5.12 - Answers and Explanations

Module: Recovery Recycling Reclaiming Evacuation and Dehydration
Covers: All concept-check questions in Sections 5.1–5.9 and all 40 module practice questions in Section 5.11
Total questions answered: 112
Technical and regulatory verification date: August 10, 2026
Primary regulatory authorities: Current 40 CFR §§ 82.152, 82.156, and 82.158; current EPA Section 608 recovery, reclamation, service-practice, evacuation, and recordkeeping guidance; current 49 CFR § 180.209 where cylinder requalification is discussed
Purpose: Provide the correct answer, explain the governing concept, address every distractor, show checked calculations where needed, provide current regulatory sources for rule-dependent answers, and direct the learner to the appropriate remediation section

How to Use This File

1. Complete the relevant Section 5 concept checks or the full 5.11 - Practice Questions.md set before reading these answers.
2. Score the attempt using the answer key below.
3. Review every incorrect response.
4. Review every response marked C0 or C1, even when the selected answer was correct.
5. Enter unresolved items in the project error log.
6. For regulatory questions, read the condition together with the number or threshold; do not memorize the number by itself.
7. For cylinder calculations, identify the tare weight, water capacity, current gross weight, and the exact relationship requested before calculating.
8. Explain the corrected concept without looking at this file.
9. Retest the concept later using a different question.

Mastery rule: A correct guess remains unresolved until the learner can explain why the correct answer is right and why every distractor is wrong.

Complete Module 5 Answer Key

• Section 5.1: 5.1-1: A | 5.1-2: B | 5.1-3: C | 5.1-4: B | 5.1-5: C | 5.1-6: A | 5.1-7: B | 5.1-8: A
• Section 5.2: 5.2-1: A | 5.2-2: B | 5.2-3: C | 5.2-4: B | 5.2-5: C | 5.2-6: B | 5.2-7: A | 5.2-8: B
• Section 5.3: 5.3-1: B | 5.3-2: B | 5.3-3: A | 5.3-4: C | 5.3-5: B | 5.3-6: B | 5.3-7: C | 5.3-8: B
• Section 5.4: 5.4-1: A | 5.4-2: B | 5.4-3: C | 5.4-4: D | 5.4-5: A | 5.4-6: A | 5.4-7: C | 5.4-8: B
• Section 5.5: 5.5-1: B | 5.5-2: B | 5.5-3: A | 5.5-4: A | 5.5-5: B | 5.5-6: A | 5.5-7: B | 5.5-8: C
• Section 5.6: 5.6-1: A | 5.6-2: B | 5.6-3: C | 5.6-4: C | 5.6-5: A | 5.6-6: B | 5.6-7: C | 5.6-8: C
• Section 5.7: 5.7-1: B | 5.7-2: A | 5.7-3: B | 5.7-4: B | 5.7-5: A | 5.7-6: A | 5.7-7: B | 5.7-8: B
• Section 5.8: 5.8-1: A | 5.8-2: B | 5.8-3: A | 5.8-4: C | 5.8-5: A | 5.8-6: A | 5.8-7: B | 5.8-8: C
• Section 5.9: 5.9-1: A | 5.9-2: C | 5.9-3: C | 5.9-4: D | 5.9-5: C | 5.9-6: B | 5.9-7: C | 5.9-8: B
• Section 5.11, Questions 1–10: 5.11-1: B | 5.11-2: C | 5.11-3: A | 5.11-4: D | 5.11-5: B | 5.11-6: C | 5.11-7: A | 5.11-8: D | 5.11-9: B | 5.11-10: C
• Section 5.11, Questions 11–20: 5.11-11: A | 5.11-12: D | 5.11-13: B | 5.11-14: C | 5.11-15: A | 5.11-16: D | 5.11-17: B | 5.11-18: C | 5.11-19: A | 5.11-20: D
• Section 5.11, Questions 21–30: 5.11-21: B | 5.11-22: C | 5.11-23: A | 5.11-24: D | 5.11-25: B | 5.11-26: C | 5.11-27: A | 5.11-28: D | 5.11-29: B | 5.11-30: C
• Section 5.11, Questions 31–40: 5.11-31: A | 5.11-32: D | 5.11-33: C | 5.11-34: B | 5.11-35: A | 5.11-36: D | 5.11-37: C | 5.11-38: B | 5.11-39: D | 5.11-40: A

Answer-File Organization

• Parts A–I: Concept-check answers for Sections 5.1–5.9.
• Part J: Module 5 practice-question answers from Section 5.11.
• Current-rule answers include authoritative sources.
• Technical service guidance is explained as technical practice rather than mislabeled as a universal EPA requirement.
• The recovery-cylinder requalification questions preserve the Module 5 examination-preparation answer while explicitly noting that current DOT intervals can vary by cylinder specification, service, markings, and authorized requalification method.

Part A - Section 5.1 Concept-Check Answers

Question 5.1-1

Correct answer: A. Removing refrigerant from an appliance and storing it in an external container without necessarily processing it

Recovery means removing refrigerant in any condition from an appliance and storing it in an external container without necessarily testing or processing it.

• B is incorrect: Cleaning plus purity verification describes reclamation, not simple recovery.

• C is incorrect: Manufacturing new refrigerant is production, not recovery.

• D is incorrect: Mixing recovered refrigerants is not part of the recovery definition and can create contamination.

Topic: Definition of recover Suggested error code: DEF Review: Section 5.1 - Recover Recycle and Reclaim

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.152 — Definitions

Question 5.1-2

Correct answer: B. Recycling

Recycling is the extraction and cleaning of refrigerant for reuse in equipment of the same owner without meeting all reclamation requirements.

• A is incorrect: Recovery only captures refrigerant; cleaning is not required.

• C is incorrect: Reclamation requires meeting the applicable purity specifications and analytical verification.

• D is incorrect: Evacuation removes gases or refrigerant to a pressure target; it is not the term for cleaning used refrigerant.

Topic: Definition of recycle Suggested error code: DEF Review: Section 5.1 - Recover Recycle and Reclaim

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.152 — Definitions

Question 5.1-3

Correct answer: C. Applicable purity specifications are met and verified using prescribed analytical methods.

Reclamation adds a verified purity requirement: the refrigerant must be reprocessed to the applicable specifications and verified by the prescribed analytical methodology.

• A is incorrect: Removal from an appliance occurs during recovery and does not establish reclamation.

• B is incorrect: Storage in an external container is part of recovery, not proof of reclamation.

• D is incorrect: Connecting gauges is a service activity and has nothing to do with refrigerant purity certification.

Topic: Definition of reclaim and analytical verification Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.1 - Recover Recycle and Reclaim

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.152 — Definitions
• EPA — Stationary Refrigeration Refrigerant Reclamation Requirements

Question 5.1-4

Correct answer: B. The refrigerant may be reused without reclamation being required solely by that transfer because both appliances have the same owner.

Section 608 allows refrigerant recovered from one appliance to be returned to another appliance owned by the same person without reclamation being required solely because it moved to another appliance.

• A is incorrect: The rule does not require reclamation merely because refrigerant moves between appliances with the same owner.

• C is incorrect: Recovered refrigerant does not become virgin refrigerant; its source history is unchanged.

• D is incorrect: Common ownership does not authorize intentional venting.

Topic: Same-owner reuse of recovered refrigerant Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.1 - Recover Recycle and Reclaim

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
• EPA — Stationary Refrigeration Refrigerant Reclamation Requirements

Question 5.1-5

Correct answer: C. The refrigerant must be reclaimed by an EPA-certified refrigerant reclaimer.

Used refrigerant transferred to a new owner for use as refrigerant generally must first be reclaimed by an EPA-certified refrigerant reclaimer.

• A is incorrect: Warming refrigerant does not establish the required purity or authorization for resale.

• B is incorrect: A disposable cylinder is not an acceptable substitute for reclamation and must not be refilled.

• D is incorrect: One pass through a field filter-drier may be recycling, but it does not establish reclamation purity.

Topic: Reclamation before transfer to a new owner Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.1 - Recover Recycle and Reclaim

Sources:

• EPA — Stationary Refrigeration Refrigerant Reclamation Requirements

Question 5.1-6

Correct answer: A. The federal rule currently defines reclamation through Appendix A to Subpart F, which is based on AHRI Standard 700-2016.

The current federal reclamation definition points to Appendix A to Subpart F, which is based on AHRI Standard 700-2016 for applicable purity specifications and analytical methods.

• B is incorrect: A later industry edition does not automatically replace the edition incorporated into the federal rule; a regulatory change is required.

• C is incorrect: AHRI Standard 700 addresses refrigerant purity, not cylinder color.

• D is incorrect: AHRI Standard 700 is not the Section 608 technician examination.

Topic: Current reclamation purity standard Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.1 - Recover Recycle and Reclaim

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.152 — Definitions
• EPA — Stationary Refrigeration Refrigerant Reclamation Requirements

Question 5.1-7

Correct answer: B. The refrigerant may be recycled, but it has not thereby been established as reclaimed.

Repeated field filtering can support recycling, but without the required purity verification it does not establish that the refrigerant is reclaimed.

• A is incorrect: Filtering used refrigerant does not make it newly manufactured or virgin.

• C is incorrect: Filtering alone does not satisfy the analytical-verification requirement for reclamation.

• D is incorrect: Evacuation is a pressure-removal process, not the classification for filtered recovered refrigerant.

Topic: Recycle versus reclaim Suggested error code: DEF Review: Section 5.1 - Recover Recycle and Reclaim

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.152 — Definitions

Question 5.1-8

Correct answer: A. Reclaimed refrigerant has been previously used, then reprocessed and verified to the applicable purity requirements; virgin refrigerant is newly manufactured.

Reclaimed refrigerant has been used previously and then reprocessed and verified to the applicable purity requirements; virgin refrigerant is newly manufactured material.

• B is incorrect: Reclaimed refrigerant, by definition, has a prior use history.

• C is incorrect: Virgin refrigerant does not become valid only after field filtering.

• D is incorrect: The two may meet suitable purity requirements, but their source histories are different.

Topic: Reclaimed versus virgin refrigerant Suggested error code: DEF Review: Section 5.1 - Recover Recycle and Reclaim

Part B - Section 5.2 Concept-Check Answers

Question 5.2-1

Correct answer: A. Equipment that requires assistance from components in the appliance to remove refrigerant

System-dependent recovery equipment requires assistance from components contained in the appliance to remove refrigerant.

