What characteristic identifies a recovery unit as system-dependent rather than self-contained equipment?
Correct Answer
D) It relies on the appliance's own compressor and internal pressure to move refrigerant into the recovery container
System-dependent equipment is also called passive recovery because it has no pump of its own. It captures refrigerant using the appliance's internal pressure, gravity, and the appliance compressor when that compressor still works. Self-contained equipment is active: it has its own compressor and can pull refrigerant out of a system that is completely dead. Because passive gear depends on the appliance, it is limited to small equipment and cannot be used on appliances holding more than 15 pounds.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
The defining trait of system-dependent gear is that the recovery force comes from the appliance rather than from the recovery unit. Internal pressure, gravity, cooling the recovery container, and the appliance compressor when it runs are the only things moving refrigerant, which is why this equipment is restricted to small systems.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: It carries its own compressor and motor and pulls refrigerant out without any help from the appliance's compressor
Having its own compressor is exactly what makes a machine self-contained, the opposite category. That is the equipment you reach for when the appliance compressor will not run at all.
Option B: It cleans the refrigerant on site with filters and an oil separator so the same charge can go back in
On-site cleaning describes recycling equipment with an oil separator and filter cores. Recovery gear of either kind only removes and stores refrigerant; it does not clean anything.
Option C: It is required by rule whenever an appliance holds more than 15 pounds of refrigerant
The 15 pound figure is a ceiling on this equipment, not a trigger for it. System-dependent gear may not be used on an appliance holding more than 15 pounds of refrigerant.
Memory Technique
System-dependent depends on the system. If the appliance cannot help, passive gear cannot either.
Reference Hint
40 CFR 82.156: system-dependent equipment may not be used on appliances containing more than 15 pounds of refrigerant.
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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