11.6 - Master Recovery and Evacuation Tables
Module: Standalone Reference Appendices and Instructor Resources
Purpose: One master lookup for Section 608 refrigerant-recovery percentages, appliance evacuation levels, charge thresholds, equipment-date conditions, and the principal exceptions that change the normal evacuation requirement
Regulatory verification date: August 14, 2026
Primary authority: 40 CFR §§ 82.152, 82.156, and 82.158; current EPA Section 608 service-practice and evacuation guidance
Scope note: This appendix consolidates requirements already taught in Modules 5, 7, 8, and 9. It does not replace the detailed service procedures, safety requirements, or manufacturer instructions in those modules.
How to Use This Reference
When a question asks how much refrigerant must be removed or how far an appliance must be evacuated, identify the conditions in this order:
1. SMALL APPLIANCE OR NOT?
2. APPLIANCE PRESSURE CATEGORY?
3. FULL CHARGE?
4. RECOVERY-EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURE / IMPORT DATE?
5. FUNCTIONING OR NONFUNCTIONING COMPRESSOR, IF TYPE I?
6. NORMAL TABLE 1 CONDITION OR A QUALIFYING EXCEPTION?
7. SERVICE / REPAIR / OIL CHANGE / DISPOSAL?
Do not memorize a number by itself.
Memorize:
VALUE
+
UNIT
+
APPLIANCE
+
CHARGE CONDITION
+
EQUIPMENT-DATE CONDITION
+
EXCEPTION, IF ANY
For example:
15 in. Hg vacuum
→ medium-pressure appliance
→ full charge ≥200 lb
→ recovery/recycling equipment manufactured or imported
on or after November 15, 1993
The most important warning in this appendix is:
NOVEMBER 15, 1993
→ RECOVERY / RECYCLING EQUIPMENT DATE
→ NOT THE APPLIANCE MANUFACTURE DATE
1. Master Decision Summary
Table control
- Source: 40 CFR § 82.156(a)-(e); 40 CFR § 82.152
- Units: Percent refrigerant recovered, in. Hg vacuum, mm Hg absolute, psig, and pounds of full charge as labeled
- Conditions: Use only after identifying appliance category and any special exception
- Historical warning: The pre-November 15, 1993 equipment pathways remain in the current regulation. They are not merely obsolete historical values.
| Situation | First Requirement to Check | Main Current Endpoint / Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Small appliance | Recovery-equipment date and compressor status | 80%, 90%, or alternative 4 in. Hg vacuum |
| Very-high-pressure appliance | Table 1 | 0 in. Hg vacuum in both date columns |
| High pressure, full charge <200 lb | Table 1 | 0 in. Hg vacuum in both date columns |
| High pressure, full charge ≥200 lb | Table 1 | 4 in. Hg vacuum pre-1993 equipment; 10 in. Hg vacuum post-1993 equipment |
| Medium pressure, full charge <200 lb | Table 1 | 4 in. Hg vacuum pre-1993 equipment; 10 in. Hg vacuum post-1993 equipment |
| Medium pressure, full charge ≥200 lb | Table 1 | 4 in. Hg vacuum pre-1993 equipment; 15 in. Hg vacuum post-1993 equipment |
| Low-pressure appliance | Table 1 | 25 mm Hg absolute in both date columns |
| Qualifying non-major opening | § 82.156(a)(1) | Medium/high/very high: ≤0 psig; low pressure: pressurize to ≤0 psig, subject to the low-pressure method restrictions |
| Oil change | § 82.156(a)(1)(iii) | Evacuate or pressurize to ≤5 psig, or drain oil into a receiver treated to ≤5 psig |
| Leak prevents Table 1 endpoint | § 82.156(a)(2) | Isolate where possible; non-leaking portions to Table 1; leaking portions to lowest attainable level not above 0 psig |
| System-dependent recovery equipment | § 82.156(e) | Not allowed on appliances with full charge >15 lb unless permanently attached as a pump-out unit |
2. Small-Appliance Recovery Requirements
A small appliance is handled under a separate recovery rule rather than the normal Table 1 used for other stationary appliances.
Before opening or disposing of a small appliance, refrigerant must be recovered using qualifying recovery/recycling equipment according to the current conditions below.
2.1 Small-Appliance Percentage Pathways
Table control
- Source: 40 CFR § 82.156(b)(1)-(3); EPA Stationary Refrigeration Service Practice Requirements
- Units: Percent of refrigerant recovered, or in. Hg vacuum
- Conditions: Small appliance as defined in 40 CFR § 82.152
- Historical warning: The pre-1993 row remains a current regulatory pathway when qualifying older recovery equipment is actually used.