• B is incorrect: An independent refrigerant-moving mechanism is characteristic of self-contained equipment, not the system-dependent definition.

• C is incorrect: A recovery cylinder stores refrigerant and is not the recovery equipment category being defined.

• D is incorrect: A vacuum pump used for dehydration is not the regulatory definition of system-dependent recovery equipment.

Topic: System-dependent recovery equipment Suggested error code: DEF Review: Section 5.2 - Recovery Equipment Categories

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.152 — Definitions

Question 5.2-2

Correct answer: B. Equipment that can remove refrigerant from an appliance without assistance from components contained in the appliance

Self-contained recovery equipment can remove refrigerant from the appliance without assistance from components contained in the appliance.

• A is incorrect: Depending on the appliance compressor would make the process system-dependent.

• C is incorrect: Self-contained recovery equipment is not limited to factory-sealed small appliances.

• D is incorrect: A two-port recovery cylinder stores refrigerant but does not make itself a self-contained recovery machine.

Topic: Self-contained recovery equipment Suggested error code: DEF Review: Section 5.2 - Recovery Equipment Categories

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.152 — Definitions

Question 5.2-3

Correct answer: C. System-dependent recovery

Using the appliance’s own operating compressor to help move refrigerant is a system-dependent method because a component within the appliance is assisting recovery.

• A is incorrect: Reclamation concerns refrigerant purity, not how refrigerant is moved out of the appliance.

• B is incorrect: Self-contained equipment does not require appliance-component assistance.

• D is incorrect: Evacuation is not the recovery-equipment category described by the scenario.

Topic: System-dependent recovery example Suggested error code: CLS Review: Section 5.2 - Recovery Equipment Categories

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.152 — Definitions

Question 5.2-4

Correct answer: B. Self-contained

A portable recovery machine that uses its own compressor while the appliance compressor is off is self-contained because it does not depend on appliance components to remove refrigerant.

• A is incorrect: The appliance is not assisting the recovery process, so the setup is not system-dependent.

• C is incorrect: A system receiver stores the system charge during service; it is not the portable recovery machine.

• D is incorrect: Passive storage is not the regulatory category for a machine that actively moves refrigerant.

Topic: Self-contained recovery example Suggested error code: CLS Review: Section 5.2 - Recovery Equipment Categories

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.152 — Definitions

Question 5.2-5

Correct answer: C. No, because the limitation is based on the appliance’s full charge.

The 15-lb system-dependent-equipment limitation is based on the appliance’s full charge, not the amount remaining after a leak. A 20-lb full-charge appliance remains above the threshold.

• A is incorrect: Current remaining charge does not replace the full-charge criterion.

• B is incorrect: The refrigerant being vapor does not change the regulatory full-charge threshold.

• D is incorrect: System-dependent equipment is not prohibited on every appliance; the restriction applies above the stated full-charge threshold unless the pump-out exception applies.

Topic: 15-lb system-dependent equipment limit Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.2 - Recovery Equipment Categories

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances

Question 5.2-6

Correct answer: B. The system-dependent equipment is permanently attached to the appliance as a pump-out unit.

The specific exception permits system-dependent equipment on an appliance with a full charge above 15 lb when that equipment is permanently attached to the appliance as a pump-out unit.

• A is incorrect: A functional compressor alone does not create the regulatory exception.

• C is incorrect: Chilling a cylinder may affect recovery performance but does not alter the equipment-use rule.

• D is incorrect: Universal certification does not waive equipment requirements.

Topic: Pump-out-unit exception Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.2 - Recovery Equipment Categories

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances

Question 5.2-7

Correct answer: A. System-dependent ≈ passive; self-contained ≈ active

For study shorthand, system-dependent is often described as passive and self-contained as active, but the controlling federal definitions are based on whether appliance components assist refrigerant removal.

• B is incorrect: Recover/recycle/reclaim describe refrigerant processing, not recovery-equipment categories.

• C is incorrect: High side and low side are refrigerant-circuit locations, not equipment-category synonyms.

• D is incorrect: Vacuum and pressure are physical conditions, not the regulatory category distinction.

Topic: Active/passive study shorthand Suggested error code: DEF Review: Section 5.2 - Recovery Equipment Categories

Question 5.2-8

Correct answer: B. Recover means to remove refrigerant from an appliance and store it in an external container without necessarily processing it.

Recovery is the removal of refrigerant from an appliance into an external container without necessarily processing or testing it.

• A is incorrect: Manufacturing new refrigerant is production.

• C is incorrect: Purity verification describes reclamation.

• D is incorrect: Intentional atmospheric release is not recovery.

Topic: Definition of recover Suggested error code: DEF Review: Section 5.2 - Recovery Equipment Categories

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.152 — Definitions

Part C - Section 5.3 Concept-Check Answers

Question 5.3-1

Correct answer: B. AHRI and UL

EPA currently identifies the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) as approved organizations for certifying Section 608 recovery and recycling equipment.

• A is incorrect: ASHRAE develops standards and guidance, and DOT regulates transportation safety; this pair is not EPA’s approved equipment-testing pair.

• C is incorrect: OSHA and NIST have different federal roles and are not the Section 608 equipment-certification organizations.

• D is incorrect: EPA administers the program and DOE has energy responsibilities, but this pair is not the approved third-party testing pair.

Topic: EPA-approved recovery-equipment testing organizations Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.3 - Recovery Equipment Certification and Service Fittings

Sources:

• EPA — Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling Equipment Certification

Question 5.3-2

Correct answer: B. It separates important legacy and third-party equipment-certification requirements.

November 15, 1993 separates important legacy recovery-equipment provisions from the third-party certification framework that applies to equipment manufactured or imported on or after that date.

• A is incorrect: The date is not the worldwide end of CFC production.

• C is incorrect: Section 608 technician credentials do not begin expiring on this date.

• D is incorrect: The date did not convert recovery cylinders into disposable cylinders.

Topic: November 15, 1993 equipment boundary Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.3 - Recovery Equipment Certification and Service Fittings

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.158 — Standards for recovery and/or recycling equipment
• EPA — Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling Equipment Certification

Question 5.3-3

Correct answer: A. Appendix B3 based on AHRI Standard 740-2016

For equipment manufactured or imported on or after January 1, 2017, Appendix B3 applies to non-flammable refrigerants and is based on AHRI Standard 740-2016.

• B is incorrect: Appendix B1 and ARI 740-1993 apply to an earlier equipment period.

• C is incorrect: Appendix A/AHRI 700 concerns reclaimed-refrigerant purity, not recovery-machine performance certification.

• D is incorrect: Section 609 is the MVAC service program, not the general stationary-equipment framework in this question.

Topic: Current-generation recovery equipment standard Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.3 - Recovery Equipment Certification and Service Fittings

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.158 — Standards for recovery and/or recycling equipment
• EPA — Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling Equipment Certification

Question 5.3-4

Correct answer: C. 90%

With recovery equipment manufactured on or after November 15, 1993, a small appliance with a functioning compressor requires 90% refrigerant recovery unless the 4 in. Hg vacuum alternative is used.

• A is incorrect: 50% is not the Section 608 small-appliance recovery percentage.

• B is incorrect: 80% applies when the compressor is not functional, or with pre-1993 recovery equipment.

• D is incorrect: The rule does not require 100% recovery.

Topic: Small-appliance recovery percentage Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.3 - Recovery Equipment Certification and Service Fittings

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
• EPA — Stationary Refrigeration Service Practice Requirements

Question 5.3-5

Correct answer: B. To minimize refrigerant release when a hose or connection is disconnected

A low-loss fitting is designed to minimize refrigerant release from hoses, appliances, and recovery/recycling equipment when a connection is disconnected.

• A is incorrect: Its purpose is emission reduction, not pressure boosting.

• C is incorrect: Refrigerant identity is not determined by a low-loss fitting.

• D is incorrect: Deep vacuum is measured with a micron gauge, not by the fitting itself.

Topic: Low-loss fitting Suggested error code: DEF Review: Section 5.3 - Recovery Equipment Certification and Service Fittings

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.152 — Definitions

Question 5.3-6

Correct answer: B. A length of tubing providing refrigerant access to a small appliance or room air conditioner that can be resealed

A process stub is a length of tubing that provides access to refrigerant in a small appliance or room air conditioner and can be resealed after service.

• A is incorrect: A system receiver holds refrigerant during service and is a different component.

• C is incorrect: A recovery-cylinder liquid valve is not a process stub.

• D is incorrect: The term is not limited to low-pressure chillers.

Topic: Process stub Suggested error code: DEF Review: Section 5.3 - Recovery Equipment Certification and Service Fittings

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.152 — Definitions

Question 5.3-7

Correct answer: C. Servicing aperture

The current rule uses the term servicing aperture for the access intended to facilitate refrigerant removal from covered appliances other than small appliances.

• A is incorrect: Charging tap is informal terminology and is not the specified current regulatory term here.

• B is incorrect: Process stub is the defined access term associated with small appliances and room air conditioners.

• D is incorrect: Relief manifold is not the defined term for the required service access.

Topic: Servicing aperture terminology Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.3 - Recovery Equipment Certification and Service Fittings

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.158 — Standards for recovery and/or recycling equipment

Question 5.3-8

Correct answer: B. According to manufacturer directions unless those directions conflict with federal requirements

Recovery and recycling equipment must be used according to the manufacturer’s directions unless those directions conflict with Subpart F.

• A is incorrect: Technician preference does not override the manufacturer’s directions or federal requirements.

• C is incorrect: Cylinder instructions do not replace recovery-machine operating directions.

• D is incorrect: Universal certification does not waive the manufacturer’s operating instructions.

Topic: Manufacturer directions for recovery equipment Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.3 - Recovery Equipment Certification and Service Fittings

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances

Part D - Section 5.4 Concept-Check Answers

Question 5.4-1

Correct answer: A. The refrigerant identity

Refrigerant identity should be established before selecting the recovery cylinder so the cylinder, equipment, and contamination-control plan are compatible with the refrigerant.

• B is incorrect: Outdoor humidity may matter to field work but does not determine which recovery cylinder is appropriate.

