Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Basics

About this module

A fridge does not make cold. It moves heat from inside to outside. Once you understand that, cleaning it, checking it and finding simple faults all make sense.

Who it is for. Beginners with no formal certificate, including school leavers, women's groups and persons with disabilities. National Proficiency I is the first level of Ghana's TVET framework.

Why this trade

GIZ says ownership of fridges and air conditioners in Ghana is rising faster than the supply of trained technicians.
The Labour Ministry has named refrigeration and air conditioning among the focus areas for youth training.
Women are only about 6.8% of enrolment in the sector, so there is room for more.

The big rule of this course

You will not handle refrigerant. Refrigerant work is for technicians certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA says technicians without certification "will not be allowed to work in the field", and the EPA has the power to fine or arrest people who break the rule. In this course you do not open, charge, top up, vent, recover, braze or evacuate any refrigerant circuit. You do not use manifold gauges on a live system. You do not cut, heat or puncture any pipe. You do not replace a compressor, condenser, evaporator or capillary tube. You learn to know it, recognise it and refer it. Unit 1 explains why in full.

CTVET status. No official CTVET syllabus for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning was available to the author (not verified). This module is not a CTVET curriculum. It follows CTVET's format.

How the module works

Each unit has learning outcomes, performance criteria, the range and the evidence your assessor needs. You are judged Competent or Not Yet Competent. About 70% of the time is practical, following CTVET's Oil Palm programme split of about 30% school and 70% workplace.

Every unit ends with a homework task and a 3-question "Check yourself". Keep a logbook and date every entry.

How to read the blocks

Practical blocks are hands-on tasks with numbered steps. Do them in order.
Caution blocks are safety gates. Never skip them.
Flag blocks are things people rarely tell beginners.
Exercise blocks have sums or questions; the answers are in the Teacher Copy.
Homework blocks are for outside class. Write them in your logbook.

Unit 1 · Safety and the law

In this trade the danger is not only the shock. The danger is also doing something the law reserves for a certified person. Know the line and stay on the right side of it.

Competency standard

Learning outcome	Performance criteria — the trainee…
1.1 Name the legal gate	explains who may handle refrigerant and who may do wiring
1.2 Work safely with electricity	isolates, proves dead, discharges a capacitor and keeps water away
1.3 Recognise refrigerant and other hazards	names the dangers and what to do first
1.4 Lift and work safely	lifts with a partner, refuses rooftop and ladder work
1.5 Sort a job	decides whether a job is "I may do it" or "refer it"

Range. Domestic fridges and freezers, and wall-mounted split air conditioners. Evidence. Safety checklist; observed isolation and discharge; sorting exercise.

The two laws that matter most

1. Refrigerant is for certified technicians only. The Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technicians Certification Regulations (L.I. 2503, 2025) cover installing, servicing, decommissioning and handling refrigerants, including natural and flammable ones. The EPA says the certificate "is a licence that you have the skills to work" and that the laws empower it to give you a fine or arrest you. The EPA says the training is free. The full text of the law, any fine amount, how to enrol and any certificate fee were not verified by the author. Ask the EPA (see the open items at the end of this book).

2. Wiring of premises is for Certified Electrical Wiring Professionals. Under Ghana's Electrical Wiring Regulations (commonly called L.I. 2008), only a Certified Electrical Wiring Professional (CEWP) may wire premises, and wiring materials must be approved by the Ghana Standards Authority. An older report gave a penalty of up to GH¢3,000 or two years in prison; this is not verified as current.

