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EPA 608 · Chapter 04 of 05

Type II: High-Pressure Appliances: EPA 608 practice questions

EPA 608 Type II practice questions on leak detection, ODS and HFC leak repair rules, evacuation levels for high-pressure appliances and recovery practices.

Last updated · 26 questions · every answer cites its source

Type II covers high-pressure appliances: equipment whose refrigerant has a liquid saturation pressure between 170 and 355 psia at 104 °F, such as R-22, R-407C and R-410A systems. Certification for this group also covers medium- and very high-pressure equipment other than small appliances, MVACs and MVAC-like appliances.

The questions follow EPA's Type II test topics. On leak detection, they cover what EPA's GreenChill supermarket checklist treats as warning signs, and when GreenChill allows an HFC tracer gas in a pressure test.

Leak repair now sits in two rules. Appliances holding 50 or more pounds of an ozone-depleting refrigerant follow 40 CFR 82.157, with leak rates of 20 percent for commercial refrigeration, 30 percent for industrial process refrigeration and 10 percent for comfort cooling and other equipment. Since January 1, 2026, HFC appliances with 15 or more pounds follow the same rates under 40 CFR 84.106, except for residential and light commercial air conditioning and heat pumps. Repair deadlines, extensions and records are part of both.

On recovery, Table 1 of 40 CFR 82.156 sets the vacuum a technician must reach before opening or disposing of an appliance, depending on its charge size and the age of the recovery machine. Non-major repairs, leaking components and system-dependent recovery have their own limits.

Every answer cites the Code of Federal Regulations or an EPA publication, with the deciding passage quoted word for word.

Form 01 / 26 #HQEQGS #

EPA's GreenChill leak prevention checklist has technicians check the control line of each high-pressure switch about 12 inches from the compressor connection. Which reading does it say may indicate a small leak in the control line, fitting or control bellows?

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Answer

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Answer A line temperature above the mechanical room's ambient temperature

Step 4 of the Supermarket Walk-Thru Checklist in EPA's GreenChill leak prevention guideline says to check the control line temperature of every high-pressure switch about 12 inches from the compressor connection. A temperature above the mechanical room's ambient temperature may indicate a small leak in the control line, fitting or control bellows. The checklist flags only that warmer-than-ambient reading; it does not describe a line at or below room temperature as a leak sign. The same checklist treats oil seepage on air-cooled condensers as another visual clue to look for.

Sources

  1. GreenChill Best Practices Guideline: Commercial Refrigeration Leak Prevention & Repairs (EPA 430-B-11-001, May 2011)
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · p. 15, Appendix A, Supermarket Walk-Thru Checklist, step 4 (High-Pressure Control Lines) · Primary source · checked
    “Check the control line temperature of all highpressure switches about 12 inches from the compressor connection. If the temperature is above the mechanical room ambient temperature, it may indicate a small leak in the control line, fitting or control bellows.”
  2. GreenChill Best Practices Guideline: Commercial Refrigeration Leak Prevention & Repairs (EPA 430-B-11-001, May 2011)
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · p. 15, Appendix A, Supermarket Walk-Thru Checklist, step 6 (Air-Cooled Condensers) · Primary source · checked
    “Visually check all air-cooled condensers for oil seepage underneath unit on finned coil surfaces. Check return bends and manifold assemblies for oil seepage.”

Updated · Exam outline: T2: Leak Detection

Form 02 / 26 #ZWMGDC True / False #

EPA's GreenChill supermarket leak checklist accepts topping off the charge of a leaking system as a stopgap until the leak is found at the next scheduled inspection.

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Answer

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Answer False

False. The introduction to the GreenChill Supermarket Walk-Thru Checklist says the only way to solve refrigerant leaks is to repair them, and that topping off the system is not a viable solution. EPA's Type II test topics likewise stress the need to leak test before charging or recharging equipment. For appliances with a full charge of 50 or more pounds of class I or class II refrigerant, 40 CFR 82.157(b) also requires the owner to calculate the leak rate every time refrigerant is added, so each top-off is measured against the applicable leak rate.

Sources

  1. GreenChill Best Practices Guideline: Commercial Refrigeration Leak Prevention & Repairs (EPA 430-B-11-001, May 2011)
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · p. 15, Appendix A, Supermarket Walk-Thru Checklist (introduction) · Primary source · checked
    “Remember, the only way to solve refrigerant leaks is to repair them; topping-off your system is not a viable solution!”
  2. Section 608 Technician Certification: Test Topics (last updated December 5, 2025)
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Type 2 (High-Pressure), Leak Detection · Primary source · checked
    “Need to leak test before charging or recharging equipment”
  3. 40 CFR 82.157 — Appliance maintenance and leak repair
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.157(b) · Primary source · checked
    “The owner or operator must calculate the leak rate every time refrigerant is added to an appliance unless the addition is made immediately following a retrofit, installation of a new appliance, or qualifies as a seasonal variance.”
  4. 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. Notwithstanding the use of the term refrigerant in this section, the requirements of this section do not apply to appliances containing solely substitute refrigerants.”

Updated · Exam outline: T2: Leak Detection

Form 03 / 26 #H5SHT9 True / False #

When sweeping a supermarket mechanical room with an electronic leak detector, EPA's GreenChill checklist says to switch the room's ventilation off for a while so that air movement is reduced.

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Answer

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Answer True

True. Step 3 of the GreenChill Supermarket Walk-Thru Checklist says to set an electronic leak detector to its most sensitive setting, move the probe slowly over all components in the mechanical room, and temporarily turn off the mechanical room ventilation to reduce air movement. If the detector indicates a leak within the space, the technician slowly reduces the sensitivity and works toward the leak until it is found. The checklist also says the hand-held detector should be checked and calibrated at least once a year, and preferably more often.

