Appliance Service Technician Trade Skills

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Occupational Skills

Uses tools and equipment.

Uses hand tools.

knowledge of types of hand tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, pliers and nut drivers
knowledge of limitations of use of hand tools
ability to organize hand tools
ability to select hand tools
ability to maintain hand tools

Uses power tools.

knowledge of types of power tools such as impact tools, drills and vacuum pumps
knowledge of limitations of use of power tools
ability to organize power tools
ability to select power tools
ability to maintain power tools

Uses diagnostic and measuring tools.

knowledge of types of general purpose diagnostic and measuring tools such as multimeter and thermometer
knowledge of diagnostic and measuring tools for refrigeration systems such as weigh scales, charging cylinders and compound gauges
knowledge of diagnostic and measuring tools for gas systems such as combustible gas leak detector, carbon monoxide detector and manometers
ability to organize diagnostic and measuring tools
ability to select diagnostic and measuring tools
ability to calibrate diagnostic and measuring tools
ability to maintain diagnostic and measuring tools

Uses soldering and brazing equipment.

knowledge of types of soldering and brazing equipment such as torches and soldering guns
knowledge of soldering/brazing gases such as propane, butane and acetylene
knowledge of alloys and fluxes
knowledge of Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) regulations
knowledge of Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS)
knowledge of ventilation requirements
ability to recognize flammable materials
ability to match alloy to specific component to be soldered or brazed
ability to organize soldering and brazing equipment
ability to select soldering and brazing equipment
ability to maintain soldering and brazing equipment

Uses recovery equipment.

knowledge of operating procedures
knowledge of Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) regulations
knowledge of storage procedures for recovery equipment and pressurized gases
ability to perform maintenance such as changing oil and filter, and checking for leaks
ability to identify type of refrigerant
ability to organize recovery equipment
ability to select recovery equipment
ability to maintain recovery equipment

Uses personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety equipment.

knowledge of types of PPE such as goggles, gloves and safety boots
knowledge of location of PPE and safety equipment
knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety regulations
ability to select PPE and safety equipment
ability to maintain PPE and safety equipment
ability to use fire extinguisher

Uses computers.

knowledge of operating system
ability to use installed programs
ability to research on-line for information such as parts and documentation
ability to communicate with email and on-line chat

Organizes work.

Uses documentation.

knowledge of types of documentation such as manuals, charts and work orders
ability to locate information such as rating plates
ability to interpret and extract specific information
ability to access sections of jurisdictional codes such as plumbing, gas and electrical, applicable to the appliance service industry
ability to access Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
ability to document service information such as rating plate information, customer requests, appliance history, service details, estimates and billing

Communicates with others.

knowledge of public relations
ability to verify customer’s request
ability to educate customer about use and care of appliance
ability to use communication media such as telephones, two-way radios and email
ability to communicate with manufacturers
ability to communicate parts information when ordering parts
ability to communicate with supervisors
ability to consult with colleagues
ability to communicate with other tradespeople

Manages parts and materials.

knowledge of parts and materials required
ability to maintain stock of parts and materials
ability to order parts and materials

Verifies appliance and component operation following servicing or installation.

knowledge of normal appliance operations
knowledge of testing techniques
ability to test entire operation such as for leaks, noise, vibration, installation and performance

External Links

Removal And Installation Procedures

Prepares installation site.

Checks flooring support.

knowledge of types of flooring construction such as wood, floating floors and ceramic tile
knowledge of flooring requirements for various appliances
ability to visually inspect the flooring support
ability to identify unsuitable flooring

Verifies appliance location.

knowledge of appliance dimensions
knowledge of manufacturers’ specifications such as clearances required, accessibility and support requirements
ability to position appliance taking into consideration factors such as door swing, room size and accessibility
ability to measure dimensions such as cabinets and counter height

Verifies water, power, drain, venting and gas connections.

knowledge of manufacturers’ requirements
ability to access sections of jurisdictional codes such as plumbing, gas and electrical, applicable to the appliance service industry
ability to visually verify connection locations
ability to recognize unsuitable connections such as worn and damaged valves, and improper drain height and size

Updates venting.

knowledge of types of venting equipment such as dryers, gas appliances and over-the-range products
knowledge of venting requirements for various appliances
knowledge of types of venting materials such as aluminium, galvanized and plastic
knowledge of manufacturers’ specifications
ability to identify unsuitable venting
ability to plan venting layout
ability to clean existing venting
ability to upgrade existing venting system
ability to connect venting

Handles appliance.

