Are flashcards effective for the EPA 608 exam?

Yes. Flashcards use active recall — retrieving an answer from memory — which research shows is one of the most effective study methods, especially in short, spaced sessions. They're ideal for the exam's heavy load of definitions, refrigerant names, and exact recovery numbers.

What topics do the EPA 608 flashcards cover?

All four sections: Core (ozone, regulations, recovery, safety), Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure appliances), and Type III (low-pressure chillers) — including the recover/recycle/reclaim definitions and required recovery levels.

How should I study with these EPA 608 flashcards?

Start with the Core deck — it's required of everyone. Then drill the section(s) you need (or all three for Universal). Mix the modes: flip to learn, type to test recall, match for speed, and quiz to check yourself before a full practice test.

Are the EPA 608 flashcards free?

Yes — 100% free, all four study modes, no paywall.

Do these flashcards match the current EPA 608 exam?

Yes. The cards are organized to the current EPA Section 608 structure — Core plus Type I, II, and III — and reflect current rules, including the venting prohibition and the AIM Act HFC phasedown.

What does GWP stand for?

Global Warming Potential — how much heat a gas traps over time, relative to carbon dioxide (1.0).

What does CFC stand for?

Chlorofluorocarbon — an early refrigerant (e.g., R-12) with high ozone depletion potential.

What does HCFC stand for?

Hydrochlorofluorocarbon — a transitional refrigerant (e.g., R-22) with lower ODP than a CFC.

What does HFC stand for?

Hydrofluorocarbon — a chlorine-free refrigerant (e.g., R-410A) with zero ODP but high GWP.

What does HFO stand for?

Hydrofluoroolefin — a newer refrigerant (e.g., R-1234yf) with zero ODP and very low GWP.

What law is Section 608 part of?

The Clean Air Act — the U.S. federal law the EPA uses to regulate refrigerant handling.

Is venting refrigerant legal?

No. Knowingly venting refrigerant during service, repair, or disposal has been illegal since 1995.

What is a de minimis release?

A small, unavoidable release of refrigerant during good-faith recovery — not treated as illegal venting.

What does 'recover' mean?

Remove refrigerant from an appliance and store it in an external container, without cleaning or testing it.

What does 'recycle' mean?

Clean recovered refrigerant on-site (oil separation, filter-driers) for reuse in the same owner's equipment.

What does 'reclaim' mean?

Reprocess refrigerant to like-new purity meeting AHRI 700 and verify it chemically — the only refrigerant resold to a new owner.

Which of the three R's can be resold to a new owner?

Only reclaimed refrigerant — it must meet the AHRI 700 purity standard and be lab-verified.

What purity standard must reclaimed refrigerant meet?

AHRI 700 — the industry standard for like-new refrigerant purity.

Who may legally buy regulated refrigerant?

Only technicians certified under Section 608 (or 609 for motor-vehicle AC); the rule now covers most HFCs.

Does EPA 608 certification expire?

No — it is a one-time, lifetime credential with no renewal or CEUs required.

Who administers the EPA 608 exam?

EPA-approved certifying organizations (e.g., ESCO Institute, Mainstream Engineering, HVAC Excellence) — not the EPA itself.

Where is the protective ozone layer located?

In the stratosphere, well above the weather at ground level.

What does stratospheric ozone protect us from?

Harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

What health effects does ozone depletion increase?

Higher rates of skin cancer and cataracts from increased ground-level UV radiation.

Why can a leaked CFC damage ozone years later?

It is so stable it drifts up to the stratosphere, where UV light eventually frees its chlorine.

What frees chlorine from a CFC molecule?

Ultraviolet (UV) light in the stratosphere splits the molecule and releases a chlorine atom.

How does one chlorine atom harm ozone?

It acts as a catalyst, destroying thousands of ozone molecules before it is removed.

GWP is measured relative to which substance?

Carbon dioxide (CO₂), which is set at a GWP of 1.0.

ODP is measured relative to which substance?

CFC-11, which is set at an ODP of 1.0.

Can a refrigerant have zero ODP but high GWP?

Yes — HFCs like R-410A do not deplete ozone but still trap a lot of heat (high GWP).

What is the Montreal Protocol?

