EPA 608 Type I Master 2025: Small Appliances

Type I certification is specifically for technicians who service **small appliances**. Under EPA 608 regulations, these are defined as systems that are hermetically sealed and factory-charged with **5 pounds or less** of refrigerant.

What is a Small Appliance?

Common examples include household refrigerators, freezers, room air conditioners, and water coolers. It is important to note that MVAC (Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning) systems do **not** fall under Type I; they require Section 609 certification.

Active vs. Passive Recovery

Technicians must understand the two methods for extracting refrigerant from small systems:

• Active (Self-Contained) Recovery: Uses its own compressor to pump refrigerant into a recovery tank.
• Passive (System-Dependent) Recovery: Relies on the appliance's own compressor or the pressure differential between the system and a non-pressurized recovery bag.

Using Pressure-Temperature (PT) Charts

On the Type I exam, you will be asked how to identify a refrigerant inside a cylinder or system. If the temperature is known, you can use a **PT Chart** to find the corresponding pressure.

If the measured pressure does not match the PT chart for the ambient temperature, the refrigerant is likely contaminated with non-condensables (air).

Leak Repair Requirements

Unlike Type II or Type III systems, the EPA does **not** mandate leak repair for Type I small appliances. However, it is considered best practice and is always recommended for environmental protection.