Appliance Service Technician Competencies, 2004h HOME
Certified
Appliances Professional (C.A.P.)
Consumer
Appliance
Service Technician Specialty
NCEE
Project Manager 2003 for this Competency: Ron Sawyer, CAP, PSA Approved by
NCEE August 12th, 2004
Core
Knowledge
1.0
Basic Electricity
1.1 Explain
the differences and relationships between matter and energy
1.2
Demonstrate the effects of positive and negative charges.
1.3
Describe atoms, electrons, and electron flow.
1.4 List examples of magnetism and magnetic forces and discuss the effects on electrons
1.5 Solve math problems involving voltage, current and resistance.
1.6
Identify resistors by their color code.
1.7
List various methods by which voltage is generated
1.8
List battery types and discuss the advantages and
disadvantages of each
1.9
Compare direct and alternating current.
1.10
Calculate circuit values using Ohm's Law and Kirchoff's
Law.
1.11
Describe the difference between series, parallel, and
combination circuits.
1.12
Compare fuses, fuse types, and circuit breakers.
1.13
Describe voltage and power transmission and how the average
home is wired.
1.14
Compare wire sizes and their relationship to current
carrying capabilities.
1.15
Discuss the effects of capacitance and induction.
1.16
Sketch a circuit of a basic AC to DC power supply.
1.17
Describe voltage rectification and current filtration
1.18
List the various electronic components which are used as
switches and explain how each are used
1.19
Discuss electronic components and how they are used to replace
switches and other circuit control devices (triacs/diacs/transistors/diodes)
1.20
Compare electromagnetic devices, including transformers,
motors, and solenoids.
1.21
Identify the various types of motors, motor starting, and
motor protection devices.
1.22
Describe "black box" electronic devices. Explain
how the inputs and output principle can be used to diagnose most electronic
control boards
1.23
Interpret electrical diagrams and schematics
1.24
Demonstrate the use of, schematic and ladder diagrams to
diagnosis circuit problems.
2.0
Basic Mechanics
2.1
Describe Gravity/Elasticity/Pneumatics/Hydraulics
2.2
Describe the use of bearings, seals and drive couplings
2.3
Explain the differences between universal joints, linkages
and levers mechanisms, and cam assemblies
2.4
Recognize various hinges/latches/fastening devices.
Describe the functions of each
2.5
Describe the use of a counter balance
2.6
Compare various drive systems including belt, direct, gear,
and variable speed.
2.7
Describe the use of a flywheel application
2.8
Explain the use of clutches/brakes/transmissions
2.9
Describe the effects of torque.
2.10
Describe the use of drums bearings, drum rollers and
glides.
2.11
Describe the effects of heat and heat transfer. Discuss how
heat is measured
2.12
Describe calories, sensible and latent heat using British
Thermal Units
3.0
Appliance Tools and Equipment
3.1
Name the
required hand tools used in appliance servicing
3.2 Demonstrate the use a multimeter, amprobe, and other test equipment in the diagnosis of electrical circuit problems.
Differentiate between, shorted, open and non-functioning circuits
3.3
Demonstrate the use of soldering techniques
3.4
Demonstrate the use of basic diagnostic principles.
3.5
Localize circuit faults to individual component(s). Replace
the faulty component(s). Retest circuits
3.6
Describe various types of thermometers (Laser, Digital and
Mercury) used in the servicing of appliances.
3.7
Describe the purpose of a Wattmeter.
3.8
Explain the use of leak detection devices for CO2 and
combustible gases.
3.9
Describe the use of a manometer
3.10 Name the tools and equipment used in refrigeration servicing (including gauges, leak detectors, vacuum pump, psychrometer, recovery pump,
and recovery storage)
3.11
Discuss the safety procedures associated with transporting,
storage and use of a torch in the repair of appliances.
3.12
Bend copper and aluminum tubing.
3.13
Cut tubing and pipes with hacksaws or tubing cutter
3.14
Braze copper tubing
3.15
Cut PVC pipes to correct length. Join PVC pipes
4.0 Appliance Handling and Servicing Practices
4.1 Demonstrate proper lifting techniques.
4.2
Describe floor protection when moving an appliance for
service.
4.3
Explain the proper procedures to be followed in removing
built-in appliances for service.
4.4
Describe the safe and proper use of an appliance hand truck
when moving an appliance up and down stairs
4.5
List the precautions that must be taken to protect
appliances before moving occurs.
4.6
Describe various laws governing appliance disposal. (Freon
removal, door removal, etc.)
4.7
Describe proper disposal procedures for mercury,
refrigerants, batteries, chemicals and oils.
5.0
Safety
5.1
Explain the purpose of using safety belts
5.2
Describe different types of ladders and safety procedures in the
use of each type.