The 1987 international treaty that set the schedule for phasing out ozone-depleting substances.

Why were HCFCs phased out after CFCs?

HCFCs were lower-ODP transitional refrigerants, so CFCs (the worst for ozone) were eliminated first.

How can a technician still get R-22 to service old equipment?

By using recovered, recycled, or reclaimed R-22 from existing stock — no new R-22 is produced.

The American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020, directing the EPA to phase down high-GWP HFCs.

What does the AIM Act target — ozone or climate?

Climate (GWP). HFCs have zero ODP, so the AIM Act phases them down for their warming potential.

What is the single most important rule of Section 608?

It is illegal to knowingly vent regulated refrigerant during service, maintenance, or disposal.

Color of a refrigerant recovery cylinder?

Gray body with a yellow top (shoulder).

Maximum fill of a recovery cylinder?

80% of capacity by weight — liquid refrigerant expands as it warms and can rupture an overfilled cylinder.

Why must a recovery cylinder never be filled past 80%?

Liquid refrigerant expands as temperature rises; an overfilled cylinder can rupture.

How often must a recovery cylinder be hydrostatically tested?

Every 5 years (DOT requirement).

Can disposable refrigerant cylinders be refilled?

No — it is illegal to refill a disposable (one-time-use) cylinder.

What must be done to a disposable cylinder before disposal?

Evacuate it to a deep vacuum so it is empty before recycling the metal.

What hazard does refrigerant vapor pose in a confined space?

Asphyxiation — the vapor displaces oxygen; ventilate and use an oxygen-deprivation monitor.

What injury can liquid refrigerant cause to skin or eyes?

Frostbite — it is extremely cold; wear gloves and eye protection.

What can happen if refrigerant contacts an open flame?

It can form toxic gases (such as phosgene) — never expose refrigerant to a flame.

An EPA-certified facility that reprocesses used refrigerant to AHRI 700 purity for resale.

Your FREE EPA 608 Flashcards 2026 – 200+ Cards

Realistic, EPA 608 exam-style flashcards across Core plus Type I, II, and III — flip, match, type, and quiz yourself.