| Recovery Equipment Date | Appliance Compressor | Required Recovery | Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufactured before November 15, 1993 | Functioning | 80% | Evacuate appliance to 4 in. Hg vacuum |
| Manufactured before November 15, 1993 | Not functioning | 80% | Evacuate appliance to 4 in. Hg vacuum |
| Manufactured on or after November 15, 1993 | Functioning | 90% | Evacuate appliance to 4 in. Hg vacuum |
| Manufactured on or after November 15, 1993 | Not functioning | 80% | Evacuate appliance to 4 in. Hg vacuum |
Fast Type I Memory Rule
OLD RECOVERY EQUIPMENT
→ 80% EITHER WAY
POST-1993 RECOVERY EQUIPMENT
+ COMPRESSOR WORKS
→ 90%
POST-1993 RECOVERY EQUIPMENT
+ COMPRESSOR FAILED
→ 80%
ALTERNATIVE
→ 4 in. Hg vacuum
2.2 What the November 15, 1993 Date Refers To
Table control
- Source: 40 CFR §§ 82.156(b) and 82.158(e)
- Units: Calendar date; no pressure unit
- Conditions: Small-appliance recovery pathway
- Historical warning: This is a current date-based distinction, not simply a historical fact.
| Item | Does November 15, 1993 Determine the Type I Recovery Requirement? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery/recycling equipment manufacture date | Yes | This is the controlling date distinction |
| Small-appliance manufacture date | No | Do not confuse appliance age with recovery-equipment age |
| Compressor manufacture date | No | Compressor condition matters; compressor manufacture date does not |
| Refrigerant production date | No | Not the controlling date |
| Technician certification date | No | Not the controlling date |
Exam trap: A question may describe a very old refrigerator and a newer recovery machine. Use the recovery machine date, not the refrigerator date.
3. Current Table 1 Service-Practice Evacuation Levels
For appliances other than small appliances, MVACs, and MVAC-like appliances, technicians must normally recover all liquid refrigerant and evacuate the appliance or isolated portion to the applicable level in current Table 1 of 40 CFR § 82.156 before opening or disposal, unless one of the specified exceptions applies.
3.1 Master Table 1
Table control
- Source: 40 CFR § 82.156(a), Table 1; EPA Required Level of Evacuation of Appliances
- Units: Inches of mercury vacuum relative to standard atmospheric pressure of 29.9 in. Hg, except the low-pressure row, which is stated as mm Hg absolute
- Conditions: Appliances other than small appliances, MVACs, and MVAC-like appliances; normal Table 1 condition
- Historical warning: The two date columns remain in the current regulation. “Pre-1993” does not mean the left column may be ignored if qualifying older recovery/recycling equipment is used.
| Type of Appliance / Isolated Component | Full Charge | Recovery/Recycling Equipment Manufactured or Imported Before Nov. 15, 1993 | Recovery/Recycling Equipment Manufactured or Imported On or After Nov. 15, 1993 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very-high-pressure appliance | Any | 0 in. Hg vacuum | 0 in. Hg vacuum |
| High-pressure appliance | <200 lb | 0 in. Hg vacuum | 0 in. Hg vacuum |
| High-pressure appliance | ≥200 lb | 4 in. Hg vacuum | 10 in. Hg vacuum |
| Medium-pressure appliance | <200 lb | 4 in. Hg vacuum | 10 in. Hg vacuum |
| Medium-pressure appliance | ≥200 lb | 4 in. Hg vacuum | 15 in. Hg vacuum |
| Low-pressure appliance | Any | 25 mm Hg absolute | 25 mm Hg absolute |
One-Line Memory Pattern
VERY HIGH
→ 0 / 0
HIGH <200
→ 0 / 0
HIGH ≥200
→ 4 / 10
MEDIUM <200
→ 4 / 10
MEDIUM ≥200
→ 4 / 15
LOW
→ 25 mm Hg absolute / 25 mm Hg absolute
The order above is:
PRE-NOV. 15, 1993 RECOVERY EQUIPMENT
/
ON-OR-AFTER-NOV. 15, 1993 RECOVERY EQUIPMENT
4. Table 1 Date Rule
The date distinction in Table 1 is often misread.
It refers to the date the:
RECOVERY AND/OR RECYCLING EQUIPMENT
was:
MANUFACTURED OR IMPORTED
It does not refer to the date the appliance itself was manufactured.
4.1 Date Interpretation Table
Table control
- Source: 40 CFR § 82.156(a), Table 1
- Units: Calendar date
- Conditions: Normal Table 1 service-practice evacuation
- Historical warning: Both columns are current regulatory text.
| Question | Correct Interpretation |
|---|---|
| What was made before or after November 15, 1993? | The recovery and/or recycling equipment |
| Does the appliance age choose the Table 1 column? | No |
| Does refrigerant age choose the column? | No |
| Does technician certification date choose the column? | No |
| Are the pre-1993 values obsolete simply because they are old? | No. They remain in current Table 1 for qualifying equipment |
5. Pressure Categories Used With Table 1
The appliance pressure category must be determined before Table 1 can be used correctly.
