EPA 608-Tips for Passing the Exam

It is a good practice to make sure all of your dip switches are set to the factory position on all of your flow selector boxes during installation. If the dip switches are not set in the factory position you will have L11 and E17 error codes to follow. You can verify the factory dip switch settings by looking at access door on the flow selector box. The L11 and E17 error codes can also be caused by wiring issues, good wiring practices can prevent having problems.

Changing dip switches on your flow selectors is not necessary because all of your flow selector addresses and port numbers are set using and codes 00FE and 0105 on your thermostat. Making sure your flow selector address and your flow selector port address is correct will make the start up process much easier. If care is taken and you have a good understanding of the wiring and installation of a VRF system the start up process can be close to seamless.

L11- Detected indoor unit address, Flow selector unit not connected.

E17- Communication trouble between indoor unit and flow selector unit.

Once you have logged in, you will need to save the equipment current configurations by choosing: “SAVE CONFIGS TO A FILE”. Align the arrow on the SAVE CONFIGS TO FILE option and press ENTER. Then press ENTER to make the STOP flash, use the UP or DOWN arrows to change the STOP to START and press ENTER. Once this is done, Choose Option 5 to UPGRADE SOFTWARE. Then scroll down to “FIND APPLICATION FILE” and press ENTER to change NO to YES.

“ENTER PASSWORD” prompt with masked input showing “1***” on a pale blue screen

Then press ENTER to choose the USB Product Folders:

Retro device screen showing software update progress, completion, and boot messages

Then select the Product Software: Once selected press ENTER.

Blue text on a white screen reading “LC PRODUCT SOFTWARE:” with two numbers below.

Brass valves and red handles on a black machine panel, with copper pipes and fittings.

So, you want to take the EPA exam. We have had many techs take the exam this past year. We offer this exam primarily as an on-line class with the tech using their laptop with a camera. We originate the class thru the zoom format. We’ll normally send the tech a couple of correspondence emails to ensure we have the correct email address to send the web address to sign in on class day. The tech can take the class and exam at the office or at their residence. They will need internet to log in to the class.

Test Requirements

Some questions have been asked by many techs and service managers. Why can’t my tech use his phone or tablet? Well, this is a very good question. We have had some techs to use their phone to view the review of the class, but problems with this sometimes occur. The tech’s phone has lost battery power usually while they are taking the test. Once the test is lost, many times the tech will need to retake the entire exam. Also, not everyone can see and hear on their cell phone or tablet as well as a laptop. Many times there is not a camera on the phone or tablet for us to view the techs. We need to record the techs during the exam to ensure the credibility of the exam. We do not recommend using a cell phone or tablet – please make sure each tech has access to a laptop with a camera.

Preparing for the Test

If you or your techs are going to take the EPA 608 review and exam, we can offer several preparation tips. Once your tech is signed up, our personnel send the tech study material to the email address that is given. It is very important for the tech to read and review the study material sent to the email address. So, a bit of advice. Please keep in touch with the tech to ensure he indeed does receive the study material as well as information leading the tech to the ESCO home page and directions to the practice study questions for all four areas of the EPA 608 which include core, type 1, type 2, and type 3. We have asked many techs who earned their Universal card, what was their preparation? Each without fail stated they studied the material we sent them, and listened closely to the presentation.

Receiving your EPA card

One clear advantage of taking the EPA 608 on-line is you get your results immediately. The tech will receive their EPA card in a week to 10 business days. Once the tech receives their card, they need to make a copy and get both laminated. We advise storing the original card in a safe place. By getting your cards laminated, the tech can ensure moisture won’t deteriorate the card. Also, should you lose your card, make another copy of your original card.

What if a technician doesn't pass?

So, the tech didn’t pass all sections, how does this work? The tech must pass core to get any certifications. If the tech passed core and type 1 only, they would receive a type 1 certification. If the tech passes core and type 2, they will receive a type 2 certification. If the tech passes all sections, core, type 1, type 2, and type 3, they will receive a Universal Card. We urge all techs to study hard to earn their Universal card.

Also, unless the tech misuses their card and is investigated and charged a violation by the EPA, the card is a lifetime card. They never have to get their card renewed. It is the techs responsibility to keep up with the trade and the different refrigerants and equipment introduced in the HVACR industry.

A2L refrigerant updates

The EPA 608 preparation class materials and certification were updated a few years ago to include the new A2L, flammable and slightly flammable refrigerants. This information is subject to change with innovations in the HVACR industry. So, it is the technician’s responsibility to keep up with the HVACR industry. We at Mingledorff’s offer Fall and Spring Updates each year and a monthly newsletter to keep the contractors, technicians, and all affiliated with the trade, updated as much as possible. Keep in mind though we cannot in anyway have all the information that is needed during these updates. The technicians need to constantly keep in touch with their equipment manufacturers, salesman, read current periodicals, and search equipment websites to stay up to date with the HVACR trade.

Now that you have read and understand how to receive your EPA 608 Universal card, lets get to it. Start studying and get that Universal card.

Disclaimer: The technical statements, information and recommendations contained herein are believed to be accurate as of the date hereof, but Mingledorff’s does not make representations or warranties, express or implied, as to its accuracy, its completeness, or the results to be obtained. The information is being provided for informational purposes only and is intended for use by persons having adequate skill and expertise regarding the proper selection, use and application of the products and recommendations and at their own risk and discretion.

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