7.9 - Quick Reference

Module: Type I Small Appliances
Covers: Sections 7.1–7.8
Regulatory verification date: August 11, 2026
Use: Rapid review before the Module 7 Type I practice questions and later Universal certification review

1. Type I Small-Appliance Definition

A small appliance must satisfy all four conditions:

Fully manufactured at a factory
+
Factory charged
+
Hermetically sealed at a factory
+
5 lb or less of refrigerant

Definition Checklist

Exam trap: A field-connected system does not become Type I merely because it contains 5 lb or less of refrigerant.

2. Common Type I Examples

Typical small appliances include:

• Household refrigerators.
• Household freezers.
• Room air conditioners.
• Window air conditioners.
• Portable air conditioners that meet the definition.
• Packaged terminal air conditioners.
• Packaged terminal heat pumps.
• Dehumidifiers.
• Under-the-counter ice makers.
• Vending machines.
• Drinking-water coolers.
• Other factory-manufactured, factory-charged, hermetically sealed appliances containing 5 lb or less of refrigerant.

Fast Classification Examples

3. Type I Exclusions and Boundary Cases

Do Not Automatically Classify as Type I

• MVACs — motor-vehicle air conditioners.
• MVAC-like appliances — special off-road vehicle/equipment category.
• Refrigerated-cargo systems.
• Field-assembled or field-connected equipment.
• Factory-sealed equipment containing more than 5 lb.
• Equipment that only appears small but does not meet the full definition.

Classification Rule

Small physical size
≠
Type I

Charge ≤ 5 lb
alone
≠
Type I

Use the complete definition.

Unusual Refrigerant

The refrigerant name alone does not determine Type I.

A qualifying factory-sealed appliance can still be Type I when it uses a newer refrigerant, including a flammable refrigerant, provided the appliance satisfies the small-appliance definition.

Refrigerant type may change:

• Safety precautions.
• Recovery-machine compatibility.
• Ignition-control requirements.

It does not by itself change the small-appliance definition.

4. Type I Recovery Requirements

Current Small-Appliance Recovery Table

Alternative Recovery Endpoint

Instead of the applicable percentage path:

Evacuate appliance to
4 in. Hg vacuum

Critical Date Reminder

Nov. 15, 1993
→ recovery/recycling EQUIPMENT manufacture/import date
→ NOT appliance manufacture date

Do Not Confuse

80% / 90%
→ amount of refrigerant recovered

4 in. Hg vacuum
→ pressure endpoint

Equipment Rule

Use:

• Appropriate recovery/recycling equipment.
• Equipment certified for the intended application.
• Equipment according to manufacturer instructions unless those instructions conflict with Section 608 requirements.

5. Operating Versus Failed Compressor Decision Flow

TYPE I SMALL APPLIANCE
        ↓
Need system-dependent recovery?
        ↓
Does the APPLIANCE compressor operate?
        │
        ├── YES
        │     ↓
        │  Operate the compressor
        │     ↓
        │  Compressor helps move refrigerant
        │  LOW SIDE → HIGH SIDE
        │     ↓
        │  Conventional technique:
        │  recover through properly located HIGH-SIDE access
        │     ↓
        │  Controlled evaporator heat / defrost heater
        │  may help vaporize trapped liquid
        │
        └── NO
              ↓
           Compressor provides no pumping assistance
              ↓
           Connect BOTH:
           HIGH-SIDE access
           +
           LOW-SIDE access
              ↓
           Recover from both sides
              ↓
           Controlled heat / tapping may help
           release refrigerant from compressor/oil
              ↓
           Defrost heat, if equipped and permitted,
           may help vaporize trapped evaporator liquid
              ↓
           Special Type I system-dependent example:
           vacuum-pump assistance
           +
           NONPRESSURIZED recovery container

Memory Rule

COMPRESSOR WORKS
→ RUN IT
→ conventional HIGH-SIDE recovery technique

COMPRESSOR FAILED
→ BOTH HIGH + LOW SIDE ACCESS

Important Qualification

With an operating compressor, one properly located high-side access point is often sufficient for the conventional system-dependent method.

Do not memorize:

high side only
→ always

Manufacturer instructions and appliance configuration still control the actual setup.