5.1 Pressure-Category Reference
Table control
- Source: 40 CFR § 82.152
- Units: psia at 104°F; critical temperature in °F for the very-high-pressure criterion
- Conditions: Refrigerant liquid-phase saturation pressure definition
- Historical warning: Use current regulatory definitions rather than an old refrigerant chart.
| Pressure Category | Current Definition | Representative Regulatory Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Low pressure | Liquid-phase saturation pressure below 45 psia at 104°F | R-11, R-123, R-113, R-245fa |
| Medium pressure | Liquid-phase saturation pressure between 45 and 170 psia at 104°F | R-114, R-124, R-12, R-134a, R-500 |
| High pressure | Liquid-phase saturation pressure between 170 and 355 psia at 104°F | R-22, R-407A, R-407C, R-410A, R-502 |
| Very high pressure | Critical temperature below 104°F, or liquid-phase saturation pressure above 355 psia at 104°F | R-13, R-23, R-503, R-508A, R-508B |
For a detailed explanation of the pressure-classification system, see
11.4 - Refrigerant Pressure and Safety Classification Reference.md.
6. Charge Thresholds That Change the Answer
Several different charge numbers appear in the course. They do not mean the same thing.
6.1 Master Charge-Threshold Map
Table control
- Source: 40 CFR §§ 82.152 and 82.156; cross-reference to § 82.157 where noted
- Units: Pounds of refrigerant at full charge
- Conditions: Each threshold applies only in the specific context shown
- Historical warning: Do not transfer a threshold from one rule to another.
| Charge Value | What It Controls | What It Does Not Automatically Mean |
|---|---|---|
| ≤5 lb | One element of the complete small-appliance definition | Does not make a field-connected system Type I by charge alone |
| >15 lb | System-dependent recovery equipment generally may not be used unless permanently attached as a pump-out unit | Does not determine Type II versus Type III |
| 200 lb | Changes certain high- and medium-pressure Table 1 evacuation rows | Does not change the low-pressure 25 mm Hg absolute requirement |
| >5 and <50 lb | Disposal recovery records under § 82.156(a)(3) for covered appliances | Not the Section 608 ODS leak-repair threshold |
| ≥50 lb | Current Section 608 ODS leak-repair applicability when the other § 82.157 conditions are met | Does not change the normal Table 1 row by itself |
High-Priority Distinction
200 lb
→ EVACUATION TABLE BOUNDARY
50 lb
→ LEAK-REPAIR APPLICABILITY CONTEXT
15 lb
→ SYSTEM-DEPENDENT EQUIPMENT LIMIT
5 lb
→ SMALL-APPLIANCE DEFINITION CONTEXT
Do not interchange these numbers.
7. Type II Evacuation Lookup
This section extracts only the medium-, high-, and very-high-pressure rows used most often in Type II questions.
7.1 Type II Table
Table control
- Source: 40 CFR § 82.156(a), Table 1
- Units: in. Hg vacuum relative to 29.9 in. Hg standard atmospheric pressure
- Conditions: Normal Table 1 condition; Type II appliance; not a small appliance or MVAC/MVAC-like appliance
- Historical warning: The pre-1993 equipment column is still current law for qualifying equipment.
| Type II Condition | Pre-Nov. 15, 1993 Recovery Equipment | On/After-Nov. 15, 1993 Recovery Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Very high pressure, any charge | 0 in. Hg vacuum | 0 in. Hg vacuum |
| High pressure, <200 lb | 0 in. Hg vacuum | 0 in. Hg vacuum |
| High pressure, ≥200 lb | 4 in. Hg vacuum | 10 in. Hg vacuum |
| Medium pressure, <200 lb | 4 in. Hg vacuum | 10 in. Hg vacuum |
| Medium pressure, ≥200 lb | 4 in. Hg vacuum | 15 in. Hg vacuum |
Type II Exam Traps
R-410A
→ high pressure
→ not very high pressure
HIGH <200 lb
→ 0 / 0
MEDIUM ≥200 lb
→ 4 / 15
8. Type III Low-Pressure Requirement
Low-pressure appliances use a different unit and do not change at the 200-pound boundary.
8.1 Type III Table
Table control
- Source: 40 CFR § 82.156(a), Table 1
- Units: mm Hg absolute
- Conditions: Normal Table 1 low-pressure appliance condition
- Historical warning: The same value applies in both recovery-equipment date columns.
| Low-Pressure Condition | Pre-Nov. 15, 1993 Recovery Equipment | On/After-Nov. 15, 1993 Recovery Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Low-pressure appliance, any full charge | 25 mm Hg absolute | 25 mm Hg absolute |
Type III Memory Rule
LOW PRESSURE
→ 25 mm Hg ABSOLUTE
This is true:
- In both equipment-date columns.
- Without a 200-pound split.
Do Not Confuse the Unit
25 mm Hg absolute
≠
25 in. Hg vacuum
Also:
25 mm Hg absolute
=
25,000 microns
The Table 1 value is a refrigerant-removal endpoint, not a generic deep-dehydration target.
See 11.2 - Acronyms Symbols Units and Conversions.md for vacuum-scale interpretation.
9. Normal Table 1 Requirement Versus Qualifying Exceptions
Normal Table 1 is the starting rule.
The principal exceptions in § 82.156(a) apply only when their conditions are actually satisfied.