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EPA 608 Flashcards

What does ODP stand for?: Ozone Depletion Potential — how much a substance harms stratospheric ozone, relative to CFC-11 (1.0).
What does GWP stand for?: Global Warming Potential — how much heat a gas traps over time, relative to carbon dioxide (1.0).
What does CFC stand for?: Chlorofluorocarbon — an early refrigerant (e.g., R-12) with high ozone depletion potential.
What does HCFC stand for?: Hydrochlorofluorocarbon — a transitional refrigerant (e.g., R-22) with lower ODP than a CFC.
What does HFC stand for?: Hydrofluorocarbon — a chlorine-free refrigerant (e.g., R-410A) with zero ODP but high GWP.
What does HFO stand for?: Hydrofluoroolefin — a newer refrigerant (e.g., R-1234yf) with zero ODP and very low GWP.
What law is Section 608 part of?: The Clean Air Act — the U.S. federal law the EPA uses to regulate refrigerant handling.
Is venting refrigerant legal?: No. Knowingly venting refrigerant during service, repair, or disposal has been illegal since 1995.
What is a de minimis release?: A small, unavoidable release of refrigerant during good-faith recovery — not treated as illegal venting.
What does 'recover' mean?: Remove refrigerant from an appliance and store it in an external container, without cleaning or testing it.
What does 'recycle' mean?: Clean recovered refrigerant on-site (oil separation, filter-driers) for reuse in the same owner's equipment.
What does 'reclaim' mean?: Reprocess refrigerant to like-new purity meeting AHRI 700 and verify it chemically — the only refrigerant resold to a new owner.
Which of the three R's can be resold to a new owner?: Only reclaimed refrigerant — it must meet the AHRI 700 purity standard and be lab-verified.
What purity standard must reclaimed refrigerant meet?: AHRI 700 — the industry standard for like-new refrigerant purity.
Who may legally buy regulated refrigerant?: Only technicians certified under Section 608 (or 609 for motor-vehicle AC); the rule now covers most HFCs.
Does EPA 608 certification expire?: No — it is a one-time, lifetime credential with no renewal or CEUs required.
Who administers the EPA 608 exam?: EPA-approved certifying organizations (e.g., ESCO Institute, Mainstream Engineering, HVAC Excellence) — not the EPA itself.
Where is the protective ozone layer located?: In the stratosphere, well above the weather at ground level.
What does stratospheric ozone protect us from?: Harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
What health effects does ozone depletion increase?: Higher rates of skin cancer and cataracts from increased ground-level UV radiation.
Why can a leaked CFC damage ozone years later?: It is so stable it drifts up to the stratosphere, where UV light eventually frees its chlorine.
What frees chlorine from a CFC molecule?: Ultraviolet (UV) light in the stratosphere splits the molecule and releases a chlorine atom.
How does one chlorine atom harm ozone?: It acts as a catalyst, destroying thousands of ozone molecules before it is removed.
GWP is measured relative to which substance?: Carbon dioxide (CO₂), which is set at a GWP of 1.0.
ODP is measured relative to which substance?: CFC-11, which is set at an ODP of 1.0.
Can a refrigerant have zero ODP but high GWP?: Yes — HFCs like R-410A do not deplete ozone but still trap a lot of heat (high GWP).
What is the Montreal Protocol?: The 1987 international treaty that set the schedule for phasing out ozone-depleting substances.
When was the Montreal Protocol signed?: 1987.
Why were HCFCs phased out after CFCs?: HCFCs were lower-ODP transitional refrigerants, so CFCs (the worst for ozone) were eliminated first.
When did R-22 production and import end in the U.S.?: January 1, 2020.
How can a technician still get R-22 to service old equipment?: By using recovered, recycled, or reclaimed R-22 from existing stock — no new R-22 is produced.
What is the AIM Act?: The American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020, directing the EPA to phase down high-GWP HFCs.
What does the AIM Act target — ozone or climate?: Climate (GWP). HFCs have zero ODP, so the AIM Act phases them down for their warming potential.
By how much does the AIM Act phase down HFCs?: About 85% over 15 years.
What is the single most important rule of Section 608?: It is illegal to knowingly vent regulated refrigerant during service, maintenance, or disposal.
Color of a refrigerant recovery cylinder?: Gray body with a yellow top (shoulder).
Maximum fill of a recovery cylinder?: 80% of capacity by weight — liquid refrigerant expands as it warms and can rupture an overfilled cylinder.
Why must a recovery cylinder never be filled past 80%?: Liquid refrigerant expands as temperature rises; an overfilled cylinder can rupture.
How often must a recovery cylinder be hydrostatically tested?: Every 5 years (DOT requirement).
Can disposable refrigerant cylinders be refilled?: No — it is illegal to refill a disposable (one-time-use) cylinder.
