F-Gas Category II (IE) study guide
F-Gas Category II (IE) · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The F-Gas Category II (Ireland) credential is a competence certification for technicians who work on refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat-pump equipment containing fluorinated greenhouse gases, or on equipment containing ozone-depleting substances. It sits alongside the other operator categories and is aimed at people whose work involves the practical handling of these gases rather than solely managing a company's F-gas compliance obligations. The F-Gas Category II (IE) study guide has 5 sections and about 1,856 words.
01Legislation and obligations under the F-Gas and ODS Regulations
Fluorinated gases and ozone-depleting substances are controlled in Ireland by directly applicable EU law: the F-Gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573 (which replaced Regulation 517/2014) and the ODS Regulation (EU) 2024/590 (which replaced Regulation 1005/2009), supported by national regulations. The EPA is the competent authority; certification of technicians and registration of companies is delivered through approved certification bodies.
360 words, about 2 min02Environmental impact of fluorinated greenhouse gases and ODS
Candidates must never confuse GWP and ODP. GWP (global warming potential) compares a gas's 100-year warming effect with CO2 = 1 and is the basis of every F-Gas threshold.
366 words, about 2 min03Leak checking, containment and record keeping
Periodic leak checks apply to equipment containing 5 tCO2e or more , and the interval shortens as the charge grows: Charge No leak detection system With fixed leak detection system --- --- --- 5 to <50 tCO2e every 12 months every 24 months 50 to <500 tCO2e every 6 months every 12 months 500 tCO2e or more every 3 months every 6 months Hermetically sealed equipment containing less than 10 tCO2e is exempt from periodic checks (but not from record keeping or competent handling). Where a fixed leak detection system is claimed, it must be tested at least annually and alarmed.
368 words, about 2 min04Recovery, recycling, reclamation and disposal of refrigerants
Examiners test these definitions constantly. Recovery : collecting refrigerant from a system into a container, without any processing.
382 words, about 2 min05Safe handling, charging, commissioning and decommissioning
Work to a written procedure, wear gloves and eye protection, work in ventilated space, and never use a naked flame to search for leaks - use an electronic detector or soap solution suitable for the refrigerant. Pressure testing is done with oxygen-free nitrogen (OFN) and a regulator; never use oxygen or compressed air, which can ignite with oil and cause an explosion.
380 words, about 2 min