• C is incorrect: Compressor horsepower alone does not identify the refrigerant or required cylinder.

• D is incorrect: Cabinet color has no role in refrigerant compatibility.

Topic: Refrigerant identification before recovery Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.4 - Recovery Preparation

Question 5.4-2

Correct answer: B. Mixed refrigerants can contaminate equipment and make reuse or reclamation more difficult.

Keeping refrigerants separate prevents cross-contamination that can complicate reuse, recycling, reclamation, identification, and disposal.

• A is incorrect: Mixing refrigerants does not inherently increase recovery speed.

• C is incorrect: Mixing does not guarantee a safer or nonflammable mixture.

• D is incorrect: Different refrigerants can physically pass through the same style of service hose; the issue is contamination and compatibility.

Topic: Preventing refrigerant mixing Suggested error code: SAF Review: Section 5.4 - Recovery Preparation

Question 5.4-3

Correct answer: C. Oil should be checked or serviced when the machine design and manufacturer instructions require it.

Recovery-machine oil should be checked, changed, or otherwise serviced when the machine design and manufacturer instructions call for it.

• A is incorrect: Not every machine requires an oil change before every job.

• B is incorrect: Some recovery machines do use oil; the correct maintenance depends on design.

• D is incorrect: Pouring refrigerant-system oil into the recovery-machine inlet is not a general maintenance procedure.

Topic: Recovery-machine maintenance Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.4 - Recovery Preparation

Question 5.4-4

Correct answer: D. Weigh it and compare the current weight with the allowable fill information.

Cylinder capacity is controlled by weight, so the technician should weigh the cylinder and compare current gross weight with the allowable fill information before recovery.

• A is incorrect: Shaking a cylinder cannot accurately determine remaining allowable mass.

• B is incorrect: Pressure mainly reflects refrigerant temperature and saturation condition, not cylinder fill mass.

• C is incorrect: Lifting by hand is not accurate enough for fill control.

Topic: Available recovery-cylinder capacity Suggested error code: CAL Review: Section 5.4 - Recovery Preparation

Question 5.4-5

Correct answer: A. When it contains air or the applicable equipment procedure requires evacuation

An empty recovery cylinder may need evacuation when it contains air or when the recovery-equipment procedure calls for an evacuated receiving cylinder.

• B is incorrect: A cylinder that already contains recovered refrigerant is not an empty cylinder to be evacuated indiscriminately.

• C is incorrect: Evacuation is performed before filling when needed, not after intentionally reaching maximum fill.

• D is incorrect: Whether the appliance compressor is running is not the controlling reason for evacuating an empty cylinder.

Topic: Preparing an empty recovery cylinder Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.4 - Recovery Preparation

Question 5.4-6

Correct answer: A. Recovery-machine inlet

In the standard manifold setup used in this module, the yellow center/service hose carries refrigerant from the manifold service port to the recovery-machine inlet.

• B is incorrect: The blue hose is associated with the low-side connection in the standard manifold arrangement.

• C is incorrect: The red hose is associated with the high-side connection.

• D is incorrect: A refrigerant hose does not connect to the recovery machine’s electrical supply.

Topic: Manifold-to-recovery-machine connection Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.4 - Recovery Preparation

Question 5.4-7

Correct answer: C. Blue hose to left/low port, yellow hose to center/service port, red hose to right/high port

The standard arrangement is blue to the left/low manifold port, yellow to the center/service port, and red to the right/high manifold port.

• A is incorrect: This reverses the standard blue/low and red/high arrangement.

• B is incorrect: The two appliance hoses do not both connect to the low-side manifold port.

• D is incorrect: This incorrectly assigns the hose colors and ports.

Topic: Standard manifold hose arrangement Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.4 - Recovery Preparation

Question 5.4-8

Correct answer: B. Confirm correct connections, valve positions, cylinder capacity, PPE, ventilation, and manufacturer procedure.

Immediately before recovery, verify the complete setup: connections, valve positions, available cylinder capacity, personal protective equipment, ventilation, and the manufacturer’s procedure.

• A is incorrect: Valves should be positioned according to the specific procedure, not automatically opened fully.

• C is incorrect: The scale is needed to monitor cylinder fill and should not be removed from the process.

• D is incorrect: Service hoses should not be intentionally vented as a routine preparation step.

Topic: Final pre-recovery safety check Suggested error code: SAF Review: Section 5.4 - Recovery Preparation

Part E - Section 5.5 Concept-Check Answers

Question 5.5-1

Correct answer: B. Recover bulk liquid first, then recover the remaining vapor.

When direct liquid recovery is permitted and bulk liquid is accessible, removing liquid first usually transfers refrigerant mass more quickly; vapor recovery then completes the job.

• A is incorrect: Vapor-only recovery is generally slower when a large liquid inventory is available.

• C is incorrect: Heating the receiving cylinder raises its pressure and is not the general method for speeding recovery.

• D is incorrect: Opening the appliance to atmosphere would intentionally release refrigerant and is not an acceptable recovery method.

Topic: Liquid-first recovery sequence Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.5 - Recovery Methods and Recovery Speed

Question 5.5-2

Correct answer: B. It increases flow resistance and can slow recovery.

Longer hoses create more flow resistance and pressure drop, which can reduce refrigerant mass-flow rate and slow recovery.

• A is incorrect: Longer hose length generally increases, not reduces, flow resistance.

• C is incorrect: Hose length has nothing to do with whether refrigerant is reclaimed.

• D is incorrect: Longer hoses do not prevent the recovery cylinder from warming.

Topic: Effect of hose length on recovery speed Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.5 - Recovery Methods and Recovery Speed

Question 5.5-3

Correct answer: A. It can reduce flow restriction and increase recovery rate.

A larger practical internal hose diameter can reduce flow restriction and increase recovery rate when the machine, fittings, and service ports support the flow.

• B is incorrect: A larger hose does not inherently force cylinder pressure upward.

• C is incorrect: Hose diameter does not change the regulatory category of the recovery machine.

• D is incorrect: A recovery cylinder is still required to store the recovered refrigerant.

Topic: Effect of hose diameter on recovery speed Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.5 - Recovery Methods and Recovery Speed

Question 5.5-4

Correct answer: A. Lower refrigerant temperature generally lowers vapor pressure and slows boiling.

Cooling the appliance lowers refrigerant vapor pressure and can reduce boiling and the pressure differential that drives refrigerant toward the recovery machine.

• B is incorrect: Cold refrigerant is not permanently trapped in manifold gauges.

• C is incorrect: Recovery machines are not categorically unable to operate below room temperature.

• D is incorrect: Cooling refrigerant does not turn it into a noncondensable gas.

Topic: Temperature effect on recovery Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.5 - Recovery Methods and Recovery Speed

Question 5.5-5

Correct answer: B. Higher cylinder temperature can increase cylinder pressure and recovery-machine back pressure.

A hot recovery cylinder has higher refrigerant pressure. That higher receiving pressure increases recovery-machine discharge back pressure and can reduce recovery rate.

• A is incorrect: Heating a two-phase refrigerant cylinder generally raises saturation pressure rather than driving it to zero.

• C is incorrect: Temperature does not convert refrigerant into lubricating oil.

• D is incorrect: Cylinder temperature does not enlarge the hose.

Topic: Recovery-cylinder temperature and back pressure Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.5 - Recovery Methods and Recovery Speed

Question 5.5-6

Correct answer: A. Refrigerant may continue boiling out of oil or evaporating from cold parts of the appliance.

Near the end of recovery, refrigerant can continue to boil out of oil or evaporate from colder internal surfaces after the machine stops, causing pressure rebound.

• B is incorrect: A recovery cylinder does not automatically return its entire contents to the appliance.

• C is incorrect: A manifold does not create refrigerant from nitrogen.

• D is incorrect: The low-side gauge senses pressure; it does not create the rebound.

Topic: Pressure rebound and refrigerant in oil Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.5 - Recovery Methods and Recovery Speed

Question 5.5-7

Correct answer: B. To transfer a large quantity of accessible liquid refrigerant quickly on a suitable system

Push-pull recovery is a bulk-liquid transfer technique used on suitable systems to move a large quantity of accessible liquid quickly; final vapor recovery is still required.

• A is incorrect: Deep dehydration is performed with a vacuum pump and micron measurement, not by push-pull.

• C is incorrect: Push-pull does not provide reclamation purity verification.

• D is incorrect: It does not replace final vapor recovery on every appliance.

Topic: Push-pull recovery purpose Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.5 - Recovery Methods and Recovery Speed

Question 5.5-8

Correct answer: C. Stop and check for excessive cylinder pressure, closed valves, or discharge restrictions before restarting according to the manufacturer procedure.

A high-pressure safety trip is a signal to stop and diagnose conditions such as excessive cylinder pressure, a closed valve, or a discharge restriction, then restart only according to the manufacturer’s procedure.

• A is incorrect: Bypassing a safety control defeats a protection device and is unsafe.

• B is incorrect: Atmospheric venting is not the proper way to relieve a recovery-machine problem.

• D is incorrect: Heating the recovery cylinder would usually raise its pressure further.

Topic: Recovery-machine high-pressure trip Suggested error code: SAF Review: Section 5.5 - Recovery Methods and Recovery Speed

Part F - Section 5.6 Concept-Check Answers

Question 5.6-1

Correct answer: A. A recovery cylinder is designed for repeated filling; a disposable cylinder must not be refilled.

A refillable recovery cylinder is designed and qualified for repeated filling; a disposable refrigerant cylinder is non-refillable and must not be used as a recovery container.

• B is incorrect: A low internal pressure does not make a disposable cylinder refillable.

• C is incorrect: Recovery cylinders are specifically intended to receive recovered refrigerant, not only virgin refrigerant.

• D is incorrect: Construction as a metal cylinder does not erase differences in design, qualification, valves, and refill authorization.

Topic: Recovery cylinder versus disposable cylinder Suggested error code: SAF Review: Section 5.6 - Recovery Cylinders

Question 5.6-2

Correct answer: B. Liquid port

On a typical upright two-port recovery cylinder, the liquid port connects to a dip tube extending toward the bottom so liquid can be withdrawn from or delivered to the liquid region.

• A is incorrect: The vapor port normally communicates with the upper vapor space.

