Does the advice to tap both the high and low sides of a small appliance with a dead compressor apply only to…

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

Identifying refrigerants, access valves, passive recovery and solderless fittings.

The question

Does the advice to tap both the high and low sides of a small appliance with a dead compressor apply only to passive devices?

• AYes, self-contained machines never need high-side access valves
• BNo, it applies to any recovery when the compressor won't runCorrect answer
• CYes, because passive devices are the only type allowed
• DNo, it applies only to appliances over 5 pounds

Why “No, it applies to any recovery when the compressor won't run” is correct

EPA's test topics state the need to install both high- and low-side access valves when recovering from small appliances with inoperative compressors, without limiting it to one equipment type. The problem is refrigerant trapped in the system, whatever pulls it out.

Source: EPA: Test Topics

Why the other answers are wrong

• Yes, self-contained machines never need high-side access valves — A self-contained machine still cannot pull trapped refrigerant through a stopped compressor quickly.
• Yes, because passive devices are the only type allowed — Both self-contained and system-dependent equipment may be used on small appliances.
• No, it applies only to appliances over 5 pounds — The advice is specifically about small appliances with inoperative compressors.

Practice more of this

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