
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.152, definition of "Small appliance" · Primary source · checked
    “Small appliance means any appliance that is fully manufactured, charged, and hermetically sealed in a factory with five (5) pounds or less of refrigerant, including … room air conditioners (including window air conditioners, portable air conditioners, and packaged terminal air heat pumps)”

Updated · Exam outline: T1: Recovery Requirements

Form 03 / 22 #DFR2E2 #

A technician opens a household freezer for repair using a recovery machine manufactured in 1991. If the technician meets the percentage-recovery option of 40 CFR 82.156(b), how much of the refrigerant must be recovered?

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Answer

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Answer 80 percent, whether or not the compressor runs

Section 82.156(b)(1) sets a single figure for recovery equipment manufactured before November 15, 1993: 80 percent of the refrigerant in the small appliance, with no distinction for whether the compressor runs. The split of 90 percent with a working compressor and 80 percent without one applies only to equipment manufactured on or after November 15, 1993, under § 82.156(b)(2), so it does not apply to a 1991 machine. Neither paragraph uses a 90 percent figure for all conditions or a 95 percent figure. Evacuating the appliance to four inches of mercury vacuum is a separate alternative under § 82.156(b)(3).

Sources

  1. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156(b)(1) · Primary source · checked
    “(1) When using recovery equipment manufactured before November 15, 1993, recover 80 percent of the refrigerant in the small appliance; or”
  2. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156(b)(2)–(3) · Primary source · checked
    “(2) When using recovery equipment manufactured on or after November 15, 1993, recover 90 percent of the refrigerant in the appliance when the compressor in the appliance is functioning, or 80 percent of the refrigerant in the appliance when the compressor in the appliance is not functioning; or (3) Evacuate the appliance to four inches of mercury vacuum.”

Updated · Exam outline: T1: Recovery Requirements

Form 04 / 22 #VJEPBV #

A technician uses a recovery machine manufactured in 2019 on a window air conditioner whose compressor runs. Under the percentage-recovery option in 40 CFR 82.156(b), what share of the refrigerant in the appliance must be recovered?

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Answer

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Answer 90 percent

For recovery equipment manufactured on or after November 15, 1993, § 82.156(b)(2) requires recovery of 90 percent of the refrigerant when the appliance compressor is functioning, so 90 percent applies here. The 80 percent figure is for equipment made before that date or for an appliance whose compressor is not functioning. Neither 95 nor 99 percent appears in the small-appliance rule. EPA's service practice page gives the same 80 and 90 percent levels for small appliances such as window air conditioners.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156(b)(2) · Primary source · checked
    “(2) When using recovery equipment manufactured on or after November 15, 1993, recover 90 percent of the refrigerant in the appliance when the compressor in the appliance is functioning, or 80 percent of the refrigerant in the appliance when the compressor in the appliance is not functioning; or”
  2. Stationary Refrigeration Service Practice Requirements
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Appliances with Five or Fewer Pounds of Refrigerant (Small Appliances) · Primary source · checked
    “Technicians repairing small appliances, such as household refrigerators, window air conditioners, and water coolers, must recover:”

Updated · Exam outline: T1: Recovery Requirements

Form 05 / 22 #H6TZBP True / False #

With recovery equipment manufactured after November 15, 1993, a technician working on a small appliance whose compressor has failed must still recover 90 percent of its refrigerant to meet the percentage option in 40 CFR 82.156(b).

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Answer

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Answer False

False. Section 82.156(b)(2) ties the 90 percent level to a functioning compressor. When the compressor in the appliance is not functioning, the required level with equipment manufactured on or after November 15, 1993 is 80 percent of the refrigerant. As an alternative to either percentage, § 82.156(b)(3) allows the technician to evacuate the small appliance to four inches of mercury vacuum.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156(b)(2) · Primary source · checked
    “(2) When using recovery equipment manufactured on or after November 15, 1993, recover 90 percent of the refrigerant in the appliance when the compressor in the appliance is functioning, or 80 percent of the refrigerant in the appliance when the compressor in the appliance is not functioning; or”
  2. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156(b)(3) · Primary source · checked
    “(3) Evacuate the appliance to four inches of mercury vacuum.”

Updated · Exam outline: T1: Recovery Requirements

Form 06 / 22 #20DB2M #

Instead of recovering a set percentage of the charge, 40 CFR 82.156(b) lets a technician meet the small-appliance recovery requirement by evacuating the appliance to what level?