6. Refrigerant Movement and Trapped Refrigerant

Operating Compressor

Evaporator / low side
→ vapor to compressor
→ compressor
→ discharge / high side
→ recovery connection

The compressor assists refrigerant movement.

Failed Compressor

No compressor pumping
→ internal restrictions remain
→ refrigerant may be trapped on both sides
→ use high + low access

Trapped Refrigerant Can Remain In

• Cold evaporator.
• Compressor shell.
• Compressor oil.
• Condenser.
• Low points.
• Sections separated by restrictions.

Controlled Heat

trapped liquid
+ controlled heat
→ vaporization
→ easier recovery

Do not use:

• Open flame.
• Uncontrolled heat.
• A torch as a general recovery heat source.

Compressor Tapping

For the failed-compressor Type I exam concept:

controlled heat
+
controlled tapping / sharply striking compressor
→ helps release trapped refrigerant from shell/oil

Do not:

• Puncture compressor.
• Damage shell.
• Strike electrical terminals.
• Create sparks.

7. Defrost-Heater Reminder

If the appliance has a defrost heater and its use is permitted:

Defrost heater
→ warms evaporator
→ trapped liquid vaporizes
→ recovery improves

Remember:

defrost heater
→ recovery aid

not:

defrost heater
→ recovery endpoint

No universal heater temperature or fixed heating time should be memorized.

8. Process Stubs and Access Fittings

Process Stub

A process stub is:

a length of tubing
→ provides access to refrigerant
→ can be resealed after service

For Type I:

PROCESS STUB
= TUBING

not:

PROCESS STUB
= PIERCING VALVE

Piercing Access Valve

A piercing valve is a temporary mechanical access device.

Basic sequence:

select compatible tubing
→ clamp fitting
→ establish seal
→ pierce tubing
→ connect service hose

Solderless Access Fitting

EPA Type I test topics emphasize:

Remove solderless access fittings
at conclusion of service

Then:

remove temporary fitting
→ permanently reseal tubing
→ leak check

Tubing Compatibility

Check:

• Tube diameter.
• Tube material.
• Tube condition.
• Fitting compatibility.
• Manufacturer instructions.

Do not assume:

works on copper
→ automatically works on aluminum

Poor Access Locations

Avoid placing a temporary piercing fitting on:

• Capillary tube.
• Sharp bend.
• Crushed tubing.
• Corroded tubing.
• Brazed joint.
• Material not approved for the fitting.

9. Access-Hose Reminders

Normal Manifold Color Convention

BLUE
→ low-side access

RED
→ high-side access

YELLOW
→ center / service connection

Important Rule

Hose color
does NOT define
the physical system side

Identify the actual refrigeration circuit first.

Failed-Compressor System-Dependent Setup

LOW-SIDE ACCESS
→ blue hose
→ manifold low port

HIGH-SIDE ACCESS
→ red hose
→ manifold high port

manifold center/service port
→ approved recovery arrangement

Both sides provide refrigerant paths because the appliance compressor cannot pump.

10. System-Dependent Versus Self-Contained Recovery

Federal Definitions

SYSTEM-DEPENDENT
→ requires assistance from appliance components

SELF-CONTAINED
→ removes refrigerant without assistance from appliance components

System-Dependent Charge Limitation

Ordinary system-dependent equipment may be used only on appliances with a full charge of:

15 lb or less

unless the equipment is permanently attached as a pump-out unit.

A Type I small appliance contains:

5 lb or less

so it is below that system-dependent charge limit.

Do not confuse: The 15-lb system-dependent equipment limit does not define a Type I small appliance. Type I still requires the complete factory-manufactured/factory-charged/hermetically-sealed/≤5-lb definition.

11. Self-Contained Recovery Quick Review

Basic Flow

Appliance
→ recovery-machine inlet
→ independent recovery compressor
→ recovery-machine outlet
→ reusable recovery cylinder

Appliance Compressor

The appliance compressor:

does NOT have to operate

for the self-contained machine to provide recovery force.

However, the appliance compressor condition still determines the Type I 80%/90% percentage path for post-November 15, 1993 recovery equipment.

