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Title / Demonstrate knowledge of automotive air conditioning
Level / 3 / Credits / 4
Purpose / This theory-based unit standard is for people who wish to enter or are employed in the motor industry.
People credited with this unit standard are able to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of refrigeration, refrigerants used for automotive air conditioners, an automotive air conditioning system and safe work practices when working on an air conditioning system.
Classification / Motor Industry > Automotive Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
Available grade / Achieved
Guidance Information
1 Evidence presented for assessment against this unit standard must be consistent with safe working practices and be in accordance with applicable manufacturer’s specifications, service information, company and legislative requirements.
2 Legislation, regulations and/or industry standards relevant to this unit standard include but are not limited to the current version of including updated amendments to, and replacements of – Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996, Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, Ozone Layer Protection Act 1996, Resource Management Act 1991, Ozone Layer Protection Regulations 1996, IRHACE 2007 CoP; Australia and New Zealand Refrigerant Handling and Self Contained Low Charge Systems, Parts 1 and 2.
3 Definitions
Company requirements refer to instructions to staff on policy and procedures which are documented in memo or manual format and are available in the workplace. These requirements include but are not limited to – company specifications and procedures, work instructions, manufacturer specifications, product quality specifications and legislative requirements.
Service information may include but is not limited to – technical information of a vehicle, machine, or product detailing operation; installation and servicing procedures; manufacturer instructions and specifications; technical terms and descriptions; and detailed illustrations. This may be accessed from the manufacturer.
4 Recommended skills and knowledge: Unit 19666, Demonstrate knowledge of refrigerants and their effect on the environment.
Outcomes and performance criteria
Outcome 1
Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of refrigeration.
Performance criteria
1.1 Heat transfer from one body to another is described.
Range direction of heat flow, conduction, convection, radiation.
1.2 The part that latent heat plays in the changes of state of matter is identified.
Range solid to liquid to vapour, and reverse.
1.3 The way in which the principles of refrigeration are made use of in an air conditioning system is described in terms of compression, condensing, expansion, and evaporation.
Outcome 2
Demonstrate knowledge of refrigerants used for automotive air conditioners.
Performance criteria
2.1 Refrigerants used in automotive air conditioning systems are identified and their characteristics described.
Range includes but is not limited to – hydrofluoroolefin (HFO), R-1234yf, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), R-134a.
2.2 Reasons for phasing out and seeking alternatives to R-134a are identified in accordance with environmental emission standards.
2.3 Pressure and temperature range of each refrigerant is identified in accordance with refrigerant manufacturer specifications.
2.4 Transportation and storage procedures for refrigerants are described in accordance with refrigerant Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) information and legislative requirements.
Outcome 3
Demonstrate knowledge of an automotive air conditioning system.
Range compressor, lubricant, condenser, filter-drier, expansion device, evaporator, thermostat, fans.
Performance criteria
3.1 The major components of an automotive air conditioning system are identified in terms of their most likely position in a motor vehicle.
3.2 The function and operation of each component in an automotive air conditioning system is described.
3.3 Servicing requirements are described.
Range system testing, replacement of components, flushing, replacement of refrigerant oil, evacuation, charging system.
Outcome 4
Demonstrate knowledge of safe work practices when working on an air conditioning
system.
Performance criteria
4.1 Procedures for handling refrigerants are described.
Range includes but is not limited to – skin protection, respiratory protection, open flame, cleanliness, ventilation, eye protection, use of gloves, wearing protective clothing.
4.2 First aid treatment for exposure to refrigerants is described in accordance with occupational safety and health (OSH) requirements.
Range skin and eye contact, inhalation.
4.3 Safe working practices when working on an air conditioning system are identified.
Range includes but is not limited to – cleanliness; ventilation; eye protection, gloves, protective clothing; working with high pressure systems; working on vehicles with high voltage systems; running the engine; awareness of moving parts; heating components and smoking; using air conditioning equipment; recovery and storage of refrigerant; inspecting components; performance testing; recovering refrigerant; evacuating system; testing and repairing the electrical system.
Replacement information / This unit standard was replaced by unit standard 30565.This unit standard is expiring. Assessment against this unit standard must take place by the last date for assessments set out below.
Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process / Version / Date / Last Date for Assessment /Registration / 1 / 23 February 1999 / 31 December 2018
Revision / 2 / 16 April 2003 / 31 December 2018
Review / 3 / 25 January 2008 / 31 December 2018
Review / 4 / 21 April 2016 / 31 December 2018
Review / 5 / 20 October 2016 / 31 December 2020
Review / 6 / 26 October 2017 / 31 December 2020
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference / 0014
This CMR can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.
MITO New Zealand IncorporatedSSB Code 101542 / Ó New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2017 / / New Zealand Qualifications Aut