NCEE

Competency Requirements –2007

Certified Appliance Installer (C.A.I.)

Consumer Appliance Installation Specialty

NCEE Project Manager 2004 for this Competency: Ron Sawyer, M-CAP, CSM

Core Knowledge

1.0 Work Ethic:

1.1 Explain the Importance of maintaining a delivery window..
1.2 Explain the necessity of communicating with consumers by calling ahead to keep them informed when behind or on-time arrival.

2.0 Soft Skills:

2.1 Explain the need to communicate with the consumer during the installation process
2.2 Describe the need for ethical behavior, dress code and personal hygiene
2.3 Demonstrate product detailing
2.4 Properly detrash, remove labels and clean up a product for installation

3.0 Best Practices:

3.1 Demonstrate the use of Cleaning supplies, floor mat, shoe covers, etc.
3.2 Explain the need to leave a satisfied customer
3.3 Describe the need for a follow-up call or customer survey

4.0 Safety:

4.1 Explain the need to read and understand warning labels.
4.2 Describe the need for proper grounding.
4.3 Explain why it is necessary to test run a product after the installation is made
4.4 List the precautions that must be taken to protect gas appliances from leaks
4.5 Demonstrate the proper installation of anti-tip devices
4.6 Explain the purpose of using Safety Belts
4.7 Describe Vehicle/Work area safety procedures

5.0 Safety Equipment:

5.1 Explain when to use hard hats, goggles, gloves, safety shoes, back brace, and lifting belts
5.2 Demonstrate the proper use of appliance dolly, shoulder dolly and a microwave lift
5.3 Describe proper lifting techniques for moving appliances
5.4 Describe the use of different types of Fire extinguishers
5.5 Explain Spontaneous Combustion

6.0 Local Codes, Requirements & Restrictions:

6.1 Explain how to research local agencies for code requirements by location
6.2 Explain the uniform mechanical codes and requirements for gas , electric and plumbing
6.3 Describe the licensing issues, union restrictions and precedence.

7.0 Trade Tools:

7.1 Demonstrate the proper use of hand tools and any required specialty tools
7.2 Explain the need to tools to be clean and in good working order
7.3 Demonstrate the use of a Ground tester
7.4 Demonstrate the use of a Polarity tester
7.5 Demonstrate the use of a Gas leak tester
7.6 Demonstrate the use of Air flow tester
7.7 Demonstrate the use of a water pressure gauge
7.8 Demonstrate the use of a manometer
7.9 Demonstrate the use of a Volt-Ohm meter
7.10 Demonstrate the use of a CO Meter
7.11 Demonstrate the use of a Thermometer.

8.0 Product Handling:

8.1 Demonstrate the appliance loading and unloading procedures from a truck
8.2 Demonstrate the proper uncrating and handling of appliances
8.3 Explain handling procedures for carting, handling and stacking of appliances.
8.4 Describe the methods of damage prevention when moving appliances.
8.5 Explain the policies and procedures for handling product damage.

9.0 Installation:

9.1 Explain the need to survey installation site including access through doors and hallways.
9.2 Explain why it is necessary to check for pre-existing damage to access area before the product is unloaded.
9.3 Describe the limit of installation in relationship to access to utilities with proper energy supply.
9.4 Describe the necessity of checking for a stable floor before installation.
9.5 Describe the installation procedure for installing vent pipe for venting equipment.
9.6 Explain the need for proper cut-out dimensions for installing built-in appliance.
9.7 Demonstrate the proper installation of a washer explaining drain height and water shut off requirements.
9.8 Describe the methods used to measure ambient temperature and the need for air flow around the exterior of the installed product.

10.0 Operational Set-up and Tests:

10.1 Demonstrate the product prep procedure including removal of packing materials, unpack accessories and remove shipping straps or other shipping hardware.
10.2 Describe the procedure for handling pre-existing product damage 10.3 Explain the need to review safety procedures before product is moved into place.

11.0 Operational Hook-ups:

11.1 Demonstrate a proper gas hook-up including use of sealants, leak testing and proper venting.
11.2 Demonstrate a proper water connection hook-up including tapping a water line, leak prevention, proper use of sealants, bleeding/flushing lines and proper installation of hose to prevent kinked hoses.
11.3 Demonstrate a proper electrical hook-up explaining the use of proper wire size, proper connections, wire nuts and split bolt connectors, pigtails and grounding, voltage and polarity tests.

12.0 Reassembly:

12.1 Demonstrate a change in direction of door swing.
12.2 Demonstrate the installation of trim, panels making sure the product is properly aligned and level.
12.3 Demonstrate the use of operational tests and calibration requirements.
12.4 Explain simple maintenance procedures.
12.5 Demonstrate procedure for presenting care and use guides and product information to the consumer.
12.6 Explain the registration process.