9.1 Exception Summary
Table control
- Source: 40 CFR § 82.156(a)(1)-(2); EPA Stationary Refrigeration Service Practice Requirements
- Units: psig and Table 1 units as specified
- Conditions: Apply only to the specific exception shown
- Historical warning: Current exception values must not be replaced with older study-guide summaries.
| Situation | Required Action Before Opening / Disposal | Key Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Normal service/disposal condition | Reach the applicable Table 1 endpoint | Default rule |
| Qualifying non-major medium/high/very-high-pressure work | Evacuate to no higher than 0 psig before opening | All conditions of § 82.156(a)(1) must be satisfied |
| Qualifying non-major low-pressure work | Pressurize to no higher than 0 psig before opening | Low-pressure pressurization method restrictions apply |
| Oil change | Evacuate or pressurize to no higher than 5 psig, or drain to a receiver treated to no higher than 5 psig | Specific oil-change provision |
| Leak makes Table 1 unattainable or would substantially contaminate recovered refrigerant | Isolate leaking/non-leaking portions where possible; non-leaking portions to Table 1; leaking portions to lowest attainable level not above 0 psig | Not permission to stop at any convenient pressure |
10. Major Maintenance, Service, or Repair
The current definition determines whether the special non-major opening pathway can be considered.
10.1 Major-Repair Definition
Table control
- Source: 40 CFR § 82.152
- Units: Component identity, square inches of flow area, and minutes
- Conditions: Federal definition of “major maintenance, service, or repair”
- Historical warning: Use the current definition; do not substitute an informal idea of a “big job.”
| Work Condition | Major? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Remove compressor | Yes | Compressor is specifically listed |
| Remove condenser | Yes | Condenser is specifically listed |
| Remove evaporator | Yes | Evaporator is specifically listed |
| Remove auxiliary heat-exchange coil | Yes | Auxiliary heat-exchange coil is specifically listed |
| Uncover an opening of more than 4 in² flow area for more than 15 min | Yes | Meets the numerical major-work criterion |
| Work that does not meet any listed major criterion | Not major by this definition | May be eligible for the non-major provision only if all other § 82.156(a)(1) conditions are satisfied |
Major Memory Rule
COMPRESSOR
CONDENSER
EVAPORATOR
AUXILIARY HEAT-EXCHANGE COIL
or:
>4 in² FLOW AREA
FOR
>15 min
means:
MAJOR
11. Major Versus Non-Major Evacuation Logic
11.1 Decision Table
Table control
- Source: 40 CFR §§ 82.152 and 82.156(a)(1)
- Units: psig or applicable Table 1 unit
- Conditions: The non-major pathway applies only when the full conditions of § 82.156(a)(1) are met
- Historical warning: “Non-major” does not mean “no recovery required.”
| Work Classification | Normal Direction |
|---|---|
| Major maintenance/service/repair | Use normal Table 1 evacuation requirement unless another specific exception applies |
| Non-major work that does not satisfy § 82.156(a)(1) conditions | Use normal Table 1 requirement |
| Non-major work satisfying § 82.156(a)(1), medium/high/very-high pressure | Evacuate to ≤0 psig before opening |
| Non-major work satisfying § 82.156(a)(1), low pressure | Pressurize to ≤0 psig before opening, using the permitted method |
Important Wording
Do not reduce the rule to:
NON-MAJOR
→ ALWAYS 0 psig
The correct concept is:
QUALIFYING NON-MAJOR CONDITION
under §82.156(a)(1)
→ special 0-psig pathway
12. Low-Pressure Non-Major Pressurization Rules
Low-pressure appliances require special care because they often operate below atmospheric pressure.
12.1 Low-Pressure Method Table
Table control
- Source: 40 CFR § 82.156(a)(1)(ii)
- Units: psig, °F, and in. Hg standard atmospheric pressure reference
- Conditions: Qualifying non-major opening under § 82.156(a)(1)
- Historical warning: Do not replace the current boiling-point conditions with a simplified universal “use nitrogen” rule.
| Low-Pressure Refrigerant Condition | Permitted Direction |
|---|---|
| Boiling point at or below 85°F at 29.9 in. Hg standard atmospheric pressure | Do not use methods such as nitrogen that require subsequent purging |
| Boiling point above 85°F at 29.9 in. Hg standard atmospheric pressure | Use heat to raise internal pressure as much as possible; nitrogen may then be used from the heat-attainable level up to atmospheric pressure |
| Opening pressure endpoint | No higher than 0 psig |
Persons must cover openings when isolation is not possible.
13. Leak Exception When Table 1 Cannot Be Reached
A leak does not provide general permission to stop recovery early.
The current rule applies when leaks:
- Make the Table 1 level unattainable, or
- Would substantially contaminate the refrigerant being recovered.
13.1 Leak-Exception Sequence
Table control
- Source: 40 CFR § 82.156(a)(2)
- Units: Applicable Table 1 units and psig
- Conditions: Leak prevents prescribed evacuation or would substantially contaminate recovered refrigerant
- Historical warning: The current rule requires different treatment of leaking and non-leaking portions where possible.
| Step | Required Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Isolate leaking components from non-leaking components wherever possible |
| 2 | Evacuate non-leaking components that will be opened or disposed of to the normal Table 1 level |
| 3 | Evacuate leaking components to the lowest level attainable without substantially contaminating the refrigerant |
| 4 | The leaking-component endpoint may not exceed 0 psig |
What the Leak Exception Does Not Mean
Incorrect:
LEAK
→ STOP RECOVERY WHENEVER CONVENIENT
Incorrect:
LEAK
→ VENT THE REMAINDER
Correct:
ISOLATE WHERE POSSIBLE
→ TABLE 1 FOR NON-LEAKING PORTIONS
→ LOWEST ATTAINABLE, NOT ABOVE 0 psig,
FOR LEAKING PORTIONS
14. Oil-Change Provision
Refrigerant can remain dissolved in compressor oil.
