HVAC EPA 608 Refrigerant Certification 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under EPA 608, what is the maximum allowable annual leak rate for a commercial refrigeration system containing more than 50 pounds of refrigerant?
- 10%
- 20%
- 35% (Correct answer)
- 50%
Correct answer: 35%
EPA 608 sets a 35% annual leak rate threshold for commercial refrigeration systems holding more than 50 pounds of refrigerant before mandatory repair is required.
Question 2: Which refrigerant is classified as an A2L (mildly flammable) by ASHRAE Standard 34?
- R-22
- R-410A
- R-32 (Correct answer)
- R-134a
Correct answer: R-32
R-32 is classified as A2L because it has low toxicity (A) and mild flammability (2L) per ASHRAE 34 safety classifications.
Question 3: What does the term 'de minimis' refer to in the context of EPA 608 refrigerant regulations?
- The minimum charge size requiring certification
- Refrigerant releases that are too small to measure
- A small release allowable during normal servicing (Correct answer)
- The minimum recovery efficiency required
Correct answer: A small release allowable during normal servicing
De minimis releases are small, unavoidable refrigerant releases that occur during normal servicing and are not prohibited under EPA 608.
Question 4: A technician must repair a leak in a comfort cooling system with more than 50 lbs of refrigerant within how many days of discovery?
- 14 days
- 30 days (Correct answer)
- 45 days
- 60 days
Correct answer: 30 days
EPA 608 requires repairs to comfort cooling systems exceeding 50 lbs of refrigerant to be completed within 30 days of discovering the leak.
Question 5: Which type of recovery equipment must be used when the refrigerant system's compressor is operational?
- System-dependent (passive) recovery equipment (Correct answer)
- Self-contained recovery equipment
- Either type is acceptable
- A vacuum pump only
Correct answer: System-dependent (passive) recovery equipment
System-dependent recovery equipment relies on the system's own compressor to push refrigerant into the recovery cylinder and requires the system compressor to be working.
Question 6: What is the primary environmental concern with high-GWP refrigerants like R-404A?
- Ozone depletion
- Contribution to climate change (Correct answer)
- Ground-level ozone formation
- Acid rain
Correct answer: Contribution to climate change
R-404A has a GWP of approximately 3,922, meaning it contributes significantly to climate change when released, though it has zero ozone depletion potential.
Question 7: Under EPA 608, technicians who purchase refrigerant in containers larger than 2 pounds must have which of the following?
- A contractor's license
- EPA 608 certification (Correct answer)
- An EPA refrigerant dealer license
- A manufacturer's authorization
Correct answer: EPA 608 certification
EPA regulations require technicians to hold valid Section 608 certification to purchase refrigerant in containers larger than 2 pounds.
HVAC EPA 608 Refrigerant Certification 2
Under EPA 608, what is the maximum allowable annual leak rate for a commercial refrigeration system containing more than 50 pounds of refrigerant?