F-Gas English Low GWP

All questions
HFC | Flammable | CO₂ | NH₃
Easy questions | Medium questions | Difficult questions

1

Difficult

What additional protective equipment will you use when brazing systems containing HC refrigerants?


A high-visibility vest
Ear defenders
Latex gloves
A flammable gas detector

2

Difficult

Why can’t a sealed high-pressure switch be replaced with a standard mechanical one in a system containing a flammable refrigerant?


There is a risk of refrigerant leakage
It is a potential source of ignition
The pressure switch setting will not be correct
Dust and moisture may enter

3

Difficult

What is the minimum (recommended) distance from a work area with HC refrigerants within which there must be no sources of ignition?


3 m
0.5 m
2 m
1 m

4

Difficult

What is the maximum safe R32 fill of a recovery cylinder approved for flammable gas that holds 20 kg of R410A (the liquid density of R32 is about 8-10% lower)?


20 kg
33 kg
9 kg
18 kg

5

Difficult

What is the maximum charge of an A3 refrigerant for a hermetic display cabinet with an integral condenser located in the ground-floor sales area of a supermarket?


10 kg
1.0 kg
0,494 kg
2.5 kg

6

Difficult

How can a vacuum pump be used safely to evacuate a system containing a flammable refrigerant?


Place the pump directly on the floor, as low as possible
Position the pump at least 3 m above floor level
Ignition-source-free pump, good ventilation, exhaust to a safe place
Such systems need not be evacuated before charging

7

Difficult

What safety measure must you carry in your vehicle when transporting flammable refrigerant cylinders?


Thick gloves
A fire blanket
Tinted safety goggles
A fire extinguisher

8

Difficult

How would you prepare a 10 kg R32 water chiller located outdoors for debrazing its joints?


Vent the R32 outdoors and purge the system
Vent the R32 outdoors, then fill and vent the system with nitrogen three times
Recover the R32 to a vacuum, then fill the system with nitrogen to a slight positive pressure (approx. 0.1 bar g)
Recover the R32 to a vacuum and start desoldering immediately

9

Medium

What is R1270?


Isobutane
Propane
n-Butane
Propene (propylene)

10

Difficult

Which of the following leak detection methods should NOT be used to locate an HC refrigerant leak?


Electronic HFC leak detector
Soapy water solution
Leak detection foam
Electronic leak detector for flammable refrigerants

11

Difficult

What is the most important difference between a flammable refrigerant recovery unit and a standard one?


A different colour for the station
Different low-pressure switch setting
A flammable refrigerant recovery unit has no ignition sources
Different connection sizes

12

Difficult

Which of the following is a source of ignition?


A sealed NTC temperature sensor
An 'n'-type (non-sparking) thermostat
A contactor (sparking contacts)
An Ex-certified fan motor

13

Difficult

What particularly hazardous substance is formed when R32 burns?


Hydrogen chloride (HCl)
Phosgene
Hydrogen fluoride (HF)
Sulphur dioxide (SO₂)

14

Difficult

What type of refrigerant is R1234ze(E)?


HCFC (hydrochlorofluorocarbon)
CFC (chlorofluorocarbon)
HFO (hydrofluoroolefin)
HC (hydrocarbon)

15

Difficult

What hazards does a safety group A3 refrigerant pose?


Higher toxicity, moderate flammability
Higher toxicity, higher flammability
Lower toxicity, higher flammability
Lower toxicity, moderate flammability

16

Difficult

According to EN 378, what is the maximum R290 charge in a cold room measuring 5 m × 3 m × 2.5 m (LFL of R290 = 0.038 kg/m³, access category a, location class I, no additional measures))?


1.0 kg
0.285 kg
4.93 kg
1.5 kg

17

Difficult

What is the approximate ratio of the volumetric cooling capacity of R32 to that of R410A (same compressor and conditions)?


approx. 1.05–1.1
approx. 0.6
approx. 1.3
approx. 0.75

18

Difficult

Why are Ex-certified evaporator fan motors used in some systems with flammable refrigerants?


Because they are more reliable
To avoid a source of ignition in the event of a flammable refrigerant leak
Because they must be kept running continuously to disperse the leaking refrigerant
Because they are more energy-efficient

19

Difficult

Why is the density difference between HC and HFC refrigerants important?


Because HCs operate at much higher pressures
Because HCs must be charged much more slowly than HFCs
An HC charge in kg is roughly half that of an HFC
Because it determines the system's energy efficiency

20

Difficult

What is the GWP of R290 according to Annex VI to Regulation (EU) 2024/573?