What you may do and what you may not

You MAY do (inside this course)	You must REFER (certified technician or CEWP)
Unplug, isolate and prove an appliance dead	Open, charge, top up or vent any refrigerant circuit
Clean condenser coils, filters, drains, door seals	Use manifold gauges on a live system
Defrost a freezer, level a fridge, check airflow	Braze, flare, cut, bend or puncture any pipe
Measure voltage at a socket, current with a clamp meter, resistance and continuity of parts with the power off	Replace a compressor, condenser, evaporator or capillary tube
Test and, at bench level, swap fans, thermostats, door gaskets, lamps and start parts on the appliance side of the plug (see Unit 5; confirm the rule with the EPA first)	Recover refrigerant or scrap an old unit by breaking it open
Fit a plug-top voltage protector to an appliance	Add or change sockets, fixed wiring, breakers or a distribution board; run a new dedicated AC circuit
Record, quote honestly and advise	Install a split AC (flaring, vacuum, charge, electrical connection)

What nobody tells you. Whether a person without a certificate may lawfully replace a relay, overload or capacitor on a compressor, or fit a plug or power cord on an appliance, was not verified by the author. The full text of L.I. 2503 was not found, and the Energy Commission page returned an error when read. Until your trainer has the answer in writing from the EPA and the Energy Commission, treat these as trainer-supervised bench tasks on training units only, not paid jobs.

Why you never touch the gas: the hazards

Pressure. The sealed system holds refrigerant under pressure; cutting, hammering or heating pipes can injure you.
Fire and toxic gas. Refrigerant that meets an open flame or a hot surface can break down into toxic acids.
Suffocation. In closed rooms, leaked refrigerant can push out the air; it can collect low down.
Frostbite. Liquid refrigerant freezes skin and eyes.
Flammable types. New fridges and freezers often use R600a (isobutane) or R290 (propane), and some new splits use R290 or R32. These burn. Ghana is actively promoting R290 and R600a.
The ozone layer and climate. Old fridges may hold gases that harm the ozone layer or the climate. The National Ozone Officer warned that breaking old units open before the refrigerant is recovered releases it.

If you smell gas or hear a hiss from a fridge or AC pipe. (1) Do not touch any switch, plug or light. No sparks. (2) Open doors and windows. (3) Move people and yourself out. (4) Do not use a naked flame or phone near it. (5) Call a certified technician. The "no sparks, ventilate, keep people away" steps are general practice; the detailed steps of the UNEP quick guide were not read by the author.

First aid for refrigerant (from the same hazard sources, summary only). Move to fresh air. Flush eyes and skin with plenty of water. Get medical help. Do not do anything else medical.

Electric shock: the four-step routine

Make this a habit you never skip.

Isolate, prove, discharge, photograph

Isolate. Switch off at the socket and unplug the fridge. For a split AC, switch off at the wall isolator or breaker. Do not trust the thermostat knob (general practice).
Prove dead. Use a non-contact voltage tester, then a multimeter on AC volts, at the point where you will work. Test the tester on a known live socket first so you know it works. Sources recommend verifying power is off and wearing insulated gloves and eye protection, in dry conditions.
Discharge any capacitor. Unplugging does not make a capacitor safe; stored charge can remain and be dangerous. Connect a 10 kOhm, 5 W (or larger) bleed resistor with insulated leads across the capacitor terminals for a few seconds, then check with the multimeter on DC volts that the reading is near 0 V. Another guide gives 10-20 kOhm, at least 5 W. Do not short a capacitor with a screwdriver (warned against in a trade article, summary only).
Photograph the wiring before removing any part. Let hot parts cool; the compressor and relay get hot.
Keep water away from live parts. Work on a dry floor. Use a residual-current device (RCD) on the bench supply. Whether an RCD is required on workshop benches in Ghana was not verified; use one anyway (general practice).
Replace parts only with the same specification as stamped on the old part or the nameplate.

Common mistakes.

Working "just quickly" with the plug still in
Trusting the knob or the remote to mean "off"
Cleaning the back of a fridge with a wet cloth while it is plugged in
Forgetting a capacitor holds charge
Using a coin or screwdriver to short a capacitor
Using a long extension lead that is shared with heaters

Lifting and height

Fridges and outdoor AC units are heavy. Use two people, a trolley and straps; never carry on the back or upstairs alone. Do not work at height without a proper ladder; rooftop and balcony work is not for trainees (general practice). A fridge may need to stand upright for some time before switching on after being moved; the right time was not verified, so read the maker's manual.

