A small appliance suffered a compressor motor burnout. What may the high heat of the burnout have left in the 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
A small appliance suffered a compressor motor burnout. What may the high heat of the burnout have left in the system?
- Extra refrigerant produced by the heat
- Pure nitrogen from the motor windings
- Acids formed from the refrigerant and oilCorrect answer
- Nothing, because hermetic systems are sealed
Why “Acids formed from the refrigerant and oil” is correct
The high temperatures of a motor burnout can decompose refrigerant and oil, leaving acids in the system. Technicians should treat the refrigerant and oil from a burnout as contaminated and avoid skin contact with them.
Source: EPA: Test Topics
Why the other answers are wrong
- Extra refrigerant produced by the heat — Heat breaks refrigerant down; it does not create more of it.
- Pure nitrogen from the motor windings — Burnouts do not produce nitrogen in the system.
- Nothing, because hermetic systems are sealed — Being sealed keeps the decomposition products inside the system.
Practice more of this
More EPA 608 Type I practice questions, or see every EPA 608 practice test.
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