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Answer

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Answer 4 inches of mercury vacuum

Section 82.156(b)(3) gives evacuation to four inches of mercury vacuum as the alternative to the 80 or 90 percent recovery levels for small appliances. EPA's service practice page says the same. The other figures come from Table 1 in § 82.156(a), which covers appliances other than small appliances. With equipment made on or after November 15, 1993, 10 and 15 inches are the levels for medium-pressure appliances below 200 pounds and at 200 pounds or more, while 0 inches applies to very high-pressure appliances and to high-pressure appliances under 200 pounds.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156(b)(3) · Primary source · checked
    “(3) Evacuate the appliance to four inches of mercury vacuum.”
  2. Stationary Refrigeration Service Practice Requirements
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Appliances with Five or Fewer Pounds of Refrigerant (Small Appliances) · Primary source · checked
    “Technicians may also satisfy recovery requirements by evacuating the small appliance to four inches of mercury vacuum.”
  3. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156(a), Table 1 · Primary source · checked
    “Table 1—Required Levels of Evacuation for Appliances [Except for small appliances, MVACs, and MVAC-like appliances]”
  4. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156(a), Table 1 · Primary source · checked
    “Medium-pressure appliance, or isolated component of such appliance, with a full charge of less than 200 pounds of refrigerant 4 10. Medium-pressure appliance, or isolated component of such appliance, with a full charge of 200 pounds or more of refrigerant 4 15.”
  5. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156(a), Table 1 · Primary source · checked
    “Very high-pressure appliance 0 0. High-pressure appliance, or isolated component of such appliance, with a full charge of less than 200 pounds of refrigerant 0 0.”

Updated · Exam outline: T1: Recovery Requirements

Form 07 / 22 #HGQAAM True / False #

Under 40 CFR 82.158(e), small-appliance recovery equipment manufactured before November 15, 1993, must be certified by an EPA-approved equipment testing organization before a technician uses it.

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Answer

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Answer False

False. Section 82.158(e) generally requires small-appliance recovery equipment to be certified by an approved equipment testing organization, but paragraph (e)(1) makes an exception for older equipment. Equipment manufactured or imported before November 15, 1993, is considered certified if it can either recover 80 percent of the refrigerant in the system, whether or not the test stand compressor is operational, or achieve a four-inch vacuum when tested with a properly calibrated pressure gauge.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR 82.158 — Standards for recovery and/or recycling equipment
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.158(e)(1) · Primary source · checked
    “(1) Equipment manufactured or imported before November 15, 1993, will be considered certified if it is capable of either recovering 80 percent of the refrigerant in the system, whether or not the compressor of the test stand is operational, or achieving a four-inch vacuum when tested using a properly calibrated pressure gauge.”
  2. 40 CFR 82.158 — Standards for recovery and/or recycling equipment
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.158(e) · Primary source · checked
    “(e) Small appliances. Equipment used during the maintenance, service, repair, or disposal of small appliances must be certified by an approved equipment testing organization”

Updated · Exam outline: T1: Recovery equipment for small appliances

Form 08 / 22 #DB7G76 #

Appendix C to 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F sets the test method for recovery devices used with small appliances. Which refrigerant is charged into its test stand?

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Answer

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Answer CFC-12

Appendix C measures, by weight, the percentage of a known charge of CFC-12 that a recovery device removes and captures from a test stand. The stand is built from standard equipment used in household refrigerators and freezers and is charged with 6 or 9 ounces of CFC-12. The procedure does not use HFC-134a, HCFC-22 or CFC-11 as the test refrigerant. Equipment that passes is certified under § 82.158(e), which asks for 90 percent recovery with the test stand compressor running and 80 percent with it off.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F, Appendix C — Method for Testing Recovery Devices for Use With Small Appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Appendix C, introduction and § III, step 5 · Primary source · checked
    “This procedure is designed to calculate on a weight or mass basis the percentage of a known charge of CFC-12 refrigerant removed and captured from a test stand refrigeration system. … 5. Charge the test stand with an appropriate CFC-12 charge (either 6 oz. or 9 oz.).”
  2. 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F, Appendix C — Method for Testing Recovery Devices for Use With Small Appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Appendix C, introduction · Primary source · checked
    “The test stand refrigeration system required for this procedure is constructed with standard equipment utilized in currently produced household refrigerator and freezer products.”
  3. 40 CFR 82.158 — Standards for recovery and/or recycling equipment
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.158(e) · Primary source · checked
    “capable of recovering 90 percent of the refrigerant in the test stand when the compressor of the test stand is operational and 80 percent of the refrigerant when the compressor of the test stand is not operational”