The regulation therefore establishes a separate pressure condition for oil changes.
14.1 Oil-Change Table
Table control
- Source: 40 CFR § 82.156(a)(1)(iii); EPA Stationary Refrigeration Service Practice Requirements
- Units: psig
- Conditions: Oil-change purpose
- Historical warning: The 5-psig oil-change provision is separate from the normal Table 1 endpoint and from the Type III 10-psig leak-test exam value.
| Oil-Change Method | Current Requirement |
|---|---|
| Open the appliance/isolated portion for oil removal | Evacuate or pressurize to no higher than 5 psig before opening |
| Drain oil into a system receiver | Receiver must be evacuated or pressurized to no higher than 5 psig |
Do Not Confuse
5 psig
→ OIL-CHANGE PROVISION
with:
0 psig
→ QUALIFYING NON-MAJOR OPENING / LEAK-EXCEPTION CEILING
or:
25 mm Hg absolute
→ NORMAL TYPE III TABLE 1 ENDPOINT
15. Isolating the Portion Being Serviced
A technician does not always have to evacuate the entire appliance.
If refrigerant in the part to be serviced can be isolated to a system receiver, the technician may evacuate:
THE ENTIRE APPLIANCE
OR
THE PART TO BE SERVICED
The applicable endpoint still must be verified before the part is opened.
15.1 Isolation Table
Table control
- Source: 40 CFR § 82.156(a)
- Units: Same endpoint units as the applicable Table 1 row
- Conditions: Refrigerant in the part can be isolated to a system receiver
- Historical warning: Isolation changes how much of the appliance must be evacuated, not the required endpoint for the portion being opened.
| Situation | Permitted Approach |
|---|---|
| Entire appliance must be opened | Evacuate entire appliance to applicable level |
| Only one portion will be serviced and refrigerant can be isolated to a system receiver | Evacuate the portion to be serviced to the applicable level |
| Isolation cannot be accomplished | Apply the requirement to the appliance as necessary; do not invent a lower endpoint |
16. System-Dependent Recovery Equipment
System-dependent equipment needs the appliance’s own components to help move refrigerant.
Current § 82.156 contains an important charge limitation.
16.1 System-Dependent Equipment Limit
Table control
- Source: 40 CFR §§ 82.152 and 82.156(e)
- Units: Pounds of full charge
- Conditions: Use of system-dependent recovery equipment
- Historical warning: This is a current restriction and should not be confused with the small-appliance 5-lb definition.
| Appliance Full Charge | System-Dependent Equipment |
|---|---|
| ≤15 lb | May be used when otherwise appropriate and compliant |
| >15 lb | May not be used, unless the system-dependent equipment is permanently attached to the appliance as a pump-out unit |
Memory Rule
>15 lb
→ NO SYSTEM-DEPENDENT RECOVERY EQUIPMENT
unless:
PERMANENTLY ATTACHED PUMP-OUT UNIT
17. Recovery Equipment Certification Date Versus Service Endpoint Date
Several equipment-certification dates appear in current § 82.158.
The key exam distinction is that November 15, 1993 changes the service-recovery/evacuation pathways in § 82.156.
Later dates such as September 22, 2003 and January 1, 2017 relate primarily to equipment certification test standards.
17.1 Equipment-Date Purpose Table
Table control
- Source: 40 CFR § 82.158(c)-(e)
- Units: Calendar dates
- Conditions: Recovery/recycling equipment certification and service-practice interpretation
- Historical warning: Do not use the 2003 or 2017 certification-standard dates to choose the pre/post-1993 Table 1 column.
| Date | Main Significance in This Course |
|---|---|
| November 15, 1993 | Primary service-practice dividing date for Table 1 and Type I recovery pathways |
| September 22, 2003 | Divides certain recovery-equipment certification test protocols in § 82.158 |
| January 1, 2017 | Newer equipment certification standards in § 82.158, including B3/B4 pathways for nonflammable/flammable refrigerants |
For exam questions asking:
WHICH TABLE 1 COLUMN?
focus on:
NOVEMBER 15, 1993
18. Table 1 Versus Recovery-Equipment Certification Table
Students can encounter two different federal tables.
They are related but do not answer the same question.