5.3
Explain the need for grounding (human)
5.4
Describe the use of different types of fire extinguishers
5.5
Explain spontaneous combustion
5.6
Describe current leakage
5.7
Describe vehicle/work area safety procedures.
5.8
Describe DOT and EPA regulations that impact transportation and
proper handling of chemicals such as refrigerants, acetylene, nitrogen, etc.
5.9 Describe personal safety and work practices (Using insulated tools, protective clothing.)
5.10 Describe safety procedures to be utilized when using pressurized fluids
5.11 Describe proper cylinder handling/transportation in service vehicle
5.12
Describe the need for pressure regulators.
5.13
Explain the use of cleaning chemicals/MSDS
5.14
Recognize safety markings (i.e. tag outs, warning signs, MSDS, OSHA
requirements)
5.15
Describe the use of available safety equipment such as ventilators,
fire extinguishers, gloves, etc.
5.16
Describe the use of shut-off devices (circuit breakers, gas and
water valves, etc.)
5.17
Discuss protective measures against high voltage.
6.0
Basics of house wiring
6.1
Discuss how electric power is transmitted
6.2
Sketch a basic house wiring diagram including distribution panels
and circuit breakers sizes
6.3
Explain the use of wire sizes, circuit design, switching devices,
receptacles and lighting circuits
6.4
Describe grounding requirements and personal electrical safety
6.5
Describe a ground fault circuit interrupter, GFCI’s
6.6
Explain the purposes of the National Electric Code
6.7
Recognize when the assistance of an electrician is called for
6.8
Demonstrate the use of approved devices to splice, connect and join wires
and cables
7.0 Basic Principles of Plumbing & Water Supply
7.1
Describe a domestic water supply. Name the different pipe sizes used in
plumbing practice
7.2
Describe a domestic drain system including proper venting.
7.3
Demonstrate the proper procedure to cut and thread iron pipe.
7.4
Solder copper tubing.
7.5
Describe back flow preventors
7.6
Use a compression fitting on Aluminum pipe.
7.7
Make proper connections on PVC pipe.
7.8
Describe different drains and traps.
7.9
Explain National Plumbing Codes and existence of licensing and
permit requirements in all communities served
7.10
Explain safety procedures to be used when working with water
supplies.
7.11
Explain the need for
water testing procedures especially for dishwashers
7.12
Explain water filter
systems used in appliances. Discuss reverse osmosis
7.13
Explain the cause of
noisy pipes. Discuss the use of Water Hammer Arresters
8.0
Basic Refrigeration
8.1
Describe basic safety procedures used when servicing refrigeration
products.
8.2
Identify refrigeration terminology and definitions
8.3
Identify refrigeration components.
8.4
Describe the functions of refrigeration components
8.5
Describe the relationship between temperature and pressure.
Demonstrate the use PT chart
8.6
Explain the difference between heat loads and cooling loads
8.7
Describe the theory of electronic cooling
8.8
Explain atmospheric pressure. Demonstrate the use of gauges.
8.9
Sketch a basic refrigeration system
8.10
Demonstrate the use of metering devices
8.11
Describe the use and sizing of
compressors/cross-referencing/types/high pressure dome/low pressure dome
8.12
Describe the different styles of refrigerators
8.13
Describe condenser types
8.14
Explain the reason for evaporator locations
8.15
Describe the purpose of a heat exchanger
8.16
Explain the function of a filter drier
8.17
Explain the theory of gas-fired refrigeration (ammonia etc.)
Especially if servicing RVs/trailers/motor homes
9.0
Refrigerant handling and recovery
9.1
Describe federal EPA Laws and Regulations associated with these laws.
9.2
Describe the difference between passive and active recovery
9.3
Describe the difference between recovery, recycling and reclaiming.
9.4
Describe a retrofit
9.5
Explain the purpose of refrigerant oils
9.6
Explain the differences between CFC/HCFC/HFC. Discuss the uses of
each
10.0
Refrigerator/Sealed system Repair
10.1
Describe the theory of operation of a domestic refrigerator.
10.2
Demonstrate sealed system diagnostic procedures for
restriction/partial-restriction/non-condensable/inefficient
compressor/low-charge/over-charge
10.3
Explain the different leak detection
methods/procedures
10.4
Access a sealed system.
Remove access port upon completion,
10.5
Explain dehydration
10.6
Explain triple evacuation
10.7
Describe different methods
of charging/procedures associated with each.
10.8
Describe different methods
of defrost and the components associated with each.
10.9
Describe different
temperature sensing methods
10.10
Explain different air distribution methods (inside and outside of
cabinet)
10.11
Interpret wiring, schematic and ladder diagrams to diagnose
electrical problems.
