RSES Code Compliance 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under UL 984 and ASHRAE 15, where must pressure relief device discharge outlets be piped to on systems using toxic refrigerants?
- To the outdoors at roof level
- To a purge unit or treatment system (Correct answer)
- Directly into the machinery room
- To the suction side of the compressor
Correct answer: To a purge unit or treatment system
Toxic refrigerant relief outlets must discharge to a treatment or recovery system rather than the atmosphere or occupied spaces.
Question 2: When is a hydrostatic pressure test specifically prohibited on a refrigeration system under ASHRAE 15?
- When the system contains R-410A
- When moisture contamination from water could damage the system or create hazards (Correct answer)
- When the system is larger than 50 tons
- Hydrostatic tests are always prohibited; only pneumatic testing is allowed
Correct answer: When moisture contamination from water could damage the system or create hazards
Hydrostatic testing is prohibited when water contamination would create safety hazards or damage system components, such as in systems using refrigerants that react with water.
Question 3: What must a technician do if they purchase more than 2 lbs of a non-exempt refrigerant in a container for resale?
- Obtain a distributor's license from the EPA
- Hold a valid EPA Section 608 certification and only sell to certified technicians (Correct answer)
- Register with the state refrigerant tracking board
- Obtain ASHRAE 15 system safety certification
Correct answer: Hold a valid EPA Section 608 certification and only sell to certified technicians
EPA rules require that refrigerant sold in containers over 2 lbs can only be purchased by and sold to EPA Section 608 certified technicians.
Question 4: What is the code-required color for refrigerant piping carrying R-717 (ammonia) per IIAR standards?
- Yellow (Correct answer)
- Orange
- Blue
- Green
Correct answer: Yellow
IIAR (International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration) standards require ammonia refrigerant piping to be painted yellow for identification.
Question 5: Under EPA regulations, what is the allowable leak rate trigger for industrial process refrigeration equipment with over 50 lbs of charge before repair is required?
- 10% per year
- 20% per year
- 30% per year (Correct answer)
- 35% per year
Correct answer: 30% per year
Industrial process refrigeration with more than 50 lbs of refrigerant must be repaired if the annual leak rate exceeds 30%, a higher threshold than commercial refrigeration.
Question 6: Which code body publishes the standards specifically for ammonia refrigeration piping systems used in industrial applications?
- ASHRAE
- IIAR (Correct answer)
- ASME
- UL
Correct answer: IIAR
The International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) publishes IIAR 2 and related standards governing ammonia refrigeration system safety and design.
Question 7: A pressure vessel used in a refrigeration system must comply with which code for design, fabrication, and inspection in the United States?
- NFPA 58
- ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section VIII (Correct answer)
- UL 207
- API 510
Correct answer: ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section VIII
Refrigerant pressure vessels must be designed and stamped in accordance with ASME BPVC Section VIII, Division 1, as required by ASHRAE 15 and most state mechanical codes.
RSES Code Compliance 5
Under UL 984 and ASHRAE 15, where must pressure relief device discharge outlets be piped to on systems using toxic refrigerants?