18.1 Table-Purpose Comparison
Table control
- Source: 40 CFR §§ 82.156 and 82.158
- Units: Evacuation units as specified in the controlling table
- Conditions: Distinguish technician service endpoint from equipment certification capability
- Historical warning: Do not substitute § 82.158 Table 2 for the technician service requirement in § 82.156 Table 1.
| Federal Table | Main Question |
|---|---|
| § 82.156 Table 1 | How far must the appliance or isolated portion normally be evacuated before opening/disposal? |
| § 82.158 Table 2 | What evacuation capability must qualifying recovery/recycling equipment demonstrate for certification? |
For this appendix, the controlling technician lookup is:
§82.156 TABLE 1
19. MVAC and MVAC-Like Disposal Boundary
MVACs and MVAC-like appliances are excluded from the normal § 82.156 Table 1.
For disposal recovery, current § 82.156 provides a separate pathway.
19.1 Disposal Boundary Table
Table control
- Source: 40 CFR § 82.156(c)-(d)
- Units: mm Hg vacuum, or the applicable Subpart B evacuation requirement
- Conditions: Refrigerant recovery for purposes of disposal of MVAC-like appliances or MVACs
- Historical warning: Do not apply stationary Table 1 values to these appliance categories.
| Appliance | Disposal Recovery Requirement in § 82.156 |
|---|---|
| MVAC-like appliance | Evacuate in accordance with 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart B or reduce system pressure to or below 102 mm Hg vacuum |
| MVAC | Evacuate in accordance with 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart B or reduce system pressure to or below 102 mm Hg vacuum |
This is a boundary reference only. Ordinary MVAC service and Section 609 procedures are treated separately in Module 1.
20. Disposal Recordkeeping Charge Range
This appendix focuses on recovery and evacuation, but one charge range appears directly inside § 82.156 and is therefore worth keeping with the master tables.
20.1 Disposal Recovery Record Range
Table control
- Source: 40 CFR § 82.156(a)(3)
- Units: Pounds of refrigerant at full charge; years of record retention
- Conditions: Technicians evacuating refrigerant for purposes of disposal of the appliance
- Historical warning: Use the exact current range; do not casually restate it as “5 to 50 lb.”
| Full Charge | § 82.156(a)(3) Disposal Recovery Record Requirement |
|---|---|
| More than 5 lb and less than 50 lb | Required records under this paragraph; retain for 3 years |
| Exactly 5 lb | Not inside the stated more than 5 range |
| Exactly 50 lb | Not inside the stated less than 50 range |
Detailed disposal-record categories are consolidated in 11.11 - Safe Disposal and Refrigerant Transfer Reference.md.
21. Worked Lookup Examples
Example 1 - High Pressure, 150 lb, Newer Recovery Machine
Given:
- High-pressure appliance.
- Full charge = 150 lb.
- Recovery/recycling equipment manufactured in 2018.
- Normal Table 1 condition.
Reasoning:
HIGH PRESSURE
+
<200 lb
+
post-1993 equipment
→ 0 in. Hg vacuum
Required endpoint:
0 in. Hg vacuum
Example 2 - High Pressure, 250 lb, Newer Recovery Machine
Given:
- High-pressure appliance.
- Full charge = 250 lb.
- Recovery/recycling equipment manufactured in 2018.
Reasoning:
HIGH PRESSURE
+
≥200 lb
+
post-1993 equipment
→ 10 in. Hg vacuum
Required endpoint:
10 in. Hg vacuum
Example 3 - Medium Pressure, 250 lb, Newer Recovery Machine
Given:
- Medium-pressure appliance.
- Full charge = 250 lb.
- Recovery/recycling equipment manufactured in 2020.
Reasoning:
MEDIUM PRESSURE
+
≥200 lb
+
post-1993 equipment
→ 15 in. Hg vacuum
Required endpoint:
15 in. Hg vacuum
Example 4 - Medium Pressure, 100 lb, Pre-1993 Recovery Machine
Given:
- Medium-pressure appliance.
- Full charge = 100 lb.
- Recovery equipment manufactured before November 15, 1993.
Reasoning:
MEDIUM PRESSURE
+
<200 lb
+
pre-1993 equipment
→ 4 in. Hg vacuum
Required endpoint:
4 in. Hg vacuum
Example 5 - Low-Pressure Chiller, 600 lb
Given:
- Low-pressure appliance.
- Full charge = 600 lb.
- Recovery equipment manufactured after November 15, 1993.
Reasoning:
The 200-lb split does not apply to the low-pressure row.
Required endpoint:
25 mm Hg absolute
Example 6 - Small Appliance, Compressor Works, Newer Recovery Machine
Given:
- Qualifying small appliance.
- Compressor functions.
- Recovery equipment manufactured in 2022.
Percentage pathway:
90%
Alternative:
4 in. Hg vacuum
Example 7 - Small Appliance, Compressor Failed, Newer Recovery Machine
Given:
- Qualifying small appliance.
- Compressor does not function.
- Recovery equipment manufactured in 2022.
Percentage pathway:
80%
Alternative:
4 in. Hg vacuum
Example 8 - Small Appliance, Compressor Works, Old Recovery Machine
Given:
- Qualifying small appliance.
- Compressor functions.
- Recovery equipment manufactured before November 15, 1993.
Percentage pathway:
80%
The operating compressor does not raise the percentage to 90% when the pre-1993 equipment pathway applies.
