EPA Section 608 Refrigerant Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (11–20)

Question 1

Who is required to be EPA-certified before purchasing regulated refrigerant in containers smaller than 20 pounds?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

A certified technician. The sale of regulated refrigerant in containers smaller than 20 pounds is restricted to EPA Section 608 certified technicians. Since January 1, 2018, this sales restriction also applies to HFC and other substitute refrigerants.

Question 2

Which EPA Section 608 certification type covers servicing all sizes and types of appliances?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Universal. A Universal certification is earned by passing the Core section plus the Type I, Type II, and Type III sections, qualifying the technician to service small appliances, high-pressure, and low-pressure equipment.

Question 3

A disposable (non-refillable) refrigerant cylinder should be:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Never refilled. Disposable cylinders are DOT-approved for a single use only. Refilling them is illegal and dangerous because they are not built or tested for repeated pressurization.

Question 4

When filling a refrigerant cylinder, the maximum it should be filled (by volume) is:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

80%. A refrigerant cylinder must never be filled past 80% of its volume by liquid. The remaining space allows the liquid to expand safely if the temperature rises, preventing hydrostatic rupture.

Question 5

Recovery cylinders are required to be:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

DOT-approved and color-coded gray with a yellow top. Refillable recovery cylinders must be DOT-approved pressure vessels. The recognized color code for a recovery cylinder is a gray body with a yellow shoulder/top.

Question 6

Which gas should be used to pressure-test a refrigeration system for leaks?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Dry nitrogen. Dry nitrogen (often with a trace of refrigerant for detection) is used to pressure-test for leaks. Oxygen and compressed air must never be used because mixing them with refrigerant oil under pressure can cause a violent explosion.

Question 7

Refrigerant exposed to an open flame or very high temperature can decompose into:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Toxic gases such as phosgene and hydrochloric acid. When refrigerant contacts an open flame or a hot surface, it can break down into highly toxic and corrosive products such as phosgene, hydrofluoric acid, and hydrochloric acid. Always ventilate the area.

Question 8

Liquid refrigerant contacting the skin or eyes can cause:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Frostbite and blindness. Liquid refrigerant boils at a very low temperature, so contact with skin or eyes can cause severe frostbite. Eye contact can cause blindness, so safety goggles and gloves should always be worn.

Question 9

A large refrigerant leak in an enclosed, poorly ventilated space is dangerous mainly because the refrigerant can:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Displace oxygen and cause asphyxiation. Most refrigerants are heavier than air and can accumulate near the floor of a confined space, displacing oxygen and creating an asphyxiation hazard.

Question 10

Which oil is generally required with HFC refrigerants such as R-134a and R-410A?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Polyolester (POE) oil. HFC refrigerants are not compatible with mineral oil; they require synthetic polyolester (POE) lubricant. Mineral and alkylbenzene oils were used with CFCs and HCFCs.

EPA Section 608 Refrigerant Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (11–20)

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