System dependent devices may only be used on appliances containing how much refrigerant?

• A. 10 lbs of refrigerant or less
• B. 15 lbs of refrigerant or less
• C. 20 lbs of refrigerant or less
• D. 25 lbs of refrigerant or less

Answer: (B)

System dependent devices, which inadvertently capture refrigerant from an appliance by relying on the system’s own pressure, are permitted for use only on appliances with 15 pounds of refrigerant or less. This regulation ensures that the system can be effectively evacuated without risking large amounts of refrigerant being released into the atmosphere.

The rationale behind this limit lies in safety and environmental considerations. Smaller systems are easier to manage and mitigate any potential leakage during the recovery process. Appliances containing more refrigerant are typically complex systems, which require more robust recovery methods and equipment to handle the greater quantities of refrigerant safely. This is in compliance with the EPA regulations designed to minimize the release of refrigerants that can contribute to ozone depletion and global warming.

Therefore, the limit of 15 pounds reflects best practices for ensuring that recovery processes are efficient while still protecting the environment, ensuring that technicians use the appropriate tools for refrigerant recovery based on the size of the appliance they are servicing.