What is the required recovery capability of recovery devices manufactured after November 15, 1993 for small appliances?

The correct answer focuses on the recovery capability that is mandated for recovery devices used with small appliances, which reflects the increased requirements established to ensure environmental safety and compliance with regulations. Specifically, recovery devices manufactured after November 15, 1993, are required to recover 90% of the refrigerant when the compressor is operating or to achieve a vacuum level of 4 inches of mercury.

This standard recognizes the challenge of recovering refrigerants effectively while minimizing potential emissions into the atmosphere. By specifying that either condition must be met, the regulation supports both operational efficiency during active refrigerant recovery and the ability to adequately manage remaining refrigerant when the system is off. This dual approach provides flexibility for technicians while ensuring a robust recovery process that helps protect the environment.

The other options do not meet the regulatory requirements: recovering 75% is insufficient, as is only recovering 100% of refrigerants at all times without allowing for operational variance. Achieving a vacuum without any refrigerant recovery is also not relevant to the operational recovery expectations. Hence, option B stands as the most comprehensive and compliant answer regarding recovery device capabilities for small appliances.