Sources

  1. GreenChill Best Practices Guideline: Commercial Refrigeration Leak Prevention & Repairs (EPA 430-B-11-001, May 2011)
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · p. 15, Appendix A, Supermarket Walk-Thru Checklist, step 3 (Mechanical Room) · Primary source · checked
    “Using an electronic leak detector at its most sensitive setting, slowly move the probe over all components in the mechanical room. Temporarily turn off the mechanical room ventilation to reduce air movement.”
  2. GreenChill Best Practices Guideline: Commercial Refrigeration Leak Prevention & Repairs (EPA 430-B-11-001, May 2011)
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · p. 15, Appendix A, Supermarket Walk-Thru Checklist, step 3 and introduction · Primary source · checked
    “If the detector indicates a leak within the space, slowly reduce the sensitivity and progressively move to the leak location until found.”
  3. GreenChill Best Practices Guideline: Commercial Refrigeration Leak Prevention & Repairs (EPA 430-B-11-001, May 2011)
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · p. 15, Appendix A, Supermarket Walk-Thru Checklist (introduction) · Primary source · checked
    “The leak detector should be checked and calibrated at least once a year and preferably more often.”

Updated · Exam outline: T2: Leak Detection

Form 04 / 26 #ECWV0Y #

EPA's GreenChill guideline for leak-tight installations (updated March 2022) sets tracer-gas conditions for stores seeking GreenChill Store Certification, a voluntary EPA program rather than a Section 608 rule. When does it allow an HFC to be used as the tracer gas in a pressure test?

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Answer

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Answer Only when nitrogen, helium or similar gases cannot do the job

For GreenChill Store Certification, the guideline allows HFCs as tracer gases only when other gases, such as nitrogen or helium, are unable to achieve the required results, because of the high global warming potential of HFCs; CFCs and HCFCs may not be used as tracers at all. It does not tie the choice to the refrigerant the system will later hold or to its charge size. The test itself brings the system up to a minimum of 300 psig, so a limit below 300 psig is not the condition.

Sources

  1. GreenChill Best Practices Guideline: Ensuring Leak-Tight Installations of Commercial Refrigeration Equipment (updated March 2022)
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 3, Select a Tracer Gas for Pressure Testing · Primary source · checked
    “Due to their high global warming potential, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) shall only be used as tracer gases when other gases (e.g. nitrogen, helium) are unable to achieve the required results.”
  2. GreenChill Best Practices Guideline: Ensuring Leak-Tight Installations of Commercial Refrigeration Equipment (updated March 2022)
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 3, Select a Tracer Gas for Pressure Testing · Primary source · checked
    “to be eligible for GreenChill Store Certification, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs) may not be used due to the harm they cause to the Earth’s ozone layer.”
  3. GreenChill Best Practices Guideline: Ensuring Leak-Tight Installations of Commercial Refrigeration Equipment (updated March 2022)
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 6, Conduct Pressure Testing · Primary source · checked
    “Charge system with regulated dry nitrogen and, if needed 3, the appropriate tracer gas, to bring the system pressure up to a minimum of 300 psig.”

Updated · Exam outline: T2: Leak Detection

Form 05 / 26 #CT06SK #

A supermarket's R-22 refrigeration rack has a full charge of 300 pounds. Under 40 CFR 82.157, the ODS leak repair rule, above what leak rate must the owner repair the leaks (unless the rack is retrofitted or retired)?

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Answer

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Answer 20 percent

Section 82.157 applies to appliances with a full charge of 50 or more pounds of class I or class II refrigerant, such as HCFC-22. It sets a 20 percent leak rate for commercial refrigeration, which covers retail food equipment in supermarkets. Industrial process refrigeration uses 30 percent, and comfort cooling and other appliances use 10 percent. Fifteen percent was the comfort cooling trigger in the older 40 CFR 82.156(i), which applied only until January 1, 2019, when § 82.157 took its place.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR 82.157 — Appliance maintenance and leak repair
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.157(c)(2) · Primary source · checked
    “(i) 20 percent leak rate for commercial refrigeration equipment; (ii) 30 percent leak rate for industrial process refrigeration equipment; and (iii) 10 percent leak rate for comfort cooling appliances or other appliances with a full charge of 50 or more pounds of refrigerant not covered by (c)(2)(i) or (ii) of this section.”
  2. 40 CFR 82.152 — Definitions
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.152, "Commercial refrigeration" · Primary source · checked
    “Commercial refrigeration means the refrigeration appliances used in the retail food and cold storage warehouse sectors. Retail food appliances include the refrigeration equipment found in supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants and other food service establishments.”
  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. Notwithstanding the use of the term refrigerant in this section, the requirements of this section do not apply to appliances containing solely substitute refrigerants.”
  4. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156(i) and (i)(5) · Primary source · checked
    “The provisions in this paragraph (i) apply to owners and operators of appliances containing 50 or more pounds of class I and class II refrigerants only until January 1, 2019. … Owners or operators of comfort cooling appliances normally containing more than 50 pounds of refrigerant … exceed 15 percent of the total charge during a 12-month period”

Updated · Exam outline: T2: Leak repair requirements

Form 06 / 26 #JWF94M #

Under 40 CFR 82.157, which of these R-22 appliances is subject to the 10 percent leak rate?

