8.11 - Quick Reference

Module: Type II High and Very-High-Pressure Appliances
Covers: Sections 8.1–8.10
Regulatory verification date: August 12, 2026
Use: Rapid review before the Module 8 Type II practice questions and later Universal certification review

1. Type II Scope

Current Type II certification covers covered:

MEDIUM-PRESSURE appliances
+
HIGH-PRESSURE appliances
+
VERY-HIGH-PRESSURE appliances

Common Type II Examples

• Residential central split-system air conditioners.
• Field-connected mini-splits and multi-splits.
• Residential and commercial heat pumps.
• Packaged rooftop units.
• Walk-in coolers and freezers.
• Remote commercial refrigeration.
• Supermarket compressor racks.
• Cold-storage systems.
• Many industrial-process refrigeration systems.
• Specialized very-high-pressure appliances.

Important Boundaries

Exam Trap

Small charge
≠
automatically Type I

A field-connected residential split system can contain less than 5 lb and still be Type II.

Large appliance
≠
automatically Type II

A large low-pressure chiller is Type III.

2. Refrigerant Pressure Classifications

The current Section 608 pressure categories use refrigerant properties at:

104°F

and the pressure thresholds are expressed in:

psia

not psig.

Pressure Unit Reminder

Near standard atmospheric pressure:

$$P_{\text{psia}}\approx P_{\text{psig}}+14.7$$

Do Not Confuse

HIGH SIDE
→ location in refrigeration cycle

with:

HIGH-PRESSURE APPLIANCE
→ regulatory refrigerant pressure category

Also do not classify the refrigerant from:

• One suction-pressure reading.
• One head-pressure reading.
• Nameplate design pressure.
• Cylinder color.
• Refrigerant family alone.

3. Type II Refrigeration-Cycle State Map

Memorize the basic state sequence:

Low-pressure vapor
→ COMPRESSOR
→ High-pressure, high-temperature vapor
→ CONDENSER
→ High-pressure liquid
→ METERING DEVICE
→ Low-pressure liquid-vapor mixture
→ EVAPORATOR
→ Low-pressure vapor

Receiver Versus Accumulator

Memory rule:

RECEIVER
→ high-side liquid storage

ACCUMULATOR
→ low-side compressor protection

Access-Point Reminder

High side
≠
liquid everywhere

Receiver port
≠
automatically a liquid port

Identify:

• Actual port location.
• Expected refrigerant phase.
• Valve position.
• Internal restrictions.
• Solenoid valves.
• Check valves.
• Isolation valves.

A pressure reading applies only to the portion of the circuit actually connected to that access point.

4. Leak Indicators

Important Type II leak clues include:

• Oil traces.
• Low refrigerant charge.
• Excessive superheat associated with a starved evaporator.
• Repeated refrigerant loss.
• Leakage around service fittings and valve stems.
• Leakage at the rotating shaft seal of an open-drive compressor.

Important Cautions

Oil trace
→ clue
→ not automatic proof of an active leak

Excessive superheat
→ possible low-charge clue
→ also has other causes

High head pressure
→ possible noncondensables / heat-rejection problem / overcharge / restriction
→ not a leak-location method

5. Leak-Detection Methods

Nitrogen Pressure Testing

Dry nitrogen
→ regulator
→ approved test pressure
→ leak-location method

Never use:

OXYGEN

or:

COMPRESSED AIR

for refrigerant-system pressure testing.

6. Current Section 608 Leak-Repair Applicability

Current 40 CFR § 82.157 leak-repair requirements apply to qualifying appliances with a full charge of:

50 lb or more

of:

• Class I ODS refrigerant.
• Class II ODS refrigerant.
• A blend containing a class I or class II ODS.

Critical Current Distinction

ODS appliance
+ full charge ≥50 lb
→ evaluate § 82.157

HFC-only / substitute-only appliance
→ § 82.157 leak-repair rule does NOT apply
→ evaluate the separate current AIM Act framework where applicable

This distinction concerns leak repair. It does not remove Section 608 certification, venting, recovery, evacuation, or other applicable requirements.

7. Current Section 608 Leak-Repair Trigger Rates

Memory rule:

IPR
→ 30%

Commercial
→ 20%

Comfort / Other
→ 10%

Historical Rates Are Not Current

If a question asks for the current Section 608 value, do not use the historical 35% / 15% table.