• C is incorrect: The pressure-relief device is a safety component, not the normal liquid dip-tube port.

• D is incorrect: The liquid port normally does use a dip tube on this cylinder design.

Topic: Recovery-cylinder liquid and vapor ports Suggested error code: DEF Review: Section 5.6 - Recovery Cylinders

Question 5.6-3

Correct answer: C. 38.0 lb

Using the Module 5 training calculation, maximum refrigerant weight is $0.80\cdot WC=0.80\cdot 47.5\text{lb}=38.0\text{lb}$.

• A is incorrect: 22.4 lb is 80% of the tare weight, which is not the required relationship.

• B is incorrect: 28.0 lb is the empty-cylinder tare weight, not allowable refrigerant mass.

• D is incorrect: 60.4 lb does not follow the stated 80%-of-water-capacity calculation.

Topic: Recovery-cylinder fill calculation Suggested error code: CAL Review: Section 5.6 - Recovery Cylinders

Question 5.6-4

Correct answer: C. 66.0 lb

Maximum gross weight for the training calculation is tare weight plus maximum refrigerant weight: $28.0+38.0=66.0\text{lb}$.

• A is incorrect: 38.0 lb is the maximum refrigerant mass, not the gross cylinder weight.

• B is incorrect: 47.5 lb is the water-capacity marking, not the calculated gross fill limit.

• D is incorrect: 75.5 lb adds tare weight to the full water capacity rather than to 80% of water capacity.

Topic: Maximum gross recovery-cylinder weight Suggested error code: CAL Review: Section 5.6 - Recovery Cylinders

Question 5.6-5

Correct answer: A. Cylinder pressure is mainly related to refrigerant temperature and saturation condition and does not directly indicate refrigerant mass.

Cylinder pressure for a two-phase refrigerant is governed mainly by refrigerant identity and temperature, so pressure does not directly reveal how many pounds are in the cylinder. Fill should be controlled by weight.

• B is incorrect: A scale measures mass; it does not identify refrigerant composition.

• C is incorrect: Cylinder pressure is not zero merely because liquid is present.

• D is incorrect: Weighing a cylinder does not perform DOT requalification.

Topic: Why recovery-cylinder fill is controlled by weight Suggested error code: CAL Review: Section 5.6 - Recovery Cylinders

Question 5.6-6

Correct answer: B. Severe corrosion or a visible bulge

Severe corrosion or a visible bulge indicates possible loss of cylinder integrity and requires removal from service for proper evaluation rather than continued filling.

• A is incorrect: A readable label is desirable and is not itself a reason to remove the cylinder.

• C is incorrect: Properly marked liquid and vapor valves are normal features.

• D is incorrect: Stable placement on a scale is good practice, not a defect.

Topic: Recovery-cylinder condition Suggested error code: SAF Review: Section 5.6 - Recovery Cylinders

Sources:

• 49 CFR § 180.209 — Requirements for requalification of specification cylinders

Question 5.6-7

Correct answer: C. Every 5 years

For the typical DOT 4-series recovery-cylinder convention used in this module’s examination preparation, the intended answer is 5 years. However, current DOT rules contain specification- and service-dependent alternatives, so 5 years must not be treated as a universal interval for every DOT 4-series cylinder.

• A is incorrect: Annual requalification is not the standard Module 5 interval.

• B is incorrect: Two years is not the interval taught for the typical recovery cylinder.

• D is incorrect: DOT specification cylinders are subject to periodic requalification requirements; there is not a blanket no-requalification rule.

Topic: Recovery-cylinder requalification Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.6 - Recovery Cylinders

Important qualification: Current DOT rules must be applied from the actual cylinder specification, markings, service, and 49 CFR § 180.209; the 5-year value here is the Module 5 exam-preparation convention.

Sources:

• 49 CFR § 180.209 — Requirements for requalification of specification cylinders

Question 5.6-8

Correct answer: C. Use a separate properly prepared and identified cylinder for the R-410A.

R-22 and R-410A should be kept in separate, properly prepared and identified recovery cylinders to prevent mixed-refrigerant contamination.

• A is incorrect: Staying below a fill limit does not make refrigerant mixing acceptable.

• B is incorrect: Venting the existing refrigerant is not an acceptable cylinder-preparation method.

• D is incorrect: Mixing two refrigerants does not make the mixture reclaimed; reclamation requires processing and purity verification.

Topic: Preventing mixed-refrigerant contamination Suggested error code: SAF Review: Section 5.6 - Recovery Cylinders

Part G - Section 5.7 Concept-Check Answers

Question 5.7-1

Correct answer: B. To remove moisture from the refrigerant circuit

Dehydration removes moisture from the refrigerant circuit so that water-related problems such as freeze-up, corrosion, and acid formation are reduced.

• A is incorrect: Increasing refrigerant pressure is not the purpose of dehydration.

• C is incorrect: Dehydration is not a procedure for mixing lubricant and refrigerant.

• D is incorrect: The process takes advantage of a lower water boiling temperature under vacuum; it does not raise the boiling point.

Topic: Purpose of dehydration Suggested error code: DEF Review: Section 5.7 - Evacuation and Dehydration

Question 5.7-2

Correct answer: A. Lower absolute pressure lowers the boiling temperature of water.

Lowering absolute pressure lowers the boiling temperature of water, allowing moisture to vaporize more readily so the vacuum pump can remove it.

• B is incorrect: Water is not converted into lubricant by lowering pressure.

• C is incorrect: Lower pressure promotes evaporation; it does not prevent all evaporation.

• D is incorrect: Air does not become liquid refrigerant because system pressure is reduced.

Topic: Vacuum and moisture boiling temperature Suggested error code: DEF Review: Section 5.7 - Evacuation and Dehydration

Question 5.7-3

Correct answer: B. Short large-diameter vacuum-rated hoses with avoidable restrictions removed

Short, large-diameter vacuum-rated hoses with unnecessary restrictions removed provide a low-resistance path and improve evacuation conductance.

• A is incorrect: Long, small-diameter hoses and valve cores add restriction.

• C is incorrect: A closed service valve blocks flow rather than improving evacuation.

• D is incorrect: A micron gauge open to atmosphere cannot measure deep system vacuum correctly.

Topic: Low-restriction evacuation setup Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.7 - Evacuation and Dehydration

Question 5.7-4

Correct answer: B. On the refrigeration system, preferably away from the vacuum-pump connection

A micron gauge should measure the system, preferably away from the pump connection, so it reflects system pressure rather than the pressure immediately at the pump inlet.

• A is incorrect: A gauge only at the pump can indicate a deeper local vacuum than exists elsewhere in the system.

• C is incorrect: The recovery-cylinder vapor valve is not the preferred point for measuring system evacuation.

• D is incorrect: The pump exhaust is not a measurement point for system vacuum.

Topic: Micron-gauge placement Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.7 - Evacuation and Dehydration

Question 5.7-5

Correct answer: A. To allow the technician to evaluate the system without the pump continuously influencing the pressure

Isolating the vacuum pump stops it from continuously removing gas and allows the technician to evaluate whether the system itself holds the achieved vacuum.

• B is incorrect: Pump isolation is not performed to raise refrigerant pressure for charging.

• C is incorrect: The goal is not to force an atmospheric reading.

• D is incorrect: Air should not be intentionally introduced during the test.

Topic: Isolating the pump before evaluating vacuum Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.7 - Evacuation and Dehydration

Question 5.7-6

Correct answer: A. It can reduce the pump’s ability to reach a deep vacuum.

Vacuum-pump oil contaminated with moisture or other contaminants reduces the pump’s ability to achieve a deep vacuum and may require oil service according to the manufacturer.

• B is incorrect: Contaminated oil generally hurts, rather than always improves, evacuation performance.

• C is incorrect: Pump oil condition does not prevent all heat transfer into the system.

• D is incorrect: Oil condition does not transform a vacuum pump into a refrigerant recovery machine.

Topic: Vacuum-pump oil condition Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.7 - Evacuation and Dehydration

Question 5.7-7

Correct answer: B. The EPA level addresses refrigerant removal before opening, while the deeper service target addresses air and moisture removal before charging.

The Section 608 recovery/evacuation endpoint is a refrigerant-management requirement before opening or disposal, while a deep dehydration target is a service target for removing air and moisture before charging.

• A is incorrect: The two targets are not always numerically identical and may use different units and pressure references.

• C is incorrect: There is no universal deep-dehydration target of exactly 10 in. Hg vacuum.

• D is incorrect: The EPA service-practice table does not impose 500 microns on every appliance.

Topic: Regulatory recovery endpoint versus deep dehydration Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.7 - Evacuation and Dehydration

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
• EPA — Required Level of Evacuation of Appliances

Question 5.7-8

Correct answer: B. It is a common deep-evacuation benchmark, but the system manufacturer’s specified target should be followed.

About 500 microns is a common field benchmark for deep evacuation, but it is not a universal Section 608 requirement; the applicable manufacturer or service specification controls the technical target.

• A is incorrect: Section 608 does not establish 500 microns as the legal endpoint for every appliance.

• C is incorrect: Microns measure absolute pressure, not cylinder fill percentage.

• D is incorrect: Reclamation purity is determined by refrigerant specifications and analytical testing, not a 500-micron system vacuum.

Topic: 500-micron benchmark versus universal requirement Suggested error code: DIST Review: Section 5.7 - Evacuation and Dehydration

Part H - Section 5.8 Concept-Check Answers

Question 5.8-1

Correct answer: A. To evaluate how the refrigeration system holds vacuum without the pump continuously removing gas

The pump is isolated so the technician can observe how the refrigeration system pressure behaves without the pump continuously removing gas.

• B is incorrect: The standing test is not a charging step.

• C is incorrect: The goal is to observe system vacuum, not force the gauge to atmosphere.

• D is incorrect: Nitrogen is not converted into refrigerant.

Topic: Purpose of standing vacuum test Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.8 - Standing Vacuum Test and Triple Evacuation

Question 5.8-2

Correct answer: B. Moisture, outgassing, contamination, or incomplete dehydration may remain.

A slow micron rise that eventually levels off high is commonly associated with remaining moisture, outgassing, contamination, or incomplete dehydration. It is a diagnostic clue, not absolute proof.

• A is incorrect: A value above the manufacturer’s limit is not automatic permission to charge.