7
675
150
0.02

21

Difficult

Which of the following is NOT a source of ignition?


An unsealed mechanical pressure switch
A light switch
An Ex-certified fan motor
An electrical switch

22

Difficult

What is R290?


Propane
Butane
Propene (Propylene)
Isobutane

23

Difficult

What is the maximum A2L charge for a hermetic display cabinet with integral condenser in the ground-floor sales area of a supermarket?


1.5 kg
150 g
1.2 kg
2.5 kg

24

Difficult

Why can’t a standard relay be fitted when retrofitting a compressor’s electrical system for flammable refrigerants?


The method of starting the compressor motor differs from that used with HFCs
It could be a source of ignition
Current consumption differs for compressors using flammable refrigerants compared to those using HFCs
A relay is never required for compressors using flammable refrigerants

25

Difficult

What is the minimum (recommended) distance from a work area with HC refrigerants within which there must be no ignition sources?


10 m
5 m
3 m
1 m

26

Difficult

A recovery cylinder holds 10 kg of R404A (filling ratio 0.82 kg/l). What is the maximum R290 charge for this cylinder (propane filling ratio 0.43 kg/l per ADR P200)?


approx. 17 kg
approx. 8 kg
approx. 5.2 kg
20 kg

27

Difficult

How can a vacuum pump be used safely to evacuate a system containing R290?


R290 systems need not be evacuated before charging
Position the pump at least 3 m above floor level
Place the pump directly on the floor, as low as possible
Ignition-source-free pump, good ventilation, exhaust to a safe place

28

Difficult

Under ADR, what equipment must you carry in your vehicle when transporting flammable refrigerant cylinders (under the 1.1.3.6 exemption)?


Tinted safety goggles
A fire extinguisher (at least 2 kg dry powder)
A fire blanket
Thick gloves

29

Difficult

How do you make sure it is safe to light the torch for desoldering joints in a system from which a flammable refrigerant has been removed?


Ensure good ventilation and check the work area with a flammable gas detector
Such joints must never be desoldered; they must be cut with a pipe cutter
Purge the system with compressed air
Working outdoors is sufficient

30

Difficult

How would you prepare a system containing 100 g of R1270 for debrazing, if local regulations allow controlled venting of small HC quantities?


Vent the R1270 outdoors and start brazing immediately
Vent the R1270 into the room and open a window
Recover the R1270 to a vacuum and start brazing immediately without a nitrogen purge
Vent the R1270 to a safe outdoor location, then purge with OFN three times (pressurise and vent), and braze with OFN flowing

31

Difficult

Which method should NOT be used to locate an R290 leak?


An electronic detector for flammable refrigerants
Fluorescent dye and UV lamp (if approved by the manufacturer)
An electronic leak detector designed for HFCs
Leak detection foam

32

Difficult

Why can’t recovery stations designed for HFCs be used with R600a?


They contain ignition sources
The oil in the recovery unit is not soluble in R600a
The low-pressure switch setting will not be suitable for R600a due to its lower operating pressure
The recovery unit cannot withstand the working pressure of R600a

33

Difficult

According to EN 378, what is the maximum R1234ze(E) charge in a cold room measuring 5 m × 3 m × 2.5 m (LFL = 0.303 kg/m³, access category a, location class I, no additional measures)?


2.27 kg
227 kg
618 kg
6.18 kg

34

Difficult

What type of refrigerant is R32?


Hydrocarbon
Hydrofluorocarbon
Carbon dioxide
Hydrofluoroolefin

35

Difficult

What hazards do A2L refrigerants pose?


Lower toxicity, higher flammability
Lower toxicity, lower flammability (burning velocity ≤ 10 cm/s)
Higher toxicity, lower flammability
Higher toxicity, higher flammability

36

Difficult

What hazard is associated with the combustion of HFO or HFC refrigerants?


Ozone is formed
Hydrogen fluoride (HF) is formed
Nitrous oxide is formed
Phosgene is formed

37

Difficult

Approximately what compressor displacement is required for R600a compared with R134a for the same cooling capacity?


About half
The same
About seven times as large
About twice as large

38

Difficult

What is the GWP value for R32 according to Regulation (EU) 2024/573?


3
675
0
7

39

Difficult

Why is charge accuracy more important in critically charged R290 systems than in HFC systems?


Because such systems never have liquid receivers
Because of lower operating pressures
The charge mass is much smaller than in an HFC system, because the liquid density of R290 is much lower
Because R290 is only used in systems below 150 g

40

Difficult

Why does the condenser fan run continuously in some systems using R1270?