8. Current Section 608 Leak-Repair Response

When a qualifying appliance exceeds its current trigger rate:

identify and repair leaks

or:

follow applicable retrofit / retirement requirements

High-Priority Numbers

Verification Sequence

Leak located
→ repair
→ initial verification test
→ restore refrigerant / operating condition as applicable
→ follow-up verification test

Do not confuse:

LEAK INSPECTION
→ finds leak location

with:

VERIFICATION TEST
→ confirms repaired leak remains repaired

Leak-Inspection Frequency After Trigger Exceedance

Qualifying automatic leak detection can alter the ordinary inspection requirement for monitored portions.

9. Separate Current AIM Act Leak-Repair Framework

Beginning January 1, 2026, current 40 CFR § 84.106 establishes a separate leak-repair program for qualifying appliances containing:

• A regulated HFC, or
• A qualifying substitute with GWP greater than 53,

generally with a full charge of:

15 lb or more

AIM Act Trigger Rates

Do Not Confuse the Two Programs

Current-Proposal Reminder

The May 2026 proposal concerning a refrigerated-transport exemption is:

PROPOSED
≠
CURRENT LAW

The current rule still includes covered refrigerated transport at the 10% AIM Act trigger.

10. Type II Recovery Preparation

Before recovery:

1. Identify refrigerant.
2. Confirm recovery-machine compatibility and pressure rating.
3. Check machine-specific valve positions.
4. Check machine condition.
5. Check oil only if the machine requires serviceable oil.
6. Inspect filters/screens.
7. Clear residual refrigerant according to machine procedure.
8. Select correct recovery cylinder.
9. Confirm available cylinder capacity by weight.
10. Identify useful liquid and vapor access points.
11. Check isolation valves, solenoids, check valves, and restrictions.
12. Make final connection / safety check.

Important Preparation Rules

• Refrigerant identification comes first.
• Recovery-machine valve positions are machine-specific.
• Purge/self-clear does not mean venting to atmosphere.
• The appliance receiver and the recovery-machine receiver are different components.
• Do not judge cylinder capacity from pressure alone.
• Large Type II jobs may require multiple recovery cylinders.
• Do not assume every high-side or receiver access point contains liquid.

11. Type II Recovery Sequence

The generalized Type II recovery sequence is:

PREPARE
→ recover accessible BULK LIQUID
→ recover remaining VAPOR
→ manage temperature if needed
→ reach required endpoint
→ stop and observe pressure
→ recover again if pressure rebounds
→ verify isolated sections
→ clear recovery equipment properly
→ complete recovery

Why Liquid First?

Liquid recovery
→ removes more refrigerant mass quickly

Vapor recovery
→ slower
→ useful for final recovery
→ generally reduces oil carryover

Temperature Relationships

Controlled appliance warming
→ promotes refrigerant vaporization
→ can improve recovery

Controlled recovery-cylinder cooling
→ lowers cylinder pressure / back pressure
→ can improve recovery

Do not:

• Heat the recovery cylinder to speed recovery.
• Use an open flame on the appliance.
• Exceed cylinder temperature/fill limitations.

12. Pressure Rebound

After recovery appears complete:

stop recovery
→ isolate as appropriate
→ observe pressure

Pressure can rise because refrigerant remains:

• Dissolved in compressor oil.
• Trapped as liquid in cold sections.
• Behind restrictions.
• In isolated components.

Therefore:

pressure rebound
→ additional refrigerant may remain
→ continue recovery as required

Do not assume:

pressure rebound
→ automatically an external leak

No universal pressure-rise hold time is introduced in this module; follow the applicable equipment/service procedure.

13. Parallel Compressors and Isolation

Large Type II systems can contain:

• Parallel compressors.
• Shared suction/discharge headers.
• Receivers.
• Branch circuits.
• Solenoid valves.
• Isolation valves.

Memory rule:

One gauge reading
≠
proof every isolated section is empty

Before opening any component:

• Check which valves are open or closed.
• Verify the component is connected to the recovery path.
• Check for trapped refrigerant.
• Verify the applicable pressure endpoint in the section to be opened.

14. System-Dependent Recovery Equipment Limit

Current federal rule:

Full charge > 15 lb
→ ordinary system-dependent recovery equipment prohibited

Exception:

permanently attached pump-out unit

Therefore:

15 lb exactly
→ not "greater than 15 lb"

Do not confuse:

15 lb
→ system-dependent recovery-equipment limitation

with:

200 lb
→ Type II evacuation-table boundary

or:

50 lb
→ current § 82.157 ODS leak-repair threshold

15. Type II Required Evacuation Levels

The November 15, 1993 date refers to the:

manufacture/import date of the RECOVERY OR RECYCLING EQUIPMENT

not the appliance manufacture date.