• C is incorrect: This pressure trend does not diagnose cylinder overfill.

• D is incorrect: A vacuum pump does not become a refrigerant reclaimer.

Topic: Vacuum-decay interpretation: moisture/outgassing Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.8 - Standing Vacuum Test and Triple Evacuation

Question 5.8-3

Correct answer: A. A system or service-setup leak

A continued rise without a stable plateau is characteristic of gas entering the system and should lead the technician to suspect a leak in the system or service setup.

• B is incorrect: A continuously rising pressure is not evidence of perfect dehydration.

• C is incorrect: Subcooling is an operating-system temperature relationship and is not diagnosed from an isolated deep-vacuum decay curve.

• D is incorrect: Recovery-cylinder fill does not produce this standing-vacuum pattern in the isolated refrigeration system.

Topic: Vacuum-decay interpretation: likely leak Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.8 - Standing Vacuum Test and Triple Evacuation

Question 5.8-4

Correct answer: C. The required time and acceptable rise normally depend on the manufacturer or service specification.

There is no universal EPA 5- or 10-minute standing-vacuum hold rule for every system; acceptable isolation time and micron rise normally come from the equipment manufacturer or service specification.

• A is incorrect: Five minutes may appear in some service examples but is not a universal EPA requirement.

• B is incorrect: Ten minutes is likewise not a universal EPA requirement.

• D is incorrect: The post-isolation trend is important; the lowest instantaneous reading alone is not enough to judge system behavior.

Topic: Standing-vacuum acceptance criteria Suggested error code: DIST Review: Section 5.8 - Standing Vacuum Test and Triple Evacuation

Question 5.8-5

Correct answer: A. To dilute and sweep water vapor and help the next evacuation remove moisture

Dry nitrogen introduced between evacuation cycles helps dilute and sweep water vapor so a subsequent evacuation can remove moisture more effectively.

• B is incorrect: Nitrogen is not the final refrigerant charge.

• C is incorrect: Its purpose in this procedure is not compressor lubrication.

• D is incorrect: It is not introduced to create permanent high head pressure.

Topic: Dry-nitrogen break Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.8 - Standing Vacuum Test and Triple Evacuation

Question 5.8-6

Correct answer: A. Evacuate → nitrogen break → evacuate → nitrogen break → final evacuation

The general triple-evacuation concept is evacuate, break the vacuum with dry nitrogen, evacuate again, repeat the nitrogen break, and perform a final evacuation.

• B is incorrect: Intentional venting is not part of the procedure.

• C is incorrect: Oxygen must not be used as the pressurizing gas for this procedure.

• D is incorrect: Refrigerant is not repeatedly added and removed as a substitute for dry-nitrogen breaks.

Topic: Triple-evacuation sequence Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.8 - Standing Vacuum Test and Triple Evacuation

Question 5.8-7

Correct answer: B. A vacuum pump is primarily an evacuation/dehydration tool, although EPA Type I guidance includes a special system-dependent recovery arrangement that can use a vacuum pump with a non-pressurized recovery container.

A vacuum pump is primarily an evacuation/dehydration tool. The module preserves a narrow Type I study exception in which a vacuum pump may participate in a system-dependent arrangement using a non-pressurized recovery container; that does not make the pump a general self-contained recovery machine.

• A is incorrect: A vacuum pump and a self-contained recovery machine have different intended functions.

• C is incorrect: A vacuum pump may not simply exhaust covered refrigerant to the atmosphere as a normal recovery method.

• D is incorrect: A recovery machine removes and captures refrigerant; it is not used only to remove water vapor.

Topic: Vacuum pump versus recovery equipment Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.8 - Standing Vacuum Test and Triple Evacuation

Question 5.8-8

Correct answer: C. Locate and repair the leak, then repeat the evacuation and standing-vacuum test.

A leak indicated by continued pressure rise should be located and repaired before attempting the final evacuation and standing-vacuum test again.

• A is incorrect: Nitrogen used for testing or dehydration is not left as part of the operating refrigerant charge.

• B is incorrect: Running a vacuum pump indefinitely does not repair a leak.

• D is incorrect: A low reading while the pump is running does not override a failed standing test.

Topic: Response to failed standing vacuum test Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.8 - Standing Vacuum Test and Triple Evacuation

Part I - Section 5.9 Concept-Check Answers

Question 5.9-1

Correct answer: A. 0 in. Hg vacuum

For a high-pressure appliance with a full charge below 200 lb using post-November-15-1993 recovery equipment, Table 1 requires 0 in. Hg vacuum.

• B is incorrect: 4 in. Hg vacuum is a pre-1993 value used for other Table 1 categories.

• C is incorrect: 10 in. Hg vacuum applies to a post-1993 high-pressure appliance at 200 lb or more, and to post-1993 medium-pressure appliances below 200 lb.

• D is incorrect: 15 in. Hg vacuum applies to post-1993 medium-pressure appliances at 200 lb or more.

Topic: Current Table 1: high pressure below 200 lb Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.9 - Service-Practice Requirements and Exceptions

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
• EPA — Required Level of Evacuation of Appliances

Question 5.9-2

Correct answer: C. 10 in. Hg vacuum

For a high-pressure appliance with a full charge of 200 lb or more using post-1993 equipment, the current Table 1 requirement is 10 in. Hg vacuum.

• A is incorrect: 0 in. Hg vacuum applies to post-1993 high-pressure appliances below 200 lb.

• B is incorrect: 4 in. Hg vacuum is the pre-1993 value for the 200-lb-or-more high-pressure row.

• D is incorrect: 25 mm Hg absolute is the low-pressure-appliance requirement.

Topic: Current Table 1: high pressure at least 200 lb Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.9 - Service-Practice Requirements and Exceptions

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
• EPA — Required Level of Evacuation of Appliances

Question 5.9-3

Correct answer: C. 15 in. Hg vacuum

For a medium-pressure appliance with a full charge of 200 lb or more using post-1993 equipment, Table 1 requires 15 in. Hg vacuum.

• A is incorrect: 0 in. Hg vacuum does not apply to this medium-pressure, 200-lb-or-more condition.

• B is incorrect: 10 in. Hg vacuum applies to post-1993 medium-pressure appliances below 200 lb.

• D is incorrect: 25 mm Hg absolute is reserved for low-pressure appliances.

Topic: Current Table 1: medium pressure at least 200 lb Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.9 - Service-Practice Requirements and Exceptions

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
• EPA — Required Level of Evacuation of Appliances

Question 5.9-4

Correct answer: D. 25 mm Hg absolute

The current Table 1 requirement for a low-pressure appliance is 25 mm Hg absolute, regardless of whether the recovery equipment falls in the pre- or post-1993 column.

• A is incorrect: 0 psig is associated with limited service-practice exceptions, not the normal low-pressure Table 1 endpoint.

• B is incorrect: 4 in. Hg vacuum is used in several pre-1993 high/medium-pressure rows, not for low-pressure appliances.

• C is incorrect: 15 in. Hg vacuum is a post-1993 medium-pressure value, not the low-pressure requirement.

Topic: Current Table 1: low-pressure appliance Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.9 - Service-Practice Requirements and Exceptions

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
• EPA — Required Level of Evacuation of Appliances

Question 5.9-5

Correct answer: C. Removing an evaporator

Removing an evaporator is major maintenance, service, or repair under the current definition because the evaporator is one of the specifically listed components.

• A is incorrect: Attaching a gauge is a covered technician activity but is not one of the listed major-repair component removals.

• B is incorrect: Replacing external pipe insulation does not normally open the refrigerant circuit and is not major work by this definition.

• D is incorrect: Tightening an unrelated cabinet bolt is not major refrigerant-circuit work.

Topic: Definition of major maintenance, service, or repair Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.9 - Service-Practice Requirements and Exceptions

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.152 — Definitions

Question 5.9-6

Correct answer: B. Isolate leaking from non-leaking components where possible, evacuate non-leaking components to Table 1, and evacuate leaking components to the lowest attainable level not above 0 psig.

When a leak makes the normal Table 1 level unattainable or would substantially contaminate recovered refrigerant, leaking and non-leaking components must be isolated where possible; non-leaking portions reach Table 1, while leaking portions are evacuated to the lowest attainable level not above 0 psig.

• A is incorrect: The leak does not create permission to stop the entire appliance at any convenient pressure.

• C is incorrect: A leak is not permission to vent remaining refrigerant.

• D is incorrect: The rule does not require every portion to be pressurized above atmospheric pressure.

Topic: Leak exception to normal evacuation level Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.9 - Service-Practice Requirements and Exceptions

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
• EPA — Stationary Refrigeration Service Practice Requirements

Question 5.9-7

Correct answer: C. 5 psig

For refrigerant oil changes under the current service-practice provision, the applicable appliance, isolated portion, or receiver must be evacuated or pressurized to no higher than 5 psig before oil removal.

• A is incorrect: 0 psia is not the stated oil-change limit.

• B is incorrect: 0 in. Hg absolute is not the regulatory pressure expression used for this provision.

• D is incorrect: 15 psig is higher than the allowed 5-psig limit.

Topic: Refrigerant oil-change pressure limit Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.9 - Service-Practice Requirements and Exceptions

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
• EPA — Stationary Refrigeration Service Practice Requirements

Question 5.9-8

Correct answer: B. It refers to the manufacture or import date of the recovery/recycling equipment.

The November 15, 1993 distinction in Table 1 refers to the manufacture or import date of the recovery/recycling equipment, not the refrigeration appliance.

• A is incorrect: The appliance manufacture date is not the date variable used by Table 1.

• C is incorrect: The date affects several table rows, not only low-pressure equipment.

• D is incorrect: Technician certification status is not determined by this equipment-manufacture date.

Topic: Recovery-equipment date in Table 1 Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.9 - Service-Practice Requirements and Exceptions

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
• EPA — Required Level of Evacuation of Appliances

Part J - Section 5.11 Module Practice-Question Answers

Question 5.11-1

Correct answer: B. Remove refrigerant from an appliance and store it in an external container without necessarily processing or testing it

Recover means removing refrigerant from an appliance and storing it in an external container without necessarily processing or testing it.

• A is incorrect: Cleaning refrigerant describes recycling, not simple recovery.

• C is incorrect: Reprocessing to specification with analytical verification describes reclamation.