Example 9 - Leak Prevents Normal Table 1 Vacuum
Given:
- A high-pressure appliance has a leak.
- The leak makes the prescribed Table 1 endpoint unattainable.
- Leaking and non-leaking components can be isolated.
Required sequence:
ISOLATE
→ NON-LEAKING PORTION TO TABLE 1
→ LEAKING PORTION TO LOWEST ATTAINABLE LEVEL
WITHOUT SUBSTANTIAL CONTAMINATION
→ NEVER ABOVE 0 psig
Example 10 - Oil Change
Given:
- Oil must be removed from a refrigeration appliance.
- The oil contains dissolved refrigerant.
Current opening provision:
≤5 psig
before the oil-change opening, or use the system-receiver pathway described in § 82.156(a)(1)(iii).
22. Commonly Confused Values
Table control
- Source: 40 CFR §§ 82.152 and 82.156; EPA Section 608 service-practice guidance
- Units: As shown
- Conditions: Exam-preparation comparison only; each value remains tied to its actual regulatory context
- Historical warning: Do not use numerical similarity as a substitute for identifying the rule.
| Value | Correct Association | Common Wrong Association |
|---|---|---|
| 5 lb | Small-appliance charge limit within complete definition | Not a universal recovery-equipment limit |
| 15 lb | System-dependent equipment restriction boundary | Not Type I charge limit |
| 200 lb | Medium/high Table 1 charge split | Not ODS leak-repair threshold |
| 4 in. Hg vacuum | Type I alternative; also certain pre-1993 Table 1 rows | Not Type III endpoint |
| 10 in. Hg vacuum | Certain post-1993 high/medium Table 1 rows | Not the low-pressure endpoint |
| 15 in. Hg vacuum | Post-1993 medium pressure ≥200 lb | Not recovery-cylinder rupture-disc value |
| 25 mm Hg absolute | Low-pressure Table 1 endpoint | Not 25 in. Hg vacuum |
| 0 psig | Qualifying non-major opening / leaking-component ceiling in specified conditions | Not perfect vacuum |
| 5 psig | Oil-change provision | Not normal Type III endpoint |
| 80% | Type I pre-1993 equipment pathway or failed-compressor post-1993 pathway | Not always the Type I requirement |
| 90% | Type I post-1993 equipment with functioning compressor | Not the failed-compressor requirement |
23. Historical-Value and Date Warnings
23.1 “Pre-1993” Does Not Mean Obsolete
The left column of current Table 1 is still in the current eCFR.
Therefore:
PRE-1993 EQUIPMENT VALUE
≠
OBSOLETE VALUE
It is a current date-conditioned regulatory value for qualifying older recovery/recycling equipment.
23.2 The Appliance Date Does Not Select Table 1
Incorrect:
APPLIANCE BUILT IN 1990
→ USE PRE-1993 COLUMN
Correct:
RECOVERY / RECYCLING EQUIPMENT
MANUFACTURED OR IMPORTED BEFORE NOV. 15, 1993
→ USE PRE-1993 COLUMN
23.3 Do Not Import Old Leak-Repair Values Into This Table
Older study guides can contain historical leak-rate values such as 15% and 35%.
Those are not evacuation values and do not belong in the Table 1 selection process.
Current leak-repair rules are consolidated separately in:
11.7 - Leak Repair Recordkeeping and Regulatory Reference.md
24. EPA 608 Exam Focus
Numbers to Know With Their Conditions
80%
90%
4 in. Hg vacuum
→ Type I small-appliance recovery pathways.
0 / 0
4 / 10
4 / 15
25 mm Hg absolute
→ Table 1 patterns.
200 lb
→ high/medium pressure Table 1 split.
15 lb
→ system-dependent recovery-equipment restriction.
0 psig
→ qualifying non-major opening and leaking-component ceiling in the specified current provisions.
5 psig
→ oil-change provision.
>4 in² for >15 min
→ numerical major-maintenance/service/repair criterion.
Best Exam Strategy
For every evacuation question, mark the stem for:
- Small appliance?
- Pressure category?
- Charge above or below 200 lb?
- Recovery-equipment date?
- Compressor functioning?
- Major or qualifying non-major?
- Leak exception?
- Oil change?
- Units?
25. Common Mistakes and Confusing Points
Mistake 1 - Using the Appliance Manufacture Date
The November 15, 1993 distinction applies to recovery/recycling equipment, not the appliance.
Mistake 2 - Forgetting the Compressor Condition for Type I
With post-1993 recovery equipment:
WORKS → 90%
FAILED → 80%
Mistake 3 - Applying 90% to Pre-1993 Recovery Equipment
Pre-1993 small-appliance recovery equipment uses the 80% percentage pathway whether or not the compressor works.
Mistake 4 - Forgetting the 4 in. Hg Type I Alternative
The current regulation permits evacuation of the small appliance to 4 in. Hg vacuum as an alternative recovery endpoint.
Mistake 5 - Using the 200-lb Split for Low Pressure
Low-pressure appliances remain:
25 mm Hg absolute
in both equipment-date columns.
Mistake 6 - Calling R-410A Very High Pressure
R-410A is a representative high-pressure refrigerant in the current Section 608 definition.
