What should be done before the system is recharged?
Leak detection · EPA 608 Type II. The correct answer, and the reasoning behind it.
Signs of leaks in high-pressure systems and leak testing before charging.
The question
A technician has just replaced a leaking evaporator coil on an R-22 system. What should be done before the system is recharged?
- Run the compressor briefly to check rotation
- Leak test the systemCorrect answer
- Add a small amount of oil
- Charge it by sight glass
Why “Leak test the system” is correct
EPA stresses the need to leak test before charging or recharging equipment. Finding a leak while the system holds only test gas avoids losing a new charge of refrigerant.
Source: EPA: Test Topics; 40 CFR 82.157(e)(1)
Why the other answers are wrong
- Run the compressor briefly to check rotation — Running a hermetic compressor on an evacuated system can damage it, and it is not a leak check.
- Add a small amount of oil — Adding oil is not a substitute for proving the system is tight.
- Charge it by sight glass — Charging before leak testing risks losing the new charge through an unfound leak.
Practice more of this
More EPA 608 Type II practice questions, or see every EPA 608 practice test.
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.