A window air conditioner has a burned-out, non-operating compressor. Using self-contained recovery equipment, what recovery level must the technician achieve?
a.4 inches of mercury (Hg) above atmospheric pressure
b.90% of the refrigerant
c.25 mm Hg absolute
d.80% of the refrigerant
Explanation
For a small appliance whose compressor is NOT operating, self-contained recovery equipment must remove at least 80% of the refrigerant. The 90% level applies only when the compressor still runs. A non-working compressor cannot help move refrigerant, so the lower percentage is allowed.
Law Reference: 40 CFR §82.156This topic, taught in full in the EPA Section 608 Certification guide. EPA 608 Universal Study Guide (2026) — Core + Type I/II/III, with the 2027 A2L update — PDF + EPUB, $14.99 · 14-day refund →
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Related questions on this topic
- A technician is deciding whether a household unit qualifies as a 'small appliance' under Section 608. Which description matches the EPA definition of a small appliance?
- A technician uses self-contained (active) recovery equipment on a household refrigerator whose compressor still runs. What minimum percentage of the refrigerant must be recovered?
- Instead of measuring a recovery percentage, a technician chooses to evacuate a small appliance to a fixed vacuum as allowed by the rule. What vacuum level satisfies the requirement?
- A recovery unit relies on the small appliance's own working compressor to push refrigerant into a recovery cylinder. What type of recovery equipment is this?
- Self-contained (active) recovery equipment is best described by which of the following?
- A scrap yard receives old household refrigerators and vending machines for crushing. Before the units are disposed of, who is responsible for ensuring the refrigerant is recovered?
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