13.0 Removal and Disposal of Old Product:

13.1 Describe the method of capping unused electrical connections.
13.2 Describe the method of capping unused gas connections at the valve.
13.3 Explain the method of safe disposal of hazardous materials

Cooling Products:

14.0 Freestanding Refrigerators
14.1 Demonstrate the removal of door and change direction of swing.
14.2 Properly align and level door.
14.3 Explain how improper airflow around the exterior of refrigerator can effect product’s operation.
14.4 Demonstrate the proper installation for a icemaker hookup including water line tap, leak prevention and water filters.
14.5 Demonstrate the proper hookup for a water dispenser including filtration connection and line purge.
14.6 Explain the reasoning for initial control settings.

15.0 Ice Makers (Freestanding Units)

15.1 Demonstrate the proper installation for an icemaker hookup including water line tap, leak prevention.
15.2 Demonstrate the proper installation for an icemaker hookup drainage system.
15.3 Explain how improper airflow around the exterior of ice maker can effect product’s operation.
15.4 Outline the need for a water inlet filter.

16.0 Freezers (Vertical, Horizontal. Frost Free and Manual Defrost)

16.1 Demonstrate the removal and reattachment of exterior door.
16.2 Demonstrate the proper leveling procedure.
16.3 Explain how improper airflow around the exterior of freezer can effect product’s operation.
16.4 Explain the reasoning for initial control settings.

17.0 Room Air Conditioners

17.1 Explain the necessity of a dedicated circuit.
17.2 Identify the proper electrical connections for different size room air conditioners.
17.3 Explain the need for proper tilt in air conditioner installation.
17.4 Describe the proper method of sealing air conditioner installation.

18.0 Built-in Refrigerators

18.1 Explain rough in requirements and need for lock-in and anti-tip devices.
18.2 Demonstrate the removal of door and change direction of swing.
18.3 Describe the installation of special door panels.
18.4 Properly align and level door.
18.5 Demonstrate the proper installation for a icemaker hookup including water line tap, leak prevention and water filters.
18.6 Demonstrate the proper hookup for a water dispenser including filtration connection and line purge.
18.7 Explain how improper airflow around the exterior of refrigerator can effect product’s operation.
18.8 Explain the reasoning for initial control settings.

19.0 Wine Coolers

19.1 Describe the removal and reattachment of door.
19.2 Explain the need to level unit.
19.3 Describe the security system set-up
19.4 Explain how improper airflow around the exterior of refrigerator can effect product’s operation.

20.0 PTAC Units

20.1 Explain rough in requirements and need for lock-in.
20.2 Explain the need to level unit.
20.3 Demonstrate the proper electrical hookup for a PTAC Unit.
20.4 Explain the need for sealing inside and out.
20.5 Explain the reasoning for initial control settings

21.0 Recommended list of tools and supplies

21.1 List the basic tools needed for installation of Cooling Products.
21.2 List the basic cleaning supplies needed for cleanup after installation is complete.

Cleaning Products

22.0 Automatic Washers (Vertical and Horizontal Axis Washers)

22.1 Demonstrate the preparation of product for installation removing shipping brackets, bolts and straps.
22.2 Describe the proper installation of a standard floor mounted unit.
22.3 Describe the proper installation of a stacked washer unit.
22.4 Describe the proper installation of a rack mounted washer unit.
22.5 Explain the need for leveling of unit.
22.6 Demonstrate the proper installation of water hookups for washer installation.
22.7 Demonstrate the proper installation of drain hookup including anti-siphon device.
22.8 Explain the need for proper drain height and pipe size.
22.9 Explain the different floor types and the methods of stabilizing weak floors.
22.10 Properly align the washer with the dryer.
22.11 Set the clock and explain the operation of electronic controls.

23.0 Automatic Dryers (Gas and Electric Dryers)

23.1 Describe the basic fuel supply needed for gas and electric dryer installation.
23.2 Demonstrate the conversion of a gas dryer from natural gas to LP or reverse.
23.3 Describe the venting of dryers including type and size of pipe, length of pipe limitation, elbow use.
23.4 Explain the use of thermal trap, wall cap, dampers and vent booster fan.
23.5 Properly align the dryer with the washer.

24.0 Dishwashers (Portable and Countertop)

24.1 Describe the basic electrical connection for a standard portable dishwasher.
24.2 Demonstrate the proper installation of portable dishwasher water line and drain connection.
24.3 Explain the need for proper leveling.
24.4 Set the controls and explain the operation of dishwasher.