• D is incorrect: Recovery does not require all refrigerant to leave the appliance as liquid.

Topic: Definition of recover Suggested error code: DEF Review: Section 5.1 - Recover Recycle and Reclaim

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.152 — Definitions

Question 5.11-2

Correct answer: C. It means extracting and cleaning refrigerant for reuse in equipment of the same owner without meeting all reclamation requirements.

Recycling means extracting and cleaning refrigerant for reuse in equipment of the same owner without meeting all reclamation requirements.

• A is incorrect: Laboratory verification to reclamation specifications belongs to reclamation.

• B is incorrect: Storage without cleaning is recovery.

• D is incorrect: Field recycling does not require the technician to be an EPA-certified refrigerant reclaimer.

Topic: Definition of recycle Suggested error code: DEF Review: Section 5.1 - Recover Recycle and Reclaim

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.152 — Definitions

Question 5.11-3

Correct answer: A. It has been reprocessed to the applicable purity specifications and that purity has been verified using the required analytical method.

Reclamation is distinguished by reprocessing used refrigerant to the applicable purity specifications and verifying that purity using the prescribed analytical method.

• B is incorrect: A clean cylinder does not prove refrigerant purity.

• C is incorrect: A single field filter-drier pass may be recycling but does not establish reclamation.

• D is incorrect: Stabilization at room temperature does not satisfy the reclamation definition.

Topic: Definition of reclaim Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.1 - Recover Recycle and Reclaim

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.152 — Definitions
• EPA — Stationary Refrigeration Refrigerant Reclamation Requirements

Question 5.11-4

Correct answer: D. The used refrigerant generally must be reclaimed by an EPA-certified refrigerant reclaimer.

Used refrigerant that changes ownership for use as refrigerant generally must be reclaimed by an EPA-certified refrigerant reclaimer before the transfer.

• A is incorrect: One field filtration pass does not establish reclamation.

• B is incorrect: Returning refrigerant to a recovery machine does not satisfy the new-owner reclamation requirement.

• C is incorrect: Mixing used refrigerant with virgin refrigerant does not turn the used refrigerant into reclaimed refrigerant.

Topic: Reclamation before new-owner transfer Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.1 - Recover Recycle and Reclaim

Sources:

• EPA — Stationary Refrigeration Refrigerant Reclamation Requirements

Question 5.11-5

Correct answer: B. Self-contained equipment can remove refrigerant without assistance from components contained in the appliance.

Self-contained recovery equipment removes refrigerant without assistance from components contained in the appliance.

• A is incorrect: Self-contained equipment is not limited to small appliances.

• C is incorrect: System-dependent equipment, not self-contained equipment, is defined by reliance on appliance components.

• D is incorrect: A recovery cylinder is a storage vessel, not system-dependent recovery equipment.

Topic: Self-contained versus system-dependent recovery Suggested error code: DEF Review: Section 5.2 - Recovery Equipment Categories

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.152 — Definitions

Question 5.11-6

Correct answer: C. It generally may not be used because the appliance full charge exceeds 15 lb, unless the system-dependent equipment is permanently attached as a pump-out unit.

Because the appliance full charge is 22 lb, ordinary system-dependent recovery equipment is generally prohibited; the specific exception is equipment permanently attached as a pump-out unit.

• A is incorrect: The rule uses appliance full charge, not the quantity currently remaining.

• B is incorrect: Compressor operation does not create the exception.

• D is incorrect: Whether the refrigerant is a blend does not control the 15-lb restriction.

Topic: 15-lb system-dependent equipment restriction Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.2 - Recovery Equipment Categories

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances

Question 5.11-7

Correct answer: A. Non-flammable-refrigerant equipment is addressed by Appendix B3 based on AHRI Standard 740-2016, while flammable-refrigerant equipment is addressed by Appendix B4 with additional applicable safety provisions.

For equipment manufactured or imported on or after January 1, 2017, non-flammable-refrigerant equipment is addressed by Appendix B3 based on AHRI 740-2016, while flammable-refrigerant equipment is addressed by Appendix B4 with additional applicable safety provisions.

• B is incorrect: The pre-1993 framework does not govern current-generation equipment.

• C is incorrect: Third-party equipment certification remains part of the Section 608 framework.

• D is incorrect: Recovery equipment is not limited to disposable equipment; disposable cylinders are not recovery machines.

Topic: Current recovery-equipment certification framework Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.3 - Recovery Equipment Certification and Service Fittings

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.158 — Standards for recovery and/or recycling equipment
• EPA — Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling Equipment Certification

Question 5.11-8

Correct answer: D. Recover 90% when the compressor is functional or 80% when it is not functional; evacuating the small appliance to 4 in. Hg vacuum is also an allowed recovery endpoint.

With post-1993 recovery equipment, a small appliance requires 90% recovery when the compressor functions and 80% when it does not; evacuating the appliance to 4 in. Hg vacuum is also an allowed endpoint.

• A is incorrect: 50% is not a current small-appliance recovery percentage.

• B is incorrect: The functional and nonfunctional compressor percentages are reversed.

• C is incorrect: The rule does not require 100% recovery and it provides the 4 in. Hg vacuum alternative.

Topic: Small-appliance recovery requirements Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.3 - Recovery Equipment Certification and Service Fittings

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
• EPA — Stationary Refrigeration Service Practice Requirements

Question 5.11-9

Correct answer: B. Identify the refrigerant before recovery so compatible equipment and a suitable cylinder can be selected and mixing can be avoided.

If refrigerant identity is uncertain, identify it before recovery so the technician can select compatible equipment and storage and avoid contaminating another refrigerant.

• A is incorrect: Recovery-machine discharge pressure is not a reliable refrigerant-identification method.

• C is incorrect: Adding a known refrigerant would deliberately contaminate the unknown charge.

• D is incorrect: Recovering an unknown refrigerant into a cylinder containing another refrigerant creates cross-contamination.

Topic: Refrigerant identification before recovery Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.4 - Recovery Preparation

Question 5.11-10

Correct answer: C. It helps prevent refrigerant mixing and supports selection of compatible recovery equipment and storage.

Identification helps prevent refrigerant mixing and supports selection of compatible recovery equipment, hoses, cylinders, and handling procedures.

• A is incorrect: Refrigerant identification does not determine building electrical service size.

• B is incorrect: The cylinder still must be inspected regardless of refrigerant identity.

• D is incorrect: Cylinder fill should be controlled by weight, not by pressure alone.

Topic: Purpose of refrigerant identification Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.4 - Recovery Preparation

Question 5.11-11

Correct answer: A. It connects the manifold service port to the recovery-machine inlet.

In the standard manifold setup used in Module 5, the center yellow service hose connects the manifold service port to the recovery-machine inlet.

• B is incorrect: The yellow hose is not universally connected to the cylinder liquid port; actual cylinder-port use depends on the recovery method and manufacturer instructions.

• C is incorrect: The high- and low-side hoses still connect to the respective appliance access points.

• D is incorrect: The yellow hose is used during recovery, not only after recharge.

Topic: Manifold recovery connection Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.4 - Recovery Preparation

Question 5.11-12

Correct answer: D. Determine the cylinder’s allowable fill and available capacity by weight before recovery and monitor it with a scale.

The technician should determine the cylinder’s allowable fill and available capacity by weight before recovery and monitor the cylinder on a scale.

• A is incorrect: Cylinder pressure is primarily related to refrigerant identity and temperature and does not directly measure mass.

• B is incorrect: Waiting for liquid at a port is not an acceptable overfill-control method.

• C is incorrect: Visual appearance does not establish available capacity.

Topic: Recovery-cylinder capacity control Suggested error code: CAL Review: Section 5.4 - Recovery Preparation

Question 5.11-13

Correct answer: B. Recover accessible bulk liquid first, then recover the remaining vapor.

When the setup permits, bulk liquid recovery is generally faster than starting with vapor-only recovery; remaining vapor is recovered afterward.

• A is incorrect: Vapor-only recovery usually moves less refrigerant mass per unit time when bulk liquid is available.

• C is incorrect: An ordinary vacuum pump is not the general refrigerant recovery machine for this operation.

• D is incorrect: Heating the recovery cylinder raises its pressure and can increase back pressure.

Topic: Liquid-first recovery sequence Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.5 - Recovery Methods and Recovery Speed

Question 5.11-14

Correct answer: C. Use shorter hoses with a larger practical diameter and minimize unnecessary restrictions.

Shorter hoses with a larger practical internal diameter and fewer unnecessary restrictions reduce pressure drop and can increase refrigerant mass-flow rate.

• A is incorrect: Long, small-diameter hoses increase restriction.

• B is incorrect: Unnecessary fittings and valves add pressure drop.

• D is incorrect: Closing both service valves blocks refrigerant flow rather than improving recovery.

Topic: Recovery flow restriction Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.5 - Recovery Methods and Recovery Speed

Question 5.11-15

Correct answer: A. Lower appliance temperature can reduce refrigerant vapor pressure and the pressure difference available to drive recovery.

A colder appliance has lower refrigerant vapor pressure, which can reduce boiling and the pressure difference available to drive recovery.

• B is incorrect: Cold refrigerant does not become a noncondensable gas.

• C is incorrect: Cold appliance temperature does not automatically raise recovery-machine discharge pressure.

• D is incorrect: Tare weight is a physical cylinder property and does not increase substantially because the appliance is cold.

Topic: Appliance temperature and recovery speed Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.5 - Recovery Methods and Recovery Speed

Question 5.11-16

Correct answer: D. Cylinder pressure rises, increasing recovery-machine discharge back pressure and potentially slowing recovery.

A hot recovery cylinder develops higher refrigerant pressure, which increases discharge back pressure on the recovery machine and can slow the process.

• A is incorrect: Heating a two-phase cylinder generally raises saturation pressure rather than lowering it.

• B is incorrect: Temperature does not make recovered refrigerant reclaimed.

• C is incorrect: A hotter cylinder may not be safely overfilled; fill limits still apply.

Topic: Recovery-cylinder temperature and back pressure Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.5 - Recovery Methods and Recovery Speed

Question 5.11-17

Correct answer: B. Refrigerant dissolved in system oil may be boiling out as pressure falls, so additional refrigerant may remain to be recovered.

