CAR Installation Techniques 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which regulation governs the proper evacuation of refrigerants from appliances before recycling in the US?
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119
- EPA Section 608 of the Clean Air Act (Correct answer)
- DOT 49 CFR 173
- NFPA 99
Correct answer: EPA Section 608 of the Clean Air Act
EPA Section 608 of the Clean Air Act requires certified technicians to recover refrigerants from appliances before disposal or recycling.
Question 2: A washing machine being disconnected for recycling is still partially full of water. What is the safest approach?
- Tilt the machine to drain water out the door seal
- Run a spin cycle to remove remaining water before disconnecting (Correct answer)
- Disconnect all hoses immediately and let water drain on the floor
- Leave the water inside — it drains automatically during transport
Correct answer: Run a spin cycle to remove remaining water before disconnecting
Running a spin cycle removes residual water safely before disconnection, preventing spills and reducing the unit's weight for transport.
Question 3: What is the correct way to cap an exposed gas stub-out after removing a gas range for recycling?
- Wrap the stub-out with duct tape
- Install a listed gas cap or plug with a wrench-tightened threaded fitting (Correct answer)
- Leave the stub-out open — gas pressure will equalize on its own
- Push a rubber stopper into the opening
Correct answer: Install a listed gas cap or plug with a wrench-tightened threaded fitting
A listed threaded cap or plug must be wrench-tightened onto the stub-out to safely seal the gas line after the appliance is removed.
Question 4: When sliding a freestanding refrigerator out from its alcove, which technique protects both the floor and the unit?
- Use a furniture dolly placed under the front feet only
- Place appliance sliders or a protective mat under all four feet before pulling (Correct answer)
- Remove all four feet first and slide on the refrigerator base
- Tilt the unit backward and roll it on the rear wheels
Correct answer: Place appliance sliders or a protective mat under all four feet before pulling
Appliance sliders placed under all four feet distribute the load evenly and protect flooring while allowing controlled movement.
Question 5: Which of the following is a sign that a dryer exhaust duct has a dangerous restriction and must not be reinstalled during a replacement?
- The duct is made of aluminum foil flex material
- The duct has visible lint accumulation and the dryer interior is unusually hot (Correct answer)
- The duct terminates at an exterior wall cap
- The duct is longer than 8 feet
Correct answer: The duct has visible lint accumulation and the dryer interior is unusually hot
Visible lint buildup combined with excessive dryer heat indicates a restricted duct that is a fire hazard and must be cleaned or replaced before reinstallation.
Question 6: A portable air conditioner must be prepared for recycling. What step is legally required BEFORE it can be crushed or shredded?
- Remove the power cord
- Recover the refrigerant using EPA Section 608-certified equipment (Correct answer)
- Drain the condensate reservoir
- Remove the filter
Correct answer: Recover the refrigerant using EPA Section 608-certified equipment
EPA Section 608 mandates refrigerant recovery by a certified technician before any appliance containing refrigerant is destroyed or processed.
Question 7: What is the purpose of using thread sealant (pipe dope) or PTFE tape on gas fitting connections?
- To increase thread torque and prevent cross-threading
- To create a gas-tight seal on threaded connections and prevent leaks (Correct answer)
- To lubricate the fitting for easier removal later
- To insulate the fitting against electrical shorts
Correct answer: To create a gas-tight seal on threaded connections and prevent leaks
Thread sealant or PTFE tape fills micro-gaps in threaded gas connections to create an airtight seal that prevents gas leaks.
CAR Installation Techniques 3
Which regulation governs the proper evacuation of refrigerants from appliances before recycling in the US?