Appliance Installers overview Appliance installers set up and install machines such as dishwashers, microwaves, refrigerators, ranges. Have you ever moved into a new house and had to wait for the range or refrigerator to be installed? You think, oh no problem I can eat out or use a cooler for a few days. Then half way through first day you realize this is hard this is bad. After the second day of eating out you search around the melting ice for a soda and just want to open the fridge and get a glass of milk or something to cook. When the appliance installer shows up, you nearly hug him! Most appliance installers specialize in large appliances such as washers, dryers, stoves, and refrigerators. Appliance installers often do simple carpentry when installing built-in appliances. For example, they may drill or saw holes in floors or walls to make room for hoses or vents. Installers may also do simple plumbing tasks because dishwashers and some refrigerators need water. They measure and cut pipes to the right length. They connect these pipes to the appliance and the existing plumbing and some appliances to gas lines. They do many of the same tasks to connect appliances to gas lines as to connect them to water lines. Once appliances are connected to the gas or water lines, installers test these connections for leaks. They make adjustments as necessary. If the appliance is not already in its proper location, installers move it. They may need to level washing machines and refrigerators. Next, they light the pilot light, if there is one, and install cabinetry trim. Finally, they run the appliance, make final adjustments, and answer customers’ questions. The most important part of this job is dealing with the customers. Installers answer questions, respond to complaints, and give information on the care of appliances. They provide estimates, prepare the bills, and connect payments. Installers also keep a log of the maintenance and repairs they make. Appliance installers use a variety of hand tools, such as screwdrivers and wrenches. They also use power tools, such as saws, when removing cabinetry. Technology is changing quickly. Thus, appliance installers and repairers may attend classes to learn about new development in their field. Other titles and keywords for this career Work Activities The following list of occupational task is specific to this career: Perform minor carpentry, such as modifying kitchen cabinets, where appliance is to be installed Cut and drill holes in floors and walls to install appliance Install machines. Make sure water and electrical connections comply with codes Level washing machines and connect hoses to water pipes Level refrigerators, adjust doors, and connect water lines to water pipes for ice makers Observe and test operation of appliances and make adjustments if necessary Advise customers about use and care of appliances Light and adjust pilot lights on gas stoves. Examine the valves and burners for gas leakage and specified flame Measure, cut, and thread pipes. Connect them to feeder lines and the appliance Test and examine pipelines and equipment to locate leaks Confer with customers and inspect appliances to determine the problem Use hand and power tools. Use testing devices such as electrical circuit testers Attend training programs and read repair manuals to keep skills and knowledge current People in this career perform the following list of tasks, but the tasks are common to many occupations: Handle and move objects Inspect equipment, structures, or materials Perform activities that use the whole body Get information needed to do job Carry out ideas, programs systems, or products Working Conditions Interpersonal relationships: Provide a service to customers Deal with appliance owners Have a low social contact. Installers and repairs speak briefly with customers, but otherwise work alone Physical Work Conditions Work indoors except when hooking up outdoor vents for appliances Sometimes work in cramped places and get in to awkward positions Are sometimes exposed to situations that may produce cuts or burns. There is some likelihood of slight injury. Safety procedures greatly reduce the chance and degree of injury Sometimes wear gloves and other safety attire Are sometimes exposed to explosive fumes when installers or repairing gas appliances. The chance of being injured is slight. However, any injuries are likely to be moderate Work Performance Must be sure that all details of the job are done according to local building codes. Errors could endanger the safety of homeowners Hours/Travel Usually work a standard of 40-hour week Maybe “on-call” in case of emergencies Physical Demands People in this career frequently: Use their hands to handle, control, or feel parts, tools, and machine controls Stand for long periods of time Kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl when working on appliances Bend or twist the body to reach appliance parts It is important for people in this career to be able to: Use muscles to lift, push pull, or carry heavy appliances Use hands or fingers to grasp, move, or assemble appliances and parts Make fast, simple, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired It is not as important, but still necessary, for people in this career to be able to: Communicate Listen to customers and ask questions Read and understand work-related diagrams and manuals Express ideas clearly when speaking to customers Reason and Problem Solve Identify problems and review information. Analyze options and apply solutions. Identify what must be changed to reach goals Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action Manage oneself, people, Time, and Things Check how well one is learning or doing something Perceive and Visualize Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or it is parts are rearranged Knowledge People in this career need knowledge in the following areas: Mechanical: Knowledge of designing, using, and repairing machines and tools Building and Construction: knowledge of constructing buildings and other structures Interests People in this career are people who tend to: Consider support from their employer important. They like to be treated fairly and have supervisors who will back them up. They prefer jobs where they are trained well Consider good working conditions important. They like jobs offering steady employment and good pay. They want employment that fits their individual work style. They may prefer doing a variety of tasks, working alone, or being busy all the time Consider relationships important. They like to work in friendly, non-competitive environment. They like to do things for other people. They prefer jobs where they are not pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong Have realistic interests. They like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like to work with plants, animals, and physical materials such as wood, tools, and machinery Preparation To work as an appliance installer and repairer, you must: Have a high school diploma or GED Complete a formal training program Complete on-the-job training program and Have mechanical aptitude Formal Education Many appliance installers and repairers complete a formal training program in appliance repair or electronics. Professional technical schools or two- year colleges offer these programs. They grant a certificate or associate’s degree. In these programs you learn to read schematic drawings, analyze problems, and follow safety procedures. You also learn to determine whether to replace or repair parts. On-the-job training After completing a training program, you generally receive on-the-job training. An experienced worker teaches you additional skills needed for the job. You begin as a helper and do basic tasks. As you gain experience you work on more complex tasks. Training covers: Using equipment and tools Making repairs; and Providing customer service Training may last up to three years with ongoing re-certifications.