Leak repair requirements, venting prohibitions, and technician safety rules under the Clean Air Act tested on the EPA 608 exam.
30 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- A commercial air conditioning system shows refrigerant loss of 35% of its charge annually. What must the technician do?
- Attempt to repair the leak within 30 days; if not repaired, the system must be mothballed (taken out of service).
- What is the 10% threshold rule in EPA 608?
- If a system loses more than 10% of its charge in a year, it has a substantial leak and repair attempts must be made.
- Can refrigerant be vented directly into the atmosphere?
- No. All refrigerants (CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, and most others) are prohibited from venting and must be recovered.
- What is the standard evacuation requirement for HVAC systems?
- Systems must be evacuated to 0 inches of mercury (0 psia) or lower before opening lines for service or repair.
- How long does a technician have to attempt a leak repair after discovery?
- 30 days from notification of the leak; if not repaired within 30 days, the system must be mothballed.
- What is deep evacuation?
- Evacuation to 4 inches of mercury (6.7 kPa) or less, required for units that have been opened and exposed to atmospheric moisture.
- What must be done with oil-bearing refrigerant before recovery?
- Oil must be separated and properly disposed of; never vent oil with refrigerant or dispose of it in a landfill.
- What is the responsibility of the person in charge of a refrigeration system?
- They must ensure repairs are attempted for leaks, maintain records, and oversee compliance with EPA regulations.
- Can nitrogen be used to pressurize a system before evacuation?
- No. Nitrogen is only used for pressure testing; the system must be evacuated to remove nitrogen and moisture before charge.
- How must refrigerant cylinders be stored?
- In a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat sources; cylinders must be kept upright and protected from physical damage.
- What type of certification is required to service high-pressure systems (Type II)?
- Type II certification, which covers systems above 150 psi (410.6 kPa); technicians must be individually certified.
- What is the purpose of a pressure relief valve on a refrigerant cylinder?
- To prevent over-pressurization and rupture by venting excess pressure if temperature and pressure rise too high.
- How are refillable refrigerant cylinders marked to show charge status?
- Cylinders are weighed before and after use; the net weight removed equals the refrigerant charge transferred.
- What refrigerant containers must never be used for recovering oil?
- Refrigerant cylinders must never be used to store or recover oil; oil damages the pressure-relief valve.
- What is a low-pressure system (Type III)?
- A system with a refrigerant pressure below 10 psi (69 kPa) during normal operation, such as centrifugal chillers.