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Answer

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Answer A 120-pound packaged rooftop unit cooling an office building

Section 82.157(c)(2) applies the 10 percent rate to comfort cooling appliances and other appliances with a full charge of 50 or more pounds that are not commercial or industrial process refrigeration. Section 82.152 lists packaged rooftop units among comfort cooling appliances, so the 120-pound office unit qualifies. A convenience store rack is commercial refrigeration (20 percent), and an ice rink chiller is industrial process refrigeration (30 percent). A 40-pound unit is below the 50-pound threshold in § 82.157(a), so no leak rate under that section applies to it.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR 82.157 — Appliance maintenance and leak repair
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.157(c)(2) · Primary source · checked
    “(i) 20 percent leak rate for commercial refrigeration equipment; (ii) 30 percent leak rate for industrial process refrigeration equipment; and (iii) 10 percent leak rate for comfort cooling appliances or other appliances with a full charge of 50 or more pounds of refrigerant not covered by (c)(2)(i) or (ii) of this section.”
  2. 40 CFR 82.152 — Definitions
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.152, "Comfort cooling" · Primary source · checked
    “Comfort cooling means the air-conditioning appliances used to provide cooling in order to control heat and/or humidity in occupied facilities including but not limited to residential, office, and commercial buildings. Comfort cooling appliances include but are not limited to chillers, commercial split systems, and packaged roof-top units.”
  3. 40 CFR 82.152 — Definitions
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.152, "Commercial refrigeration" · Primary source · checked
    “Commercial refrigeration means the refrigeration appliances used in the retail food and cold storage warehouse sectors. Retail food appliances include the refrigeration equipment found in supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants and other food service establishments.”
  4. 40 CFR 82.152 — Definitions
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.152, "Industrial process refrigeration" · Primary source · checked
    “This sector also includes industrial ice machines, appliances used directly in the generation of electricity, and ice rinks.”
  5. 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. Notwithstanding the use of the term refrigerant in this section, the requirements of this section do not apply to appliances containing solely substitute refrigerants.”

Updated · Exam outline: T2: Leak repair requirements

Form 07 / 26 #FG0VVQ True / False #

Under the HFC leak repair rules in 40 CFR 84.106, the leak rate above which an industrial process refrigeration system holding 400 pounds of a refrigerant that contains an HFC regulated substance must be repaired, retrofitted or retired is 30 percent.

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Answer

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Answer True

True. Since January 1, 2026, § 84.106 has applied to appliances with a full charge of 15 or more pounds whose refrigerant contains a regulated substance, meaning an HFC listed under the AIM Act, or a substitute with a global warming potential above 53. An owner whose appliance exceeds the applicable rate must repair the leaks or else retrofit or retire the appliance. The rates match those of the ODS rule in Part 82: 30 percent for industrial process refrigeration, 20 percent for commercial refrigeration, and 10 percent for comfort cooling, refrigerated transport and other covered appliances.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR 84.106 — Leak repair
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 84.106(c)(2) · Primary source · checked
    “(i) 20 percent leak rate for commercial refrigeration appliances; (ii) 30 percent leak rate for industrial process refrigeration appliances; and (iii) 10 percent leak rate for comfort cooling appliances, refrigerated transport appliances, or other refrigerant-containing appliances with a full charge of 15 or more pounds of refrigerant”
  2. 40 CFR 84.106 — Leak repair
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 84.106(c)(1) · Primary source · checked
    “Owners or operators must repair leaks in refrigerant-containing appliances with a leak rate over the applicable leak rate in this paragraph in accordance with paragraphs (d) through (f) of this section unless the owner or operator elects to retrofit or retire the refrigerant-containing appliance”
  3. 40 CFR 84.106 — Leak repair
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 84.106(a) · Primary source · checked
    “This section applies to refrigerant-containing appliances with a full charge of 15 or more pounds of refrigerant where the refrigerant contains: (1) A regulated substance, (2) A substitute for a regulated substance that has a global warming potential greater than 53”
  4. 40 CFR 84.106 — Leak repair
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 84.106(a)(4) · Primary source · checked
    “(4) The requirements of this section apply as of January 1, 2026.”
  5. 40 CFR 84.3 — Definitions
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 84.3, "Regulated substance" · Primary source · checked
    “Regulated substance means a hydrofluorocarbon listed in the table contained in subsection (c)(1) of the AIM Act and a substance included as a regulated substance by the Administrator under the authority granted in subsection (c)(3).”

Updated · Exam outline: T2: Leak repair requirements

Form 08 / 26 #9M6YKN #

A grocery store's walk-in cooler system holds 200 pounds of HFC-134a and no ozone-depleting refrigerant. In 2026, which section of 40 CFR sets its leak repair requirements?

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Answer

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Answer Section 84.106, applying since January 1, 2026

HFC-134a is listed as a regulated substance in Appendix A to 40 CFR Part 84. Section 84.106 governs leak repair for appliances with 15 or more pounds of refrigerant containing a regulated substance, and it has applied since January 1, 2026; a grocery walk-in is commercial refrigeration, not the residential and light commercial air-conditioning subsector that it excludes. Section 82.157 has applied since January 1, 2019, but as of April 10, 2020 it covers only appliances with 50 or more pounds of class I or class II refrigerant, not appliances containing solely substitutes.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR 84.106 — Leak repair
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 84.106(a) · Primary source · checked
    “This section applies to refrigerant-containing appliances with a full charge of 15 or more pounds of refrigerant where the refrigerant contains: (1) A regulated substance, (2) A substitute for a regulated substance that has a global warming potential greater than 53”
  2. 40 CFR 84.106 — Leak repair
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 84.106(a)(4) · Primary source · checked
    “(4) The requirements of this section apply as of January 1, 2026.”
  3. 40 CFR Part 84, Appendix A — Regulated Substances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Appendix A to Part 84, HFCs Listed as Regulated Substances in the AIM Act · Primary source · checked
    “HFCs Listed as Regulated Substances in the AIM Act 1 HFC Chemical formula Exchange value HFC-134 CHF2 CHF2 1,100 HFC-134a CH2 FCF3 1,430”
  4. 40 CFR 84.106 — Leak repair
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 84.106(a)(3) · Primary source · checked
    “the requirements of this section do not apply to: (i) Appliances (as defined in 40 CFR 82.152) containing solely an ozone-depleting substance as listed in 40 CFR part 82, subpart A as a refrigerant; (ii) Refrigerant-containing appliances used for the residential and light commercial air conditioning and heat pump subsector.”
  5. 40 CFR 82.157 — Appliance maintenance and leak repair
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.157(a) · Primary source · checked
    “This section applies as of January 1, 2019. 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.”