Updated · Exam outline: T1: Recovery equipment for small appliances

Form 09 / 22 #EW1MHE True / False #

Under 40 CFR 82.158(h), the certification label on recovery equipment for small appliances must show the date the equipment was manufactured.

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Answer

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Answer True

True. Section 82.158(h)(1) requires manufacturers and importers of equipment certified under paragraphs (d) and (e), which includes small-appliance equipment, to label each unit with a statement that it has been certified by the approved testing organization. Paragraph (h)(2) adds that the label must also show the date of manufacture and the serial number, if applicable. The label must last the lifetime of the equipment and be fixed so that it cannot be removed without damage to the label.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR 82.158 — Standards for recovery and/or recycling equipment
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.158(h)(1)–(2) · Primary source · checked
    “(1) Manufacturers and importers of equipment certified under paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section must place a label on each piece of equipment stating the following: … (2) The label must also show the date of manufacture and the serial number (if applicable) of the equipment.”
  2. 40 CFR 82.158 — Standards for recovery and/or recycling equipment
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.158(h)(2) · Primary source · checked
    “be made of a material expected to last the lifetime of the equipment, … and be affixed in such a way that it cannot be removed from the equipment without damage to the label.”

Updated · Exam outline: T1: Recovery equipment for small appliances

Form 10 / 22 #B1K15S #

Under 40 CFR 82.156(e), system-dependent recovery equipment may not be used on an appliance whose full charge is more than what amount, unless the equipment is permanently attached to the appliance as a pump-out unit?

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Answer

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Answer 15 pounds

Section 82.156(e) bars system-dependent recovery equipment, which relies on components in the appliance to remove the refrigerant, from appliances with a full charge of more than 15 pounds unless it is permanently attached as a pump-out unit. Small appliances hold five pounds or less, so passive devices may be used on them. Five pounds is the small-appliance limit in § 82.152, 50 pounds is where the § 82.157 leak repair rules for ozone-depleting refrigerants begin, and 200 pounds divides the Table 1 evacuation levels.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156(e) · Primary source · checked
    “(e) System-dependent equipment may not be used with appliances with a full charge of more than 15 pounds of refrigerant, unless the system-dependent equipment is permanently attached to the appliance as a pump-out unit.”
  2. 40 CFR 82.152 — Definitions
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.152, definition of "System-dependent recovery equipment" · Primary source · checked
    “System-dependent recovery equipment means refrigerant recovery equipment that requires the assistance of components contained in an appliance to remove the refrigerant from the appliance.”
  3. 40 CFR 82.157 — Appliance maintenance and leak repair
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.157(a) · Primary source · checked
    “As of April 10, 2020, this section applies only to appliances with a full charge of 50 or more pounds of any class I or class II refrigerant or blend containing a class I or class II refrigerant.”
  4. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156(a), Table 1 · Primary source · checked
    “Medium-pressure appliance, or isolated component of such appliance, with a full charge of less than 200 pounds of refrigerant 4 10. Medium-pressure appliance, or isolated component of such appliance, with a full charge of 200 pounds or more of refrigerant 4 15.”

Updated · Exam outline: T1: Recovery equipment for small appliances

Form 11 / 22 #TEV59Y Choose 2 #

EPA's Type I test topics name methods for recovering refrigerant from a small appliance with an inoperative compressor when a system-dependent ("passive") recovery device is used. Which TWO are among them? Choose TWO.

Select 2.
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Answer

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Answer Using a vacuum pump with a non-pressurized recovery container; Heating the compressor and sharply striking it

EPA's Type I test topics give two examples for an inoperative compressor: heating the compressor and sharply striking it, and using a vacuum pump with a non-pressurized recovery container. Fitting a valve on the low side while leaving the high side closed goes against the same topics, which say both high- and low-side access valves are needed when the compressor is inoperative. Releasing the vapor that remains is never a recovery method: § 82.154(a)(1) bars anyone servicing or disposing of an appliance from knowingly venting refrigerant. A system-dependent device relies on components in the appliance, as defined in § 82.152.

