When system-dependent recovery equipment is used on a small appliance whose compressor does not operate, how must the sealed system be tapped?
Correct Answer
C) Through access points on both the high side and the low side of the system
System-dependent recovery has no pump of its own, so it depends entirely on the appliance's internal pressure and compressor to move refrigerant. With the compressor dead, that assistance is gone and refrigerant will strand on whichever side is not opened. Tapping both the high side and the low side lets the system equalize into the recovery container and is required to reach the applicable recovery percentage. Using nitrogen to push refrigerant out would release refrigerant to the atmosphere.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Passive recovery relies on pressure difference. A dead compressor leaves refrigerant trapped in the condenser, evaporator, and oil with nothing to circulate it, so opening only one side strands a large fraction of the charge. Access on both the high and low sides gives the refrigerant two paths out and is what makes the required recovery percentage achievable without an active machine.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Through a single access point installed on the low side of the system
A single low-side tap works only when the compressor still runs and can pump the charge toward that point. With a seized compressor the high side stays loaded and the recovery falls short.
Option B: Through a single access point installed on the high side of the system
A high-side-only tap leaves refrigerant sitting in the evaporator and suction line. Whichever single side you choose, the other side retains refrigerant when nothing is pumping.
Option D: Through a nitrogen purge connection that pushes the refrigerant out of the system
Pushing refrigerant out with nitrogen mixes and releases refrigerant rather than capturing it. Knowingly venting refrigerant during service is prohibited, and the mixed gas would also be unusable.
Memory Technique
Dead compressor, two doors. Live compressor, one door is enough.
Reference Hint
System-dependent recovery practice under 40 CFR 82.156: two access points required when the compressor is inoperative.
More epa-608-type-1 Questions
An under-counter ice maker is one factory-sealed cabinet, while a modular ice machine head is joined to a remote condenser by field-run tubing. What certification does servicing the modular machine's circuit require?
A technician recovers refrigerant from a small appliance using a recovery machine that was manufactured in 1991. What recovery level must that older equipment achieve?
Two technicians recover from identical refrigerators with working compressors, one using a 1991 recovery machine and the other a 2015 machine. Why do their required recovery levels differ?
System-dependent recovery equipment may be used only on appliances that normally hold up to what amount of refrigerant?
What feature defines a self-contained recovery unit and sets it apart from the system-dependent kind?
When system-dependent recovery equipment is used on a small appliance whose compressor still runs, how can that working compressor be put to use?
Recovery from a small appliance has slowed down and the pressure is barely moving. What accepted technique helps drive the remaining refrigerant out?
After the recovery unit stops pulling on a small appliance, how does a technician confirm that the recovery is actually complete?
A sealed small appliance offers no service port at all. What has to happen before recovery equipment can be connected to it?
As refrigerant from a string of small appliances collects in a recovery cylinder, what fill limit applies to that cylinder?
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