Refrigerant can remain dissolved in lubricant and can continue to boil out as system pressure falls, producing pressure rebound after an apparent endpoint.

• A is incorrect: Cylinder tare weight does not change because the appliance pressure rebounds.

• C is incorrect: A recovery machine cannot convert air into refrigerant.

• D is incorrect: Pressure rebound alone does not prove that moisture is the only cause.

Topic: Refrigerant dissolved in oil and pressure rebound Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.5 - Recovery Methods and Recovery Speed

Question 5.11-18

Correct answer: C. It is non-refillable and must not be used as a recovery cylinder.

A disposable refrigerant cylinder is non-refillable and must not be used to receive recovered refrigerant.

• A is incorrect: Being empty does not change its non-refillable design and authorization.

• B is incorrect: A scale does not make one refill permissible.

• D is incorrect: A properly rated refillable recovery cylinder, not a disposable supply cylinder, is used for recovered refrigerant.

Topic: Disposable versus refillable recovery cylinders Suggested error code: SAF Review: Section 5.6 - Recovery Cylinders

Question 5.11-19

Correct answer: A. It connects to an internal dip tube that reaches toward the liquid region near the bottom of the cylinder.

On the typical upright recovery cylinder in this module, the liquid port connects to an internal dip tube extending toward the liquid region near the bottom.

• B is incorrect: The upper vapor space is normally accessed through the vapor port.

• C is incorrect: The tare weight is a stamped/marked cylinder property, not measured by the liquid port.

• D is incorrect: The liquid port is a normal service port, not only a pressure-relief connection.

Topic: Recovery-cylinder liquid port Suggested error code: DEF Review: Section 5.6 - Recovery Cylinders

Question 5.11-20

Correct answer: D. Use the cylinder markings and a scale to control fill by weight.

A scale and the cylinder’s markings provide the correct basis for controlling fill by mass. Pressure is not a reliable indication of how full a two-phase cylinder is.

• A is incorrect: Pressure does not directly indicate refrigerant mass in a cylinder containing liquid and vapor.

• B is incorrect: Shaking is qualitative and cannot verify safe fill.

• C is incorrect: Wall temperature can reveal some thermal behavior but does not replace weighing.

Topic: Recovery-cylinder fill by weight Suggested error code: CAL Review: Section 5.6 - Recovery Cylinders

Question 5.11-21

Correct answer: B. 24.0 lb

Using the stated Module 5 training calculation, the maximum refrigerant mass is $0.80\cdot 47.5=38.0\text{lb}$. Maximum gross weight is $28.0+38.0=66.0\text{lb}$. With a current gross weight of 42.0 lb, available capacity is $66.0-42.0=24.0\text{lb}$.

Calculation:

$$ $W_{\text{refrigerant,max}} = 0.80 \cdot 47.5 = 38.0\ \text{lb}$ $$

$$ $W_{\text{gross,max}} = 28.0 + 38.0 = 66.0\ \text{lb}$ $$

$$ $W_{\text{available}} = 66.0 - 42.0 = 24.0\ \text{lb}$ $$

• A is incorrect: 14.0 lb is the current refrigerant mass in the cylinder ($42.0-28.0$), not the remaining capacity.

• C is incorrect: 38.0 lb is the maximum refrigerant mass, not the amount still available.

• D is incorrect: 66.0 lb is the calculated maximum gross weight, not the additional refrigerant capacity.

Topic: Available recovery-cylinder capacity Suggested error code: CAL Review: Section 5.6 - Recovery Cylinders

Question 5.11-22

Correct answer: C. 5 years

For the typical DOT 4-series recovery-cylinder convention used in this module’s exam preparation, the intended answer is 5 years. Current DOT rules, however, include specification- and service-dependent alternatives, so the actual cylinder markings and 49 CFR § 180.209 must control field compliance.

• A is incorrect: One year is not the standard Module 5 interval.

• B is incorrect: Three years is not the interval taught for the typical cylinder in this module.

• D is incorrect: Twelve years can apply to certain qualifying DOT 4-series cylinders under specific conditions, but it is not universally correct for every recovery cylinder.

Topic: Recovery-cylinder requalification Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.6 - Recovery Cylinders

Important qualification: Do not memorize ‘5 years’ as a universal DOT rule. Verify the exact cylinder specification, service, markings, and authorized requalification method.

Sources:

• 49 CFR § 180.209 — Requirements for requalification of specification cylinders

Question 5.11-23

Correct answer: A. Remove the cylinder from service and have it evaluated through the proper cylinder pathway; a current date does not make a damaged cylinder safe.

Severe corrosion can weaken a pressure vessel. A current test date does not override visible damage; the cylinder should be removed from service and evaluated under the proper cylinder requirements.

• B is incorrect: A date stamp is only one part of cylinder acceptability.

• C is incorrect: Venting the refrigerant is not the correct response to cylinder damage.

• D is incorrect: Painting over corrosion does not restore structural integrity.

Topic: Recovery-cylinder damage and removal from service Suggested error code: SAF Review: Section 5.6 - Recovery Cylinders

Sources:

• 49 CFR § 180.209 — Requirements for requalification of specification cylinders

Question 5.11-24

Correct answer: D. Keep the refrigerants in separate, correctly identified recovery cylinders unless they are intentionally being managed as a clearly identified contaminated-refrigerant stream.

Different known refrigerants should normally be kept in separate, correctly identified recovery cylinders unless they are intentionally being managed as a clearly identified contaminated-refrigerant stream.

• A is incorrect: A clean cylinder does not make deliberate refrigerant mixing acceptable.

• B is incorrect: Pressure comparison does not establish chemical compatibility or purity.

• C is incorrect: Common ownership does not make mixed refrigerants technically suitable.

Topic: Avoiding mixed-refrigerant contamination Suggested error code: SAF Review: Section 5.6 - Recovery Cylinders

Question 5.11-25

Correct answer: B. Remove air, water vapor, and other noncondensable gases from the system.

Deep evacuation and dehydration remove air, water vapor, and other noncondensable gases from the repaired refrigerant circuit before charging.

• A is incorrect: Evacuation does not increase refrigerant charge.

• C is incorrect: Reclamation is a refrigerant processing and purity-verification operation, not system dehydration.

• D is incorrect: Changing recovery-cylinder vapor space is not the purpose of system evacuation.

Topic: Purpose of evacuation and dehydration Suggested error code: DEF Review: Section 5.7 - Evacuation and Dehydration

Question 5.11-26

Correct answer: C. Directly to the refrigeration system, preferably away from the vacuum pump when practical.

The micron gauge should be connected directly to the refrigeration system, preferably away from the vacuum-pump connection, so it measures system pressure rather than only the local pump-side vacuum.

• A is incorrect: A gauge only at the pump inlet can read lower than the pressure in the remote system.

• B is incorrect: The recovery-cylinder vapor port is not the preferred point for verifying system evacuation.

• D is incorrect: An electrical conduit is unrelated to refrigerant-system absolute pressure.

Topic: Micron-gauge placement Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.7 - Evacuation and Dehydration

Question 5.11-27

Correct answer: A. It is a common deep-vacuum service benchmark, but it is not a universal EPA-required recovery or evacuation endpoint for every appliance.

About 500 microns is a common service benchmark for deep evacuation, but it is not a universal Section 608 recovery/evacuation endpoint for every appliance.

• B is incorrect: The Section 608 Table 1 requirements use other specified pressure endpoints for high-pressure appliances.

• C is incorrect: Standing-vacuum acceptance criteria are manufacturer-specific; there is no universal 500-micron rise rule.

• D is incorrect: 500 microns absolute is a deep vacuum and is not equivalent to 0 in. Hg vacuum.

Topic: 500-micron benchmark versus regulatory endpoint Suggested error code: DIST Review: Section 5.7 - Evacuation and Dehydration

Sources:

• EPA — Required Level of Evacuation of Appliances

Question 5.11-28

Correct answer: D. To stop the pump from continuously removing gas so the isolated system’s pressure behavior can be observed.

The vacuum pump is isolated so it stops removing gas and the technician can observe the pressure behavior of the isolated refrigeration system itself.

• A is incorrect: A vacuum pump does not add refrigerant back into the system during the standing test.

• B is incorrect: The purpose is diagnostic observation, not rapid heating.

• C is incorrect: The micron gauge should reflect system pressure, not pump pressure.

Topic: Standing vacuum test Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.8 - Standing Vacuum Test and Triple Evacuation

Question 5.11-29

Correct answer: B. Moisture, outgassing, or incomplete dehydration is likely, although the curve shape is diagnostic evidence rather than absolute proof.

A slow rise that eventually levels off high is consistent with remaining moisture, outgassing, or incomplete dehydration, but it is diagnostic evidence rather than absolute proof.

• A is incorrect: A slow rise to a plateau is not proof of a large leak.

• C is incorrect: A pressure rise does not automatically make the system ready for charging.

• D is incorrect: Some rise can be meaningful and should be interpreted rather than dismissed.

Topic: Vacuum-decay interpretation: moisture/outgassing Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.8 - Standing Vacuum Test and Triple Evacuation

Question 5.11-30

Correct answer: C. A leak is likely, so the service setup and the system should be checked for leakage.

A continued micron rise without a stable plateau suggests a leak in the system or service setup and warrants leak checking.

• A is incorrect: A dry, tight system should stabilize within the applicable criterion rather than continue rising.

• B is incorrect: Completing triple evacuation is not diagnosed solely by a continuously rising curve.

• D is incorrect: A micron gauge measures absolute pressure, not refrigerant purity.

Topic: Vacuum-decay interpretation: likely leak Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.8 - Standing Vacuum Test and Triple Evacuation

Question 5.11-31

Correct answer: A. Dry nitrogen can help dilute and sweep water vapor between evacuation cycles; triple evacuation is a dehydration technique and does not repair leaks.

Dry nitrogen between evacuation cycles helps dilute and sweep water vapor; triple evacuation is a dehydration technique and does not repair leaks.

• B is incorrect: Nitrogen is not used as the final refrigerant charge and does not permanently absorb all moisture.

• C is incorrect: There is no universal EPA-mandated three-cycle numerical procedure for every system.

• D is incorrect: Triple evacuation does not turn a vacuum pump into a general recovery machine.