Sources

  1. Section 608 Technician Certification: Test Topics (EPA web page, last updated December 5, 2025)
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Type 1 (Small Appliances) · Primary source · checked
    “Methods to recover refrigerant from small appliances with inoperative compressors using a system-dependent or "passive" recovery device (e.g., heat and sharply strike the compressor, use a vacuum pump with non-pressurized recovery container)”
  2. Section 608 Technician Certification: Test Topics (EPA web page, last updated December 5, 2025)
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Type 1 (Small Appliances) · Primary source · checked
    “Need to install both high and low side access valves when recovering refrigerant from small appliances with inoperative compressors”
  3. 40 CFR 82.154 — Prohibitions
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.154(a)(1) · Primary source · checked
    “(1) No person maintaining, servicing, repairing, or disposing of an appliance or industrial process refrigeration may knowingly vent or otherwise release into the environment any refrigerant from such appliances.”
  4. 40 CFR 82.152 — Definitions
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.152, definition of "System-dependent recovery equipment" · Primary source · checked
    “System-dependent recovery equipment means refrigerant recovery equipment that requires the assistance of components contained in an appliance to remove the refrigerant from the appliance.”

Updated · Exam outline: T1: Recovery Techniques

Form 12 / 22 #6YR92M True / False #

EPA's Type I test topics say that when refrigerant is recovered from a small appliance whose compressor is inoperative, access valves are needed on both the high side and the low side of the system.

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Answer

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Answer True

True. Among the Type I recovery techniques, EPA lists the need to install both high and low side access valves when recovering refrigerant from small appliances with inoperative compressors. The same condition matters in the rule: for equipment made on or after November 15, 1993, § 82.156(b)(2) sets an 80 percent recovery level when the compressor in the appliance is not functioning, instead of the 90 percent level that applies when it is.

Sources

  1. Section 608 Technician Certification: Test Topics (EPA web page, last updated December 5, 2025)
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Type 1 (Small Appliances) · Primary source · checked
    “Need to install both high and low side access valves when recovering refrigerant from small appliances with inoperative compressors”
  2. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156(b)(2) · Primary source · checked
    “(2) When using recovery equipment manufactured on or after November 15, 1993, recover 90 percent of the refrigerant in the appliance when the compressor in the appliance is functioning, or 80 percent of the refrigerant in the appliance when the compressor in the appliance is not functioning; or”

Updated · Exam outline: T1: Recovery Techniques

Form 13 / 22 #RCJ3QV True / False #

When a small appliance's compressor still works, EPA's Type I test topics call for keeping it switched off while a system-dependent ("passive") recovery device is used.

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Answer

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Answer False

False. EPA's Type I test topics state the opposite: there is a need to operate operative compressors when recovering refrigerant with a system-dependent ("passive") recovery device. Section 82.152 defines a system-dependent device as one that needs the assistance of components contained in the appliance to remove the refrigerant. The recovery levels also differ by compressor condition: with equipment made on or after November 15, 1993, § 82.156(b)(2) expects 90 percent recovery when the compressor is functioning.

Sources

  1. Section 608 Technician Certification: Test Topics (EPA web page, last updated December 5, 2025)
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Type 1 (Small Appliances) · Primary source · checked
    “Need to operate operative compressors when recovering refrigerant with a system-dependent ("passive") recovery device”
  2. 40 CFR 82.152 — Definitions
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.152, definition of "System-dependent recovery equipment" · Primary source · checked
    “System-dependent recovery equipment means refrigerant recovery equipment that requires the assistance of components contained in an appliance to remove the refrigerant from the appliance.”
  3. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156(b)(2) · Primary source · checked
    “(2) When using recovery equipment manufactured on or after November 15, 1993, recover 90 percent of the refrigerant in the appliance when the compressor in the appliance is functioning, or 80 percent of the refrigerant in the appliance when the compressor in the appliance is not functioning; or”

Updated · Exam outline: T1: Recovery Techniques

Form 14 / 22 #31EJVK #

According to EPA's Type I test topics, when should solderless access fittings be taken off a small appliance?

