OFT21-504A - Installation, commissioning and servicing of air source heat pumps

This course is for technicians who wish to install, commission and service air source heat pumps (non-refrigerant system). The course covers a variety of areas including health and safety, regional legislation and requirements, safe electrical isolation, factors to be considered before and during installation, filling and flushing requirements, appliance installation, soundness tests, operational checks and procedures, fault finding identifying unsafe situations, and practical servicing and commissioning.

Qualification code and qualification title

OFT21-504A  - Installation, commissioning and servicing of air source heat pumps.

Assessment information

Assessment is via multiple choice theory papers, practically assessed worksheets (PAWS), and practical hands-on assessment.

Pre-requisites

Applicants must hold a nationally recognised qualification and/or registration in a trade associated with heating and/or plumbing work for a period of not less than two years, and hold both current and valid Water Regulations and Unvented Hot Water certificates.

Or

Must have ‘on the job’ heating installation and/or maintenance experience for a period of not less than two years, and hold both current and valid Water Regulations and Unvented Hot Water certificates.

Course contents

• Know the health and safety risks and safe systems of work associated with heat pump system installation work (non-refrigerant circuits).
• Know the health and safety risks of heat pump refrigerants.
• Know the requirements of relevant regulations/standards relating to practical installation, testing and commissioning activities for heat pump installation work (non-refrigerant circuits).
• Recognise and explain the types of low carbon central heating systems.
• Understand and consider appropriate factors, prior to the installation of low carbon central heating appliances.
• Understand the requirements of low carbon heating and hot water system installation.
• Know the fundamental principles of heat pump selection and system design that are common to all heat pumps.
• Know the handover procedures following the commissioning of heat pump systems.
• Understand and consider appropriate factors, prior to the installation of low carbon central heating appliances.
• Install low carbon heating and hot water systems.
• Commission heat pump equipment, components and systems.
• Understand and apply a soundness test to industry requirements on system pipework and components.
• Understand and apply flushing requirements including the use of system additives for new and existing systems.
• Understand and apply operational checks required during commissioning.
• Understand and apply commissioning and handover procedures for heat pump systems.
• Undertake the non-refrigerant circuit routine service and maintenance of an air source heat pump system installation.

Expiry information

Re-assessment is required after five years.

Training materials

OFTEC heat pump reference manual, MCS Domestic Heat Pumps - A Best Practice Guide, MCS MIS 3005-I, MCS MIS 3005-D, Approved Documents L1A, L1B, Domestic Heating Design Guide.

Installation of Air Source Heat Pumps to MCS Installation Standard 3005-I.