Updated · Exam outline: T2: Leak repair requirements

Form 09 / 26 #2WARYD #

Under 40 CFR 84.106, the HFC leak repair rule, from what full charge do the requirements apply to an appliance whose refrigerant contains a regulated substance?

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Answer

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Answer 15 pounds or more

Section 84.106(a) covers refrigerant-containing appliances with a full charge of 15 or more pounds when the refrigerant contains a regulated substance (a listed HFC) or a substitute with a global warming potential above 53, and it has applied since January 1, 2026. Fifty pounds is the threshold of the ODS leak repair rule in 40 CFR 82.157, not of the HFC rule. Five pounds is the upper limit of a small appliance under 40 CFR 82.152, and 100 pounds is not a threshold that § 84.106 uses.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR 84.106 — Leak repair
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 84.106(a) · Primary source · checked
    “This section applies to refrigerant-containing appliances with a full charge of 15 or more pounds of refrigerant where the refrigerant contains: (1) A regulated substance, (2) A substitute for a regulated substance that has a global warming potential greater than 53”
  2. 40 CFR 84.106 — Leak repair
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 84.106(a)(4) · Primary source · checked
    “(4) The requirements of this section apply as of January 1, 2026.”
  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. Notwithstanding the use of the term refrigerant in this section, the requirements of this section do not apply to appliances containing solely substitute refrigerants.”
  4. 40 CFR 82.152 — Definitions
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.152, "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”

Updated · Exam outline: T2: Leak repair requirements

Form 10 / 26 #BTYFZ5 True / False #

A home's central air conditioner holding 20 pounds of a refrigerant that contains an HFC regulated substance is covered by the HFC leak repair requirements of 40 CFR 84.106.

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Answer

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Answer False

False. Section 84.106(a)(3)(ii) states that the HFC leak repair requirements do not apply to refrigerant-containing appliances used in the residential and light commercial air conditioning and heat pump subsector, so a home central air conditioner is excluded even though its charge is above the 15-pound threshold. The section also excludes appliances containing solely an ozone-depleting refrigerant; for those, the ODS leak repair rule in 40 CFR 82.157 applies when the full charge is 50 or more pounds.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR 84.106 — Leak repair
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 84.106(a)(3) · Primary source · checked
    “the requirements of this section do not apply to: (i) Appliances (as defined in 40 CFR 82.152) containing solely an ozone-depleting substance as listed in 40 CFR part 82, subpart A as a refrigerant; (ii) Refrigerant-containing appliances used for the residential and light commercial air conditioning and heat pump subsector.”
  2. 40 CFR 84.106 — Leak repair
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 84.106(a) · Primary source · checked
    “This section applies to refrigerant-containing appliances with a full charge of 15 or more pounds of refrigerant where the refrigerant contains: (1) A regulated substance, (2) A substitute for a regulated substance that has a global warming potential greater than 53”
  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. Notwithstanding the use of the term refrigerant in this section, the requirements of this section do not apply to appliances containing solely substitute refrigerants.”

Updated · Exam outline: T2: Leak repair requirements

Form 11 / 26 #0XXF7W #

Under 40 CFR 82.157(f), an owner of a leaking ODS appliance who cannot get replacement components within the 30-day repair period may take up to 30 days after the parts arrive. With no industrial process shutdown, the extra time may not run past how many days after the appliance exceeded the leak rate?

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Answer

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Answer 180 days

Section 82.157(f)(1)(iii) allows additional time up to 30 days after receiving delivery of the necessary components, not to exceed 180 days from the date the appliance exceeded the applicable leak rate, or 270 days if an industrial process shutdown is required. One hundred twenty days is the normal repair period when such a shutdown is needed, and one year is the schedule limit for a retrofit or retirement plan. For HFC appliances, 40 CFR 84.106(f)(1)(iii) sets the same 180- and 270-day limits.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR 82.157 — Appliance maintenance and leak repair
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.157(f)(1)(iii) · Primary source · checked
    “Components that must be replaced as part of the repair are not available within 30 days (or 120 days if an industrial process shutdown is required). Additional time is permitted up to 30 days after receiving delivery of the necessary components, not to exceed 180 days (or 270 days if an industrial process shutdown is required) from the date the appliance exceeded the applicable leak rate.”
  2. 40 CFR 82.157 — Appliance maintenance and leak repair
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.157(h)(2)(vii) · Primary source · checked
    “A schedule, not to exceed one-year, for completion of the appliance retrofit or retirement.”
  3. 40 CFR 84.106 — Leak repair
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 84.106(f)(1)(iii) · Primary source · checked
    “Additional time is permitted up to 30 days after receiving delivery of the necessary components, not to exceed 180 days (or 270 days if an industrial process shutdown is required) from the date the refrigerant-containing appliance exceeded the applicable leak rate.”

Updated · Exam outline: T2: Leak repair requirements

Form 12 / 26 #5B4NHB True / False #

Under 40 CFR 82.157(f), an owner who requests more time to repair a leaking R-22 appliance must receive EPA's written approval before the extra time can be used.

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Answer

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Answer False

False. Section 82.157(f) states that an extension request will be considered approved unless EPA notifies the owners or operators otherwise. The request must still be sent to EPA within 30 days (or 120 days if an industrial process shutdown is required) of the appliance exceeding the applicable leak rate, and repairs to significant leaks that do not need extra time must be completed and verified within the initial repair period. The owner must document all repair efforts and keep a dated copy of the submission.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR 82.157 — Appliance maintenance and leak repair
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.157(f) · Primary source · checked
    “Owners or operators are permitted more than 30 days (or 120 days if an industrial process shutdown is required) to comply with paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section if they meet the requirements of (f)(1) through (4) of this section or the appliance is mothballed. The request will be considered approved unless EPA notifies the owners or operators otherwise.”
  2. 40 CFR 82.157 — Appliance maintenance and leak repair
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.157(f)(2) · Primary source · checked
    “Repairs to leaks that the technician has identified as significantly contributing to the exceedance of the leak rate and that do not require additional time must be completed and verified within the initial 30 day repair period”
  3. 40 CFR 82.157 — Appliance maintenance and leak repair
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.157(f)(4) · Primary source · checked
    “The owner or operator must request an extension from EPA at the address specified in paragraph (m) of this section within 30 days (or 120 days if an industrial process shutdown is required) of the appliance exceeding the applicable leak rate … The owner or operator must keep a dated copy of this submission.”