Uncrates appliance.

knowledge of uncrating requirements such as tools, labour and space
knowledge of types of shipping materials such as suspension bolts, clips, styrofoam and tape
ability to follow manufacturers’ instructions for uncrating
ability to remove and dispose of crating materials
ability to remove shipping materials

Moves appliance.

knowledge of appliance weight and size
knowledge of moving procedures such as lifting points and tilting appliance
knowledge of required moving space
knowledge of when to use mechanical aids and protective materials
ability to perform proper lifting and moving procedures
ability to use mechanical aids such as dollies, straps and mechanical lifts
ability to protect flooring using aids such as mats and slides

Sets up appliance.

knowledge of levelling requirements of various appliances
ability to protect flooring and work area
ability to position appliance
ability to level appliance
ability to secure appliance

Disconnects/reconnects appliance.

Disconnects/reconnects water, power, drain, gas and venting.

knowledge of types of connection components such as hoses, compression fittings, wire nuts and clamps
knowledge of types of water and gas valves such as ball, gate and schraeder
knowledge of wire sizing and positioning
ability to cap off water, power, gas, drains and venting
ability to access utility shut-off locations
ability to shut off and turn on utilities
ability to prepare connections using materials such as thread sealer, hose gaskets and adhesives
ability to bleed/purge gas and water lines

Performs final inspection of connections.

knowledge of hose position and routing
knowledge of locations of protective covers and access panels
ability to test for and identify leaks
ability to check mechanical connections for water, gas and venting
ability to ensure secure electrical wiring
ability to reinstall protective covers and access panels

Converts gas appliances.

knowledge of types of gas such as propane and natural gas
knowledge of types of appliances that can be converted such as ranges, dryers and barbecues
knowledge of conversion procedures such as component replacement and adjusting gas pressure, valves and regulators
ability to replace and adjust orifices
ability to install regulators
ability to resize orifices

Electrical And Electronic Systems

Diagnoses electrical and electronic components.

Verifies power supply.

knowledge of power supply system
knowledge of testing procedures
ability to use meters and test equipment
ability to identify appliance power requirements according to rating plate
ability to ensure power availability

Inspects electrical and electronic components and circuits.

knowledge of electrical and electronic components such as switches, motors and PC boards
knowledge of component functions
knowledge of physical appearance of components
ability to identify defects such as burnt wires, loose connections and broken elements
ability to access components for testing
ability to verify integrity of circuit components such as wires, terminals, connectors and cables

Tests electrical and electronic components and circuits.

knowledge of types of procedures and test points for testing components and circuits such as continuity, voltage and amperage
knowledge of specified component values
ability to perform tests using equipment such as meters and test equipment
ability to interpret test results
ability to trace circuits

Reads schematics and flow charts.

knowledge of types of wiring diagrams such as schematics, pictorial and flow charts
ability to locate wiring diagrams on appliance
ability to interpret legends and symbols
ability to trace circuits on wiring diagrams

Performs electrical and electronic repair.

Repairs wiring and connectors.

knowledge of types of wires such as high temperature, solid and braided
knowledge of types of connectors such as high heat/low heat, weatherproof, heat-sealed and crimp-on
ability to identify connector and wire gauge ratings
ability to select wiring and connectors
ability to identify circuit faults
ability to replace wiring and connectors
ability to fasten connectors

Repairs electrical and electronic components.

knowledge of types of electrical components such as switches, elements and motors
knowledge of types of electronic components such as PC boards, relays and transformers
knowledge of electronic circuitry
knowledge of types of motors such as brushed, brushless, variable speed and AC/DC
ability to locate components requiring repair or replacement
ability to replace parts on components
ability to adjust controls and switches
ability to correct connections
ability to reprogram interface boards

Mechanical Systems

Diagnoses drive systems.

Performs sensory inspections.

knowledge of appliance make and model
knowledge of components and layout
knowledge of drive system operations and function
ability to identify components such as belts, clutches, pulleys and transmissions
ability to identify worn and failed parts
ability to identify abnormal sounds and smells

Tests drive system components.

knowledge of system operation
ability to access components
ability to identify the cause of failure
ability to identify worn and failed components
ability to isolate components for testing
ability to test run system

Assesses cabinets, consoles and suspension systems.

Visually inspects cabinets and consoles.

knowledge of types of appliance structure such as cabinets, doors and panels
knowledge of types of cabinet and console damage such as dents, scratches, distortions, cracks and paint defects
ability to access appliance structures
ability to identify damage and defect causes such as improper use, delivery damage and manufacturer error
ability to check operation of moving parts

Diagnoses suspension systems.

knowledge of types of suspension systems
knowledge of types of system components such as shocks, springs, snubbers and cables
ability to access suspension system
ability to identify worn, broken and loose components
ability to inspect components visually and by touch
ability to identify the cause of failure

Repairs drive systems.

