Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics

Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics assemble, install, maintain and repair industrial, commercial and domestic airconditioning and refrigeration systems and equipment.

**Indicative skill level:**

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

#### In Australia:

- AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

#### In New Zealand:

- NZQF Level 4 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Registration or licensing may be required.

**Tasks include:**

- establishing job requirements from drawings and specifications, and laying out installation reference points - drilling holes, installing mounting brackets and cutting, bending and threading piping - installing and repairing components such as compressors, motors, condensers, evaporators, switches and gauges, and copper lines for steam, gas, refrigerant, compressed air, oil and chilled water - bolting, soldering, riveting, welding and brazing pipes to connect equipment, and checking alignment and accuracy of fit - filling systems with gas or fluid to check for leaks - test-operating refrigeration systems, checking mechanisms and making adjustments - removing test gas and fluid using vacuum pumps, and filling with refrigerant - checking and overhauling refrigeration systems, diagnosing faults and repairing and replacing defective components - adjusting system controls and mechanisms and reassembling systems - recording causes of malfunctioning and action taken