What must be done to a disposable cylinder before disposal?: Evacuate it to a deep vacuum so it is empty before recycling the metal.
What hazard does refrigerant vapor pose in a confined space?: Asphyxiation — the vapor displaces oxygen; ventilate and use an oxygen-deprivation monitor.
What injury can liquid refrigerant cause to skin or eyes?: Frostbite — it is extremely cold; wear gloves and eye protection.
What can happen if refrigerant contacts an open flame?: It can form toxic gases (such as phosgene) — never expose refrigerant to a flame.
What is a reclaimer?: An EPA-certified facility that reprocesses used refrigerant to AHRI 700 purity for resale.
What is a halogenated leak detector?: An electronic detector that finds halogen-containing refrigerant leaks (CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs).
What is the dielectric strength concern with refrigerants?: Some refrigerants conduct or react in ways that matter for electrical safety; follow manufacturer handling rules.
What recordkeeping is required when disposing of appliances?: Records showing refrigerant was recovered before disposal must be kept per EPA requirements.
Which Clean Air Act section covers motor-vehicle AC?: Section 609 — Section 608 covers stationary equipment.
What is a 'substitute' refrigerant under EPA rules?: A non-ozone-depleting refrigerant (often an HFC or HFO) used in place of a CFC or HCFC.
Does the venting prohibition cover HFCs?: Yes — the prohibition was extended to most HFC substitute refrigerants, not just ozone-depleting ones.
What is dehydration (evacuation) of a system?: Pulling a deep vacuum to remove moisture and noncondensables before charging.
What unit is used for deep-vacuum dehydration?: Microns (1 micron = 0.001 mm Hg); about 500 microns is a typical deep-vacuum target.
What instrument confirms a deep vacuum near 500 microns?: A micron (vacuum) gauge.
Why remove moisture from a refrigeration system?: Moisture forms acids and ice, causing corrosion, restrictions, and component failure.
What is an A2L refrigerant?: A mildly flammable, low-toxicity refrigerant class (e.g., many HFOs) used as a low-GWP replacement.
Why is R-410A's GWP a concern under the AIM Act?: It has a high GWP, so it is being phased down even though it has zero ODP.
What is virgin refrigerant?: Newly manufactured refrigerant that has never been used, meeting purity specifications.
What does 'self-contained' recovery equipment mean?: Active recovery gear with its own compressor that can pull refrigerant from an appliance on its own.
What does 'system-dependent' recovery mean?: Passive recovery that uses the appliance's own compressor or pressure; allowed only on small appliances.
What is the pressure-temperature (P/T) relationship?: For a given refrigerant, pressure and saturation temperature change together — read with a P/T chart.
Why must recovery equipment be certified?: To prove it meets EPA performance standards for how much refrigerant it recovers.
What is a major benefit of recovering refrigerant vs venting?: It prevents ozone depletion and climate impact and conserves valuable refrigerant for reuse.
What is a 'small appliance' under Section 608?: A product fully manufactured, charged, and hermetically sealed at the factory with 5 lb or less of refrigerant.
What charge size defines a small appliance?: 5 pounds or less of refrigerant.
Besides 5 lb, what makes a unit a small appliance?: It must be fully manufactured, charged, and hermetically sealed at the factory.
Is a field-charged unit a small appliance?: No — a field-assembled or field-charged unit is never a small appliance, regardless of charge.
Give examples of small appliances.: Household refrigerators, freezers, window AC, PTACs, dehumidifiers, water coolers, and vending machines.
Type I recovery: compressor running?: Recover at least 90% of the charge (post-Nov 15 1993 equipment).
Type I recovery: compressor not running?: Recover at least 80% of the charge (post-Nov 15 1993 equipment).
Why is the recovery target higher with the compressor running?: A working compressor helps push refrigerant out, so more (90%) can be recovered.
What date marks the higher recovery-equipment standards?: November 15, 1993 — the cutoff for the higher post-1993 recovery efficiencies.
Which equipment allows system-dependent (passive) recovery?: Only small appliances.
What is system-dependent recovery?: Passive recovery using the appliance's own compressor or internal pressure to push refrigerant out.
Can passive recovery be used on a large rooftop AC?: No — system-dependent recovery is permitted only on small appliances.
What is the recovery requirement if you don't know if the compressor works?: Treat it as non-operating: recover at least 80% of the charge.
Does Type I cover disposal of small appliances?: Yes — Type I covers both servicing and disposal of small appliances.
Is the Type I exam open-book?: Through some EPA-approved organizations it can be taken open-book and proctored by mail.
