After a successful initial verification test on a repaired R-123 chiller that was not evacuated, how soon must the follow-up verification test be done?
Within 10 days of the successful initial verification test. If the appliance was evacuated for the repair, the 10 days run from when it reaches normal operating characteristics and conditions.
- Within 30 days
- Within 10 daysCorrect answer
- Within 24 hours
- Within 12 months
Why “Within 10 days” is correct
40 CFR 82.157(e)(2) requires a follow-up verification test within 10 days of the successful initial test. If the appliance was evacuated for the repair, the 10 days run from when it reaches normal operating conditions.
Source: 40 CFR 82.157(e)
Why the other answers are wrong
- Within 30 days — 30 days is the repair deadline, not the follow-up test window.
- Within 24 hours — The rule allows 10 days, not one day.
- Within 12 months — 12 months relates to presuming leaks repaired, not to follow-up testing.
The source, word for word
A follow-up verification test must be performed within 10 days of the successful initial verification test or 10 days of the appliance reaching normal operating characteristics and conditions (if the appliance or isolated component was evacuated for the repair(s)).
The two tests compared
Each repaired leak gets both tests. The charge size does not change the 10 days, so a 350-pound chiller and a 90-pound system have the same window.
| Initial test | Follow-up test | |
|---|---|---|
| When | Within 30 days of exceeding the leak rate, or 120 days if an industrial process shutdown is required | Within 10 days of the successful initial test, or of reaching normal operation if evacuated |
| Refrigerant | Done before any refrigerant is added | Done once the appliance is back to normal, where it is safe and possible to do so |
| If it fails | More repairs and tests are allowed within the time period | More repairs and tests are allowed within the time period |
Who keeps the record
The owner or operator must keep the dates and results of all verification tests. That includes the location of the appliance and of the repaired leaks, and the type of test used (40 CFR 82.157(l)(5)).
Keep practicing
- EPA leak repair rules
- The leak rate that applies to cold storage
- How often leak inspections are required at 500 pounds or more
- EPA 608 Type 3 practice test
- EPA 608 Type 3 mock exam
Unofficial, not affiliated with the EPA or any EPA-approved certifying organization. Questions are original practice written from public EPA material, not real exam questions.