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Answer

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Answer At the conclusion of the service

EPA's Type I test topics state that solderless access fittings should be removed at the conclusion of service. Leaving them on until the appliance is sent for disposal, until the next service visit, or until the appliance has run for a day all depart from that point in the job. Subpart F itself does not mention solderless fittings; the access point it requires on a new small appliance is the factory process stub, which § 82.152 describes as tubing that can be resealed at the conclusion of repair or service.

Sources

  1. Section 608 Technician Certification: Test Topics (EPA web page, last updated December 5, 2025)
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Type 1 (Small Appliances) · Primary source · checked
    “Should remove solderless access fittings at conclusion of service”
  2. 40 CFR 82.152 — Definitions
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.152, definition of "Process stub" · Primary source · checked
    “Process stub means a length of tubing that provides access to the refrigerant inside a small appliance or room air conditioner and that can be resealed at the conclusion of repair or service.”
  3. 40 CFR 82.154 — Prohibitions
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.154(e)(2) · Primary source · checked
    “any small appliance (except appliances containing only refrigerants that have been exempted under paragraph (a)(1) of this section) unless it is equipped with a process stub to facilitate the removal of refrigerant at servicing and disposal.”

Updated · Exam outline: T1: Recovery Techniques

Form 15 / 22 #QFV7XS #

Under 40 CFR 82.154(e), a new small appliance that uses HFC-134a may not be sold or distributed unless it is equipped with what, to make it easier to remove the refrigerant at servicing and disposal?

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Answer

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Answer A process stub on the refrigerant circuit

Section 82.154(e)(2), on the manufacture and sale of appliances, requires a small appliance, other than one containing only an exempt refrigerant, to be equipped with a process stub before it is sold or distributed. Section 82.152 defines a process stub as a length of tubing that gives access to the refrigerant and can be resealed after repair or service. A pump-out unit is a recovery device permanently attached to an appliance, a sight glass is not named in this rule, and the rule does not require factory-installed access valves on both sides.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR 82.154 — Prohibitions
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.154(e)(2) · Primary source · checked
    “(2) No person may sell or distribute, or offer for sale or distribution, any small appliance (except appliances containing only refrigerants that have been exempted under paragraph (a)(1) of this section) unless it is equipped with a process stub to facilitate the removal of refrigerant at servicing and disposal.”
  2. 40 CFR 82.154 — Prohibitions
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.154(e) · Primary source · checked
    “(e) Manufacture and sale of appliances.”
  3. 40 CFR 82.152 — Definitions
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.152, definition of "Process stub" · Primary source · checked
    “Process stub means a length of tubing that provides access to the refrigerant inside a small appliance or room air conditioner and that can be resealed at the conclusion of repair or service.”
  4. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156(e) · Primary source · checked
    “unless the system-dependent equipment is permanently attached to the appliance as a pump-out unit.”

Updated · Exam outline: T1: Recovery equipment for small appliances

Form 16 / 22 #RVWNKK #

EPA's Type I test topics name which refrigerant as a likely substitute for CFC-12 (R-12) in small appliances?

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Answer

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Answer HFC-134a (R-134a)

EPA's Type I test topics list HFC-134a, also called R-134a, as the likely substitute for CFC-12. CFC-12 is a class I ozone-depleting substance, and EPA describes HFCs as common alternatives to ozone-depleting substances. HCFC-22 is itself a class II ozone-depleting substance, so it is not the ozone-safe replacement. CFC-11 is another class I CFC. R-23 is a very high-pressure refrigerant under § 82.152, far from the pressure range of CFC-12, which the rule lists as medium-pressure.

Sources

  1. Section 608 Technician Certification: Test Topics (EPA web page, last updated December 5, 2025)
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Type 1 (Small Appliances) · Primary source · checked
    “(HFC)-134a (also called R-134a) as likely substitute for chlorofluorocarbon … (CFC)-12 (also called R-12)”
  2. Ozone-Depleting Substances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Class I ODS, Group I · Primary source · checked
    “CFC-11 (CCl3F) Trichlorofluoromethane … CFC-12 (CCl2F2) Dichlorodifluoromethane”
  3. Ozone-Depleting Substances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Class II ODS · Primary source · checked
    “HCFC-22 (CHF2Cl) Monochlorodifluoromethane”
  4. Background on HFCs and the AIM Act
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Background · Primary source · checked
    “HFCs are commonly used alternatives to ODS such as hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)”
  5. 40 CFR 82.152 — Definitions
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.152, definitions of "Medium-pressure appliance" and "Very high-pressure appliance" · Primary source · checked
    “Examples include but are not limited to appliances using R-114, R-124, R-12, R-134a, and R-500. … Examples include but are not limited to appliances using R-13, R-23, R-503, R-508A, and R-508B.”

