Appliance Service Technician Study Guide — Year 1

Year 1 Topics

Study each topic below — these are the core knowledge areas tested in Year 1. Build a solid foundation here before advancing to Year 2 material.

💡Electrical Fundamentals

Ohm's Law: V=IR; continuity test: zero ohms = good circuit
Open circuit: infinite resistance = no current flow; short circuit: low resistance path
Capacitor: stores energy — discharge before testing (safety)
Motor starting components: start capacitor, run capacitor, centrifugal switch; clamp meter for current

📖Refrigeration Cycle

Compressor → condenser → metering device → evaporator → back to compressor
Refrigerant state: vapour into compressor, liquid in condenser, vapour in evaporator
Metering device: capillary tube (fixed) or TXV (thermostatic expansion valve)
Common refrigerants: R-134a (domestic fridge), R-410A (heat pump appliances)

📖Domestic Refrigerator Systems

Frost-free: evaporator fan circulates air
Defrost system: heater, thermostat, timer or adaptive defrost
Compressor: hermetic — no field repair, replace
Condenser coils: clean annually for efficiency; door gaskets: check with paper test; leveling essential

📖Washing Machine

📖Electric & Gas Ranges

Electric range: surface elements (coil, smooth top glass-ceramic, induction)
Oven element: bake (bottom) and broil (top); temperature calibration
Gas range: igniter (spark or glow), burner valve, gas pressure 3.5 inches WC (natural) or 11 inches WC (LP)
Venturi adjustment for proper air/gas mix

🦺Safety

Always unplug before servicing; capacitor discharge before touching
Gas appliance: check for leaks after any gas work; CO testing after gas appliance repair
WHMIS for refrigerants and cleaning agents
Lifting heavy appliances: team lift or appliance dolly; lockout/tagout procedures

Study each topic below — these are the core knowledge areas tested in Year 1. Build a solid foundation here before advancing to Year 2 material.

📖Refrigerant Handling

EPA/Environment Canada: certified technician required
Section 608 (USA) or TICO equivalent; R-410A: 2-stage pressure, higher pressure than R-22
Recover before opening system; recharge to manufacturer spec (weight method preferred)
Manifold gauge set: high and low side; leak detection: electronic detector or UV dye

🔍Advanced Diagnostics

Wiring diagrams: trace circuits to find fault
Voltage drop test: high resistance connections
Component isolation: disconnect to determine if fault continues
Oscilloscope for motor waveforms; tech sheet (inside appliance): model-specific diagnostic steps

📖Dishwasher Systems

Wash pump: circulates water during wash; drain pump: removes water
Water inlet valve: solenoid; heating element: dries dishes and boosts wash temp
Spray arms: rotating, check for blockage; detergent dispenser: timer or electronic release
Water temperature: 55-60°C for effective cleaning; anti-flood float switch

📖HVAC Appliances

Window AC: R-410A, cooling only
Heat pump: reversing valve switches between heat and cool
Electric baseboard: NiChrome resistance wire
Thermostats: bimetallic, electronic, programmable, smart; heat pump COP typically 2-4; SEER and HSPF ratings

📖Gas Appliance Controls

Thermocouple/thermopile: generates DC voltage to prove pilot flame (750mV)
Millivolt valve: opened by thermocouple/thermopile signal
Electronic ignition: glowing igniter or spark
Pressure switch: proves inducer operation before gas valve opens; flame sensor: proves main burner

📋CSA & Code Requirements

CSA B149.1: governs gas appliances
CSA B52: mechanical refrigeration code
CSA C22.1 (CEC): electrical safety
Gas technician certification required in most provinces; work permits for refrigerant work; installation standards differ from repair