When was recovery equipment required to be certified by a lab?

Recovery equipment must be certified by a lab to ensure that it meets the safety and efficiency standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This requirement was established to protect the environment by ensuring that the equipment effectively captures and recycles refrigerants without releasing them into the atmosphere.

The date when this certification became mandatory is November 15, 1993. This date marks a significant step by the EPA in regulating the use and maintenance of refrigerants, as it aimed to reduce the harmful effects of refrigerants on the ozone layer and the environment as a whole. When recovery equipment is certified, it is tested for performance standards that align with federal regulations, providing assurance that it will minimize refrigerant emissions during the recovery process.

Understanding this requirement is crucial for technicians, as it highlights the importance of using properly certified recovery equipment as part of their responsibilities to comply with environmental regulations.