Updating Your SMAN/Testo Gauges
October 17, 2024
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Some of you might have an older SMAN/Testo digital gauge. With the new refrigerants coming, you might need to update
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Technical Services Manager
North Georgia District
So, you want to take the EPA exam. We have had many techs take the exam this past year. We offer this exam primarily as an on-line class with the tech using their laptop with a camera. We originate the class thru the zoom format. We’ll normally send the tech a couple of correspondence emails to ensure we have the correct email address to send the web address to sign in on class day. The tech can take the class and exam at the office or at their residence. They will need internet to log in to the class.
Some questions have been asked by many techs and service managers. Why can’t my tech use his phone or tablet? Well, this is a very good question. We have had some techs to use their phone to view the review of the class, but problems with this sometimes occur. The tech’s phone has lost battery power usually while they are taking the test. Once the test is lost, many times the tech will need to retake the entire exam. Also, not everyone can see and hear on their cell phone or tablet as well as a laptop. Many times there is not a camera on the phone or tablet for us to view the techs. We need to record the techs during the exam to ensure the credibility of the exam. We do not recommend using a cell phone or tablet – please make sure each tech has access to a laptop with a camera.
If you or your techs are going to take the EPA 608 review and exam, we can offer several preparation tips. Once your tech is signed up, our personnel send the tech study material to the email address that is given. It is very important for the tech to read and review the study material sent to the email address. So, a bit of advice. Please keep in touch with the tech to ensure he indeed does receive the study material as well as information leading the tech to the ESCO home page and directions to the practice study questions for all four areas of the EPA 608 which include core, type 1, type 2, and type 3. We have asked many techs who earned their Universal card, what was their preparation? Each without fail stated they studied the material we sent them, and listened closely to the presentation.
One clear advantage of taking the EPA 608 on-line is you get your results immediately. The tech will receive their EPA card in a week to 10 business days. Once the tech receives their card, they need to make a copy and get both laminated. We advise storing the original card in a safe place. By getting your cards laminated, the tech can ensure moisture won’t deteriorate the card. Also, should you lose your card, make another copy of your original card.
So, the tech didn’t pass all sections, how does this work? The tech must pass core to get any certifications. If the tech passed core and type 1 only, they would receive a type 1 certification. If the tech passes core and type 2, they will receive a type 2 certification. If the tech passes all sections, core, type 1, type 2, and type 3, they will receive a Universal Card. We urge all techs to study hard to earn their Universal card.
Also, unless the tech misuses their card and is investigated and charged a violation by the EPA, the card is a lifetime card. They never have to get their card renewed. It is the techs responsibility to keep up with the trade and the different refrigerants and equipment introduced in the HVACR industry.
The EPA 608 preparation class materials and certification were updated a few years ago to include the new A2L, flammable and slightly flammable refrigerants. This information is subject to change with innovations in the HVACR industry. So, it is the technician’s responsibility to keep up with the HVACR industry. We at Mingledorff’s offer Fall and Spring Updates each year and a monthly newsletter to keep the contractors, technicians, and all affiliated with the trade, updated as much as possible. Keep in mind though we cannot in anyway have all the information that is needed during these updates. The technicians need to constantly keep in touch with their equipment manufacturers, salesman, read current periodicals, and search equipment websites to stay up to date with the HVACR trade.
Now that you have read and understand how to receive your EPA 608 Universal card, lets get to it. Start studying and get that Universal card.
Disclaimer: The technical statements, information and recommendations contained herein are believed to be accurate as of the date hereof, but Mingledorff’s does not make representations or warranties, express or implied, as to its accuracy, its completeness, or the results to be obtained. The information is being provided for informational purposes only and is intended for use by persons having adequate skill and expertise regarding the proper selection, use and application of the products and recommendations and at their own risk and discretion.
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