Topic: Dry-nitrogen breaks and triple evacuation Suggested error code: PRO Review: Section 5.8 - Standing Vacuum Test and Triple Evacuation

Question 5.11-32

Correct answer: D. 0 in. Hg vacuum

For a high-pressure appliance with a full charge below 200 lb using post-1993 recovery equipment, the current Table 1 requirement is 0 in. Hg vacuum.

• A is incorrect: 4 in. Hg vacuum is not the post-1993 value for this row.

• B is incorrect: 10 in. Hg vacuum applies to post-1993 high-pressure appliances at 200 lb or more.

• C is incorrect: 15 in. Hg vacuum is the post-1993 value for medium-pressure appliances at 200 lb or more.

Topic: Current Table 1: high pressure below 200 lb Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.9 - Service-Practice Requirements and Exceptions

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
• EPA — Required Level of Evacuation of Appliances

Question 5.11-33

Correct answer: C. High-pressure appliance at 200 lb or more: 10 in. Hg vacuum; medium-pressure appliance at 200 lb or more: 15 in. Hg vacuum

With post-1993 equipment, Table 1 requires 10 in. Hg vacuum for a high-pressure appliance at 200 lb or more and 15 in. Hg vacuum for a medium-pressure appliance at 200 lb or more.

• A is incorrect: 4 and 10 in. Hg are not the post-1993 pair for these two 200-lb-or-more rows.

• B is incorrect: The high- and medium-pressure values are not 15 and 10; they are 10 and 15 respectively.

• D is incorrect: 25 mm Hg absolute applies to low-pressure appliances, while 0 in. Hg vacuum is not the post-1993 medium-pressure 200-lb-or-more value.

Topic: Current Table 1 comparison Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.9 - Service-Practice Requirements and Exceptions

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
• EPA — Required Level of Evacuation of Appliances

Question 5.11-34

Correct answer: B. 25 mm Hg absolute

The normal Table 1 requirement for a low-pressure appliance is 25 mm Hg absolute in both the pre-1993 and post-1993 equipment columns.

• A is incorrect: 15 in. Hg vacuum is a post-1993 medium-pressure value.

• C is incorrect: 0 psia is not the stated Table 1 endpoint.

• D is incorrect: 500 microns is not the universal EPA Table 1 requirement.

Topic: Current Table 1: low pressure Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.9 - Service-Practice Requirements and Exceptions

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
• EPA — Required Level of Evacuation of Appliances

Question 5.11-35

Correct answer: A. Approximately atmospheric pressure on the inches-of-Hg-vacuum scale, not a perfect vacuum

In the Table 1 inches-of-Hg-vacuum convention, 0 in. Hg vacuum is approximately atmospheric pressure, not zero absolute pressure or a perfect vacuum.

• B is incorrect: Zero absolute pressure would be a theoretical perfect vacuum, which is not what 0 in. Hg vacuum means.

• C is incorrect: 25 mm Hg absolute is a much lower absolute pressure than atmospheric pressure; 0 in. Hg vacuum is not deeper.

• D is incorrect: 500 microns absolute is a deep vacuum and is not equivalent to atmospheric pressure.

Topic: Vacuum reference and pressure units Suggested error code: CAL Review: Section 5.9 - Service-Practice Requirements and Exceptions

Sources:

• EPA — Required Level of Evacuation of Appliances

Question 5.11-36

Correct answer: D. Removing a condenser from the refrigerant circuit

Removing a condenser meets the current definition of major maintenance, service, or repair because the condenser is one of the specifically listed components.

• A is incorrect: Replacing external insulation does not normally involve removal of a listed refrigerant-circuit component.

• B is incorrect: Tightening a cabinet fastener is not major refrigerant-circuit work.

• C is incorrect: Cleaning the outside of a condenser coil does not remove the condenser or create the defined large opening.

Topic: Major maintenance, service, or repair Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.9 - Service-Practice Requirements and Exceptions

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.152 — Definitions

Question 5.11-37

Correct answer: C. No higher than 0 psig

For qualifying non-major work on a medium-, high-, or very-high-pressure appliance, when all conditions of the exception are satisfied, the appliance or affected part must be evacuated to no higher than 0 psig before opening.

• A is incorrect: 15 in. Hg vacuum is a normal Table 1 value for a different medium-pressure condition, not the limited non-major endpoint.

• B is incorrect: 25 mm Hg absolute is the normal low-pressure Table 1 value.

• D is incorrect: 500 microns is a deep-vacuum service benchmark, not the Section 608 non-major exception endpoint.

Topic: Limited non-major service exception Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.9 - Service-Practice Requirements and Exceptions

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
• EPA — Stationary Refrigeration Service Practice Requirements

Question 5.11-38

Correct answer: B. Isolate leaking from non-leaking components where possible; evacuate non-leaking components to the normal Table 1 level and evacuate leaking components to the lowest attainable level without substantial contamination, not above 0 psig.

If a leak makes Table 1 unattainable or further evacuation would substantially contaminate recovered refrigerant, isolate leaking and non-leaking portions where possible, evacuate non-leaking portions to Table 1, and evacuate leaking portions to the lowest attainable level not above 0 psig.

• A is incorrect: The rule does not exempt the entire appliance from recovery.

• C is incorrect: A leaking appliance is not permission to vent refrigerant.

• D is incorrect: The rule does not require pressurizing every portion above atmospheric pressure.

Topic: Leak exception Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.9 - Service-Practice Requirements and Exceptions

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
• EPA — Stationary Refrigeration Service Practice Requirements

Question 5.11-39

Correct answer: D. 5 psig

The current oil-change provision requires the applicable appliance, isolated portion, or receiver to be evacuated or pressurized to no higher than 5 psig before oil is removed.

• A is incorrect: 25 psig exceeds the permitted value.

• B is incorrect: 15 psig exceeds the permitted value.

• C is incorrect: 10 psig also exceeds the permitted value.

Topic: Oil-change pressure limit Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.9 - Service-Practice Requirements and Exceptions

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
• EPA — Stationary Refrigeration Service Practice Requirements

Question 5.11-40

Correct answer: A. Keep the required disposal-recovery records for 3 years.

Technicians recovering refrigerant for disposal from appliances with a full charge of more than 5 lb and less than 50 lb must keep the specified disposal-recovery records for three years.

• B is incorrect: The rule requires more than a recovery-machine serial number and the retention period is not 30 days.

• C is incorrect: The less-than-50-lb condition does not eliminate this specific disposal recordkeeping requirement.

• D is incorrect: The rule specifies a three-year retention period and required information; it does not require permanent retention without defined content.

Topic: Disposal-recovery recordkeeping Suggested error code: REG Review: Section 5.9 - Service-Practice Requirements and Exceptions

Sources:

• 40 CFR § 82.156 — Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances
• EPA — Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements for Stationary Refrigeration

Calculation and Interpretation Review

Recovery-Cylinder 80% Training Calculation

For the Module 5 calculation convention used in Questions 5.6-3, 5.6-4, and 5.11-21:

$$W_{\text{refrigerant,max}}=0.80\cdot WC$$

$$W_{\text{gross,max}}=TW+0.80\cdot WC$$

$$W_{\text{available}}=W_{\text{gross,max}}-W_{\text{gross,current}}$$

For $TW=28.0\text{lb}$, $WC=47.5\text{lb}$, and a current gross weight of $42.0\text{lb}$:

$$W_{\text{refrigerant,max}}=0.80\cdot 47.5=38.0\text{lb}$$

$$W_{\text{gross,max}}=28.0+38.0=66.0\text{lb}$$

$$W_{\text{available}}=66.0-42.0=24.0\text{lb}$$

This is the standard Module 5 training calculation used by the questions. Actual cylinder filling and transportation must follow the cylinder markings and all applicable manufacturer and DOT requirements.

Vacuum and Pressure Reference Reminder

• 0 in. Hg vacuum means approximately atmospheric pressure on the inches-of-Hg-vacuum scale; it does not mean zero absolute pressure.
• 25 mm Hg absolute is an absolute-pressure requirement used for low-pressure appliances in the current Table 1.
• Microns are also absolute-pressure units used for deep evacuation and dehydration.
• A lower absolute-pressure value means a deeper vacuum.
• A larger inches-of-Hg-vacuum value represents a deeper vacuum when referenced to standard atmospheric pressure.

Standing-Vacuum Interpretation Reminder

Vacuum-decay curve shape is diagnostic evidence, not absolute proof. Acceptable micron rise and isolation time are manufacturer- or service-specification dependent; there is no universal EPA 5-minute, 10-minute, or 1000-micron standing-vacuum pass/fail rule for every system.

Current Table 1 Reminder

Sources: 40 CFR § 82.156 and EPA Required Level of Evacuation of Appliances.

References

Current EPA and Regulatory Sources

1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Recovering, Recycling, and Reclaiming of Refrigerants, accessed August 10, 2026.

2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Stationary Refrigeration Refrigerant Reclamation Requirements, accessed August 10, 2026.

3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling Equipment Certification, accessed August 10, 2026.

4. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Stationary Refrigeration Service Practice Requirements, accessed August 10, 2026.

5. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Required Level of Evacuation of Appliances, accessed August 10, 2026.

6. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements for Stationary Refrigeration, accessed August 10, 2026.

7. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, 40 CFR § 82.152 — Definitions, accessed August 10, 2026.

8. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, 40 CFR § 82.156 — Proper Evacuation of Refrigerant from Appliances, accessed August 10, 2026.

9. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, 40 CFR § 82.158 — Standards for Recovery and/or Recycling Equipment, accessed August 10, 2026.

10. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, 49 CFR § 180.209 — Requirements for Requalification of Specification Cylinders, accessed August 10, 2026.

Module Review Links

11. Section 5.1 - Recover Recycle and Reclaim.

12. Section 5.2 - Recovery Equipment Categories.

13. Section 5.3 - Recovery Equipment Certification and Service Fittings.

14. Section 5.4 - Recovery Preparation.

15. Section 5.5 - Recovery Methods and Recovery Speed.

16. Section 5.6 - Recovery Cylinders.

17. Section 5.7 - Evacuation and Dehydration.

18. Section 5.8 - Standing Vacuum Test and Triple Evacuation.

19. Section 5.9 - Service-Practice Requirements and Exceptions.

20. Section 5.10 - Quick Reference.

21. Section 5.11 - Practice Questions.