SBT 020 - HVAC Technician Part 1
Course Description
This course introduces the fundamental principles of HVAC, refrigeration, and electrical systems while providing students with hands-on experience using industry-standard equipment and diagnostic tools. Students develop the foundational technical skills required for entry-level careers in HVAC, refrigeration, heat pump installation, and building electrification.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion, students will be able to:
- Apply HVAC safety procedures and OSHA standards
- Utilize electrical diagnostic tools and HVAC instrumentation
- Install and troubleshoot refrigeration and heat pump systems
- Perform refrigerant recovery and charging procedures
- Read and interpret HVAC schematics and wiring diagrams
- Diagnose HVAC electrical and mechanical faults
- Demonstrate workplace professionalism and communication skills
- Prepare for industry-recognized certifications and entry-level employment
Course Content
1. HVAC Safety & Professional Fundamentals:
- Introduction to the HVAC industry, workplace safety practices, personal protective equipment (PPE), OSHA 10 preparation, hand and power tools, measurement and layout techniques, professional communication, customer service, and jobsite expectations.
2. Electrical Fundamentals:
- AC and DC electrical theory, electrical measurements, Ohm's Law, series and parallel circuits, relays, contactors, motor controls, wiring diagrams, schematics, and lockout/tagout procedures.
3. Electrical Troubleshooting:
- Multimeter operation, circuit wiring, control logic testing, relay troubleshooting, electrical diagnostics, fault identification, and troubleshooting techniques using industry-standard electrical training systems.
4. Refrigeration Principles:
- Fundamentals of the refrigeration cycle, heat transfer, pressure-temperature relationships, refrigerant properties, superheat and subcooling, leak detection, refrigerant recovery and evacuation procedures, low-GWP refrigerants, and EPA 608 certification preparation.
5. Refrigeration Installation:
- Copper tubing preparation, brazing and soldering, flaring and swaging, pipe bending, mechanical fastening, refrigeration piping installation, electrical terminations, pressure testing, insulation, and system sealing techniques.
6. Hands-On Laboratory Training:
- Practical experience using industry-grade HVAC, refrigeration, and electrical training systems to develop competencies in measurement, wiring, diagnostics, refrigerant recovery, leak detection, tubing fabrication, pressure testing, and system installation.
7. Technical Documentation & Career Readiness:
- Introduction to technical documentation, workplace professionalism, communication skills, and employability practices expected in the HVAC and refrigeration industries.
Prerequisites
- Math Accuplacer: Minimum Score of 215 to 249
- Reading/Writing Accuplacer: Minimum Score of 237 to 249
- High School Diploma/Equivalency
- Interview Required
*Students can request an exemption for RCC placement exam if they are able to provide a college transcript obtained in the last three years with good standing OR a resume with 2-3 years of relevant industry experience.