What is a piercing (saddle) valve used for on a small appliance?: To access a sealed system for recovery; it taps into the line for the recovery device.
What is a passive recovery device's main limitation?: It depends on the appliance's own pressure/compressor, so it works only on small charges (small appliances).
A small appliance has a seized compressor; you recover 82%. Compliant?: Yes — 80% is the minimum when the compressor is inoperative.
What refrigerants are common in small appliances?: Historically R-12 and R-134a in refrigerators; R-600a (isobutane) in many newer units.
What is R-600a?: Isobutane — a low-GWP, mildly flammable hydrocarbon refrigerant used in many small appliances.
Why handle hydrocarbon refrigerants (R-600a, R-290) carefully?: They are flammable; follow special handling, charge limits, and ignition-source precautions.
What is R-290?: Propane — a flammable hydrocarbon refrigerant used in some self-contained small appliances.
Must recovery equipment for small appliances be certified?: Yes — it must meet the recovery standards for post-1993 small-appliance equipment.
What is a packaged terminal air conditioner (PTAC)?: A self-contained through-the-wall unit (hotels, apartments) that is typically a small appliance.
What's the recovery rule for a household refrigerator with a running compressor?: Recover at least 90% of the charge.
What does Type II certification cover?: High- and very high-pressure appliances — split AC, heat pumps, and supermarket refrigeration racks.
Name common high-pressure (Type II) refrigerants.: R-22, R-410A, R-404A, and R-407C.
What is R-22?: A high-pressure HCFC historically used in residential and commercial AC; production/import ended in 2020.
What is R-410A?: A very high-pressure HFC that replaced R-22 in modern AC and heat pumps; zero ODP, high GWP.
How does R-410A's pressure compare to R-22's?: R-410A operates at substantially higher pressures, so tools and recovery gear must be rated for it.
What is R-404A typically used in?: Commercial and supermarket refrigeration (a high-pressure HFC).
Type II recovery level for a charge of 200 lb or less?: 0 inches of mercury vacuum (atmospheric), with post-1993 equipment.
Type II recovery level for a charge over 200 lb?: 10 inches of mercury vacuum, with post-1993 equipment.
What charge size changes the Type II recovery vacuum?: 200 pounds — above it, the required vacuum increases (to 10 in. Hg with post-1993 gear).
What unit are Type II recovery levels measured in?: Inches of mercury (in. Hg) vacuum.
At what charge do leak-repair requirements apply?: Appliances containing 50 pounds or more of refrigerant.
Leak-repair trigger for comfort-cooling appliances?: An annual leak rate above 10%.
Leak-repair trigger for commercial refrigeration?: An annual leak rate above 20%.
Leak-repair trigger for industrial process refrigeration?: An annual leak rate above 30%.
How soon must a triggering leak generally be repaired?: Within 30 days of discovery (or follow an approved retrofit/retirement plan).
What confirms a leak repair worked?: A follow-up verification (leak) test confirming the leaks are fixed.
Why do leak rules target large systems (50+ lb)?: Large charges leaking at high rates release the most refrigerant, so repair is most beneficial.
What recovery equipment do high-pressure systems require?: Self-contained (active) recovery equipment — not passive recovery.
What vacuum is used to dehydrate a high-pressure system?: About 500 microns (a deep vacuum), measured with a micron gauge.
Why dehydrate a system to ~500 microns?: To remove moisture and noncondensables before recharging.
What is superheat?: The temperature of refrigerant vapor above its saturation temperature — used to check charge.
What is subcooling?: The temperature of liquid refrigerant below its saturation temperature — used to check charge.
What is R-407C used for?: As an R-22 retrofit replacement refrigerant (a high-pressure HFC blend).
Why can't you use R-22 gauges on R-410A?: R-410A's higher operating pressure requires gauges and equipment rated for those pressures.
What is a high-pressure cutout switch?: A safety control that shuts the system down if discharge pressure rises too high.
Which Type II number pair matters most for recovery?: 200 lb charge cutoff and 0 vs 10 in. Hg vacuum (≤200 lb vs >200 lb, post-1993).
What is a 'very high-pressure' appliance?: Equipment using refrigerants like R-410A or R-13 that operate at especially high pressures (covered by Type II).
Can an HFC system trigger leak-repair requirements?: Yes — leak-repair requirements have been extended to substitute refrigerants such as HFCs.
What does Type III certification cover?: Low-pressure appliances — centrifugal chillers that operate under a vacuum.
What defines a low-pressure appliance?: It uses a refrigerant that boils below atmospheric pressure, so the low side runs under a vacuum.
Name common low-pressure (Type III) refrigerants.: R-11 and R-123 (HCFCs), and R-1233zd (a low-GWP HFO replacement).
What is R-11?: The traditional low-pressure refrigerant in older centrifugal chillers; a CFC, now phased out.