To ensure that the discharge pressure never becomes excessive
To reduce energy consumption
To prevent the build-up of contaminants in the condenser
To dilute the refrigerant in the event of a leak

41

Medium

What is the main design difference in hydrocarbon refrigeration systems?


Lower energy efficiency
The need to eliminate ignition sources and limit the charge because of the refrigerant's flammability
No need for safety measures
Higher operating pressures

42

Medium

How do compressors used in hydrocarbon systems differ?


There is no difference
They must operate at higher pressures than HFC compressors
They need no lubrication
They must be approved by the manufacturer for the specific flammable refrigerant (e.g. electrical components that are not ignition sources, suitable oil)

43

Difficult

What must the label of a flammable refrigerant cylinder include?


The refrigerant name, the UN number, the hazard label (e.g. 2.1 – flammable gas) and basic safety information
Only the net weight
Information about the cylinder owner
Only the refrigerant name

44

Difficult

Why is the absence of a 'flammable refrigerant' label on equipment a serious hazard?


It reduces system efficiency
It may lead to the use of tools that are ignition sources
It may lead to the wrong oil being selected
It has no significant effect on safety

45

Difficult

Which set of information on the label of a flammable refrigerant cylinder is crucial from a safety perspective?


Gross weight and batch number
Cylinder colour and date of manufacture
Manufacturer’s name and country of origin
Name of the substance, hazard label (ADR) / GHS pictogram (CLP), UN number

46

Easy

What is the requirement regarding the labelling of an installation containing a flammable substance?


Colour-coding of pipes is sufficient
Labelling is not required for hermetically sealed systems
Labelling is required only in technical rooms
The labelling must indicate the type of substance and the flammability hazard

47

Easy

What are the potential consequences of using unsuitable connections in a system containing a flammable substance?


No impact on safety
Risk of leakage and the formation of an explosive mixture
Merely a reduction in efficiency
Merely installation difficulties

48

Difficult

What is the purpose of gas detectors in a room with a refrigeration system?


Early leak detection and triggering of measures preventing health risks and explosive atmospheres (alarm, ventilation, shut-off)
Measuring refrigerant temperature
Monitoring pipe pressure
Controlling compressor capacity

49

Difficult

How often should gas detection sensors in a machinery room be checked?


Before every start-up of the unit
According to the manufacturer's instructions and regulations – at least every 12 months
Only after a leak has occurred
Once every 5 years

50

Difficult

Where should a gas detector be located according to EN 378?


Near the control panel
Only at the room entrance
Where the refrigerant would accumulate: low (near the floor) for refrigerants heavier than air, high (near the ceiling) for lighter ones such as NH₃
Anywhere in the room

51

Easy

How should an employee respond when a gas alarm is triggered?


Switch off the system and wait for the alarm to stop
Reduce the pressure in the system
Carry on working until they see a leak
Leave the room immediately and notify their supervisor

52

Difficult

What safety checks should be carried out when installing a new refrigeration system with a flammable refrigerant?


The presence of health and safety signage, adequate ventilation and gas detectors
Only that the air filter is new
Only the compressor power
The colour of pipes and hoses

53

Easy

Gas detectors should be installed in rooms where:


Any refrigerant is present, regardless of the quantity
Ventilation is natural
The room is less than 5 m²
The amount of refrigerant exceeds a specified permissible threshold

54

Difficult

What are the requirements for emergency exits from a refrigeration machinery room?


Outward-opening doors and signed escape routes (number of exits per the standard)
At least two exits are required and signage is optional
One exit with a sign stating the refrigerant type is sufficient
In small machinery rooms emergency exits need not be signed

55

Difficult

Which installation measure for a flammable-refrigerant system improves its energy efficiency?


Omitting the filter-drier
A thorough tightness test and evacuation (dehydration) of the system
Charging above the nameplate quantity
Restricting room ventilation

56

Easy

How do leaks affect systems using flammable refrigerants?


They cause refrigerant loss, reduced efficiency and a fire hazard
They lower the temperature
They improve efficiency
Have no effect

57

Difficult

Why is it important to limit the refrigerant charge in HC systems?


It lowers the temperature
It increases capacity
It doesn't matter
It limits the possibility of reaching a flammable concentration (≥ LFL) in a leak, increasing safety

58

Easy

Why is the cleanliness of heat exchangers in HC systems important?


Causes leaks
It doesn’t matter
It improves heat transfer and reduces energy consumption
It increases the pressure

59

Easy

What maintenance measures improve the efficiency of a system using a flammable refrigerant?


Increasing the refrigerant charge
Disabling safety devices
Lack of servicing
Regular checks for leaks and operating parameters

60

Easy

How does the correct selection of components affect a system using a flammable refrigerant?


