iti 18 April 2025
Mechanic Air-conditioning

ITI Mechanic (Refrigeration and Air-Conditioner) Trade Syllabus – Air-Conditioning Focus 

The ITI Mechanic (Refrigeration and Air-Conditioner) trade is a two-year vocational training program under the Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS), governed by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT). This course equips trainees with skills in installing, servicing, troubleshooting, and repairing air-conditioning systems used in domestic, commercial, and industrial settings. The air-conditioning component focuses on technologies like window ACs, split ACs, central systems, and advanced HVAC setups. The syllabus integrates theoretical knowledge, practical technical skills, and employability skills to prepare students for roles such as AC mechanics, service technicians, or HVAC engineers in industries, or as self-employed service providers.

Course Overview

  • Duration: 2 years (4 semesters, each 6 months)
  • NSQF Level: Level 5
  • Eligibility: Minimum 10th grade pass with Science and Mathematics (or equivalent)
  • Objective: To train individuals in air-conditioning system installation, maintenance, and repair for optimal performance and energy efficiency.

Detailed Syllabus Breakdown – Air-Conditioning Focus

1. Trade Theory (Theoretical Knowledge – Air-Conditioning)

Covers principles of air-conditioning systems, components, and maintenance.

  • Semester 1
    • Introduction to Air-Conditioning
      • Overview: principles, types (window, split, central AC), applications.
      • Safety: PPE, electrical safety, handling refrigerants safely.
      • Industry scope: HVAC career roles, environmental regulations.
    • Fundamentals of Thermodynamics
      • Concepts: heat transfer, pressure, humidity in AC systems.
      • Refrigeration cycle: compression, condensation, expansion, evaporation for cooling.
      • Psychrometry: dry/wet bulb temperature, humidity control, comfort cooling.
    • Refrigerants for Air-Conditioning
      • Types: HFCs (R410A, R32), eco-friendly options, properties.
      • Handling: charging, recovery, leak detection in AC units.
      • Regulations: Montreal Protocol, F-Gas compliance for AC systems.
    • Electrical Basics for AC
      • Circuits: single-phase, three-phase for AC compressors, fans.
      • Components: relays, capacitors, thermostats, control panels.
      • Wiring: diagrams for split, window AC installations.
  • Semester 2
    • Air-Conditioning Systems
      • Types: window AC, split AC, packaged units, ducted systems.
      • Components: compressors (reciprocating, rotary), condensers, evaporators, expansion valves.
      • Operation: cooling modes, inverter technology, zoning in central AC.
    • Controls and Automation
      • Controls: thermostats, remote sensors, timers, smart AC controllers.
      • Automation: relay logic, IoT integration in modern AC systems.
      • Safety devices: pressure switches, circuit breakers, overload protectors.
    • Piping and Ducting
      • Piping: copper tubing, brazing, flaring for AC refrigerant lines.
      • Ducting: design, materials (galvanized steel, flexible ducts), airflow management.
      • Insulation: preventing heat gain, condensation in AC setups.
    • Installation Principles
      • Site survey: assessing space, ventilation, power for AC units.
      • Mounting: indoor/outdoor units, vibration pads, drainage systems.
      • Commissioning: vacuuming, refrigerant charging, performance testing.
  • Semester 3
    • Commercial and Industrial AC
      • Systems: VRF/VRV, chilled water systems, precision cooling for data centers.
      • Applications: offices, malls, hospitals, factories.
      • Maintenance: cleaning coils, checking airflow, humidity control.
    • Troubleshooting AC Systems
      • Fault diagnosis: low cooling, noisy operation, electrical issues.
      • Tools: manifold gauges, clamp meters, infrared thermometers.
      • Solutions: compressor repair, refrigerant recharge, control recalibration.
    • Energy Efficiency
      • Metrics: EER, SEER, star ratings for AC units.
      • Technologies: inverter ACs, variable speed compressors, smart thermostats.
      • Audits: assessing AC performance, recommending upgrades.
    • HVAC Standards
      • Standards: ASHRAE, BIS for air quality, system efficiency.
      • Ventilation: fresh air intake, exhaust systems in HVAC.
      • Compliance: noise levels, energy regulations for commercial AC.
  • Semester 4
    • Advanced AC Technologies
      • Systems: solar-powered AC, evaporative cooling, hybrid systems.
      • Controls: BMS (Building Management Systems), Wi-Fi-enabled ACs.
      • Maintenance: updating firmware, calibrating advanced sensors.
    • Preventive Maintenance
      • Schedules: cleaning filters, checking refrigerant levels, inspecting ducts.
      • Servicing: lubricating motors, tightening electrical connections.
      • Records: logging maintenance, warranty tracking for AC units.
    • Professional Skills
      • Customer service: explaining AC faults, suggesting energy-saving tips.
      • Entrepreneurship: starting an AC service business, bidding contracts.
      • Trends: green HVAC, AI diagnostics, low-GWP refrigerants.
    • Quality Assurance
      • Testing: airflow, cooling capacity, electrical safety in ACs.
      • Certification: ensuring compliance with industry standards.
      • Documentation: service reports, installation checklists.

