Maricopa Community Colleges  ABC224   19956-20032 
Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 04/25/95
ABC224 19956-20032 LEC 1 Credit(s) 1 Period(s)
Electricity of HVAC Systems
Introduction to heating and air conditioning. Principles of heating and cooling. Operation and installation of equipment used for heating and cooling. National Electrical Codes (NEC) requirements. Safety precautions, testing and trouble shooting specific systems. Prerequisites: (Indentured status with the Arizona Builders Alliance and ABC108) or (permission of the apprenticeship coordinator).
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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
 
ABC224   19956-20032 Electricity of HVAC Systems
1. Define terminology and explain the principles, concepts and theory involved in refrigeration for specific air conditioning systems, including heat pumps and room air conditioners. (I, II, III, IV, VII)
2. Describe specific types of compressors, how they operate, their function, component parts, applicable NE codes, methods of control and the importance of lubrication. (V)
3. Identify specific types of heating systems, how they operate, safety features, advantages, operating principles, return air filtration, applicable NE codes and installation procedures. (VI)
4. Describe specific types of control methods for HVAC systems, basic principles of control, control components, circuitry and applicable NE codes. (VII)
5. Describe troubleshooting of HVAC systems, explain probable causes and list proper corrective actions. (VII)
6. Describe preventive maintenance and cleaning procedures for HVAC systems. (VIII)
7. Describe specific safety procedures and clothing for servicing HVAC systems. (X)
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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
 
ABC224   19956-20032 Electricity of HVAC Systems
    I. Introduction to HVAC Systems
        A. Terms and definitions
          1. Air conditioning
          2. Ambient temperature
          3. British thermal unit
          4. Coefficient of performance
          5. Standard air
          6. Thermostat
          7. Ton of refrigeration
          8. Other
        B. Overview
      II. Body Comfort
          A. Convection
          B. Radiation
          C. Evaporation
          D. Conditions affecting body heat
            1. Temperature
            2. Humidity
            3. Air movement
        III. Typical Air Cycle
            A. Pictorial description
            B. Cycle description
              1. Supply duct/outlets
              2. Room space
              3. Return outlets
              4. Filters
              5. Cooling/heating coil or combustion chamber
          IV. Refrigeration
              A. Typical refrigeration system
              B. Theory of refrigeration
              C. Transfer of heat
              D. The refrigeration process
              E. Operation of a refrigeration system
                1. Compressor
                2. Condenser
                3. Expansion valve
                4. Receiver
                5. Evaporator
              F. Heat pumps
                1. Heating cycle
                2. Cooling cycle
            V. Compressors
                A. "Heart" of the refrigeration system
                B. Basic operating premise
                C. Types of compressors
                D. Compressor valves - flexing disk/reed type
                E. Cooling compressor heads
                F. Safety springs
                H. Shaft seals
                I. Service valves
                J. Hermetic compressors
                  1. Reciprocating compressor
                  2. Rotating compressor
                  3. Rotary compressor with stationary blade
                  4. Lubrication of rotary compressors
                K. Centrifugal compressors
                L. Methods of controlling compressor capacity
                  1. Variable speed motors
                  2. Hot gas by-pass
                  3. Cylinder by-pass
                  4. Cylinder unloading
                M. Lubrication
                  1. Viscosity of oil
                  2. Oil separators
                O. NEC requirements for compressors
                  1. Article 430
                  2. Article 440
                  3. Article 422
                  4. Article 424
                  5. Other
              VI. Electric Heat
                  A. Heater types
                    1. Electric baseboard
                    2. Radiant ceiling
                    3. Radiant heating panels
                    4. Infrared
                    5. Forced air wall
                    6. Floor-insert convection
                    7. Electric kick-space
                    8. Radiant heating cable
                    9. Combination heating/cooling units
                    10. Electric furnaces
                    11. Electric hot water systems
                    12. Heat pumps
                  B. Heating calculations
                    1. Heat loss
                    2. British thermal units (btu)
                    3. Transmission gain/loss
                    4. Duct heat loss
                  C. Baseboard Heaters
                    1. NEC installation requirements
                    2. Floor plan layout
                  D. Electric space heating cables
                    1. Benefits/uses
                    2. Installation in plaster ceilings
                    3. Layout pattern
                    4. Installation in concrete
                  E. Forced air systems
                    1. Duct heaters
                    2. NEC requirements
                  F. Room air conditioners
                VII. Control Wiring
                    A. Indoor thermostat
                      1. Temperature setting
                      2. Fan operation
                      3. Location
                    B. Basic principles of control
                    C. Basic electronic controls
                      1. Basic wheatstone-bridge circuit
                      2. Modified wheatstone-bridge circuit
                    D. Time delay circuits
                    E. Basic control components
                      1. Thermostat
                      2. Transformer
                      3. Fan control
                      4. Limit control
                      5. Main gas valve
                      6. Pilot safety
                      7. Thermocouple
                      8. Fire-stat
                      9. Furnace wiring
                    F. NEC requirements for HVAC controls
                    G. Troubleshooting
                      1. Malfunction
                      2. Probable cause
                      3. Corrective action
                  VIII. Maintenance of Heating and Cooling Equipment
                      A. Cleaning
                      B. Lubrication
                      C. Periodic inspection
                        1. Drive belts
                        2. "V" pulleys
                        3. Fan blade and blower wheel assemblies
                        4. Electrical components
                    IX. Safety
                        A. Procedures
                        B. Clothing
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