What is R-123?: The HCFC replacement for R-11 in low-pressure chillers; lower ODP but more toxic.
What is R-1233zd?: A near-zero-ODP, very-low-GWP HFO refrigerant used in newer low-pressure chillers.
Type III recovery level (post-1993 equipment)?: 25 mm Hg absolute.
What does 'mm Hg absolute' mean?: A pressure measured from a perfect vacuum — not a reading on a standard vacuum gauge.
Why is Type III recovery given as 'absolute' not 'vacuum'?: Low-pressure systems run under a vacuum, so the target is set from a perfect vacuum (25 mm Hg absolute).
In a low-pressure chiller, do leaks let refrigerant out or air in?: Air and moisture leak IN, because the low side operates below atmospheric pressure.
Why does air leak into a low-pressure chiller?: Its low side is below atmospheric pressure, so higher outside pressure pushes air inward.
What are noncondensables?: Gases like air and nitrogen that don't condense; they raise condensing pressure and cut efficiency.
What does a purge unit do?: Removes air and noncondensable gases from a low-pressure chiller while retaining the refrigerant.
What does excessive purging indicate?: An air leak letting noncondensables into the system — find and fix it.
Why are high-efficiency purge units preferred?: They release far less refrigerant per unit of air purged than older designs.
What protects a low-pressure chiller vessel from over-pressure?: A rupture disc, typically set around 15 psig.
At about what pressure does a low-pressure rupture disc relieve?: Around 15 psig.
What gas is used to leak-test a low-pressure system?: Dry nitrogen — inert, so it won't form a combustible mixture with the oil.
Why not use oxygen to pressurize a low-pressure system?: Oxygen can combine with refrigeration oil to form a combustible/explosive mixture.
Why not pressurize a low-pressure chiller to 30 psig?: It exceeds the ~15 psig rupture disc and would burst the disc.
Between R-11 and R-123, which has lower ODP?: R-123 has the lower ozone depletion potential.
What's the safety trade-off with R-123?: Lower ODP than R-11, but higher toxicity — needs ventilation and exposure monitoring.
What happens when air accumulates in a low-pressure chiller?: It raises condensing pressure and reduces system efficiency.
What kind of compressor do low-pressure chillers use?: A centrifugal compressor.
What recovery equipment do low-pressure appliances require?: Self-contained (active) recovery equipment designed for low-pressure work.
What is ozone (chemical formula)?: O₃ — a molecule of three oxygen atoms that, in the stratosphere, absorbs UV radiation.
What is the troposphere?: The lowest atmospheric layer where weather occurs; ground-level ozone here is a pollutant, not protective.
Why is ground-level ozone different from stratospheric ozone?: Ground-level ozone is smog (harmful to breathe); stratospheric ozone shields Earth from UV.
What is R-12?: A common CFC refrigerant (high ODP) once used in refrigerators and car AC; now banned from production.
What is R-134a?: An HFC refrigerant (zero ODP, high GWP) widely used in refrigeration and older mobile AC.
What is a blend (zeotropic) refrigerant?: A mix of refrigerants whose components boil at different temperatures, causing temperature glide.
What is temperature glide?: The temperature range over which a zeotropic blend evaporates or condenses; charge as a liquid.
Why charge a zeotropic blend as a liquid?: To keep the blend's proportions correct; charging as vapor can fractionate the components.
What is fractionation of a refrigerant blend?: Separation of a blend's components so the mix no longer matches its spec — avoid by liquid charging.
What agency enforces Section 608?: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Can you be fined for venting refrigerant?: Yes — illegal venting can result in significant civil penalties under the Clean Air Act.
What is an EPA-certified recovery machine?: Equipment tested and certified to meet EPA recovery performance standards.
What is the difference between a CFC and an HCFC?: An HCFC contains hydrogen, making it less stable and lower-ODP than a CFC.
Why does adding hydrogen lower a refrigerant's ODP?: The hydrogen makes the molecule break down lower in the atmosphere, so less chlorine reaches the ozone layer.
What is the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP)?: An EPA program that reviews and lists acceptable substitute refrigerants.
What does it mean if a refrigerant is 'phased out'?: Its production and import are banned on a schedule (e.g., CFCs, then HCFCs).
What does it mean if a refrigerant is 'phased down'?: Its production/consumption is reduced over time but not fully banned — e.g., HFCs under the AIM Act.
What PPE protects against liquid-refrigerant frostbite?: Gloves and eye protection (safety glasses or goggles).
What monitor warns of an oxygen-deficient atmosphere?: An oxygen-deprivation (oxygen) monitor.
What is a deep vacuum used for besides dehydration?: To verify a system holds vacuum (a leak/standing-vacuum test) and to remove noncondensables.