Updated · Exam outline: T2: Leak repair requirements

Form 13 / 26 #WH5M5E #

Under 40 CFR 82.157(l), the owner of an R-22 appliance with a full charge of 50 or more pounds must record the full charge and how it was determined. How long must that record be kept?

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Answer

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Answer Until three years after the appliance is retired

Section 82.157(l)(1) requires owners or operators to determine the full charge of every appliance with 50 or more pounds of refrigerant and to keep, for each appliance until three years after it is retired, the owner's identity, the appliance's address, the full charge and the method used to determine it, and any revisions. Most other records under paragraph (l), such as leak inspection and verification test records, must be kept for at least three years. Paragraph (l) does not use a five-year retention period.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR 82.157 — Appliance maintenance and leak repair
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.157(l)(1) · Primary source · checked
    “Owners or operators must determine the full charge of all appliances with 50 or more pounds of refrigerant and maintain the following information for each appliance until three years after the appliance is retired:”
  2. 40 CFR 82.157 — Appliance maintenance and leak repair
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.157(l) · Primary source · checked
    “All records identified in this paragraph must be kept for at least three years in electronic or paper format, unless otherwise specified.”

Updated · Exam outline: T2: Leak repair requirements

Form 14 / 26 #HA1TST #

A contractor services a customer's 80-pound R-22 chiller and adds refrigerant. Under 40 CFR 82.157(l)(2), which item does the contractor not have to include in the record given to the owner?

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Answer

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Answer The leak rate and the method used to find it

Section 82.157(l)(2) lists what must be recorded each time an appliance with a full charge of 50 or more pounds is serviced. When someone other than the owner or operator does the work, that person must provide the record with the exception of items (vii) and (viii): the full charge and the leak rate with its method. The owner calculates the leak rate under § 82.157(b). The parts serviced, the name of the person doing the work, and the amount and type of refrigerant added are items (iii), (v) and (vi), which the contractor must include.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR 82.157 — Appliance maintenance and leak repair
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.157(l)(2) · Primary source · checked
    “If the maintenance, service, repair, or disposal is done by someone other than the owner or operator, that person must provide a record containing the following information, with the exception of (l)(2)(vii) and (viii) of this section, to the owner or operator:”
  2. 40 CFR 82.157 — Appliance maintenance and leak repair
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.157(l)(2)(viii) · Primary source · checked
    “(viii) The leak rate and the method used to determine the leak rate (not applicable when disposing of the appliance, following a retrofit, installing a new appliance, or if the refrigerant addition qualifies as a seasonal variance).”
  3. 40 CFR 82.157 — Appliance maintenance and leak repair
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.157(l)(2)(iii)–(vi) · Primary source · checked
    “(iii) The part(s) of the appliance being maintained, serviced, repaired, or disposed; (iv) The type of maintenance, service, repair, or disposal performed for each part; (v) The name of the person performing the maintenance, service, repair, or disposal; (vi) The amount and type of refrigerant added to”
  4. 40 CFR 82.157 — Appliance maintenance and leak repair
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.157(b) · Primary source · checked
    “The owner or operator must calculate the leak rate every time refrigerant is added to an appliance”

Updated · Exam outline: T2: Leak repair requirements

Form 15 / 26 #KYN47Q True / False #

Under 40 CFR 82.156(a)(3), a technician who recovers the refrigerant from a 20-pound R-22 rooftop unit for disposal must keep records of the recovery, including the refrigerant type, for three years.

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Answer

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Answer True

True. Since January 1, 2018, 40 CFR 82.156(a)(3) has required technicians who evacuate refrigerant from appliances with a full charge of more than 5 and less than 50 pounds for disposal to keep records for three years. The records cover the company name, the location of the appliance, the date of recovery and the type of refrigerant recovered; the monthly total recovered by type; and the quantity transferred for reclamation or destruction, to whom, and when.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156(a)(3) · Primary source · checked
    “As of January 1, 2018, technicians evacuating refrigerant from appliances with a full charge of more than 5 and less than 50 pounds of refrigerant for purposes of disposal of that appliance must keep records documenting the following for three years: (i) The company name, location of the appliance, date of recovery, and type of refrigerant recovered for each appliance;”
  2. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156(a)(3)(ii)–(iii) · Primary source · checked
    “(ii) The total quantity of refrigerant, by type, recovered from all disposed appliances in each calendar month; and (iii) The quantity of refrigerant, by type, transferred for reclamation and/or destruction, the person to whom it was transferred, and the date of transfer.”

Updated · Exam outline: T2: Recovery Requirements

Form 16 / 26 #K3XR98 #

A technician is replacing the compressor in a leak-free R-410A system with a full charge of 30 pounds, using recovery equipment manufactured in 2020. Under Table 1 of 40 CFR 82.156, to what level must the system be evacuated before it is opened?