Post-1993 Memory Table

Memorize:

0 / 0 / 10 / 10 / 15

in this order:

Very high
High <200
High ≥200
Medium <200
Medium ≥200

Critical Boundary

Use:

< 200 lb

versus:

≥ 200 lb

based on the applicable full charge, not how many pounds remain after a leak.

16. Understanding the Type II Vacuum Numbers

Type II Table 1 uses:

in. Hg vacuum

relative to approximately:

29.9 in. Hg standard atmosphere

Therefore:

0 in. Hg vacuum
≈ atmospheric pressure
≈ 0 psig

and:

0 in. Hg vacuum
≠ perfect vacuum

Do not confuse the Section 608 recovery endpoint with a deep dehydration target.

Table 1 endpoint
→ required refrigerant removal before opening/disposal

Micron-level evacuation
→ dehydration after repair before charging

Do not answer a Table 1 question with a generic 500-micron value.

17. Type II Service-Practice Exceptions

Isolate to a System Receiver

When the system design permits:

move refrigerant to system receiver
→ isolate receiver
→ evacuate the section being opened
→ verify required endpoint

Pumping refrigerant into a receiver does not by itself make the service section ready to open.

Qualifying Non-Major Work

When the conditions of the current non-major service provision are satisfied:

Type II appliance / isolated section
→ no higher than 0 psig
→ before opening

Do not convert this into:

all non-major work
→ always 0 psig

Leak Prevents Normal Table 1 Level

LEAK PREVENTS TABLE 1
↓
ISOLATE where possible
↓
NON-LEAKING portion to be opened
→ normal Table 1
↓
LEAKING portion to be opened
→ lowest attainable
→ not above 0 psig

Oil-Change Provision

Oil change
→ no higher than 5 psig

Do not confuse:

5 psig
→ oil-change provision

with:

0 psig
→ qualifying non-major / leaking-section limit under applicable conditions

or with:

0 / 4 / 10 / 15 in. Hg vacuum
→ Table 1 endpoints

18. Major Repair

Current Section 608 defines major maintenance, service, or repair by two paths.

Automatically Major by Named Component Removal

Removal of any of these is major:

• Compressor.
• Condenser.
• Evaporator.
• Auxiliary heat-exchange coil.

Major by Opening Size and Time

A repair is also major when it uncovers an opening of:

more than 4 in² of flow area

for:

more than 15 minutes

Major-Repair Memory Rule

Remove compressor / condenser /
evaporator / auxiliary heat exchanger?
→ MAJOR

or:

Opening >4 in²
AND
open >15 min?
→ MAJOR

Important Distinction

A filter-drier, solenoid valve, or small control component is not automatically major by component name, but the opening-size/time condition still has to be checked.

For a normal non-leaking major repair:

recover refrigerant
→ applicable Table 1 endpoint
→ verify endpoint
→ open the service section

19. Compressor Replacement and Burnout

Compressor replacement is:

MAJOR REPAIR

General Service Sequence

diagnose failure
→ identify refrigerant/oil
→ recover to applicable endpoint
→ isolate and verify section
→ remove failed compressor
→ evaluate contamination
→ replace required filter-drier / cleanup components
→ install compatible compressor
→ nitrogen pressure test
→ evacuate / dehydrate
→ recharge
→ verify operation

Refrigerant in Oil

refrigerant dissolves in compressor oil
→ pressure falls during recovery
→ refrigerant boils out of oil
→ pressure can rebound

Compressor Burnout

A severe burnout can leave:

• Acid.
• Burned oil.
• Carbon.
• Moisture.
• Metal particles.
• Insulation debris.

Therefore:

burnout
≠
replace compressor only

Cleanup can require:

• Contamination assessment.
• Acid testing where appropriate.
• Contaminated-oil management.
• Liquid-line filter-drier replacement.
• Additional burnout filtration when specified.
• Thorough evacuation/dehydration.
• Follow-up monitoring.

Follow compressor and equipment manufacturer procedures.

20. Filter-Drier and Moisture-Indicator Reminders

Filter-Drier

Functions:

FILTER
→ captures particles

DRIER
→ absorbs moisture

Important reminders:

• Keep a new drier sealed until near installation time.
• Follow flow-direction arrow and manufacturer instructions.
• A restricted drier can create pressure drop, flash gas, high superheat, and low capacity.
• High superheat does not automatically prove low charge.

Moisture Indicator

indicator color
→ compare with MANUFACTURER legend

Do not memorize one universal rule such as:

green always dry
yellow always wet

The color scale is manufacturer-specific.

Sight-Glass Bubbles

bubbles
≠
automatic proof of low charge

Other causes can include:

• Flash gas.
• Pressure drop.
• Restricted filter-drier.
• Insufficient subcooling.
• Operating transition.