What does 'hermetically sealed' mean?: Factory-sealed so the refrigerant circuit is airtight and closed.
What is an overfill-protection device on a cylinder?: A float or shutoff that prevents filling a recovery cylinder past the safe 80% level.
Why keep records of recovered refrigerant?: EPA requires recordkeeping to verify proper recovery, recycling, reclamation, and disposal.
What's the purpose of a filter-drier in recycling?: To remove moisture and contaminants from refrigerant during on-site recycling.
What is the main goal of the three R's?: To keep refrigerant out of the atmosphere by reusing it rather than venting and replacing it.
Why is a window AC a small appliance but a split AC isn't?: The window unit is factory-sealed and charged; the split system is field-assembled and field-charged.
What is the recovery requirement label '90/80' shorthand for?: 90% recovery with the compressor running, 80% with it not running (small appliances).
Can a vending machine be a small appliance?: Yes — if it's factory-sealed with 5 lb or less of refrigerant.
Is a dehumidifier a small appliance?: Yes — typically factory-sealed with a small charge.
What tool accesses a sealed small-appliance system?: A piercing/saddle (line-tap) valve to connect the recovery device.
Does Type I allow active (self-contained) recovery too?: Yes — you may use self-contained equipment on small appliances; passive is also allowed only here.
If a small-appliance compressor works, what % must you recover?: At least 90% of the charge.
If a small-appliance compressor is dead, what % must you recover?: At least 80% of the charge.
Why might you recover less when the compressor is off?: Without the compressor's help, the standard is set lower (80%).
What's a key flammable-refrigerant precaution for small appliances?: Control ignition sources and follow charge limits for R-600a/R-290 hydrocarbon refrigerants.
What is a split-system air conditioner?: A field-installed AC with separate indoor and outdoor units — a Type II high-pressure appliance.
What is a heat pump?: A reversible AC that heats or cools; high-pressure equipment under Type II.
Why must a 250-lb system be recovered deeper than a 150-lb one?: Over 200 lb the required vacuum increases (to 10 in. Hg with post-1993 gear).
Is a 150-lb high-pressure system recovered to 0 or 10 in. Hg?: 0 in. Hg — it is at or below the 200-lb cutoff.
Is a 250-lb high-pressure system recovered to 0 or 10 in. Hg?: 10 in. Hg vacuum — it is above the 200-lb cutoff (post-1993 gear).
Does a 60-lb leaking comfort-cooling system trigger repair?: Yes if it exceeds the 10% annual leak rate (it's over the 50-lb threshold).
Does a 30-lb system fall under the leak-repair rule?: No — leak-repair requirements apply at 50 lb or more.
What's the recordkeeping after a major leak repair?: Document the leak rate, repair, and the follow-up verification test.
Why is R-410A called a 'very high-pressure' refrigerant?: It operates at notably higher pressures than R-22, requiring higher-rated equipment.
What is a micron gauge used for on a high-pressure system?: To confirm a deep evacuation (about 500 microns) during dehydration.
What is a P/T (pressure-temperature) chart used for?: To find a refrigerant's saturation temperature at a given pressure when checking charge.
What is a recovery-only vs recovery/recycle machine?: Recovery-only just removes refrigerant; a recovery/recycle machine also cleans it on-site.
What is a centrifugal chiller?: A large cooling machine using a centrifugal compressor — typically a low-pressure (Type III) appliance.
Why is R-11 considered low-pressure?: It boils below atmospheric pressure, so the system operates under a vacuum at normal temperatures.
How do you identify a low-pressure appliance in the field?: Its low side sits in a vacuum during operation (below atmospheric pressure).
What's the leak concern unique to low-pressure chillers?: Air and moisture leaking IN (not refrigerant leaking out), because of the internal vacuum.
What pressure unit identifies a Type III recovery question?: 'mm Hg absolute' (25 mm Hg) — distinct from Type II's inches of mercury vacuum.
What's the effect of noncondensables on a chiller?: They raise condensing pressure and lower efficiency.
What signals an air leak on a low-pressure chiller?: A purge unit running far more frequently than normal.
Why pressurize with nitrogen below 15 psig when leak-testing?: To stay under the rupture-disc setting and avoid bursting the disc.
Compared with R-11, is R-123 more or less toxic?: More toxic — it requires greater attention to ventilation and exposure monitoring.
What replaces R-11/R-123 with near-zero environmental impact?: R-1233zd, a low-GWP, near-zero-ODP HFO.
What does a rupture disc on a chiller do?: Relieves excess pressure (around 15 psig) to protect the vessel from rupturing.
Why is oxygen dangerous for pressurizing a chiller?: It can react with the refrigeration oil to form a combustible or explosive mixture.