Recovery Cylinder Port

General rule:

Recovery-machine outlet
→ cylinder port specified by recovery-machine manufacturer

A common direct-recovery arrangement is:

machine outlet
→ cylinder LIQUID port

but do not turn that into a universal rule for every machine or specialized procedure.

Recovery Cylinder

Use:

• Appropriate reusable recovery cylinder.
• Correct refrigerant identification.
• Adequate available capacity.
• Cylinder on a scale.
• Manufacturer-required connection.

Do not recover into a disposable refrigerant cylinder.

12. Recovery Cylinder and Discharge-Pressure Reminders

Cylinder Fill

Common course recovery-cylinder rule:

Do not fill above 80% full

Control fill by weight.

Do not rely on cylinder pressure alone.

Cylinder Cooling

cooler recovery cylinder
→ lower cylinder pressure
→ lower recovery-machine discharge pressure
→ improved recovery rate

Cooling does not permit overfilling.

High Recovery-Machine Discharge Pressure

Possible causes:

• Hot recovery cylinder.
• Full or overfilled cylinder.
• Closed or restricted cylinder valve.
• Kinked/restrictive discharge hose.
• Noncondensables.
• Incorrect valve position.
• Restricted fitting/filter.
• Poor recovery-machine cooling.

If high-pressure protection trips:

find and correct cause

Do not bypass the safety control.

13. Noncondensables

The most common noncondensable contaminant is:

AIR

Noncondensables can cause:

• Higher recovery-cylinder pressure.
• Higher recovery-machine discharge pressure.
• Slower recovery.
• High-pressure shutdown.
• Refrigerant contamination.

P-T Diagnostic Concept

For a known refrigerant in a stabilized cylinder containing liquid and vapor:

measured pressure
significantly above expected saturation pressure
→ possible noncondensables

This is a diagnostic clue, not automatic proof.

Also consider:

• Wrong refrigerant.
• Mixed refrigerants.
• Blend behavior.
• Temperature not stabilized.
• Measurement error.

Do not intentionally vent refrigerant to “purge air.”

14. Cross-Contamination

Avoid Mixing Refrigerants

known refrigerant A
+
known refrigerant B
→ DO NOT intentionally mix

Before changing refrigerants:

• Identify the next refrigerant.
• Use the correct recovery cylinder.
• Follow recovery-machine clearing/purge procedure.
• Use dedicated equipment where required.
• Verify flammable-refrigerant compatibility where applicable.

Do not purge refrigerant to atmosphere merely to clear equipment.

15. Compressor Replacement

Before replacing a compressor:

identify refrigerant
→ determine compressor condition
→ select recovery method
→ recover to required Type I endpoint
→ THEN open tubing / remove compressor

Choose the Recovery Technique

Appliance compressor works
→ system-dependent operating-compressor method may be used

Appliance compressor failed
→ failed-compressor system-dependent method
or
→ appropriate self-contained recovery

Recovery is completed before the refrigerant circuit is opened.

16. Refrigerant Identification

Use, in order as appropriate:

• Appliance nameplate.
• Manufacturer information.
• Service documentation.
• Pressure-temperature behavior as a consistency check.
• Refrigerant analyzer when identity is uncertain.

Do not rely on:

cylinder color alone

If refrigerant identity is uncertain:

do not contaminate a clean known-refrigerant cylinder

17. Type I Final Disposal

Small appliances commonly enter the waste stream intact.

The final processor/final disposer must either:

RECOVER remaining refrigerant

or:

VERIFY proper prior recovery

Prior-Recovery Verification

Acceptable pathways:

SIGNED STATEMENT

or:

QUALIFYING SUPPLIER CONTRACT

Signed Statement Must Include

NAME
+
ADDRESS
+
DATE refrigerant was recovered

Sticker Rule

Sticker alone
→ NOT EPA verification

Contract Rule

The contract alternative is intended for an appropriate ongoing relationship with a regular commercial supplier.

It is not intended to replace the individual verification process for an occasional household drop-off.

18. Leaked-Out Appliance

A special signed statement can apply when all refrigerant leaked out before delivery and recovery is impossible because of:

• System failure.
• Accident.
• Other unavoidable occurrence.

It does not apply when refrigerant was lost because of:

• Deliberate line cutting.
• Intentional venting.
• Negligent/deliberate acts.

