EPA Sectoin 608 certification type II
#1
04-04-06, 07:15 PM
EPA Sectoin 608 certification type II
Hi,
I would like to know what would be involved in getting certified to install my own heat pump. I guess you could say I am an extreme do-it-yourselfer. I found a website that will allow me to get 608 type I over the internet, but I am willing to take a proctored test to get type II. What I don't want to do is take classes for a year. The goal here is to be able to install my own heat pump, and I do not want to make a career of it.
I would also like to know a good book on HVAC as I am having trouble finding any with good reviews.
Thanks in advance,
Jordan
I would like to know what would be involved in getting certified to install my own heat pump. I guess you could say I am an extreme do-it-yourselfer. I found a website that will allow me to get 608 type I over the internet, but I am willing to take a proctored test to get type II. What I don't want to do is take classes for a year. The goal here is to be able to install my own heat pump, and I do not want to make a career of it.
I would also like to know a good book on HVAC as I am having trouble finding any with good reviews.
Thanks in advance,
Jordan
#2
04-04-06, 08:36 PM
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i'm just gonna be honest with you, the 608 don't make you a tech.
it takes time for one to learn how to work with the systems, i have had people that have that come out of these collage schools, and have had themselves about killed,and those around them. hvac, in the long run, is not a real do it your self type of project, we try to tell you what you can legally do, but the other stuff, unless you are trained, should left to the pros, i and what i mean about trained, years of hands on experiance. we just don't want you to hurt yourself or others. what we do is way more technical than the little" pass the exam book" that is required.
i reread your post, and i believe that you really want to learn this stuff. take a course, follow a veteran around(like i did for years).
then you will realize that we work very hard for our money.
by the way if you take the test i hope you pass.
barry
it takes time for one to learn how to work with the systems, i have had people that have that come out of these collage schools, and have had themselves about killed,and those around them. hvac, in the long run, is not a real do it your self type of project, we try to tell you what you can legally do, but the other stuff, unless you are trained, should left to the pros, i and what i mean about trained, years of hands on experiance. we just don't want you to hurt yourself or others. what we do is way more technical than the little" pass the exam book" that is required.
i reread your post, and i believe that you really want to learn this stuff. take a course, follow a veteran around(like i did for years).
then you will realize that we work very hard for our money.
by the way if you take the test i hope you pass.
barry
#3
04-06-06, 06:25 PM
I appreciate your response, but I don't understand what is so unsafe about installing my own heat pump. I have done electrical work for years, and don’t have a problem with electricity. As long as I understand refrigerant and don't leak it into the house, what would possibly be so dangerous that I couldn't do my own system. I understand that I might not have the best system, since I know very little. I was hoping to find a book to give me the basics so that I could install a decent system. I also don’t believe these companies installing flexible ductwork are putting in the best system, and I think that I can probably do at least that good. I have done all aspects of residential building except HVAC from digging foundations to roofing to septic systems.
#5
04-06-06, 06:37 PM
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The 608 exam can be passed by anyone off the street with a couple of weeks of study. Understanding refrigeration takes years. I agree with brent in that it would be dangerous for you to undertake this project. There are so many hazzards in installing and starting a system like yours that it just isnt practical. If you insist on doing this just be aware that you will need specialized equipment and tools and think once, twice three times before brazing, charging or starting your equipment. A compressor is just that........it compresses and it does a quick job of it. If you happen to have a valve closed on a cheap piece of equipment without a high pressure cutout, it will turn into a hand grenade. Oh and by the way..... the 608 exam assumes you have been educated in refrigeration to the point that you know at least the basics. Buy a book first. Doolins Trouble Shooting Digest is old but very good.
#6
04-06-06, 08:02 PM
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i also want to add that i have been doing this stuff for over twenty years and i still, still learn something new everyday.
i followed my uncle a a/c contractor around(who was a instructor at collage,also) for 2+ years before i got a half a** knowledge about how these things work. i am wholeheartly for anyone wanting to get certified as long as they know what they are doing.
i, like you, have built homes from the ground up, but this stuff is a little different. and have you considered the cost of the equipment that you will need? recovery unit cheapest one i seen, 1200.00,
simple gauges 89.00, pump down machine 120.00, torch set up 500.00, nitro set up 200.00 , scales 200.00, reclaim tanks, solderer
rods, leak detector,flux,copper,combes ... i could go on and on,
not to mention the severe fines that would be imposed upon you with the mishandling of refridgerants(in the $00,000-$000,000 range and could include jail time). so you see that we a/c contractors are faced with a lot of pressures.
barry
i followed my uncle a a/c contractor around(who was a instructor at collage,also) for 2+ years before i got a half a** knowledge about how these things work. i am wholeheartly for anyone wanting to get certified as long as they know what they are doing.
i, like you, have built homes from the ground up, but this stuff is a little different. and have you considered the cost of the equipment that you will need? recovery unit cheapest one i seen, 1200.00,
simple gauges 89.00, pump down machine 120.00, torch set up 500.00, nitro set up 200.00 , scales 200.00, reclaim tanks, solderer
rods, leak detector,flux,copper,combes ... i could go on and on,
not to mention the severe fines that would be imposed upon you with the mishandling of refridgerants(in the $00,000-$000,000 range and could include jail time). so you see that we a/c contractors are faced with a lot of pressures.
barry
#7
04-07-06, 05:53 AM
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I don't know where you would buy freon either. It is sold to licensed installers only. Last I knew, it was a seperate test just for handling freon. Then theres all the other things you have already read above.
I also do not believe you could get it inspected/permitted which would lead to problems if you ever decided to sell your house. Good luck.
I also do not believe you could get it inspected/permitted which would lead to problems if you ever decided to sell your house. Good luck.