Updated · Exam outline: T1: Refrigerants

Form 17 / 22 #MAZS93 #

Under 40 CFR 82.154(a)(1), which refrigerant and end-use combination is exempt from the venting prohibition and from the other requirements of Subpart F?

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Answer

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Answer Isobutane (R-600a) in a household refrigerator

Section 82.154(a)(1)(ix) exempts isobutane (R-600a) only in stand-alone retail food refrigerators and freezers, household refrigerators and freezers, and vending machines, so a household refrigerator qualifies. Room air conditioners are not on the isobutane list; propane and R-441A are the hydrocarbon exemptions that cover them. HFC-134a and HFC-32 have no exemption in any end-use listed in § 82.154(a)(1), so they remain subject to the venting prohibition and the recovery rules.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR 82.154 — Prohibitions
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.154(a)(1)(ix) · Primary source · checked
    “(ix) Isobutane (R-600a) in retail food refrigerators and freezers (stand-alone units only); household refrigerators, freezers, and combination refrigerators and freezers; and vending machines;”
  2. 40 CFR 82.154 — Prohibitions
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.154(a)(1) · Primary source · checked
    “Notwithstanding any other provision of this subpart, the following substitutes in the following end-uses are exempt from this prohibition and from the requirements of this subpart:”
  3. 40 CFR 82.154 — Prohibitions
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.154(a)(1)(x) · Primary source · checked
    “(x) R-441A in retail food refrigerators and freezers (stand-alone units only); household refrigerators, freezers, and combination refrigerators and freezers; self-contained room air conditioners for residential and light commercial air-conditioning;”

Updated · Exam outline: T1: Refrigerants

Form 18 / 22 #580M4C True / False #

Appendix D to 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F says that a Type I program using the mail-in format has 30 days from the date the applicant took the test to send the results.

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Answer

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Answer False

False. The 30-day period is right, but Appendix D measures it from a different date for the mail-in format. Type I programs using the mail-in format must notify applicants of their results no later than 30 days from the date the program received the completed test and any required documentation. Counting from the date of the test is the rule for other test formats. The same receipt date starts the 30 days for issuing the wallet card to mail-in Type I technicians.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F, Appendix D — Standards for Becoming a Certifying Program for Technicians
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Appendix D, e. Grading · Primary source · checked
    “Type I certifying programs using the mail-in format must notify the applicants of their test results no later than 30 days from the date the certifying programs received the completed test and any required documentation.”
  2. 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F, Appendix D — Standards for Becoming a Certifying Program for Technicians
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Appendix D, e. Grading · Primary source · checked
    “Certifying programs must inform the applicant of their test results no later than 30 days from the date of the test.”
  3. 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F, Appendix D — Standards for Becoming a Certifying Program for Technicians
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Appendix D, f. Proof of Certification · Primary source · checked
    “Type I certifying programs using mail-in formats must issue cards to certified technicians no later than 30 days from the date the certifying program receives the completed test and any required documentation.”

Updated · Exam outline: T1: Type I certification test (Appendix D)

Form 19 / 22 #HHPS5G True / False #

A technician who passed a Type I test in the mail-in format can combine that score with passing Type II and Type III scores to become a Universal technician.

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Answer

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Answer False

False. Appendix D does allow Universal certification to be earned by combining passing scores on separate Type I, Type II and Type III tests, but it states plainly that mail-in format Type I tests cannot be used toward a Universal certification. A Type I test taken as part of a Universal certification is a closed-book exam, so the technician would need to pass a proctored Type I test to combine it with the other two.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F, Appendix D — Standards for Becoming a Certifying Program for Technicians
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Appendix D, a. Test Preparation · Primary source · checked
    “Mail-in format Type I tests cannot be used toward a Universal certification.”
  2. 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F, Appendix D — Standards for Becoming a Certifying Program for Technicians
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Appendix D, a. Test Preparation · Primary source · checked
    “Universal tests may be taken all at once, or by combining passing scores on separate Type I, Type II, and Type III tests.”
  3. 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F, Appendix D — Standards for Becoming a Certifying Program for Technicians
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Appendix D, b. Proctoring · Primary source · checked
    “The certification test for Type I (if taken as part of a Universal certification), Type II, Type III, and Universal technicians is a closed-book exam.”