Sorting jobs: "I may" or "refer it"

Ask three questions about any job:

Does it need me to open or touch the sealed refrigerant circuit? If yes: refer.
Does it need new or changed fixed wiring, sockets or breakers? If yes: refer to a CEWP.
Is it cleaning, checking airflow, measuring, or a part on the appliance side that I can do with the power off and safely? If yes: you may, in training.

If you are unsure, the answer is refer.

Sort 10 jobs

Your trainer gives you a list of 10 jobs on cards (examples are in the exercise below).
Put each on a "MAY" pile or a "REFER" pile.
Give the reason for each in one short sentence.
Correct yourself with the trainer. Copy the final list into your logbook.

Sorting (examples)

Decide for each job: MAY or REFER (and who).

Cleaning dusty coils at the back of a fridge.
Topping up gas because the AC is "not cold enough".
Adding a new socket for a freezer.
Washing an AC filter.
Brazing a leaking pipe on a fridge.
Replacing a worn door seal.
Pulling the compressor out of a fridge.
Measuring the voltage at the socket.
Moving the AC breaker to a larger size.
Clearing a blocked AC drain hose.

Know your line

Write, in your own words and in 10 lines or fewer, what you may do and what you must refer. Show it to one adult in your family and ask them to explain it back to you. Put the page in your logbook.

Check yourself: Unit 1

Who may open, charge or recover refrigerant?
Why is unplugging a fridge not enough before touching a capacitor?
Name two things you must never do to a refrigerant pipe.

Unit 2 · How cooling works

A fridge is a heat mover. It picks up heat inside and drops it outside. Four main parts do the job, and you can learn all of them in an hour.

Competency standard

Learning outcome	Performance criteria — the trainee…
2.1 Explain the cycle	explains in plain words how heat is moved
2.2 Name the four parts	names the compressor, condenser, expansion device and evaporator, and says what each does
2.3 Compare fridge, freezer and split AC	names the extra parts of each
2.4 Read a nameplate	reads refrigerant type, voltage, current and compressor details

Range. A domestic fridge, a chest freezer and a split AC. Evidence. Labelled sketches; nameplate reading record; oral questions.

The big idea

A fridge moves heat; it does not "make cold". The heat that was in your food and drink is carried out and thrown away at the back or bottom of the fridge. That is why the back of a fridge is warm.

Four parts, four jobs

Part	What it does	Where you see it
Compressor	Pumps refrigerant vapour from the low-pressure side to the high-pressure side; compressing makes it hot	A black, round, sealed shell at the bottom rear of a fridge; in the outdoor unit of a split AC
Condenser	The hot vapour gives up its heat to the air and turns to liquid	The black grid or wire coil at the back or underneath a fridge; the finned coil with a fan in a split AC outdoor unit
Expansion device	A restriction that drops the pressure, and so the temperature at which the liquid boils	In domestic fridges usually a capillary tube: a long, narrow tube with no moving parts. Splits use a capillary or an expansion valve; this depends on the model (not verified for specific brands)
Evaporator	Cold liquid boils inside it and takes up heat from the food or room air; it then goes back as vapour to the compressor	The freezer box walls in a direct-cool fridge; a coil behind a panel in a frost-free fridge; the indoor coil of a split AC

Compressor squeezes: hot, high pressure.
Condenser cools: heat goes out to the room or outside.
Expansion device drops the pressure: very cold.
Evaporator absorbs heat: cold inside.
Then it all goes round again.

The refrigerant is sealed in pipes. You never see it. If the pipes are cut, the gas leaks out and the system stops cooling.

Fridge, freezer and split AC compared

Type	How it differs
Direct-cool (manual defrost) fridge or freezer	The evaporator is the freezer box. Frost builds up and you defrost by hand
Frost-free (no-frost) fridge	The evaporator is behind a panel. An evaporator fan moves the cold air. A defrost timer, defrost heater and defrost thermostat remove frost automatically
Chest freezer	Same cycle with a lid. The condenser is usually in the walls, which are hard to clean; read the manual
Split AC	An indoor unit (evaporator coil, blower, filter, drain pan, control board, remote receiver) and an outdoor unit (compressor, condenser coil, fan), joined by two copper pipes, a drain hose and a cable
Inverter split AC	The compressor changes speed instead of switching on and off. Inverter models cost more but run about 30-40% cheaper, says one Ghana article

Parts you can reach (and the ones you cannot)

Outside the gas circuit, you can test or clean: door seals (gaskets), light, thermostat (cold control), fans, defrost parts, drain pan and hose, filters, temperature sensors, and start parts (relay, overload, capacitor, PTC thermistor) on the side of the compressor. A part is "on the appliance side" if swapping it does not open the refrigerant pipes.

