What is the EPA Type 2 Certification?
The EPA Type 2 certification covers high-pressure appliances that contain more than 5 pounds of refrigerant. This is the "bread and butter" certification for most residential and commercial HVAC technicians.
If you work on residential split systems, heat pumps, or commercial refrigeration units, you must have Type 2 (or Universal) certification.
Split system air conditioners are the most common Type 2 appliances.
Interactive Type 2 Questions
Test your knowledge on high-pressure systems.
Key Topic 1: Leak Repair Rates
Since 2019, the EPA has enforced stricter leak rate thresholds. You must memorize these numbers for the epa type 2 practice test. Failure to repair leaks within 30 days is a violation.
- Comfort Cooling (Residential AC): 10%
- Commercial Refrigeration: 20%
- Industrial Process Refrigeration: 30%
Exam Tip: Most questions about "a grocery store rack system" refer to Commercial Refrigeration (20%), while "an office building AC" refers to Comfort Cooling (10%).
Key Topic 2: Required Recovery Levels
This is the hardest part of the Type 2 exam. You must know the vacuum levels required when recovering refrigerant. Memorize this chart:
Key Rules to Remember:
- For appliances with less than 200 lbs of R-22 (HCFC): 0 inches Hg.
- For appliances with less than 200 lbs of R-410A (HFC): 0 inches Hg.
- For appliances with MORE than 200 lbs of R-22: 10 inches Hg.
- For appliances with MORE than 200 lbs of R-410A: 15 inches Hg.
Key Topic 3: Major Repairs
The EPA defines a "Major Repair" as any service involving the removal of the compressor, condenser, evaporator, or auxiliary heat exchanger coil.
Important Component Knowledge:
- Filter Drier: Must be replaced every time a system is opened for repair.
- Sight Glass: Used to check for moisture in the system (indicated by color change).
- Crankcase Heater: Prevents refrigerant from migrating to the oil during off-cycles.
Key Topic 4: Safety & Leak Detection
When searching for a leak in a Type 2 system, you should look for traces of oil. To pressure test a system, use dry nitrogen combined with a trace amount of refrigerant.
Warning: Never use oxygen or compressed air to pressurize a system, as it can cause an explosion when mixed with compressor oil.
Type 2 FAQs
No. Motor vehicle AC requires Section 609 certification. Type 2 is for stationary high-pressure appliances only.
No. The Type 2 exam is closed book and must be proctored.
You need to answer 18 out of 25 questions correctly (70%).
Yes. You cannot be certified in Type 2 unless you also pass the Core section.
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Ready to Pass Type 2?
Our EPA Type 2 practice test covers all leak rates, recovery levels, and system diagrams with detailed explanations.
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