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Answer

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Answer 0 inches of Hg vacuum

R-410A is a listed high-pressure refrigerant under § 82.152, and removing the compressor makes the job a major repair, so the 0 psig allowance for non-major repairs does not apply and Table 1 governs. For a high-pressure appliance with a full charge of less than 200 pounds, Table 1 requires 0 inches of Hg vacuum whether the recovery equipment was made before or after November 15, 1993. Ten inches applies to high-pressure appliances of 200 pounds or more with newer equipment, and 4 inches to those with older equipment; 15 inches is a medium-pressure level.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156, Table 1 · Primary source · checked
    “High-pressure appliance, or isolated component of such appliance, with a full charge of less than 200 pounds of refrigerant 0 0. High-pressure appliance, or isolated component of such appliance, with a full charge of 200 pounds or more of refrigerant 4 10.”
  2. 40 CFR 82.152 — Definitions
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.152, "High-pressure appliance" · Primary source · checked
    “High-pressure appliance means an appliance that uses a refrigerant with a liquid phase saturation pressure between 170 psia and 355 psia at 104 °F. Examples include but are not limited to appliances using R-22, R-407A, R-407C, R-410A, and R-502.”
  3. 40 CFR 82.152 — Definitions
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.152, "Major maintenance, service, or repair" · Primary source · checked
    “Major maintenance, service, or repair means any maintenance, service, or repair that involves the removal of any or all of the following appliance components: compressor, condenser, evaporator, or auxiliary heat exchange coil; or any maintenance, service, or repair that involves uncovering an opening of more than four (4) square inches of “flow area” for more than 15 minutes.”
  4. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156, Table 1 (column headings) · Primary source · checked
    “Inches of Hg vacuum (relative to standard atmospheric pressure of 29.9 inches Hg) Using recovery and/or recycling equipment manufactured or imported before November 15, 1993 Using recovery and/or recycling equipment manufactured or imported on or after November 15, 1993”
  5. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156, Table 1 · Primary source · checked
    “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: T2: Recovery Requirements

Form 17 / 26 #07ZHSD #

An R-22 chiller with a full charge of 350 pounds is being disposed of. The technician's recovery machine was manufactured in 2015. Under Table 1 of 40 CFR 82.156, what level of evacuation is required?

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Answer

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Answer 10 inches of Hg vacuum

Section 82.156(a) requires the refrigerant, including all liquid, to be evacuated to the Table 1 levels before an appliance is opened or disposed of. R-22 is a listed high-pressure refrigerant, and for a high-pressure appliance with a full charge of 200 pounds or more, Table 1 requires 10 inches of Hg vacuum with recovery equipment manufactured or imported on or after November 15, 1993. Four inches is the level for equipment made before that date, 0 psig is the limit for non-major repairs, and 25 mm Hg absolute is the low-pressure level.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156, Table 1 · Primary source · checked
    “High-pressure appliance, or isolated component of such appliance, with a full charge of less than 200 pounds of refrigerant 0 0. High-pressure appliance, or isolated component of such appliance, with a full charge of 200 pounds or more of refrigerant 4 10.”
  2. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156(a) · Primary source · checked
    “Before opening appliances (except small appliances, MVACs, and MVAC-like appliances) or disposing of such appliances, technicians must evacuate the refrigerant, including all the liquid refrigerant, to the levels in Table 1 using a recovery and/or recycling machine certified pursuant to § 82.158”
  3. 40 CFR 82.152 — Definitions
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.152, "High-pressure appliance" · Primary source · checked
    “High-pressure appliance means an appliance that uses a refrigerant with a liquid phase saturation pressure between 170 psia and 355 psia at 104 °F. Examples include but are not limited to appliances using R-22, R-407A, R-407C, R-410A, and R-502.”
  4. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156(a)(1)(i) · Primary source · checked
    “Be evacuated to a pressure no higher than 0 psig before it is opened if it is a medium-, high- or very high-pressure appliance;”
  5. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156, Table 1 · Primary source · checked
    “Low-pressure appliance 25 mm Hg absolute 25 mm Hg absolute.”

Updated · Exam outline: T2: Recovery Requirements

Form 18 / 26 #Z3BCBR True / False #

When a high-pressure appliance with a full charge of 250 pounds is evacuated with recovery equipment manufactured before November 15, 1993, Table 1 of 40 CFR 82.156 requires the same 10 inches of Hg vacuum as for newer equipment.

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Answer

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Answer False

False. Table 1 sets different levels by the date the recovery equipment was manufactured or imported. For a high-pressure appliance, or isolated component, with a full charge of 200 pounds or more, it requires 4 inches of Hg vacuum with equipment made before November 15, 1993, and 10 inches with equipment made on or after that date. Under § 82.158(c), older equipment is considered certified if it can achieve the Table 2 levels when tested with a properly calibrated pressure gauge.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156, Table 1 · Primary source · checked
    “High-pressure appliance, or isolated component of such appliance, with a full charge of less than 200 pounds of refrigerant 0 0. High-pressure appliance, or isolated component of such appliance, with a full charge of 200 pounds or more of refrigerant 4 10.”
  2. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156, Table 1 (column headings) · Primary source · checked
    “Inches of Hg vacuum (relative to standard atmospheric pressure of 29.9 inches Hg) Using recovery and/or recycling equipment manufactured or imported before November 15, 1993 Using recovery and/or recycling equipment manufactured or imported on or after November 15, 1993”
  3. 40 CFR 82.158 — Standards for recovery and/or recycling equipment
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.158(c) · Primary source · checked
    “Recovery and/or recycling equipment manufactured or imported before November 15, 1993 … will be considered certified if it is capable of achieving the level of evacuation specified in Table 2 of this section when tested using a properly calibrated pressure gauge.”

Updated · Exam outline: T2: Recovery Requirements

Form 19 / 26 #0SHQCP #

A technician is making a repair that is not major on an R-22 rooftop unit, and the unit will not be evacuated to the atmosphere afterwards. Under 40 CFR 82.156(a)(1), to what pressure must the unit be evacuated before it is opened?

