Kitchen Technician

Course Description

EER0317 – Kitchen Technician is a postsecondary career and technical education (CTE) course within Florida's Major Appliance and Refrigeration Technician program (FLDOE Program J620300), classified under the Engineering Technologies > Electronics Service Repair taxonomy of the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). This 450-contact-hour course represents an Occupational Completion Point (OCP) focused on the diagnosis, installation, service, and repair of kitchen and cooking appliances found in residential and light-commercial settings.

The course provides students with the technical knowledge and hands-on laboratory skills required for entry-level employment as a kitchen appliance repair technician. Content addresses the theory of operation, electrical and gas systems, electronic controls, and safe service practices for ranges, ovens, cooktops, microwave ovens, dishwashers, and trash compactors. Laboratory activities are an integral component of instruction.

This OCP is part of a planned sequence of instruction leading toward the full Major Appliance and Refrigeration Technician program. Students completing this OCP may continue to additional OCPs covering cooling appliances and refrigeration systems.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Apply electrical fundamentals including Ohm's Law, circuit analysis, and safe wiring practices as they relate to kitchen appliances.
• Interpret wiring diagrams, schematics, and technical documentation for ranges, ovens, and dishwashers.
• Install, troubleshoot, and repair electric ranges and ovens, including heating elements, infinite switches, and electronic oven controls.
• Install, troubleshoot, and repair gas ranges and cooktops, including gas valve operation, ignition systems, and gas conversion procedures.
• Install, troubleshoot, and repair microwave ovens, including magnetron, capacitor-diode circuits, and door interlock systems.
• Install, troubleshoot, and repair dishwashers, including pump/motor assemblies, water inlet valves, and control systems.
• Apply safe and efficient work practices specific to gas and electrical appliance repair, including lockout/tagout and high-voltage safety protocols.
• Use diagnostic instruments (multimeter, clamp meter, manometer, gas leak detector) to accurately identify faults.
• Demonstrate employability skills including professional communication, customer service, technical report writing, and workplace ethics.
• Apply gas fundamentals, including LP and natural gas properties, pressure regulation, and combustion principles.

Optional Outcomes

• Install, troubleshoot, and repair trash compactors and other secondary kitchen appliances.
• Diagnose and service appliances equipped with smart technology, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and touchscreen electronic control boards.
• Apply basic refrigeration fundamentals as they relate to refrigerator-freezer combinations found in kitchen environments.
• Demonstrate proficiency in soldering and wiring repair techniques for control board and harness replacement.
• Perform self-cleaning oven diagnostics, including door lock mechanisms and pyrolytic cycle controls.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Electrical Fundamentals Review – DC and AC circuits, Ohm's Law, voltage, current, resistance, capacitors, and basic wiring safety as applied to appliance repair.
• Gas Fundamentals – Properties of natural gas and LP gas, pressure measurement, regulator function, gas valve types, and combustion safety.
• Tools and Diagnostic Equipment – Proper use and calibration of multimeters, clamp meters, gas pressure gauges, manometers, and gas leak detectors.
• Wiring Diagrams and Schematics – Reading ladder diagrams, pictorial diagrams, and technical service literature for kitchen appliances.
• Electric Ranges, Ovens, and Cooktops – Theory of operation; surface unit elements; bake and broil elements; infinite switches; electronic range and oven controls; temperature calibration; self-cleaning systems.
• Gas Ranges, Ovens, and Cooktops – Theory of operation; pilot and electronic ignition systems; gas valves and burner assemblies; oven thermostats; broiler systems; gas-to-LP conversion.
• Microwave Ovens – Theory of microwave heating; magnetron, high-voltage transformer, diode, and capacitor systems; door interlock safety switches; turntable motors; electronic controls; safety discharge procedures.
• Dishwashers – Theory of operation; wash and drain pump/motor assemblies; water inlet valves; float switches; door latches and switches; heating elements; detergent and rinse-aid dispensers; electronic and electromechanical controls.
• Appliance Installation Requirements – Electrical code basics (NEC) for appliance circuits; gas line connection standards; plumbing requirements for dishwashers; clearance and ventilation requirements.
• Safe Work Practices – Personal protective equipment (PPE); lockout/tagout procedures; high-voltage safety; gas leak response; hazardous material handling; laboratory safety rules.
• Employability and Professional Skills – Customer communication, service documentation, work order completion, professional appearance, and time management.