Mistake 7 - Confusing 0 in. Hg Vacuum With 0 psig Without Context
Table 1 states certain endpoints in in. Hg vacuum.
The non-major/leak provisions use psig.
Always preserve the unit and rule context.
Mistake 8 - Calling 25 mm Hg Absolute a Deep-Dehydration Target
It is the current low-pressure Table 1 refrigerant-removal endpoint.
Deep evacuation/dehydration is a different technical process and may use much lower micron values.
Mistake 9 - Assuming a Leak Eliminates Recovery Requirements
The leak exception still requires isolation where possible and maximum practical recovery under the specific rule.
Mistake 10 - Assuming Non-Major Work Always Uses 0 psig
Only the qualifying § 82.156(a)(1) condition uses that special pathway.
Mistake 11 - Forgetting the Oil-Change Provision
Oil can retain refrigerant.
The current oil-change pressure provision is:
≤5 psig
Mistake 12 - Using System-Dependent Equipment Above 15 lb
System-dependent equipment generally cannot be used on an appliance with a full charge greater than 15 lb unless permanently attached as a pump-out unit.
26. Final Quick Lookup
Table control
- Source: 40 CFR §§ 82.152 and 82.156
- Units: As shown
- Conditions: Rapid exam review; consult earlier sections for full conditions
- Historical warning: Pre-1993 equipment values remain current condition-dependent values.
| Clue | Answer |
|---|---|
| Small appliance + old recovery equipment | 80% or 4 in. Hg vacuum |
| Small appliance + newer equipment + working compressor | 90% or 4 in. Hg vacuum |
| Small appliance + newer equipment + failed compressor | 80% or 4 in. Hg vacuum |
| Very high pressure | 0 / 0 in. Hg vacuum |
| High <200 lb | 0 / 0 in. Hg vacuum |
| High ≥200 lb | 4 / 10 in. Hg vacuum |
| Medium <200 lb | 4 / 10 in. Hg vacuum |
| Medium ≥200 lb | 4 / 15 in. Hg vacuum |
| Low pressure | 25 mm Hg absolute / 25 mm Hg absolute |
| Qualifying non-major medium/high/very high | ≤0 psig before opening |
| Qualifying non-major low pressure | Pressurize to ≤0 psig before opening, with method restrictions |
| Oil change | ≤5 psig |
| Leak prevents Table 1 | Non-leaking to Table 1; leaking to lowest attainable, not above 0 psig |
| System-dependent recovery equipment | Not on >15 lb full charge unless permanently attached pump-out unit |
| Major-work numerical criterion | >4 in² flow area for >15 min |
27. Cross-Reference Guide
| Need | Course Reference |
|---|---|
| Recovery, recycle, reclaim definitions | 5.1 - Recover Recycle and Reclaim.md |
| Recovery-equipment categories | 5.2 - Recovery Equipment Categories.md |
| Recovery-equipment certification | 5.3 - Recovery Equipment Certification and Service Fittings.md |
| Recovery methods | 5.5 - Recovery Methods and Recovery Speed.md |
| Evacuation and dehydration | 5.7 - Evacuation and Dehydration.md |
| Standing-vacuum tests | 5.8 - Standing Vacuum Test and Triple Evacuation.md |
| Full service-practice exceptions | 5.9 - Service-Practice Requirements and Exceptions.md |
| Type I recovery requirements | 7.3 - Type I Recovery Requirements.md |
| Type II pressure classifications | 8.2 - Refrigerant Pressure Classifications.md |
| Type II evacuation | 8.8 - Type II Evacuation Requirements.md |
| Type III evacuation | 9.9 - Type III Evacuation Requirements.md |
| High-priority numbers | 10.2 - High-Priority Numbers and Thresholds.md |
| Units and vacuum scales | 11.2 - Acronyms Symbols Units and Conversions.md |
| Appliance classification | 11.5 - Appliance Type and Certification Decision Guide.md |
| Leak repair and records | 11.7 - Leak Repair Recordkeeping and Regulatory Reference.md |
| Equipment and tools | 11.8 - Recovery Equipment Cylinder and Tool Reference.md |
References
Current Regulatory Sources
-
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, 40 CFR § 82.152 - Definitions, accessed August 14, 2026.
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-82/subpart-F/section-82.152 -
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, 40 CFR § 82.156 - Proper Evacuation of Refrigerant from Appliances, accessed August 14, 2026.
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-82/subpart-F/section-82.156 -
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, 40 CFR § 82.158 - Standards for Recovery and/or Recycling Equipment, accessed August 14, 2026.
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-82/subpart-F/section-82.158 -
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Stationary Refrigeration Service Practice Requirements, accessed August 14, 2026.
https://www.epa.gov/section608/stationary-refrigeration-service-practice-requirements -
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Required Level of Evacuation of Appliances, last updated August 3, 2026 and accessed August 14, 2026.
https://www.epa.gov/section608/required-level-evacuation-appliances -
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling Equipment Certification, accessed August 14, 2026.
https://www.epa.gov/section608/refrigerant-recovery-and-recycling-equipment-certification