Inside the gas circuit, you must not touch: compressor body, pipes, condenser, evaporator, capillary tube, service valves.

Reading a nameplate

Every fridge and AC has a label. On a fridge it is inside the cabinet or at the back; on a split AC, on the side of the indoor unit under the front panel and on the outdoor unit. Read and record:

model and serial number
voltage and frequency (for example 220-240 V, 50 Hz)
rated current (amps) and power (watts)
refrigerant type and charge (for example R600a, R290, R134a, R32)
compressor model

Labels also carry Energy Commission information: a 1 to 5 star rating, estimated yearly use and cooling output. The share of R600a, R134a and R290 units on sale in Takoradi was not verified.

Read a nameplate

Unplug the unit (do not just switch it off). Find the nameplate.
Write down the model, voltage, current, power and refrigerant type.
Circle the refrigerant type and mark it flammable if it is R600a, R290 or R32.
Take a clear photo and keep it in your logbook.
Repeat on two more units. Compare the three.

Find the parts

With a donor fridge unplugged and pulled out, find the compressor, the condenser coil, and the thermostat knob.
Follow the black tube from the compressor to the condenser. Do not bend, push or pull any pipe.
Draw a simple sketch and label the four parts.
Do the same on a split AC: find the indoor coil behind the filter, the drain, the outdoor fan and condenser.

Label and explain

Put these in order of the refrigerant's journey, starting at the compressor: evaporator, condenser, compressor, expansion device.
Which part makes the sound you hear when the fridge starts?
Why is the back of a fridge warm?
Which three of these are "do not touch" parts: thermostat, compressor, door seal, capillary tube, evaporator coil, fan?

Draw the cycle

Draw the four parts of a fridge in a loop and label what each one does. Explain it aloud to someone at home using only simple words. Ask them to feel the back of their own fridge (with care) and tell you what they noticed.

Check yourself: Unit 2

What does a fridge do with the heat inside it?
Which part pumps the refrigerant round?
Name two parts of a frost-free fridge that a direct-cool fridge does not have.

Unit 3 · Tools and safe measurement

A multimeter lets you see what you cannot see. Used properly, it keeps you safe. Used badly, it can hurt you.

Competency standard

Learning outcome	Performance criteria — the trainee…
3.1 Choose and check tools	names the tools of the course and checks each before use
3.2 Use a multimeter	measures AC volts, continuity and resistance correctly
3.3 Use a clamp meter and thermometer	reads current and cabinet temperature
3.4 Read labels and protect the supply	reads the nameplate and chooses a protector rating

Range. Domestic fridge and split AC. Evidence. Measurement record; observed meter use.

Your tool kit

Tool	What it is for	Where to buy in Ghana, and example prices
Digital multimeter	AC volts, continuity, resistance, capacitance (if fitted)	Electrical shops and Jiji. Jiji listings on 8 Oct 2026: Uni-T UT33B+ about GH¢250
Clamp meter	Running current vs nameplate	Jiji listing: Ingco 600A AC clamp about GH¢270; most active ads GH¢200-750
Test leads	Spare, good insulation	About GH¢29 on Jiji
Non-contact voltage tester	Check "dead" before opening	Price not verified
Insulated screwdrivers, pliers, nut drivers, socket set	General work	Hardware shops, Takoradi market; prices not verified
Fin comb and soft brush	Straighten and clean fins	Price not verified
Vacuum cleaner with brush head	Dust from coils	Price not verified
Water-based coil cleaner and spray bottle	Indoor and outdoor coils	Price not verified
Bleed resistor (10 kOhm, 5 W+) with insulated leads	Discharge capacitors	Electronic parts shops; price not verified
Digital probe thermometer	Cabinet temperature	Price not verified
Torch	Seal light test; inspection	Any shop

Example basic electrical kit from the Jiji prices above: multimeter 250 + clamp meter 270 + test leads 29 = GH¢549 before hand tools (example, from asking prices).