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Free EPA 608 flashcards from Career Employer — active recall for the Section 608 exam

Why Flashcards Work for the EPA 608 Exam

Core is the largest block at 88 cards, and it feeds every certification type you might sit for. The cards drill refrigerant identification, atmospheric science, and the handling rules that sit behind the regulations, mixing prompts like What is R-12? and What is R-134a? with policy cards such as What is the AIM Act? and abbreviation checks like the card that asks What does ODP stand for?

Type II — High-Pressure holds 40 cards covering the refrigerants and diagnostics you meet in residential and commercial split systems. Expect refrigerant cards such as What is R-22? and What is R-410A?, measurement fundamentals behind What is superheat? and What is subcooling?, and service logic in the card that asks What confirms a leak repair worked?

Type III — Low-Pressure has 37 cards built around chillers and the vacuum-side behavior that makes them different. You get refrigerant cards like What is R-11? and What is R-123?, equipment questions such as What does a purge unit do? and What is a centrifugal chiller?, plus pressure-reading prompts like the card that asks What does ’mm Hg absolute’ mean?

Type I — Small Appliances rounds out the deck with 35 cards on sealed systems and the recovery methods that apply to them. Hydrocarbon refrigerants show up in What is R-290? and What is R-600a?, scope questions appear in prompts like Is a dehumidifier a small appliance?, and procedure gets covered by What is system-dependent recovery?

The EPA 608 exam is dense with terminology and exact figures — refrigerant classes, the three R’s, recovery percentages, and vacuum levels.^[2] Spaced flashcards are the most efficient way to keep it all fresh. Used alongside our practice test and study guide, they turn review time into measurable progress.

EPA 608 Flashcards by Section

The cards are organized by the four official exam sections. Everyone should start with Core, then drill the type section(s) they need — or all three for Universal:^[1]

EPA 608 flashcards by exam section
Section	What it covers
Core	Ozone & climate, ODP/GWP, phase-out, venting rule, the three R's, cylinders, safety
Type I — Small Appliances	Small-appliance definition, 90%/80% recovery, passive vs active recovery
Type II — High-Pressure	R-22/R-410A, recovery vacuum (0/10 in. Hg), 50-lb leak thresholds
Type III — Low-Pressure	R-11/R-123 chillers, 25 mm Hg absolute, purge units, rupture disc

How to Get the Most Out of These Flashcards

Start with Core. At 88 cards it is the biggest domain and the one every certification type depends on, so weak Core recall will drag down each specialty section.
Type-drill the refrigerant numbers. Cards like What is R-22? and What is R-123? blur together fast, and typing the term forces you to separate high-pressure from low-pressure families.
Use Match for the definition pairs. Short abbreviation and equipment cards, the kind behind What does GWP stand for? and What is a reclaimer?, pair quickly and expose the ones you only half know.
Move to the practice test once Quiz holds steady. When Core and your chosen type both return clean rounds, switch over to sit with full-length questions and the study guide.
Keep the cadence small. Work one domain per session in blocks rather than running all 200 cards at once, then Flip through missed cards again before the next block.

EPA 608 Flashcards FAQ

Hundreds of free EPA 608 flashcards, organized across all four exam sections — Core plus Type I, Type II, and Type III — covering ozone science, regulations, refrigerant recovery, and the numbers you must memorize. They're free with no account required.

References

1.U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Section 608 Technician Certification Requirements.” epa.gov. ↑
2.U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling Equipment Requirements.” epa.gov. ↑
3.U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Phaseout of Ozone-Depleting Substances.” epa.gov. ↑

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