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Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers - 49-9021.02

O*NET-SOC Description

Install and repair industrial and commercial refrigerating systems.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Refrigeration Mechanic
  • Refrigeration Technician
  • Service Technician
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning / Refrigeration Technician (HVAC / R Technician)
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Technician (HVAC Technician)
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Service Technician (HVAC Service Technician)
  • HVAC/R Service Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Service Technician)
  • Refrigeration Operator
  • Transportation Refrigeration Technician
  • Ammonia Refrigeration Technician

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Adjust or replace worn or defective mechanisms and parts, and reassemble repaired systems.
  • Adjust valves according to specifications and charge system with proper type of refrigerant by pumping the specified gas or fluid into the system.
  • Braze or solder parts to repair defective joints and leaks.
  • Cut, bend, thread, and connect pipe to functional components and water, power, or refrigeration system.
  • Dismantle malfunctioning systems and test components, using electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic testing equipment.
  • Drill holes and install mounting brackets and hangers into floor and walls of building.
  • Estimate, order, pick up, deliver, and install materials and supplies needed to maintain equipment in good working condition.
  • Fabricate and assemble structural and functional components of refrigeration system, using hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment.
  • Install expansion and control valves, using acetylene torches and wrenches.
  • Install wiring to connect components to an electric power source.
  • Insulate shells and cabinets of systems.
  • Keep records of repairs and replacements made and causes of malfunctions.
  • Lay out reference points for installation of structural and functional components, using measuring instruments.
  • Lift and align components into position, using hoist or block and tackle.
  • Mount compressor, condenser, and other components in specified locations on frames, using hand tools and acetylene welding equipment.
  • Observe and test system operation, using gauges and instruments.
  • Perform mechanical overhauls and refrigerant reclaiming.
  • Read blueprints to determine location, size, capacity, and type of components needed to build refrigeration system.
  • Schedule work with customers and initiate work orders, house requisitions and orders from stock.
  • Supervise and instruct assistants.
  • Test lines, components, and connections for leaks.

Detailed Work Activities

  • adhere to safety procedures
  • adjust or set mechanical controls or components
  • align or adjust clearances of mechanical components or parts
  • analyze operation of malfunctioning electrical or electronic equipment
  • assemble and install pipe sections, fittings, or plumbing fixtures
  • assemble, dismantle, or reassemble equipment or machinery
  • bend pipes
  • bend tubing or conduit
  • braze metal parts or components together
  • conduct tests to locate mechanical system malfunction
  • cut, bend, or thread pipe for gas, air, hydraulic, or water lines
  • determine installation, service, or repair needed
  • determine material or tool requirements
  • determine project methods and procedures
  • diagnose mechanical problems in machinery or equipment
  • direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
  • estimate time or cost for installation, repair, or construction projects
  • fabricate ducting
  • fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
  • identify properties of metals for repair or fabrication activities
  • inspect machinery or equipment to determine adjustments or repairs needed
  • install electrical conduit or tubing
  • install electrical fixtures or components
  • install electronic equipment, components, or systems
  • install equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures
  • install insulating materials
  • install or replace meters, regulators, or related measuring or control devices
  • install sheet metal assemblies in supportive framework
  • install/connect electrical equipment to power circuit
  • install/string electrical or electronic cable or wiring
  • lay out machining, welding or precision assembly projects
  • maintain or repair industrial or related equipment/machinery
  • maintain or repair work tools or equipment
  • maintain repair records
  • maintain welding machines or equipment
  • measure and mark reference points or cutting lines on workpieces
  • move or fit heavy objects
  • observe or listen to machinery or equipment operation to detect malfunctions
  • operate hoist, winch, or hydraulic boom
  • operate pneumatic test equipment
  • order or purchase supplies, materials, or equipment
  • overhaul industrial or construction machinery or equipment
  • position, align, or level machines, equipment, or structures
  • pressure test piping system or equipment for leaks
  • read blueprints
  • read schematics
  • read technical drawings
  • read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
  • repair or adjust measuring or control devices
  • repair or replace electrical wiring, circuits, fixtures, or equipment
  • repair or replace gas, steam, sewer, or water piping or fixtures
  • repair or replace malfunctioning or worn mechanical components
  • repair refrigeration or HVAC equipment
  • replace electronic components
  • schedule activities, classes, or events
  • solder electrical or electronic connections or components
  • solder metal parts or components together
  • test electrical/electronic wiring, equipment, systems or fixtures
  • test electronic or electrical circuit connections
  • test mechanical products or equipment
  • understand service or repair manuals
  • understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
  • use acetylene welding/cutting torch
  • use arc welding equipment
  • use basic carpentry techniques
  • use basic plumbing techniques
  • use braze-welding equipment
  • use combination welding procedures
  • use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
  • use electronic calibration devices
  • use hand or power tools
  • use hand or power woodworking tools
  • use knowledge of metric system
  • use knowledge of ventilation systems
  • use knowledge of welding filler rod types
  • use pipe fitting equipment
  • use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
  • use precision tools in electronics repair
  • use pressure gauges
  • use soldering equipment
  • use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
  • weld together metal parts, components, or structures

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Aircraft Maintenance Support Equipment Electrician/Refrigeration Mechanic (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • NAMTS Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Shore-Based Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • SSN/SSBN Basic Auxiliary Equipment Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Utilities Equipment Repairer (Army - Enlisted)
  • Utilitiesman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Utilitiesman - Air Conditioning (Coast Guard - Enlisted)
  • Utilitiesman Basic (Navy - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Refrigeration Mechanic
  • Refrigeration Unit Repairer

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Refrigeration Mechanic
  • Refrigeration Unit Repairer