When must recovery equipment used for appliances be certified by an EPA approved laboratory?

The requirement for recovery equipment used for appliances to be certified by an EPA-approved laboratory stems from regulations aimed at ensuring safe and effective refrigerant recovery practices. Specifically, the cutoff date established by the EPA for this certification is November 15, 1993.

This date was chosen to allow for a transition period following the implementation of regulations regarding the safe disposal of refrigerants and the phasing out of ozone-depleting substances. The certification ensures that the recovery equipment meets specific performance and safety standards, thereby protecting the environment and ensuring compliance with federal regulations.

Understanding this regulation is crucial for anyone working with refrigerants, as it reflects the importance of using equipment that has been properly validated for environmental safety and performance prior to its use in the field.