Why must refrigerant be recovered from a refrigerator before brazing on its sealed system?

Safety · EPA 608 Type I. The correct answer, and the reasoning behind it.

Decomposition products of refrigerants at high temperatures, and safe handling.

The question

Why must refrigerant be recovered from a refrigerator before brazing on its sealed system?

• ARefrigerant makes the brazing alloy flow too fast
• BRecovery is needed only for charges over 5 pounds
• CRefrigerant vapor would put out the torch flame
• DTorch heat can turn refrigerant into toxic gasesCorrect answer

Why “Torch heat can turn refrigerant into toxic gases” is correct

Brazing heat on tubing that still holds refrigerant can decompose it into acids and, for chlorine-containing refrigerants, phosgene. Recovery is also required by 82.156(b) before the system is opened.

Source: EPA: Test Topics; 40 CFR 82.156(b)

Why the other answers are wrong

• Refrigerant makes the brazing alloy flow too fast — The concern is toxic decomposition, not how the alloy flows.
• Recovery is needed only for charges over 5 pounds — Small appliances must be recovered too before they are opened.
• Refrigerant vapor would put out the torch flame — The danger is decomposition, not losing the flame.

Practice more of this

More EPA 608 Type I practice questions, or see every EPA 608 practice test.