21. Type II Safety

Compressor Safety

Reciprocating compressor
+
discharge service valve closed
→ DO NOT ENERGIZE

Hermetic compressor
+
deep vacuum
→ DO NOT ENERGIZE

Use an external vacuum pump for evacuation.

Refrigerant Migration

Compressor off
→ crankcase becomes cold
→ refrigerant migrates into oil
→ oil becomes diluted
→ startup pressure falls
→ refrigerant boils out
→ oil foaming / lubrication risk

Crankcase Heater

Crankcase heater
→ keeps crankcase/oil warmer
→ helps reduce off-cycle refrigerant migration

Heater requirements and pre-start time are manufacturer-specific.

High Discharge / Head Pressure

Possible causes include:

• Dirty condenser.
• Poor condenser airflow or water flow.
• High ambient or entering-water temperature.
• Overcharge.
• Noncondensables.
• Restricted or closed discharge path.
• Incorrect valve position.

Correct response:

diagnose and correct cause

not:

bypass high-pressure safety

Pressure-Relief Protection

A pressure-relief device provides:

emergency overpressure protection

Do not:

• Plug it.
• Cap it in a way that blocks relief.
• Isolate required relief protection.
• Use it as routine pressure control.

Machinery-Room Exam Cue

For EPA 608 exam preparation:

refrigerant release
→ detection
→ alarm / ventilation safety

Actual machinery-room design requirements must follow the current adopted safety standard and applicable local code.

Very-High-Pressure Appliances

Verify pressure rating and refrigerant compatibility of:

• Recovery machine.
• Hoses.
• Manifold/gauges.
• Recovery cylinder.
• Service fittings.
• Regulator.
• Other connected equipment.

Higher pressure means greater stored-energy hazard.

22. High-Priority Type II Numbers

23. Highest-Priority Type II Distinctions

24. Type II Rapid Decision Sequence

For a Type II exam scenario:

1. What equipment is it?
   ↓
2. Is it Type I, Type II, Type III, MVAC, or MVAC-like?
   ↓
3. What refrigerant is present?
   ↓
4. Medium / high / very high pressure?
   ↓
5. What component or system section is involved?
   ↓
6. Is the question about LEAKS, RECOVERY, EVACUATION, REPAIR, or SAFETY?
   ↓
7. What full-charge threshold matters?
   → 15 lb?
   → 50 lb?
   → 200 lb?
   ↓
8. If leak repair: which regulatory framework applies?
   → Section 608 §82.157?
   → AIM Act §84.106?
   ↓
9. If recovery: liquid first, then vapor; check isolation and rebound.
   ↓
10. If opening system: which Table 1 endpoint or special condition applies?
   ↓
11. Is the repair MAJOR?
   ↓
12. Apply compressor / pressure / machinery-room safety rules.

25. Fifteen Facts to Know Before the Type II Practice Test

1. Type II covers covered medium-, high-, and very-high-pressure appliances.

2. A field-connected split system does not become Type I merely because its charge is 5 lb or less.

3. Pressure categories are based on refrigerant properties at 104°F and use psia.

4. R-134a is a representative medium-pressure refrigerant; R-22 and R-410A are representative high-pressure refrigerants; R-23 is representative very-high-pressure.

5. Leak indicators such as oil traces and excessive superheat are clues, not automatic proof of leak location.

6. Use dry nitrogen through a regulator for pressure testing; never oxygen or compressed air.

7. Current Section 608 § 82.157 leak repair applies to qualifying ODS appliances with 50 lb or more; current trigger rates are 30% / 20% / 10%.

8. HFC-only appliances are not covered by § 82.157 leak repair; qualifying HFC/substitute appliances may instead fall under the separate current AIM Act framework.

9. Type II recovery generally proceeds bulk liquid first, then vapor.

10. Ordinary system-dependent recovery equipment is prohibited when the appliance full charge is greater than 15 lb, except for the permanently attached pump-out-unit provision.

11. The Nov. 15, 1993 date in Table 1 refers to the recovery/recycling equipment, not the appliance.

12. For modern recovery equipment, memorize Type II Table 1 as 0 / 0 / 10 / 10 / 15.

13. Major repair includes removal of the compressor, condenser, evaporator, or auxiliary heat-exchange coil, or an opening >4 in² for >15 minutes.

14. Never energize a reciprocating compressor with its discharge service valve closed, and do not energize a hermetic compressor under deep vacuum.

