7.3 Type I: Special Considerations

7.3 Type I: Special Considerations

Several additional topics are specific to the Type I exam section and are commonly tested.

MVAC-Like Appliances

MVAC-like appliances are systems with less than 5 lbs of refrigerant that are used to condition passenger compartments of non-road vehicles (farm equipment, construction equipment, boats):

• These are serviced under Section 608 (NOT Section 609) despite being in vehicles
• They are NOT classified as small appliances
• Require Type I or Universal certification to service
• Recovery requirements may differ from standard small appliances

Room Air Conditioners with Hydrocarbon Refrigerants

As R-290 (propane) and R-600a (isobutane) become more common in small appliances:

• Additional fire safety precautions are needed
• The small charge amounts (typically under 150 grams) minimize explosion risk
• Recovery equipment must be rated for flammable refrigerants
• Ensure adequate ventilation during service
• No open flames or ignition sources near the work area

System-Dependent Recovery: Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Identify the refrigerant — check the appliance nameplate
2. Attach the recovery device to the appliance via process tube or line tap valve
3. If compressor runs: Start the compressor and operate recovery device simultaneously. The compressor pushes refrigerant to the high side, and the recovery device captures it.
4. If compressor does NOT run: Open the connection between the appliance and recovery container. Allow pressure equalization to move refrigerant to the container.
5. Use heat and agitation if needed to release trapped refrigerant from oil
6. Monitor recovery — continue until the required level (90%/80% or 4-inch vacuum) is achieved
7. Seal the access point after recovery is complete
8. Record the recovery — document the amount and type of refrigerant recovered

Common Type I Exam Scenarios

Scenario 1: Disposing of an old household refrigerator

• Must recover ALL accessible refrigerant before disposal
• The last person in the disposal chain is responsible
• Even small amounts of refrigerant must be recovered

Scenario 2: Window AC unit that will not be repaired

• Refrigerant must still be recovered before disposal
• Cannot simply discard the unit with refrigerant inside
• Use a line tap valve if no service port exists

Scenario 3: Dehumidifier with non-working compressor

• Use self-contained recovery (has its own compressor)
• Or use system-dependent recovery with pressure differential
• Must achieve 80% recovery or 4-inch vacuum
• Heat the unit to release trapped refrigerant from oil

Type I Equipment-Specific Concerns

For the Exam: Type I is focused on: the 5-lb definition, 90%/80% recovery rates, 4-inch vacuum level, system-dependent vs. self-contained recovery, trapped refrigerant techniques, and identifying old/unusual refrigerants. MVAC-like appliances are covered under Section 608, not 609.