Herzing College Skilled Trades
Gas Technician Training 3 & 2

Demonstrate an understanding of workers’ and others’ rights and responsibilities under various acts and codes, and be aware of applicable safety organizations.

In this module, students will identify fasteners in terms of size, applications, and capacity. They will use electrical fasteners, pipe fasteners and general fasteners. Students will determine the factors used to select each fastener and identify the proper methods for storing and handling of fasteners based on various factors. They will identify hand tools in terms of size and shape, application to specific materials, strength, operating range, assembly and adjustment. They will determine the proper methods for storing and handling hand tools based on set criteria. Students will be able to select the appropriate testing equipment based on its application and method of usage.

In this module, students will identify various properties of gas. Some of these include: specific gravity, density, upper and lower explosive limits, etc. Students will investigate various requirements for combustion and the chemical properties of combustion. The same criteria will be applied to natural gas as well.

In this unit, students will identify the governing bodies, associations and agencies that regulate the installation of the propane and natural gas, and specify their corresponding responsibilities. Examples of these organizations include: TSSA, MCBS, CSA, CSA International, CGA, ETL, Warnock Hersy, ULC and others.

In this module, students will identify electrical hazards, safe working techniques, procedures and applicable electrical codes. Students will use different electrical measuring and testing instruments to troubleshoot various electrical circuits. Various electrical concepts and theories will be examined. Simple circuits will be examined in detail; constructing diagrams, measuring current and voltage, calculating resistance etc.

In this module, students will reference the Natural Gas and Propane installation code and manufacturers’ specifications. They will be exposed to orthographic projections, detailed and assembly drawings, pictorial drawings, schematics and wiring drawings. Students will interpret various charts, listing the advantages and disadvantages of each.

In this module, students will refine their customer relations skills. A large focus will be on understanding the customers’ needs, coping strategies, active listening, constructive behaviour, addressing customer complaints and reconciling differences. A portion of the module is focused on property damage prevention. This includes protective pads, floor mats, safe handling techniques, and safe and proper cleanup.

In this module, students examine various steel piping, copper pipe and tubing, methods of joining, aluminum tubing, identify plastic pipe used in distribution and gas service utilities, identify flexible stainless steel hose and tubing, identify connectors, identify hoses, review code requirements, and explore various connections types, fittings and valves.

In this module, students will examine various venting systems and the various factors affecting them. They will identify various types of burner design such as inshot, upshot, ported, infrared tube, ceramic and ribbon. Students will view different pilot burner designs and ignition systems. They will explore different sensing methods. In addition, they will describe the requirements to convert an appliance from propane to natural gas or vice versa.

In this module, students will work with various piping & tubing systems. Based on the size of the system, they will explore topics such as number of appliances, specific gravity, allowable pressure drop, proper fitting etc. They will perform various duties such as welding, marking, preparing pipe, cutting, grinding, and testing. They will explore welding certification requirements and procedures to ensure safe handling and operating applications. Other topics include maintenance and repair, review codes, types of valves etc.

In this module, students will examine various concepts associated with electricity. Some of these include amperes, various fuses & breakers, current GFCI’s etc. Students will work with various types of gauges of wires and learn how conductors are sized to carry different maximum currents. Based on the application, students will determine the type of insulation required on a conductor. Students will examine various diagrams & schematics representing an electrical application. Students will select the appropriate testing & measuring equipment based on various setups & conditions.

In this module, students will work with both electrical & mechanical controls. They will explore fundamental concepts of each and identify various components, functions, types, and operations. They will employ various troubleshooting techniques to identify, test, diagnose, recommend and replace effective components in electrical and mechanical circuits.

In this module, students will explain the key components of the building as a system and how they impact heat, moisture and air flow. They will describe building science principles as they relate to heat, moisture and air flow in the building. Students will explain ways of incorporating energy conservation measures into building construction and renovation. In addition, students will explain how mechanical systems affect heat, moisture, and air flow of a building.

Students will install and service various ranges, clothes dryers and barbeques. They will review code related to the proper hook-up of gas piping to gas ranges. Students will test operating and supply pressures, following manufacturer’s specifications for service. They will describe and identify the operating parameters and controls and interpret wiring and schematic diagrams. Students will select appropriate testing equipment for each application

Students will operate on cylinders, tanks, gas meters, pressure regulators, and relief valves. They will explain the purpose of propane and natural gas regulators, describe types of pressure regulators, and determine sizing requirements and venting procedures. Students will use appropriate testing equipment to test for leaks and malfunctions. They will perform installation procedures according to code and to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Students will describe the fundamentals of operation of propane/natural gas refrigerators. They will review manufacturer’s instructions and review code requirements. They will name the 3 main elements and the 3 distinct fluid circuits in a gas and propane refrigerator. Students will describe proper air circulation and interpret troubleshooting charts. They will describe possible causes of malfunction, the installation procedures, and describe cleaning and annual servicing procedures.

Students will determine if conversion is possible, according to boiler and furnace type. They will describe the methods to check for air, fuel, gas and water leaks using appropriate sealant. They will clean both the boiler and the furnace. They will describe the theory of combustion and identify the factors that affect combustion such as dirty heat exchangers, excess air supply, and draft conditions and over firing the appliance

Students will examine various types of water heaters and combination heating systems. They will describe and identify the different components of a water heater and combination system and describe testing procedures. Students will apply various electrical troubleshooting techniques to determine the integrity and operation of electrical and mechanical controls and components.

Students will install forced air furnaces. They will apply all local bylaws, permits, codes etc. to complete the installation. They will demonstrate electrical procedures and sheet metal procedures, set up and activate appliance “mid or high” furnace, describe the mechanical and electrical components of forced air heating systems, service a fan assembly, demonstrate the use of diagnostic equipment and perform mechanical tests.

Students will replace/install and activate a hydronic heating system. The student will be required to prepare the site, use appropriate code and follow manufacturer’s instructions to correctly replace and/or install a hydronic boiler, connect the boiler to an existing gas and water system, make proper venting connections and activate the system. Students will also apply troubleshooting techniques to determine electrical and mechanical pump malfunctions.

Students will define procedures and dismantle and reassemble space heating and decorative appliances. They will describe flame adjustments and flame characteristics, troubleshoot electrical systems and meters, and insert electrical faults in space heaters or decorative appliances.

Students will examine and identify each sample of approved venting material using the labels and course reference material. In addition, the student will install the vent connector for a draft hood vent appliance. Students will install the vent system for a power vented water heater, category 1 furnace, and category 3 furnace, and assemble vent system components for a side wall vented appliance.

Students will measure the return air ductwork both horizontally and vertically, determine the overall dimensions of the accessory device to be installed, and determine the dimension between the supply and return plenum. The students will be provide with a particular appliance, tape measure, installation instructions for the air cleaner, the appliance manufacturers’ electrical drawing for the forced air furnace, and the tools necessary to install the electronic air cleaner. The student must show knowledge of the component parts, explain their purpose, and determine if the electronic air cleaner is producing the correct output voltage.

Students will check the air temperature and air flow across an air handler. They will use a temperature measuring device, air flow measuring device and a manometer. Values for temperature rise and air flow quantities will be determined. Students will be able to identfy any restriction points by a visual inspection of the appliance and any add-on devices as well. They will assess existing ductwork, air filtration devices, humidifiers and sheet metal components to determine furnace removal requirements.