An owner asks to convert an R-22 split system to propane or another hydrocarbon. What should the technician know?
Refrigeration · EPA 608 Type II. The correct answer, and the reasoning behind it.
Identifying refrigerants, system components and the state of refrigerant in each.
The question
An owner asks to convert an R-22 split system to propane or another hydrocarbon. What should the technician know?
- Hydrocarbons are approved drop-ins for R-22
- Hydrocarbons are approved for retrofits if the oil is changed
- Hydrocarbons are not approved for retrofitting these systemsCorrect answer
- Hydrocarbons are approved for retrofits under 50 pounds
Why “Hydrocarbons are not approved for retrofitting these systems” is correct
EPA's test outline states that hydrocarbons are not approved for retrofits. Retrofitting means converting an existing appliance from one refrigerant to another, and an R-22 system was never designed for a flammable refrigerant.
Source: EPA: Test Topics; 40 CFR 82.152
Why the other answers are wrong
- Hydrocarbons are approved drop-ins for R-22 — No hydrocarbon is an approved drop-in for R-22 equipment.
- Hydrocarbons are approved for retrofits if the oil is changed — Changing the oil does not make a hydrocarbon retrofit approved.
- Hydrocarbons are approved for retrofits under 50 pounds — Charge size does not create an approval for hydrocarbon retrofits.
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.