25.0 Dishwashers (Built-in and Under Counter)

25.1 Describe the rough-in and cut out procedure.
25.2 Describe the basic electrical connection for a standard built-in dishwasher.
25.3 Demonstrate the proper installation of dishwasher water line and drain connection including garbage disposal knockout.
25.4 Explain the need for anti-siphon device, preventing kinks, proper drain hose routing and drain height.
25.5 Explain the need for a lock-in or anti-tip device.
25.6 Properly level and align unit.
25.7 Set the clock and explain the operation of electronic controls.

26.0 Dishwasher Drawer

26.1 Describe the rough-in and cut out procedure.
26.2 Describe the basic electrical connection for a drawer dishwasher.
26.3 Demonstrate the proper installation of dishwasher water line and drain connection including garbage disposal knockout.
26.4 Properly level and align unit.
26.5 Set the controls and explain the operation of dishwasher.

27.0 In-Sink Dishwasher

27.1 Install faucet and hookup.
27.2 Describe the rough-in and cut out procedure.
27.3 Describe the basic electrical connection for a standard built-in dishwasher.
27.4 Demonstrate the proper installation of dishwasher water line and drain connection including garbage disposal knockout.
27.5 Explain the need for a lock-in.
27.6 Properly level and align unit.
27.1 Set the clock and explain the operation of electronic controls.

28.0 Recommended list of tools and supplies needed for Cleaning Products

28.1 List the basic tools needed for installation of Cleaning Products.
28.2 List the basic cleaning supplies needed for cleanup after installation is complete.

Cooking Products

29.0 Freestanding Ranges (Gas, Electric and Dual Fuel)

29.1 Describe the pressure required for LP and Natural gas installations.
29.2 Explain the principles of converting from LP to Natural or reverse.
29.3 Draw a diagram of a typical gas range installation from supply line to range connection.
29.4 Draw a diagram of a typical electric range pigtail connection at the range.
29.5 Explain the need for a anti-tip device.
29.6 Explain the procedure for making high altitude adjustments.
29.7 Explain the need for leveling.
29.8 Set the electronic controls and explain the operation and features controlled.

30.0 Drop-in and Slide-in Ranges

30.1 Describe the product preparation for installation.
30.2 Describe the rough-in and cut out procedure.
30.3 Explain the need to secure to base cabinets.
30.4 Explain the procedure for making high altitude adjustments.
30.5 Explain the need for leveling.
30.6 Set the electronic controls and explain the operation and features controlled.

31.0 Built-in Ovens (Single or Double)

31.1 Describe the product preparation for installation.
31.2 Describe the rough-in and cut out procedure.
31.3 Explain the need to secure to base cabinets.
31.4 Explain the procedure for making high altitude adjustments.
31.5 Explain the need for leveling.
31.6 Set the electronic controls and explain the operation and features controlled.

32.0 Cooktops (Including Modules)

32.1 Describe the product preparation for installation.
32.2 Describe the rough-in and cut out procedure.
Explain the need to secure to Counter-top.
Draw a diagram of a typical gas range installation from supply line to range connection.
Draw a diagram of a typical electric cook top connection to the supply source.
Install modules in unit.

33.0 Warming Drawers

33.1 Describe the product preparation for installation.
33.2 Describe the rough-in and cut out procedure.
33.3 Draw a diagram of a typical electric cook top connection to the supply source.
33.4 Explain the procedure for securing drawer frame to cabinet.
33.5 Explain the need to make sure that drawer is properly seated and aligned.

34.0 Countertop Microwaves

34.1 Explain the need to check polarity at the power source before attaching power plug.
34.2 Set the electronic controls and explain the operation and features controlled.
34.3 Describe the ambient conditions for proper microwave operation.
34.4 Describe the general use of Accessory Kits for built-in applications

35.0 Built-in Microwaves

35.1 Describe the rough-in and cut out procedure.
35.2 Draw a diagram of a typical electric connection to the supply source.
35.3 Explain the need for air flow.
35.4 Set the electronic controls and explain the operation and features controlled.

36.0 Microwave Hood Combinations (Internal and External Blowers)

36.1 Describe the rough-in and cut out procedure.
36.2 Draw a diagram of a typical electric connection to the supply source.
36.3 Explain the need to secure to cabinets.
36.4 Explain the need for air flow.
36.5 Describe the venting of hoods including type and size of pipe, length of pipe limitation, elbow use and cap.
36.6 Set the electronic controls and explain the operation and features controlled .

37.0 Recommended list of tools and supplies needed for Cooking Products

37.1 List the basic tools needed for installation of Cleaning Products.
37.2 List the basic cleaning supplies needed for cleanup after installation is complete.