15. A crankcase heater helps reduce off-cycle refrigerant migration into compressor oil.

26. Essential Module Figures

Use these existing Module 8 figures for visual review:

• Figure 8.1.1 — Type II Equipment Examples.
• Figure 8.2.1 — Refrigerant Pressure Classifications.
• Figure 8.5.1 — Leak Repair Trigger Rates.
• Figure 8.5.2 — Section 608 and AIM Act Leak Rules.
• Figure 8.7.1 — Type II Recovery Sequence.
• Figure 8.8.1 — Type II Required Evacuation Levels.

Also useful prerequisite figures:

• Figure 4.1.1 — Vapor-Compression Refrigeration Cycle.
• Figure 4.4.1 — Receiver and Accumulator Locations.
• Figure 5.6.1 — Recovery Cylinder Identification.
• Figure 5.6.2 — Recovery Cylinder Fill by Weight.
• Figure 6.5.1 — Nitrogen Pressure Test Setup.

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

27. Final Type II Memory Sheet

TYPE II?
Medium
+ High
+ Very High

PRESSURE CLASSIFICATION
→ refrigerant properties at 104°F
→ use psia

LEAK CLUES
Oil traces
Low charge
Excessive superheat
Repeated refrigerant loss

LEAK TEST
Dry nitrogen
+ regulator
Never oxygen / compressed air

CURRENT SECTION 608 LEAK REPAIR
ODS + ≥50 lb
IPR 30%
Commercial 20%
Comfort/Other 10%

HFC-ONLY LEAK REPAIR
→ not §82.157
→ check current AIM Act coverage

RECOVERY
Liquid first
→ vapor
→ endpoint
→ pressure-rise check
→ verify isolated sections

SYSTEM-DEPENDENT EQUIPMENT
Full charge >15 lb
→ prohibited
unless permanently attached pump-out unit

TABLE 1 DATE
Nov. 15, 1993
→ recovery/recycling equipment date
NOT appliance date

POST-1993 TYPE II TABLE
VHP          0
HP <200      0
HP ≥200     10
MP <200     10
MP ≥200     15
in. Hg vacuum

0 in. Hg vacuum
≈ atmospheric pressure
NOT perfect vacuum

QUALIFYING NON-MAJOR
→ no higher than 0 psig

LEAK PREVENTS TABLE 1
Non-leaking → Table 1
Leaking → lowest attainable ≤0 psig

OIL CHANGE
→ no higher than 5 psig

MAJOR REPAIR
Compressor / condenser /
evaporator / auxiliary heat exchanger removed
OR
opening >4 in² for >15 min

RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR
Discharge valve closed
→ DO NOT ENERGIZE

HERMETIC COMPRESSOR
Deep vacuum
→ DO NOT ENERGIZE

CRANKCASE HEATER
→ reduces refrigerant migration into oil

References

Current Regulatory and EPA Sources

1. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, 40 CFR § 82.152 - Definitions, current appliance-pressure categories and major-repair definition. Verified August 12, 2026.

2. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, 40 CFR § 82.156 - Proper Evacuation of Refrigerant From Appliances, current Type II Table 1 levels, service-practice exceptions, system-dependent-equipment limitation, and manufacturer-direction requirement. Verified August 12, 2026.

3. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, 40 CFR § 82.157 - Appliance Maintenance and Leak Repair, current Section 608 ODS leak-repair applicability, trigger rates, repair timeframes, verification, inspections, chronic-leaker reporting, and recordkeeping. Verified August 12, 2026.

4. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, 40 CFR § 82.161 - Technician Certification, current Type II certification scope. Verified August 12, 2026.

5. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, 40 CFR § 84.106 - Refrigerant Management Requirements, current AIM Act leak-repair requirements for qualifying HFC/substitute appliances. Verified August 12, 2026.

6. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Section 608 Test Topics, current Type II examination-topic framework. Verified August 12, 2026.

7. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Stationary Refrigeration Service Practice Requirements, current service-practice summary. Verified August 12, 2026.

8. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Stationary Refrigeration Leak Repair Requirements, current Section 608 leak-repair guidance. Verified August 12, 2026.

Module 8 Cross-References

9. Section 8.1 - Type II Equipment and Scope.

10. Section 8.2 - Refrigerant Pressure Classifications.

11. Section 8.3 - Type II Components and Refrigerant States.

12. Section 8.4 - Leak Indicators and Leak Detection.

13. Section 8.5 - Leak Repair Requirements and Current Regulatory Updates.

14. Section 8.6 - Type II Recovery Preparation.

15. Section 8.7 - Type II Recovery Procedures.

16. Section 8.8 - Type II Evacuation Requirements.

17. Section 8.9 - Major Repair Special Conditions and Compressor Service.

18. Section 8.10 - Type II Safety.

19. Section 8.12 - Practice Questions Set 1.