Updated · Exam outline: T1: Type I certification test (Appendix D)

Form 20 / 22 #KN468D #

Appendix D to 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F names the certification tests that are closed-book exams. In which situation does that apply to a Type I test?

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Answer

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Answer When it is taken as part of a Universal certification

Appendix D states that the certification test for Type I, if taken as part of a Universal certification, is a closed-book exam, as are the Type II, Type III and Universal tests. The mail-in format is the opposite case: it is available to programs that provide Type I certification only and cannot count toward Universal. Appendix D does not link the closed-book requirement to apprentice status or to an earlier failed attempt; apprentices are instead exempt from certification while closely and continually supervised, under § 82.161(a)(2).

Sources

  1. 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F, Appendix D — Standards for Becoming a Certifying Program for Technicians
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Appendix D, b. Proctoring · Primary source · checked
    “The certification test for Type I (if taken as part of a Universal certification), Type II, Type III, and Universal technicians is a closed-book exam.”
  2. 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F, Appendix D — Standards for Becoming a Certifying Program for Technicians
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Appendix D, a. Test Preparation · Primary source · checked
    “Organizations providing Type I certification only may choose either an on-site format or a mail-in format similar to what is permitted under the MVACs program.”
  3. 40 CFR 82.161 — Technician certification
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.161(a)(2) · Primary source · checked
    “(2) Apprentices are exempt from the requirement in paragraph (a)(1) of this section provided the apprentice is closely and continually supervised by a certified technician”

Updated · Exam outline: T1: Type I certification test (Appendix D)

Form 21 / 22 #2TFQ2B True / False #

Under 40 CFR 82.156(h), refrigerant recovered from a household refrigerator during a repair may be charged back into that same refrigerator without first being recycled or reclaimed.

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Answer

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Answer True

True. Section 82.156(h) allows refrigerant to be returned to the appliance it was recovered from, or to another appliance owned by the same person, without being recycled or reclaimed, unless the appliance is an MVAC or MVAC-like appliance. A household refrigerator is neither. EPA's service practice page adds the limit that matters in practice: if recovered refrigerant changes ownership, it must be reclaimed by an EPA-certified reclaimer.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156(h) · Primary source · checked
    “(h) Refrigerant may be returned to the appliance from which it is recovered or to another appliance owned by the same person without being recycled or reclaimed, unless the appliance is an MVAC or MVAC-like appliance.”
  2. Stationary Refrigeration Service Practice Requirements
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Reclamation Requirement · Primary source · checked
    “Recovered refrigerant can be returned to the same system or other systems owned by the same person without restriction. However, if recovered refrigerant changes ownership, it must be reclaimed”

Updated · Exam outline: T1: Recovery Requirements

Form 22 / 22 #3FT6FB True / False #

Under 40 CFR 82.155, a refrigerator whose refrigerant escaped because someone cut its refrigerant lines counts as one from which the refrigerant "leaked out."

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Answer

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Answer False

False. When all the refrigerant has leaked out of a small appliance, the final processor must obtain a signed statement saying so before accepting it. Section 82.155(b)(2)(iii) limits "leaked out" to refrigerant that escaped because of system failures, accidents or other unavoidable occurrences not caused by negligence or deliberate acts, and it names cutting refrigerant lines as an example of a deliberate act. Refrigerant released by cutting the lines was vented, not leaked.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR 82.155 — Safe disposal of appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.155(b)(2)(iii) · Primary source · checked
    “"Leaked out" in this context means those situations in which the refrigerant has escaped because of system failures, accidents, or other unavoidable occurrences not caused by a person's negligence or deliberate acts such as cutting refrigerant lines.”
  2. 40 CFR 82.155 — Safe disposal of appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.155(b)(2)(iii) · Primary source · checked
    “(iii) If all the refrigerant has leaked out of the appliance, the final processor must obtain a signed statement that all the refrigerant in the appliance had leaked out prior to delivery to the final processor and recovery is not possible.”

Updated · Exam outline: T1: Disposal

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