after November 15, 1993, the air conditioning and refrigeration system must be evacuated to the levels indicated in Figure 15-8 and the recovery equipment must be certified by an EPA-approved equipment testing organization. Technicians repairing small appliances, such as household refrigerators, household freezers, and water coolers, are required to recover 80% to 90% of the refrigerant in the system, depending on the status of the system’s compressor. 15.9.1 Exceptions to Recovery Requirements If evacuation to the required levels is not attainable due to leaks, or if it would substan- tially contaminate the refrigerant being recov- ered, the person opening the system must: • Isolate leaking components from nonleaking components, wherever possible. • Evacuate nonleaking components to the required levels. • Evacuate leaking components to the lowest attainable level without substantially contami- nating the refrigerant. The level cannot exceed 0 psig (0 kPa). 15.9.2 Recovery Cylinders Recovery cylinders are heavy-duty refillable cylinders that must meet Department of Transportation (DOT) specifications. The color code for recovery cylinders is a gray bottom with yellow shoulders and top. See Figure 15-9. Avoid mixing refrigerants in a recovery cylinder. Label each recovery cylinder permanently and clearly. Always carry at least one refillable recovery cylinder for each type of refrigerant commonly used. Otherwise, when using only a single recovery cylinder, it must be emptied and evacuated before each use. Caution Damaged Cylinders Do not use dented, rusted, gouged, or damaged cylinders. Examine the cylinder valve assembly for leakage, damage, or tampering. 15.9 Recovery Requirements Technicians are required by law to use recovery systems to evacuate air conditioning and refrigeration equipment to established vacuum levels. If the recovery equipment was manufactured before November 15, 1993, the air conditioning and refrigeration system must be evacuated to the levels indicated in Figure 15-8. If the recovery equipment is manufactured on or Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 15-8. Required vacuum levels are based on the type of refrigeration appliance and the manufacture date of the recovery equipment. Recovery Requirements Type of Appliance Inches Mercury (in. Hg) Vacuum Using Equipment Manufactured: Before 11/15/93 On or After 11/15/93 HCFC-22 appliance normally containing less than 200 pounds of refrigerant 0 0 HCFC-22 appliance normally containing more than 200 pounds of refrigerant 4 10 Other high-pressure appliance normally containing less than 200 pounds of refrigerant (R-12, R-500, R-502, R-134a, R-401A, etc.) 4 10 Other high-pressure appliance normally containing more than 200 pounds of refrigerant (R-12, R-500, R-502, R-134a, R-401A, etc.) 4 15 Very high-pressure appliance (CFC-13, HCFC-503) 0 0 Low-pressure appliance (CFC-11, HCFC-123) 25 in. Hg vacuum 29.90 in. Hg (500 microns) Chapter 15 Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling 267 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.