Repairs drive system components.

knowledge of rebuilding procedures
knowledge of repairing procedures
knowledge of acceptable component tolerances
ability to determine if components require repairing or replacing
ability to adjust components such as motors, clutches and belt tensioners
ability to lubricate bearings, linkages, springs and belts
ability to rebuild transmission and clutches

Replaces drive system components.

knowledge of replacement procedures
knowledge of drive system construction
knowledge of acceptable component tolerances
ability to access components
ability to determine when components require replacing
ability to identify compatible parts
ability to modify replacement parts

Repairs cabinets, consoles and suspension systems.

Repairs cabinet and console components.

knowledge of components that can be repaired
knowledge of types of materials such as metals, plastics and composites
ability to perform body work such as removing dents, straightening panels and touching up marks
ability to replace parts such as hinges, bushings and panels
ability to repair plastic parts
ability to replace and align door seals

Services suspension system.

knowledge of procedures to replace and reassemble suspension system
knowledge of acceptable component tolerances
ability to adjust suspension system
ability to lubricate suspension system
ability to replace failed parts

Water Systems

Diagnoses water systems.

Verifies water supply.

knowledge of supply requirements such as pressure, temperature and water quality
ability to assess water pressure
ability to measure water temperature
ability to measure water hardness

Diagnoses water inlet and discharge components.

knowledge of water inlet components such as water valves, aerators and water controls
knowledge of water discharge components such as discharge valves, siphon breaks and pumps
knowledge of component functions
ability to identify and locate components
ability to test components

Isolates water leaks.

knowledge of water system components
knowledge of component functions
ability to perform sensory diagnosis of leaks by seeing, feeling and hearing
ability to confirm source of leak
ability to inspect components

Repairs water systems.

Replaces water system components.

knowledge of water system components such as water valves, hoses, seals, water controls, siphon breaks and aerators
knowledge of manufacturers’ specifications and procedures
ability to calibrate mechanical and electrical components after replacement
ability to disassemble and reassemble components

Repairs water system components.

knowledge of water system components such as water valves, hoses, seals, water controls, siphon breaks and aerators
knowledge of component functions
knowledge of fasteners such as fittings and clamps
ability to disassemble and reassemble components
ability to remove obstructions from drains, vents, filters and pumps
ability to secure drain hoses
ability to install fasteners

Air Systems

Diagnoses static air systems.

Checks location of appliance.

knowledge of appliance clearances necessary for air circulation
knowledge of air requirements for appliance operation
ability to follow manufacturers’ installation specifications for clearances and circulation

Verifies air circulation.

knowledge of appliance operation
knowledge of heat principles such as conduction, convection and radiation
ability to monitor air movement

Diagnoses forced air systems.

Checks installation.

knowledge of appliance operation
knowledge of location and function of components
ability to interpret manufacturers’ installation specifications

Performs sensory inspection of forced air system.

knowledge of normal noise level and vibration
ability to isolate source of abnormal noise, odour and vibration
ability to identify the cause of the abnormal noise, odour and vibration

Checks air flow.

knowledge of air requirements for application
knowledge of location and function of components
ability to verify airways and locate obstructions
ability to monitor air movement

Checks forced air system components.

knowledge of forced air system components such as fans, blowers, motors and controls
knowledge of location and function of components
ability to test components

Repairs static air systems.

Relocates appliance.

knowledge of heat principles such as conduction, convection and radiation
knowledge of appliance clearances necessary for air circulation
knowledge of air requirements for appliance operation
ability to follow manufacturers’ installation specifications for clearances and circulation
ability to disable appliance due to unsafe operating conditions
ability to advise customer of potential solutions for air requirements and document recommendation

Cleans condensers and evaporators.

knowledge of appliance operation
knowledge of heat principles such as conduction, convection and radiation
ability to use cleaning techniques such as vacuuming, brushing, defrosting and using chemicals
ability to access condensers and evaporators

Clears static air venting.

knowledge of air circulation
ability to identify intake and outgoing air
ability to access vent ducts
ability to remove obstructions

Repairs forced air systems.

Clears airways.

knowledge of forced air circulation
ability to use cleaning techniques such as vacuuming, brushing and using chemicals
ability to remove obstructions

Replaces forced air system components.

knowledge of types of components such as fans, blowers, motors, controls and switches
knowledge of normal operation of components
ability to identify replacement parts
ability to disassemble and reassemble components

Refrigeration Systems

Diagnoses refrigeration systems.