Memory rule:

ACCIDENT / FAILURE
→ may qualify

DELIBERATE CUTTING
→ does NOT qualify

19. Disposal Certification Exception

A person recovering refrigerant from a small appliance solely for disposal can fall under the Section 608 technician-certification exception.

But:

certification exception
≠ recovery exception

certification exception
≠ recovery-equipment exception

certification exception
≠ venting exception

Ordinary service or repair still requires the appropriate technician certification.

Example:

compressor replacement
→ SERVICE
→ disposal exception does NOT apply

20. Final-Processor Records

Final processor:

signed statements / qualifying contracts
→ keep on site
→ 3 years

Do Not Confuse With the Separate Technician Disposal Record

The separate technician disposal-record requirement applies to appliances with a full charge:

MORE THAN 5 lb
AND
LESS THAN 50 lb

Type I small appliance:

5 lb OR LESS

Therefore the separate >5 and <50 lb technician disposal-record range normally does not include a Type I small appliance.

The final processor’s safe-disposal verification records remain a separate requirement.

21. High-Priority Numbers

22. Highest-Priority Type I Distinctions

23. Access-Fitting Exam Reminders

Memorize:

PROCESS STUB
→ tubing

PIERCING VALVE
→ temporary access fitting

CLAMP + SEAL
→ BEFORE piercing

SOLDERLESS ACCESS FITTING
→ remove after service

REMOVE
→ RESEAL
→ LEAK CHECK

And:

check tube diameter
+
check tube material
+
check tube condition
+
follow fitting manufacturer instructions

24. Recovery Exam Reminders

Operating Compressor

System-dependent recovery
+
compressor operative
→ OPERATE appliance compressor

Failed Compressor

System-dependent recovery
+
compressor inoperative
→ BOTH high-side and low-side access

Failed Compressor Recovery Aids

controlled heat

controlled compressor tapping

defrost heater if equipped and permitted

vacuum-pump assistance
+
nonpressurized recovery container

Do not show or assume refrigerant is intentionally exhausted through a vacuum pump.

Self-Contained

Appliance
→ recovery machine
→ recovery cylinder

Independent machine provides recovery force.

25. Safety Reminders

• Wear appropriate eye and hand protection when handling refrigerant.
• Avoid refrigerant contact with skin and eyes.
• Maintain ventilation.
• Identify flammable refrigerants before connecting recovery equipment.
• Eliminate ignition sources when servicing flammable-refrigerant appliances.
• Do not use oxygen or compressed air for refrigerant-system pressure testing.
• Do not use an open flame to heat a charged refrigerant system.
• Do not deliberately feed liquid refrigerant into an appliance compressor.
• Do not overfill a recovery cylinder.
• Keep recovery cylinders away from excessive heat.
• Do not bypass recovery-machine high-pressure protection.
• Follow appliance, recovery-equipment, access-fitting, and cylinder manufacturer instructions.

26. Type I Rapid Decision Sequence

For an exam scenario:

1. Is it a SMALL APPLIANCE?
   ↓
2. What REFRIGERANT is present?
   ↓
3. Is this SERVICE or FINAL DISPOSAL?
   ↓
4. What RECOVERY EQUIPMENT is being used?
   ↓
5. Does the APPLIANCE COMPRESSOR operate?
   ↓
6. Which RECOVERY METHOD fits the scenario?
   ↓
7. Which 80% / 90% / 4-in.-Hg ENDPOINT applies?
   ↓
8. Are access fittings / hoses connected correctly?
   ↓
9. Has trapped refrigerant been considered?
   ↓
10. If disposal: who is FINAL PROCESSOR and what verification is required?

27. Ten Facts to Know Before the Type I Practice Test

1. A small appliance must be factory manufactured, factory charged, factory hermetically sealed, and contain 5 lb or less.

2. 5 lb or less by itself does not make an appliance Type I.

3. The Nov. 15, 1993 date refers to recovery equipment, not the appliance.

4. Pre-Nov. 15, 1993 recovery equipment → 80%.

5. Post-Nov. 15, 1993 equipment + functioning appliance compressor → 90%.

6. Post-Nov. 15, 1993 equipment + nonfunctioning appliance compressor → 80%.

7. The alternative endpoint is 4 in. Hg vacuum.

8. System-dependent recovery + operating compressor → operate the compressor; failed compressor → both high and low side access.

