Current-rule reference
EPA 608 Recovery & Evacuation Levels
Choose an appliance and recovery-equipment date for a quick answer, then check the complete table and exceptions below. The displayed values come from EPA's current service-practice summary and 40 CFR 82.156.
Quick finder
Find the listed level
A small appliance with a functioning compressor and post-1993 recovery equipment requires 90 percent recovery. Evacuation to 4 inches Hg vacuum is an alternative.
The Complete Evacuation Table
Values below are inches of mercury vacuum relative to standard atmospheric pressure of 29.9 inches Hg, except the low-pressure row, which is stated as millimeters of mercury absolute. This table excludes small appliances, MVACs, and MVAC-like appliances.
| Appliance | Pre-Nov. 15, 1993 equipment | On/after Nov. 15, 1993 equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Very-high-pressure appliance | 0 in. Hg vacuum | 0 in. Hg vacuum |
| High-pressure, full charge under 200 lb | 0 in. Hg vacuum | 0 in. Hg vacuum |
| High-pressure, full charge 200 lb or more | 4 in. Hg vacuum | 10 in. Hg vacuum |
| Medium-pressure, full charge under 200 lb | 4 in. Hg vacuum | 10 in. Hg vacuum |
| Medium-pressure, full charge 200 lb or more | 4 in. Hg vacuum | 15 in. Hg vacuum |
| Low-pressure appliance | 25 mm Hg absolute | 25 mm Hg absolute |
Small-Appliance Recovery Rules
- Recovery equipment was made before November 15, 1993; or
- The compressor is not functioning.
- Recovery equipment was made on or after November 15, 1993; and
- The compressor is functioning.
Alternative: A person may instead evacuate the small appliance to four inches of mercury vacuum.
Three Traps to Avoid
The table columns refer to when the recovery or recycling equipment was manufactured or imported.
The split is based on the appliance's full charge, not the amount recovered that day.
Low-pressure equipment uses 25 mm Hg absolute. Most other table values use inches Hg vacuum relative to atmosphere.
Important Exceptions
If leakage makes the table level unattainable or would substantially contaminate recovered refrigerant, isolate leaking from non-leaking components where possible. Evacuate non-leaking components to the listed level and leaking components to the lowest attainable level, no higher than 0 psig.
When the equipment will not be evacuated to the environment after a non-major repair, high- or very-high-pressure equipment must reach 0 psig before opening. Low-pressure equipment must be pressurized to 0 psig using an allowed method.
Practice the Table in Context
Independent educational reference; not affiliated with or endorsed by the EPA. It is not a substitute for current regulations, equipment instructions, employer procedures, or professional judgment.