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Answer

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Answer No higher than 0 psig

Section 82.156(a)(1) covers maintenance, service or repair that is not major as defined in § 82.152 and is not followed by evacuation of the appliance to the atmosphere. In that case a medium-, high- or very high-pressure appliance must be evacuated to no higher than 0 psig before it is opened, instead of the Table 1 vacuum levels. The 5 psig limit applies only to oil changes, and vacuum levels such as 4 or 10 inches of Hg come from Table 1, which applies to major repairs and disposal.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156(a)(1)(i) · Primary source · checked
    “If evacuation of the appliance to the atmosphere is not to be performed after completion of the maintenance, service, or repair, and if the maintenance, service, or repair is not major as defined at § 82.152, the appliance must: (i) Be evacuated to a pressure no higher than 0 psig before it is opened if it is a medium-, high- or very high-pressure appliance;”
  2. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156(a)(1)(iii) · Primary source · checked
    “For the purposes of oil changes, be evacuated or pressurized to a pressure no higher than 5 psig, before it is opened”
  3. Stationary Refrigeration Service Practice Requirements (last updated July 6, 2026)
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Exceptions to the Evacuation Requirements — Repairs that are Not Major and Are Not Followed by Evacuation · Primary source · checked
    “For high- or very high-pressure appliances, the equipment must be evacuated to 0 psig before it is opened.”

Updated · Exam outline: T2: Recovery Requirements

Form 20 / 26 #417HGR True / False #

When leaks make the Table 1 level unattainable, 40 CFR 82.156 lets a technician open a leaking component of a high-pressure system while its pressure is still slightly above 0 psig if evacuating it further would substantially contaminate the refrigerant.

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Answer

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Answer False

False. Under § 82.156(a)(2), when leaks make the Table 1 levels unattainable or would substantially contaminate the recovered refrigerant, the technician must isolate leaking from non-leaking components wherever possible, evacuate the non-leaking components to the Table 1 levels, and evacuate the leaking components to the lowest level attainable without substantially contaminating the refrigerant. That level may not exceed 0 psig, so a leaking component cannot be opened while it is still above 0 psig.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156(a)(2) · Primary source · checked
    “(iii) Evacuate leaking components to be opened or disposed of to the lowest level that can be attained without substantially contaminating the refrigerant. This level may not exceed 0 psig.”
  2. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156(a)(2) · Primary source · checked
    “If leaks in the appliance make evacuation to the levels in Table 1 unattainable or would substantially contaminate the refrigerant being recovered, persons opening or disposing of the appliance must: (i) Isolate leaking from non-leaking components wherever possible; (ii) Evacuate non-leaking components to be opened or disposed of to the levels specified in Table 1; and”

Updated · Exam outline: T2: Recovery Requirements

Form 21 / 26 #VK5CRQ Choose 2 #

The 40 CFR 82.152 definition of major maintenance, service, or repair names specific appliance components whose removal makes the work major. Which TWO are named? Choose TWO.

Select 2.
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Answer

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Answer Evaporator; Compressor

Section 82.152 defines major maintenance, service, or repair as work that involves removing the compressor, condenser, evaporator or auxiliary heat exchange coil, or that uncovers an opening of more than four square inches of flow area for more than 15 minutes. Expansion valves, filter-driers and liquid receivers are not among the named components, although work on them could still be major under the opening-size test. The distinction matters because the 0 psig allowance in § 82.156(a)(1) applies only when the repair is not major.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR 82.152 — Definitions
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.152, "Major maintenance, service, or repair" · Primary source · checked
    “Major maintenance, service, or repair means any maintenance, service, or repair that involves the removal of any or all of the following appliance components: compressor, condenser, evaporator, or auxiliary heat exchange coil; or any maintenance, service, or repair that involves uncovering an opening of more than four (4) square inches of “flow area” for more than 15 minutes.”
  2. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156(a)(1) · Primary source · checked
    “If evacuation of the appliance to the atmosphere is not to be performed after completion of the maintenance, service, or repair, and if the maintenance, service, or repair is not major as defined at § 82.152, the appliance must:”

Updated · Exam outline: T2: Recovery Requirements

Form 22 / 26 #92XD7N #

A rooftop unit holds 40 pounds of R-22. Under 40 CFR 82.156(e), when may system-dependent recovery equipment be used on it?

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Answer

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Answer Only as a pump-out unit permanently attached to it

Section 82.156(e) bars system-dependent recovery equipment on appliances with a full charge of more than 15 pounds of refrigerant unless the equipment is permanently attached to the appliance as a pump-out unit. A 40-pound rooftop unit is over that limit, so a running compressor, a disposal job or returning the refrigerant to the same unit does not make portable system-dependent recovery allowed. Section 82.152 defines system-dependent equipment as recovery equipment that needs the help of components contained in the appliance.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156(e) · Primary source · checked
    “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, "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: T2: Recovery Requirements

Form 23 / 26 #GRZB9T True / False #

Under 40 CFR 82.156(a), a technician may evacuate just the part of a high-pressure appliance being serviced, rather than the whole appliance, if that part's refrigerant can be isolated to a system receiver.

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Answer

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Answer True

True. Section 82.156(a) lets technicians evacuate either the entire appliance or the part to be serviced, if the refrigerant in the part can be isolated to a system receiver. Section 82.152 defines a system receiver as the isolated portion of the appliance, or a specific vessel within it, used to hold the refrigerant charge during servicing or repair. The technician must still verify that the applicable evacuation level has been reached in the appliance or the part before it is opened.

Sources

  1. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156(a) · Primary source · checked
    “Technicians may evacuate either the entire appliance or the part to be serviced, if the refrigerant in the part can be isolated to a system receiver. A technician must verify that the applicable level of evacuation has been reached in the appliance or the part before it is opened.”
  2. 40 CFR 82.152 — Definitions
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.152, "System receiver" · Primary source · checked
    “System receiver means the isolated portion of the appliance, or a specific vessel within the appliance, that is used to hold the refrigerant charge during the servicing or repair of that appliance.”

Updated · Exam outline: T2: Recovery Requirements

Form 24 / 26 #AFAA97 #

EPA's Type II test topics remind technicians using a pressure-temperature chart to convert gauge readings to absolute pressure. A gauge on the system reads 50 psig. What absolute pressure is that, using EPA's conversion?

