Lesson 1Electrical requirements: dedicated circuit, wire sizing, disconnect, grounding, surge protectionDescribes electrical requirements for safe, code-compliant split AC installations. Covers dedicated circuits, breaker sizing, conductor sizing, disconnect placement, grounding, bonding, surge protection, and labeling for service.
Dedicated circuit and breaker sizingConductor sizing and insulation typeOutdoor disconnect location and ratingEquipment grounding and bondingSurge protection and labelingLesson 2Evacuation and pressure testing: vacuum pump use, micron gauge procedure, nitrogen pressure checks and leak detection methodsDetails evacuation and pressure testing steps to ensure a dry, tight system. Covers nitrogen pressure tests, soap and electronic leak checks, deep vacuum targets, micron gauge use, decay tests, and documenting final readings.
Nitrogen pressure test proceduresSoap bubble and electronic leak checksVacuum pump setup and hose selectionMicron gauge targets and decay testRecording final test resultsLesson 3Mounting systems: wall bracket selection, anchor types, and structural considerationsExplains how to select and install mounting systems that safely support indoor and outdoor units. Covers wall brackets, anchors for different materials, load calculations, corrosion resistance, and vibration and noise considerations.
Choosing wall brackets and standsAnchor types for common materialsLoad rating and safety factorsCorrosion resistance and coatingsVibration and noise considerationsLesson 4Indoor unit siting: ideal height, clearance, airflow patterns, avoiding heat sources and sunlightExplains how to choose the best indoor unit location for comfort, efficiency, and service access. Covers mounting height, wall and side clearances, airflow paths, noise, and how to avoid heat sources, sunlight, and obstructions.
Recommended mounting height rangesMinimum side and top clearancesAvoiding heat sources and sunlightAirflow patterns and throw distanceNoise, drafts, and occupant comfortLesson 5Outdoor unit placement: stable pad, clearance for airflow, noise considerations and vibration isolationExplains how to select and prepare the outdoor unit location for stable, quiet, and efficient operation. Covers pad selection, anchoring, service clearances, airflow paths, snow and debris concerns, and vibration and noise control.
Pad selection and level installationRequired service and airflow clearancesAvoiding recirculation and obstructionsNoise impact on neighbors and indoorsVibration isolation pads and mountsLesson 6Drain line routing and trap design to prevent siphoning and odorsExplains how to design and route condensate drains to prevent leaks, siphoning, and odors. Covers gravity versus pump drains, trap sizing, venting, slope requirements, cleanouts, and terminations that meet code and hygiene needs.
Gravity drain versus pump selectionRequired slope and support spacingTrap sizing and placement rulesVenting to prevent siphoningCleanouts and drain terminationLesson 7Connection techniques: flaring vs brazing copper, use of access valves, flare torque specs and leak-prevention practicesCovers methods for connecting copper lines without leaks. Compares flaring and brazing, explains when each is appropriate, details flare preparation, torque specs, nitrogen purging during brazing, and leak-prevention best practices.
When to flare versus when to brazePreparing and deburring copper tubeFlare nut torque values and toolsNitrogen purging during brazingLeak-prevention inspection stepsLesson 8Startup checklist and commissioning: opening service valves, superheat/subcooling checks, system balancing and test runCovers the full startup and commissioning process after installation. Includes opening service valves, verifying airflow, checking superheat and subcooling, balancing indoor airflow, test running in cooling and heating, and documenting readings.
Pre-start visual and leak checksOpening service valves safelyMeasuring superheat and subcoolingBalancing indoor airflow and dampersTest run, data logging, and sign-offLesson 9On-site safety protocols: electrical lockout/tagout, ladder and fall safety, PPE for cutting/brazing, fire watch and hot work permitsDetails essential on-site safety rules before and during installation. Covers electrical lockout/tagout, ladder setup, fall protection, PPE for cutting and brazing, fire watch duties, and hot work permit requirements on customer sites.
Lockout/tagout for AC circuitsLadder setup and fall protectionPPE for cutting and brazingFire watch roles and durationHot work permits and recordsLesson 10Refrigerant piping: piping length limits, elevation differences, proper slope for drain and refrigerant oil returnFocuses on refrigerant piping layout for performance and compressor life. Covers manufacturer length and lift limits, line sizing, proper oil return slope, avoiding traps and kinks, insulation, and supporting lines to prevent vibration.
Maximum line length and lift limitsLine sizing per manufacturer chartsOil return slope and trap locationsInsulation of suction and liquid linesSupporting and securing line sets