9. A process stub is tubing; solderless access fittings should be removed after service, followed by resealing and leak checking.

10. At final disposal, the final processor must recover remaining refrigerant or verify prior recovery; a sticker alone is not sufficient verification.

28. Essential Module Figures

Use these existing Module 7 figures when a visual review is helpful:

• Figure 7.1.1 — Type I Small Appliance Examples.
• Figure 7.3.1 — Type I Recovery Requirements.
• Figure 7.4.1 — Small Appliance Access Fittings.
• Figure 7.5.1 — Type I Recovery with an Operating Compressor.
• Figure 7.6.1 — Type I Recovery with a Failed Compressor.

Also review:

• Figure 5.2.1 — System-Dependent and Self-Contained Recovery.
• Figure 6.9.1 — Safe Disposal Responsibility Flowchart.

No new figure is introduced in this quick-reference file.

29. Final Type I Memory Sheet

TYPE I?
Factory manufactured
+ factory charged
+ hermetically sealed
+ ≤5 lb

RECOVERY EQUIPMENT DATE?
Before Nov. 15, 1993
→ 80%

On/after Nov. 15, 1993
+ appliance compressor WORKS
→ 90%

On/after Nov. 15, 1993
+ appliance compressor FAILED
→ 80%

Alternative
→ 4 in. Hg vacuum

SYSTEM-DEPENDENT
+ compressor works
→ operate compressor
→ conventional high-side recovery technique

SYSTEM-DEPENDENT
+ compressor failed
→ high + low side access
→ heat / tapping / defrost assistance as appropriate

SELF-CONTAINED
→ independent recovery force
→ appliance → machine → recovery cylinder

PROCESS STUB
→ tubing

SOLDERLESS ACCESS FITTING
→ remove after service
→ reseal
→ leak check

FINAL PROCESSOR
→ recover
OR
→ verify prior recovery

SIGNED STATEMENT
→ name + address + date

STICKER ALONE
→ not sufficient

FINAL-PROCESSOR RECORDS
→ 3 years

References

Current Regulatory and EPA Sources

1. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, 40 CFR § 82.152 — Definitions, current small-appliance, process-stub, system-dependent, and self-contained recovery definitions. Accessed August 11, 2026.

2. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, 40 CFR § 82.154 — Prohibitions, current venting and small-appliance process-stub requirements. Accessed August 11, 2026.

3. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, 40 CFR § 82.155 — Safe Disposal of Appliances, current safe-disposal verification and recordkeeping requirements. Accessed August 11, 2026.

4. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, 40 CFR § 82.156 — Proper Evacuation of Refrigerant from Appliances, current Type I recovery percentages, 4-in.-Hg alternative, system-dependent-equipment limitation, and manufacturer-instruction requirement. Accessed August 11, 2026.

5. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, 40 CFR § 82.158 — Standards for Recovery and/or Recycling Equipment, current small-appliance recovery-equipment standards. Accessed August 11, 2026.

6. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Section 608 Test Topics, current Type I topics including operating an operative compressor, high/low-side access for an inoperative compressor, failed-compressor recovery techniques, removal of solderless access fittings, and refrigerant P-T/noncondensable concepts. Accessed August 11, 2026.

7. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Stationary Refrigeration Safe Disposal Requirements, current final-processor verification, signed-statement, contract, sticker, disposal-certification exception, and recordkeeping guidance. Accessed August 11, 2026.

8. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Section 608 Technician Certification Requirements, current Type I certification scope. Accessed August 11, 2026.

Module 7 Cross-References

9. Section 7.1 - Small Appliance Definition and Examples.

10. Section 7.2 - Type I Exclusions and Boundary Cases.

11. Section 7.3 - Type I Recovery Requirements.

12. Section 7.4 - Access Fittings and Process Stubs.

13. Section 7.5 - Recovery with an Operating Compressor.

14. Section 7.6 - Recovery with a Failed Compressor.

15. Section 7.7 - Self-Contained Recovery.

16. Section 7.8 - Type I Service and Disposal Scenarios.

17. Section 7.10 - Practice Questions Set 1.