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HOME > TRAINING PROGRAMS > Electro-Mechanical Technologies Program

Electro-Mechanical Technologies Program : Course Description

900 clock hours, 45.5 credit hours, 9 Months

Educational Objectives:

The objective of the course at TWS in Jacksonville is to train and prepare students for entry as service and maintenance technicians in jobs that utilize technologies employed in the fields of air conditioning (both heating and cooling), and refrigeration. A student is required to complete each phase of training with a proven degree of competency in academic as well as hands-on acumen. Upon successful completion of the course, the student should have an understanding of mechanical and electrical principles and will have practical exposure to diagnosing, servicing and repairing common types of problems in related equipment.

The Solar Principles and Applications module of the Electro-Mechanical Technologies program provides an overview of photovoltaic (PV) science and an introduction to the fundamentals of solar energy. Through a combination of lecture, problem solving and hands-on lab exercises, students will learn the concepts and processes of photovoltaic systems, including their design and installation. The module covers the scope of solar energy systems' conceptual, mechanical and electrical design, with an emphasis on wiring and electrical issues.

Course Description:

Fundamentals of Refrigeration
In this class students are introduced to the refrigeration cycle through class lecture and observing operating equipment. The material in this class is mechanical in nature and is limited to the mechanical and physical properties of refrigerants and the refrigeration cycle. The equipment in this class is used to safely demonstrate the varied states of refrigerant as it cycles through the system. The student will be introduced to many of the tools associated with the refrigeration industry such as: manifold gauge set, vacuum pumps, service wrenches, charging, and recovery equipment. The safety programs in this class will provide students with details on being in close proximity to rotating machinery and refrigerant handling. The class is also designed to familiarize the student with details on the mechanical trouble shooting process.

Fundamentals of Electricity
This class provides students with basic electrical understanding from an elemental stage through trouble shooting. Trainers are used to teach schematic wiring as well as test meter usage along with all the safety processes associated with handling electrical systems such as grounding and energized circuits. Students will work with dual voltage systems commonly found in HVAC/R equipment. The foundation for control circuit wiring and High voltage wiring are discussed and students will put their knowledge to use while working with the trainers. The training material in this class includes information on multiple types of test meters and their proper use, electrical devices, control devices, and troubleshooting. A study of single phase and three phase motors round out the students understanding of basic electrical principles.

Electrical Wiring- Residential
This course introduces the most current version of the National Electrical Code Book to the students as a guide throughout the class. The primary goal of the program is to teach basic techniques of Residential wiring from the standpoint of interpreting all code book requirements. Students will put into practice all that they have learned by wiring a scaled down three bedroom home. A study of electrical safety is provided to ensure a complete understanding of hand tools, ladders, shock hazards, and the personal protective equipment required to work in this field. They will be required to safely place all wiring, circuits, switches, receptacles, lighting fixtures, and GFCI devices in the trainer according to the electrical code.

Electrical Wiring- Commercial
The Commercial wiring course follows through with concepts learned in the Residential wiring course of training delving deeper into the National Electrical Code book. Students will be tasked with code book interpretation through the study of load calculations, blue print reading, cost estimating, three phase motor wiring, and conduit manipulation. Students will wire commercial lighting and three phase motors as they research the required applications. A mock commercial building will be wired by students in accordance with applicable code using conduit to protect their wiring.

Comfort Systems- Residential
This class offers experience with residential split systems, packaged heat pump systems, air conditioners, gas furnaces, and evaporative coolers. Students are tasked with building schematics for air conditioning/heating systems and wiring the same systems having only the components of the system as reference. A further study of mechanical and electrical troubleshooting turns more hands-on in this class as students see the equipment come to life by their own hand. Gas piping, sizing, and installation are studied as it applies to furnace operation.

Comfort Systems- Commercial
This class offers a more technical approach to studying the concepts of indoor climate control. Students are tasked with safely removing and replacing components within residential and commercial HVAC systems such as fan motors, fans, electrical components, and compressors. Recovery and charging of refrigerants are an integral aspect of this class and students will apply their lessons to real equipment to round out the experience. Students will study brazing techniques using oxy/acetylene equipment and are required to put their knowledge to use on multiple tasks designed to enhance understanding of working within the confines of an HVAC unit. Refrigerant piping manipulation is introduced for study using hands-on techniques as students gain on overall familiarization of HVAC equipment. The opportunity to study and test on R410a and automotive air conditioning is provided in this class; Successful students will achieve a R410a safety certification and EPA section 609 certification. An introduction to air balance and the associated equipment are also included for this class.

Refrigeration Systems & Practices
Students will learn to maintain, monitor, and manage residential and commercial grade walk-in refrigerators and freezers. A study of commercial grade ice makers such as: a flaker, cuber, and nugget type units provide an intense look at low temperature refrigeration equipment. Students will be required to change out a compressor, service and/or repair critically charged systems to enhance their overall understanding of mechanical and electrical troubleshooting. A variety of specialty tools related to equipment studied in this class will be introduced to round out the total experience.

Advanced Trouble-Shooting Techniques
The class introduces the operation and maintenance of reciprocating liquid chillers and stands as a review of the knowledge students have attained through previous courses. Electrical troubleshooting takes on a new intensity in this class as students are exposed to the E-STAR Trainer. The E-STAR Trainer is equipment developed by RSI to teach and hone electrical troubleshooting skills. A thorough study of mechanical troubleshooting and schematic wiring will raise the student to the level of technician. The opportunity to qualify for EPA section 608 certification is provided during this class. The overall goal of this class is to ensure students have attained the required skills to be successful entry level HVAC/R technicians.

Fundamentals of Solar
This module provides an overview of photovoltaic (PV) science and an introduction to the fundamentals of solar energy. Through a combination of lecture, problem solving and hands-on lab exercises, students will learn the concepts and processes of photovoltaic systems, including their design and installation. The module covers the scope of solar energy systems' conceptual, mechanical and electrical design, with an emphasis on wiring and electrical issues.