It lowers the temperature
It ensures safe and optimal operation and minimises energy losses
It increases the amount of refrigerant
It doesn’t matter

61

Easy

Why is it important to use the correct service tools in HC systems?


It doesn’t matter
Causes leaks
It increases energy consumption
It ensures operational safety and reduces refrigerant losses

62

Easy

How does pipe insulation affect the efficiency of systems containing HC?


Causes leaks
It doesn’t matter
It increases the pressure
It reduces energy losses and improves efficiency

63

Difficult

What hazards are associated with a safety group A3 refrigerant?


Higher toxicity, no flame propagation
Higher flammability, lower toxicity
Lower flammability, lower toxicity
Lower toxicity, no flame propagation

64

Difficult

What is the GWP of R32 (per AR4, as used in Regulation (EU) 2024/573)?


0
3922
675
6

65

Difficult

What factors are taken into account when determining the maximum charge for comfort air-conditioning/heating applications?


Lower flammability limit, room volume
Practical limit, room volume
Lower flammability limit, height of the indoor unit, floor area
Practical limit, height of the indoor unit, floor area

66

Difficult

What compressor displacement is required for R1270 compared with an R404A compressor in the medium-temperature range (cold room)?


Similar
About 6 times larger
About 1.5 times larger
About half

67

Medium

What distinguishes class 2L refrigerants from class 2?


A maximum burning velocity of no more than 10 cm/s
No lower flammability limit
Higher toxicity
Heat of combustion above 19 MJ/kg

68

Medium

What is the lower flammability limit (LFL) of propane R290?


Approx. 0.038 kg/m³ (approx. 2.1% by volume)
Approx. 0.38 kg/m³
Approx. 1.8 kg/m³
Approx. 0.307 kg/m³

69

Difficult

What is the maximum R290 charge per circuit of a commercial refrigerating appliance (e.g. a cabinet) according to EN IEC 60335-2-89:2022?


1.2 kg
1.5 kg
150 g
13 × LFL ≈ 494 g

70

Difficult

Calculate the maximum R32 charge (LFL = 0.307 kg/m³) for a wall-mounted air conditioner (h₀ = 1.8 m) in a 20 m² room using m_max = 2.5 × LFL^1.25 × h₀ × A^0.5.


approx. 1.5 kg
approx. 4.6 kg
approx. 13.8 kg
approx. 0.46 kg

71

Medium

Equipment marked 'Ex II 3G' may be used in zone:


0
1
20 (dusts)
2 (explosive gas atmosphere unlikely and short-lived)

72

Medium

How is explosion hazard zone 2 defined?


An explosive atmosphere is present continuously or for long periods
An explosive atmosphere is not likely in normal operation and, if it occurs, persists only for a short period
An area where flammable refrigerants are never used
An explosive atmosphere is likely to occur in normal operation

73

Medium

Under which UN number is propane (R290) carried under ADR?


UN 3252
UN 3337
UN 1978
UN 1005

74

Difficult

What is the maximum quantity of R290 (class 2, group F) that may be carried per transport unit under the ADR 1.1.3.6 exemption?


333 kg
20 kg
Unlimited
1000 kg

75

Medium

At what concentration should a portable flammable gas detector used for R290 work raise an alarm at the latest?


At 100% of LFL
No higher than 25% of LFL
At 5% propane by volume
At 150% of LFL

76

Medium

How should a recovery cylinder be prepared before filling it with a hydrocarbon refrigerant?


Purge it with compressed air
Evacuate it (no air) and label it for the specific flammable refrigerant
Partly fill it with nitrogen to 5 bar
No preparation is needed

77

Medium

What is the correct approach in a risk analysis before work on an HC system?


The risk analysis is done after the work is finished
First eliminate hazard sources (e.g. ignition sources); where this is not possible, identify them and apply mitigating measures (ventilation, detection, PPE)
First select PPE, then possibly remove ignition sources
Having a fire extinguisher is sufficient

78

Difficult

What is the charge limit m₃ = 130 m³ × LFL for R290 (LFL = 0.038 kg/m³) according to IEC 60335-2-40?


approx. 0.15 kg
approx. 4.94 kg
approx. 0.99 kg
approx. 13 kg

79

Medium

Why must the charge of small, critically charged R290 systems be weighed to within a few grams during service?


Small charge deviations significantly change superheat/subcooling and efficiency, and overcharge increases the risk in a leak
Because scales are not needed – charging is done by sight glass
Because extra R290 improves efficiency
Because R290 is more expensive than HFCs