Optional Topics

• Trash Compactors – Drive motor and ram assembly; directional switches; drawer and bucket components; electronic controls.
• Smart Appliance Technology – Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity; touchscreen control panels; OTA firmware updates; network-based diagnostics for modern kitchen appliances.
• Introduction to Refrigeration Principles – Basic refrigeration cycle; sealed system components as they relate to built-in refrigerators and ice makers in kitchen environments.
• Soldering and Component-Level Repair – Soldering techniques for wiring harness repair; control board inspection and replacement.
• Business Practices for Independent Service Technicians – Estimating, invoicing, parts ordering, scheduling, and self-employment considerations.

Resources & Tools

• Florida Department of Education CTE Curriculum Framework – Major Appliance and Refrigeration Technician (Program J620300), FLDOE Manufacturing Career Cluster
• Manufacturer Technical Service Manuals – GE, Whirlpool, Samsung, LG, Bosch, and Maytag service documentation for ranges, microwaves, and dishwashers
• Test Equipment – Digital multimeter, clamp-on ammeter, gas pressure manometer, combustible gas leak detector, non-contact voltage tester
• Hand and Shop Tools – Appliance technician tool kit including wrenches, nut drivers, putty knife, spring hook tool, and appliance dollies
• Laboratory Appliances – Working and defective electric ranges, gas ranges, microwave ovens, and dishwashers for hands-on diagnosis and repair practice
• Wiring Diagram Software / Online Resources – Appliance tech resources such as Appliantology (Master Samurai Tech), manufacturer portals, and eTech Parts
• Florida SkillsUSA – Major Appliance and Refrigeration Technology competitive events aligned to program competencies

Career Pathways

Completion of EER0317 prepares students for entry-level employment in kitchen appliance service and repair. Florida employers in this field include independent service centers, factory-authorized repair centers, retail chains, property management companies, and appliance distributors.

• Appliance Repair Technician – Residential and light-commercial service calls for kitchen appliances
• Department / Store Service Center Technician – In-store or in-home warranty and post-warranty repairs for major retailers
• Factory Repair Center Technician – Manufacturer-authorized bench repair and in-home service
• Appliance Installer – New appliance delivery and installation specialist
• Independent Service Contractor – Self-employed appliance repair business owner

Students completing the full Major Appliance and Refrigeration Technician program (all four OCPs) may also be eligible for articulated credit toward an Associate in Science (A.S.) in Supervision & Management for Industry at participating Florida colleges.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

This course supports preparation for the following industry-recognized credentials:

• Professional Service Association (PSA) – Graduate Certified Appliance Professional (GCAP): The Major Appliance and Refrigeration Technician program at multiple Florida technical colleges is accredited by the PSA, and program completers are eligible to sit for the GCAP examination.
• National Appliance Service Technician Certification (NASTeC): A nationally recognized credential for technicians who service major home appliances; candidates must pass a basic skills exam and at least one appliance specialty exam. Exams are administered through the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET).
• EPA Section 608 Technician Certification: Required by federal regulation (40 CFR Part 82) for technicians who service refrigerants; relevant to built-in and combo kitchen refrigeration equipment covered in optional topics.

Program Notes

• Academic skill levels required for program entry: Grade 9 language, mathematics, and reading (Florida Basic Skills requirements).
• There are no formal educational prerequisites for program enrollment; however, applicants must have a high school diploma or GED to qualify for financial aid.
• Laboratory activities are a required, integral part of this course. Students must follow all shop safety and PPE requirements.
• Students are strongly recommended to obtain PSA certification upon program completion to enhance employability and professional standing.