Awareness only (never used by trainees). Manifold gauges, vacuum pump, recovery unit, flaring and swaging tools, and a brazing kit. GIZ gave Ghana's three training centres a recovery unit, manifold gauge, flaring tool set, vacuum pump, drilling machine, chest freezer and double-door fridge. You should know their names, but you do not use them in this course.

What nobody tells you about cheap tools. A very cheap meter with weak insulation is the most dangerous tool in the kit. Buy a known brand from a shop that will let you test it, check the leads for cracks, and replace leads that are damaged. The cost of one hospital visit is more than the cost of a good meter.

Using a digital multimeter

Meters differ; read your meter's manual. The ideas are the same.

A. Checking the meter before you trust it

Meter check

Inspect the leads and case for cracks. If you see bare copper, stop and replace.
Plug the black lead into COM and the red lead into the V/ohm socket (not the A socket).
Set the dial to continuity (the beep or diode symbol). Touch the two leads together. It should beep and read near 0.
Set to AC volts (V~ or VAC) and measure a known socket (about 220-240 V in Ghana's supply; see the manual and the wall plate). Record the reading.
Write the reading in your logbook.

B. Measuring voltage at a socket

Voltage at the socket

Dial to AC volts, higher than the expected reading.
Push the probes into the socket holes (live and neutral), one at a time, keeping fingers behind the finger guards.
Read the number. A very low reading is a danger sign for compressors; one Ghana listing cuts power at 180 V on a 220-240 V supply.
Switch the meter off or to a safe setting after use.

C. Continuity and resistance (power OFF only)

Test a part with the power off

Unplug the appliance. Prove it dead with the non-contact tester.
Discharge any capacitor (Unit 1).
Photograph the wires. Pull off the part or the plug-on connector.
Dial to resistance (ohms) or continuity. Touch the probes to the two terminals.
Compare the reading to the manual or to a known-good part. Write down what you read.

Typical readings in the notes below are for the training bench only, from one repair-technician website (a single source). Always check against the part and the maker's manual.

Part	What the meter should show
Overload protector, cool	About 0.1-0.3 ohm between its two terminals; replace if higher or open (OL) while cool and at least 10 minutes after the compressor last ran
Start relay, current type	Reads open (OL) or about 0 ohm depending on the type and the way the core sits; coil about 0 ohm; an open coil is burnt
PTC thermistor start device	Cool resistance about 3-6 ohm; OL means broken; a rattle when shaken means broken inside
Start capacitor	In capacitance mode, within about 5% of the printed rating is good; replace if OL, no reading, bulging or leaking

D. Clamp meter for running current

Running current

Pick AC amps. Open the jaw and clip it around one wire only (not around the whole cable with both live and neutral inside).
Start the appliance. Watch the reading when it has been running a few minutes.
Compare with the rated current on the nameplate. A higher reading can mean a mechanically stuck part or other trouble; high amperage can show a stuck compressor.
Write both numbers in the logbook. If the reading is much higher than the nameplate, stop and refer.

E. Cabinet temperature

Cabinet temperature log

Put a thermometer probe in a glass of water in the middle shelf of a fridge, close the door, and leave it for several hours.
Read it morning and evening for three days.
Typical targets are about 3-5 °C for a fridge and −18 °C for a freezer. These are common practice but were not verified from a cited source in this research.
Record in the logbook. If the readings drift, note the room, door opening and load.

Reading labels and protecting the supply

Read the rated current on the fridge nameplate. A fridge guard (voltage protector) must be rated higher than the current of the appliance. A 13 A fridge guard suits a fridge or small unit; an AC has a high start current, so the guard must be rated for the AC; check the nameplate. An AC-specific protector recommendation was not verified.