2. Trade Practical (Hands-On Skills – Air-Conditioning)

Focuses on practical tasks in workshops and simulated AC setups.

  • Semester 1
    • Safety Practices
      • Using PPE: gloves, goggles for refrigerant, electrical work.
      • Handling: safe refrigerant recovery, avoiding electrical shocks.
    • Tool Handling
      • Tools: tube cutters, flaring tools, manifold gauges for AC work.
      • Measuring: checking pressures, temperatures in AC systems.
    • Electrical Work
      • Wiring: connecting compressors, fans in mock AC circuits.
      • Testing: verifying voltage, continuity with multimeters.
    • Project Work
      • Assembling an AC circuit: wiring, testing controls.
      • Report: documenting setup, test results.
  • Semester 2
    • AC Installation
      • Mounting: installing split/window AC units in mock setups.
      • Piping: brazing, insulating copper lines for refrigerant.
      • Commissioning: vacuuming, charging, testing cooling.
    • Component Maintenance
      • Servicing: cleaning condensers, evaporators, filters in labs.
      • Repairing: replacing capacitors, thermostats in mock ACs.
      • Testing: checking airflow, cooling efficiency.
    • Ducting Practice
      • Installing: fitting ducts, sealing joints in mock HVAC setups.
      • Insulating: applying foam, tape to prevent condensation.
      • Testing: verifying airflow, pressure balance.
    • Project Work
      • Installing a split AC: mounting, piping, commissioning.
      • Report: documenting process, performance metrics.
  • Semester 3
    • Commercial AC Servicing
      • Maintaining: cleaning VRF units, checking chilled water systems.
      • Troubleshooting: diagnosing faults in mock central AC setups.
      • Testing: verifying humidity, temperature control.
    • Energy Optimization
      • Measuring: checking power consumption in mock ACs.
      • Adjusting: setting inverter controls, optimizing airflow.
      • Reporting: preparing mock energy audit summaries.
    • Refrigerant Handling
      • Recovering: extracting refrigerants using recovery units.
      • Charging: filling ACs with eco-friendly refrigerants.
      • Testing: ensuring no leaks, proper pressure.
    • Project Work
      • Servicing a central AC: maintenance, troubleshooting, testing.
      • Portfolio: presenting repair logs, efficiency data.
  • Semester 4
    • Advanced AC Systems
      • Maintaining: servicing IoT-enabled ACs, solar AC setups.
      • Calibrating: adjusting smart controls, sensors in labs.
      • Testing: simulating advanced cooling scenarios.
    • Preventive Maintenance
      • Checking: inspecting filters, coils, electricals in mock ACs.
      • Servicing: cleaning, lubricating AC components.
      • Logging: preparing maintenance schedules, reports.
    • Customer Interaction
      • Explaining: discussing faults, solutions with mock clients.
      • Quoting: preparing service estimates, invoices.
      • Resolving: handling mock complaints, ensuring satisfaction.
    • Project Work
      • Designing an HVAC layout: ducting, unit placement for a mock building.
      • Portfolio: presenting design, installation report, test results.

3. Workshop Calculation and Science

Supports air-conditioning tasks with relevant concepts.

  • Semester 1: Arithmetic (pressure, volume), physics (heat transfer).
  • Semester 2: Algebra (cooling load), thermodynamics (enthalpy).
  • Semester 3: Trigonometry (duct angles), fluid mechanics (airflow).
  • Semester 4: Statistics (efficiency), psychrometry (humidity control).

4. Engineering Drawing

Focuses on drafting for air-conditioning systems.

  • Semester 1: Sketching AC components, orthographic views.
  • Semester 2: Drawing AC layouts, piping diagrams.
  • Semester 3: Designing ducting plans, VRF layouts.
  • Semester 4: Creating HVAC blueprints, control schematics.

5. Employability Skills

Enhances job readiness for AC-related roles.

  • Semester 1: Communication (reporting faults), basic IT (service apps).
  • Semester 2: Teamwork (with electricians), problem-solving (AC faults).
  • Semester 3: Leadership (supervising installations), advanced IT (design tools).
  • Semester 4: Entrepreneurship (AC business), client management, trends (smart HVAC).

Assessment and Certification

  • Examinations: Semester-wise (theory + practical).
  • Certification: National Trade Certificate (NTC) from NCVT, recognized nationally.
  • Evaluation: Based on AC installation accuracy, repair proficiency, system efficiency, and project work.

Career Opportunities (Air-Conditioning Focus)

  • Employment: AC mechanic, HVAC technician, service engineer in HVAC industries, commercial buildings, or service centers.
  • Self-Employment: Starting an AC repair or installation business.
  • Further Studies: Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, HVAC certifications (e.g., AHRI), or refrigerant handling licenses.

Note

  • This syllabus is a focused extract from the NCVT Mechanic (Refrigeration and Air-Conditioner) trade, emphasizing air-conditioning. Variations may exist by institution or state.
  • For the latest version, refer to the Directorate General of Training (DGT) or local ITI.

Trade Type

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