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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/epa-pressure-decay-not-inspection

For big ozone-depleting appliances, does a standing pressure decay test alone count as a leak inspection?

No. A leak inspection has to find the leak's location.

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  1. Yes, if it runs 24 hours
  2. Yes, if done with nitrogen
  3. No, it shows leaking but not where the leak is ✔

Why: EPA defines a leak inspection as examining the appliance to determine the location of leaks. Pressure decay tests, sight glass checks and charging charts can show leaking, but must be paired with a method that locates the leak.

Huh, didn't know that: Accepted methods include ultrasonic tests, gas-imaging cameras and bubble tests.

The dad joke
Why did the sports car fail its test? It couldn't handle the pressure.
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References

Answer: No, it shows leaking but not where the leak is. EPA defines a leak inspection as examining the appliance to determine the location of leaks. Pressure decay tests, sight glass checks and charging charts can show leaking, but must be paired with a method that locates the leak.

  1. EPA's Refrigerant Management Program: Questions and Answers for Section 608 Certified Technicians www.epa.gov/section608/epas-refrigerant-management-program-questions-and-answers-section-608-certified
    A leak inspection is the examination of an appliance to determine the location of refrigerant leaks.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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