Checks for system leaks.

knowledge of absorption and mechanical refrigeration system processes
knowledge of frost patterns of evaporator
knowledge of operating temperatures and pressures
knowledge of imperial and metric systems
ability to visually identify leaks
ability to use leak detection equipment
ability to gain access to components such as condenser, evaporator and compressor

Checks condenser and drier temperature and air flow.

knowledge of static and forced air flow systems
knowledge of clearance requirements according to manufacturers’ specifications
knowledge of drier position and function
ability to identify condenser and drier temperature
ability to use temperature testing equipment
ability to identify air flow problems such as failed fan component, dirty condenser and frosted evaporator

Observes pressure of sealed refrigeration system.

knowledge of placement of access valve
knowledge of high and low side pressures
ability to seat access valve
ability to hook up and read gauges

Checks thermal electric refrigeration system.

knowledge of thermal electric system operation
knowledge of operating temperatures
knowledge of static and forced air flow systems
knowledge of clearance requirements according to manufacturers’ specifications
knowledge of power supply
ability to use temperature testing equipment
ability to use meters and testing equipment
ability to interpret test results

Recovers refrigerant.

Assesses type of refrigerant.

knowledge of types of refrigerants such as 134A, R12 and R22
knowledge of metric and imperial systems
ability to determine type of refrigerant
ability to locate and understand rating plate
ability to assess quantity of refrigerant

Accesses sealed system.

knowledge of access valve installation methods such as soldered/brazed or pierced
ability to seat access valve

Evacuates sealed system to recovery units and recovery bottle.

knowledge of recovery processes
knowledge of recovery equipment condition
ability to identify gauge for type of refrigerant to avoid cross-contamination
ability to secure hose to access valve and recovery equipment
ability to verify complete evacuation
ability to remove access valve

Repairs refrigeration systems.

Prepares tubing for connections.

knowledge of types of tubing such as steel and copper
knowledge of contaminants such as metal fragments and sanding dust
ability to clean by sanding tubing
ability to swedge and cut tubing
ability to flare tubing and select fasteners

Replaces sealed refrigeration system components.

knowledge of brazing/soldering materials to be used such as Sil-Fos, silver and flux
knowledge of drier position
knowledge of required tubing temperature while brazing/soldering
ability to install components
ability to disassemble and reassemble appliance
ability to inspect joints

Evacuates system.

knowledge of gauges and vacuum pumps
knowledge of vacuum pressure readings
ability to connect and read gauges
ability to connect vacuum pump

Charges system.

knowledge of operating pressure
knowledge of charging procedures according to manufacturers’ specifications
ability to read rating plate for type and amount of refrigerant
ability to measure refrigerant
ability to connect gauges to charging container
ability to reseal system

Replaces thermal electric system components.

knowledge of types of components such as switches and fans
knowledge of types of electronic components such as PC boards
knowledge of electronic circuitry
ability to remove components
ability to install components
ability to disassemble and reassemble appliance

Gas Systems

Diagnoses gas system components and supply.

Identifies type of gas.

knowledge of types of gas such as propane and natural gas
knowledge of gas characteristics such as volatility, density and smell
ability to identify ambient gas by smell
ability to read rating plate

Assesses flame quality.

knowledge of flame colour and size
knowledge of air/fuel mixture
knowledge of static pressure according to rating plate
knowledge of orifice sizes
knowledge of primary and secondary air
ability to visually inspect flame

Checks ignition system.

knowledge of types of ignition systems such as electronic igniter, pilot light and glow coil
knowledge of location of ignition system
ability to check electronic ignition components such as glow coil, spark module and switches
ability to determine sufficient flame by visual inspection

Checks for gas leaks.

knowledge of safety procedures pertaining to gas leaks
knowledge of types of gas fittings such as compression, flare and National Pipe Thread (NPT)
knowledge of gas characteristics such as volatility, density and smell
ability to perform gas leak test

Verifies gas valve operation.

knowledge of types of gas valves
knowledge of gas valve operations
ability to adjust gas pressure
ability to identify improper operation of a gas valve

Ensures conversion has been performed for type of gas.

knowledge of code requirements
knowledge of manufacturers’ specifications
knowledge of types of gases such as propane and natural gas
ability to recognize if appliance matches the gas supply

Repairs gas system components.

Replaces gas system components.

knowledge of shut off procedures such as location, tag and lock-out procedures
knowledge of test and adjustment procedures
knowledge of safety components
ability to remove and install components
ability to recognize flame quality
ability to adjust air shutters and gas pressures
ability to replace orifices

Repairs gas leaks.

knowledge of safety procedures
knowledge of gas characteristics such as volatility, density and smell
knowledge of joint repair procedures
knowledge of material used for repair such as pipe dope, tape and “o” rings
knowledge of gas leak test procedures such as bubble test and electronic leak detection
ability to clean joints
ability to disassemble and reassemble components

Provided by the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program National Occupational Analysis (NOA) http://www.red-seal.ca

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