10.12
Describe different oil-cooling methods
10.13
Explain the purpose of perimeter or yoder loops
11.0
Air conditioning and Dehumidifier Principles
11.1
Describe the theory of operation of a domestic window air conditioner’
11.2
Describe the differences between air conditioning and dehumidifying.
12.0
Ice Machines, Freestanding and Under-counter
12.1
Explain the theory of operation used in most domestic icemakers.
12.2
Explain how water is distributed into the icemaker
12.3
Describe proper procedures for cleaning and sanitizing icemakers.
12.4
Identify the components and control circuits of a domestic icemaker.
13.0
Wine Coolers
13.1
Discuss the purpose of wine coolers
13.2
Explain the theory of operation of wine coolers
14.0
Top Loading Washers
14.1
Explain theory of operation for top loading washers
14.2
Install
a top-loading washer.
14.3
Explain how incoming water is distributed from inlet to tub.
14.4
Describe
the operation of a water level control
14.5
Explain
the function of a water temperature control
14.6
Compare
direct/neutral drain systems
14.7
Describe
different brake systems used in top loading washers.
14.8
Describe the methods of counter balance
14.9
Outline the different water filtration methods
14.10
Describe the use of clutch systems
14.11
Explain the operation of electric water valves
14.12
Explain operating principles associated with the transmission
14.13
Describe the different drive methods.
14.14
Demonstrate ability to use a cam chart.
14.15
Interpret schematic diagrams
14.16
List clean-ability problems. Describe corrective actions
15.0
Front Loading Washers
15.1
State the requirements for the installation of front-loading washers
15.2
Explain differences between vertical and horizontal washing systems
15.3
Describe the operation of water fill and level control
15.4
Outline the operation of the temperature control
15.5
Describe the methods of drain systems
15.6
Explain braking system methods.
15.7
Describe methods of counter balance
15.8
Describe water filtration methods
15.9
Describe Drive systems
15.10
Explain the operation of electronic controls
15.11
Explain the use of DC motors
15.12
Discuss how cycle sequence, wiring, schematic and ladder diagrams can be
used in troubleshooting electrical failures
15.13
Explain the need for door seals
16.0
Dryers (Gas & Electric)
16.1
Describe proper
Installation procedures. State the venting requirements in the installation of
dryers
16.2
Explain theory of operation
of gas/electric dryers.
16.3
Explain the principles of
combustion. Discuss the operation of gas valves and burner assemblies.
16.4
Describe the operation of
electric heating elements
16.5
Describe drum drive systems
16.6
Discuss the relationships
between electrical power and heating elements
16.7
Describe troubleshooting
procedures used in gas burner systems
16.8
Describe air handling,
distribution and venting (blowers, fans, seals)
16.9
Outline the purpose of
electrical and thermal safety devices
16.10
Describe Glow Bar ignition systems
16.11 Discuss how cycle sequence, wiring, schematic and ladder diagrams can be used in troubleshooting electrical failures
17.0
Combination Washer/Dryer
17.1
Explain the theory of operation of combination washer/dryers
17.2
Discuss the purposes of combination washer/dryers
18.0
Dishwashers
18.1
Explain dishwasher theory of operation
18.2
Describe Installation requirements
18.3
Explain water distribution from inlet to tub including wash cycle
and draining.
18.4 Explain water hardness/temperature/detergent and wetting agents. Explain how detergents affect washing performance
18.5 Describe the operation of timers, mechanical and electronic types.
18.6
Identify Option, float and selector switches. Discuss the operation
of each
18.7 Identify water system components and controls such as fill valves, drain hoses, check valves, siphon breaks, etc. Discuss the operation and
purposes of each
18.8
Explain the purpose of Pumps, spray arms, food choppers, motors,
filtering systems and sumps
18.9
Describe the Dispensing systems
18.10
Describe Drying systems used in dishwashers.
18.11
Explain the use of Door seals and latching mechanisms
18.12 Use schematic, wiring, timer sequence, cycle option and other diagrams and charts to diagnose dishwasher failures
19.0
Water Heaters & Dispensers
19.1
Describe the theory of operation
of domestic hot water heaters.
19.2
Describe plumbing and
installation requirements of hot water dispensers.
19.3
Describe the safety devices used
in water heaters.
19.4
Discuss water hardness and
conditioning
19.5
Explain the combustion process in
gas hot water heaters.
19.6
Explain requirements for venting,
(direct and chimney).
19.7
Describe the operation of gas
valves, thermocouples
19.8
Explain the operation of electric
heating elements and thermostats.
19.9
Explain the filtering
systems methods (i.e. reverse osmosis, carbon, rust and chemical removal).
19.10
Describe the operation of isolation and check valves
19.11 </