Why use a tubing cutter instead of a torch?

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 technician must open the tubing of a household refrigerator that uses R-290. Why use a tubing cutter instead of a torch?

• AA torch would freeze the tubing
• BA flame could ignite any propane left in the systemCorrect answer
• CTubing cutters are required on every appliance by law
• DPropane makes copper too hard to braze

Why “A flame could ignite any propane left in the system” is correct

R-290 is propane, a flammable hydrocarbon. Any refrigerant left in the tubing could ignite if exposed to an open flame, so the system is opened with a cutter and ignition sources are kept away.

Source: EPA: Test Topics; 40 CFR 82.154(a)

Why the other answers are wrong

• A torch would freeze the tubing — A torch heats tubing; it does not freeze it.
• Tubing cutters are required on every appliance by law — The reason is the flammable refrigerant, not a general legal rule.
• Propane makes copper too hard to braze — The hazard is fire, not the copper's hardness.

Practice more of this

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