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Answer

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Answer 64.7 psia

Gauge pressure is measured above the surrounding atmosphere, which DOT's rules in 49 CFR 173.115 put at 101.3 kPa, or 14.7 psia; the same section pairs 29.0 psig with 43.8 psia, a difference of 14.8. EPA's Type II test topics give the same rule for pressure-temperature charts: add 14.7 to convert psig to psia, so 50 psig is about 64.7 psia. Subtracting 14.7 converts in the wrong direction, and treating the gauge number as absolute ignores the atmosphere. Adding 29.9 confuses psi with the 29.9 inches of mercury used in Table 1 of 40 CFR 82.156.

Sources

  1. 49 CFR 173.115 — Class 2, Divisions 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 — Definitions
    U.S. Department of Transportation, PHMSA · § 173.115(a) · Primary source · checked
    “a flammable gas (Division 2.1) means any material which is a gas at 20 °C (68 °F) or less and 101.3 kPa (14.7 psia) of pressure”
  2. 49 CFR 173.115 — Class 2, Divisions 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 — Definitions
    U.S. Department of Transportation, PHMSA · § 173.115(b)(1) · Primary source · checked
    “Exerts in the packaging a gauge pressure of 200 kPa (29.0 psig/43.8 psia) or greater at 20 °C (68 °F)”
  3. Section 608 Technician Certification: Test Topics (last updated December 5, 2025)
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Type 2 (High-Pressure), Refrigeration · Primary source · checked
    “Pressure-temperature relationships of common high-pressure refrigerants [may use standard temperature-pressure chart--be aware of need to add 14.7 to translate pounds per square inch gauge (psig) to pounds per square inch absolute (psia)]”
  4. 40 CFR 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.156, Table 1 (column headings) · Primary source · checked
    “Inches of Hg vacuum (relative to standard atmospheric pressure of 29.9 inches Hg) Using recovery and/or recycling equipment manufactured or imported before November 15, 1993 Using recovery and/or recycling equipment manufactured or imported on or after November 15, 1993”
  5. 40 CFR 82.152 — Definitions
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.152, "High-pressure appliance" · Primary source · checked
    “High-pressure appliance means an appliance that uses a refrigerant with a liquid phase saturation pressure between 170 psia and 355 psia at 104 °F. Examples include but are not limited to appliances using R-22, R-407A, R-407C, R-410A, and R-502.”

Updated · Exam outline: T2: Refrigeration

Form 25 / 26 #F9BND0 #

EPA's GreenChill retrofit guideline warns against recovering a higher-pressure refrigerant into a lower-pressure recovery cylinder. Which of these refrigerants does it give as its example of a higher-pressure refrigerant?

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Answer

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Answer R-507

Under Filling Recovery Containers, the guideline tells technicians to recover the charge into proper pressure-rated recovery cylinders and not to put a higher-pressure refrigerant such as R-507 into a lower-pressure recovery cylinder. R-11, R-123 and R-245fa are the opposite case: 40 CFR 82.152 lists them as examples of low-pressure refrigerants, with a liquid phase saturation pressure below 45 psia at 104 °F. The guideline also warns that overpressurizing a recovery cylinder could release refrigerant through the relief valve, or rupture or bulge the container.

Sources

  1. GreenChill Best Practices Guideline: Commercial Refrigeration Retrofits (EPA 430-R-11-012, August 2011)
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · p. 28, Filling Recovery Containers — Container Pressure · Primary source · checked
    “Recover the refrigerant charge into proper pressure-rated recovery cylinders. Do NOT put a higher-pressure refrigerant such as R-507 into a lower-pressure recovery cylinder.”
  2. 40 CFR 82.152 — Definitions
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · § 82.152, "Low-pressure appliance" · Primary source · checked
    “Low-pressure appliance means an appliance that uses a refrigerant with a liquid phase saturation pressure below 45 psia at 104 °F. Examples include but are not limited to appliances using R-11, R-123, R-113, and R-245fa.”
  3. GreenChill Best Practices Guideline: Commercial Refrigeration Retrofits (EPA 430-R-11-012, August 2011)
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · p. 29, Vapor Overpressuring: Recovery Half-Tons and Cylinders · Primary source · checked
    “Overpressurizing the cylinder could cause release of refrigerant through the relief valve, or rupture or bulge the container.”

Updated · Exam outline: T2: Recovery Techniques

Form 26 / 26 #DH5B76 #

EPA's SNAP program has listed some flammable hydrocarbon refrigerants as acceptable for household and commercial refrigerators and freezers and for room air conditioners. According to EPA's R-22a Q&A, what equipment do those listings cover?

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Answer

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Answer New units that were specifically designed for that refrigerant

EPA's R-22a Q&A says the listings for household and commercial refrigerators and freezers and room air conditioning units apply only to new equipment that was specifically designed to be used with that refrigerant. EPA has not found any flammable hydrocarbon refrigerant acceptable for existing air-conditioning systems designed for HCFC-22, and SNAP Rule 21 listed products sold as 22a, and all ASHRAE flammability Class 3 refrigerants, as unacceptable for retrofitting residential and light commercial unitary split systems. So the listings cover neither new units designed for another refrigerant nor existing R-22 units, whatever their modifications or labels.

Sources

  1. Questions and Answers about R-22a Safety (SNAP, last updated March 3, 2026)
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Q9 · Primary source · checked
    “EPA notes that the listings for household and commercial refrigerators and freezers and room air conditioning units apply only to new equipment that was specifically designed to be used with that refrigerant.”
  2. Questions and Answers about R-22a Safety (SNAP, last updated March 3, 2026)
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Q7 · Primary source · checked
    “No. EPA has not found any flammable hydrocarbon refrigerants acceptable for use in existing air-conditioning systems designed for use with HCFC-22.”
  3. Questions and Answers about R-22a Safety (SNAP, last updated March 3, 2026)
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Q4 · Primary source · checked
    “EPA’s SNAP Rule 21 listed as unacceptable (prohibited) refrigerant products sold as 22a and all refrigerants identified as flammability Class 3 in ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34–2013 for retrofitting residential and light commercial unitary split AC and heat pumps.”

Updated · Exam outline: T2: Refrigeration

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