Practice Test Geeks(CAR) Certified Appliance Recycler Practice Test
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Material Selection & Properties Flashcards

7 cards from real CAR practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Material Selection & Properties flashcards as text

  1. Capacitors in older appliance motor-start circuits may contain which hazardous substance requiring special handling?

    Answer: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

    Older oil-filled capacitors manufactured before 1979 may contain PCB-based dielectric fluid, which is a regulated hazardous waste under TSCA.

  2. What is the primary advantage of using HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) in washer drain hoses over PVC?

    Answer: HDPE does not require plasticizers and is generally considered safer for water contact

    HDPE does not require phthalate plasticizers like flexible PVC does, making it preferable for water-contact applications and simpler to recycle.

  3. Which appliance material is classified as 'white goods' scrap and typically commands the lowest per-ton value?

    Answer: Mixed painted steel sheet metal

    Painted or coated mixed steel from appliance bodies is downgraded from clean steel scrap due to coatings and contamination, yielding lower market prices.

  4. Porcelain enamel coatings on appliance surfaces are made by fusing which base material onto steel?

    Answer: Inorganic glass frit

    Porcelain enamel is a vitreous (glass-based) coating made from ground glass frit fused to the steel substrate at high temperatures.

  5. When recovering refrigerant from a system, the presence of non-condensable gases (NCGs) typically indicates:

    Answer: Air or nitrogen has entered the system, reducing efficiency and complicating recovery

    Non-condensable gases like air or nitrogen in a refrigerant system cause elevated head pressure, reduced cooling efficiency, and must be addressed during recovery.

  6. The RoHS directive's restriction on hexavalent chromium (Cr VI) in appliances is significant for recyclers because:

    Answer: Cr VI is a carcinogen that can contaminate soil and groundwater if improperly disposed

    Hexavalent chromium is a known carcinogen and environmental contaminant found in some older anti-corrosion coatings, requiring careful management during recycling.

  7. Which type of compressor found in window air conditioners contains the most recoverable copper by weight?

    Answer: Rotary compressor with hermetic shell

    Hermetic rotary compressors contain copper motor windings and copper tubing connections within a sealed steel shell, representing significant recoverable copper value.