Why a delay matters. A fridge guard cuts power when the voltage is too low or too high and puts it back after a delay, so the compressor does not restart straight away after an outage (vendor claims). Delays in listings are 90 seconds to 4 minutes. One Jiji listing shows 180 V cut-off and 185 V reconnect on a 220-240 V supply, and another model is adjustable 170-265 V. One Jiji item (Kasoa, 13 A) cost about GH¢70 (GH¢65 for five or more) plus GH¢20-30 delivery, in a post dated 30/09 with the year not shown; the listing contradicts itself on the delay (90 seconds in one place, 5 minutes in another).

Reading the meter

A fridge nameplate says 0.8 A. The clamp meter reads 4.5 A while the compressor is running (after the first start). What do you do?
A start capacitor says 88-110 µF (MFD). Your meter reads 92 µF. Good or bad?
A socket reads 168 V. What should you do before you plug in a fridge?
A 13 A fridge guard is offered for a fridge that draws 0.8 A. Is the rating enough? Is it suitable for a 1.5 hp air conditioner without checking the AC's current?

Meter practice

Measure the voltage at three different sockets at home or at a shop at the same time of day, three days in a row (with the owner's permission, probes in sockets only). Write the readings. Note any very low or very high readings and when they happened.

Check yourself: Unit 3

On which setting is a clamp meter used to read a fridge's running current?
Why must you test a part for resistance only when the power is off?
What must you check before buying a voltage protector for an appliance?

Unit 4 · Routine care and cleaning

Most "broken" fridges and air conditioners are only dirty, blocked or badly set. This unit is the one you will use every working day.

Competency standard

Learning outcome	Performance criteria — the trainee…
4.1 Clean fridge condenser coils	cleans coils safely and checks the fan
4.2 Test and care for door seals	tests seals and cleans them
4.3 Defrost a manual-defrost freezer	defrosts without sharp tools
4.4 Care for a split AC	cleans filters, indoor surfaces, drain and outdoor unit
4.5 Keep records	records each job and checks after

Range. Domestic fridges, freezers and wall-mounted split ACs, indoor and outdoor, within reach and not at height. Evidence. Observed cleaning of each; logbook job cards.

The golden rule of this unit

Isolate first, clean second, check third, record last. Every cleaning job starts with Unit 1's four steps.

A. Clean fridge condenser coils

How often: every 6-12 months, or once or twice a year, depending on the source. In dusty areas and during Harmattan, clean more often (general practice, not from a Ghana source).

Tools and materials: soft brush or coil brush, vacuum with brush head, dry cloth, torch, gloves, mask. No water on live parts.

Clean the back or bottom coils

Switch off, unplug, and prove dead if you are touching electrical parts. Clear the floor.
Pull the fridge out slowly, watching the cable and floor. Two people for large fridges.
Look with the torch: black coil grid at the back, or a coil under the front grille. Note dust, cobwebs, grease.
Vacuum dust from the coils with the brush attachment. Use the coil brush for tight places. Brush along the fins, not across, to avoid bending them.
Clean the condenser fan blades if there is a fan; dust causes rattles.
Wipe the floor and the area. Push the fridge back, leaving a gap for air at the back and sides (the right gap is in the maker's manual; not verified).
Plug in and listen. The fan should run and the coils should be warm (not very hot).
Record the date and what you found.

Check: warm (not hot) coils, fan spinning, no new noise, no burnt smell.

Common mistakes: pushing the fridge back tight against the wall; spraying water at the coils while plugged in; bending fins with a hard brush; pulling hard on the cable.

B. Test and clean the door seal

Paper test and torch test

Take a strip of paper or a banknote. Close the fridge door on it at the top, middle and bottom of each side.
Try to pull it out. If it slides out with little resistance, the seal is weak at that place. Mark the place.
Torch test: put a torch inside the closed fridge in a dim room. Light showing around the seal means a leak.
Clean seals by wiping with a damp cloth pressed into the folds; dry them to stop mould.
Check again. If the seal is still weak, it needs to be adjusted or replaced (Unit 5).

Common mistakes: using bleach on rubber seals (it dries them); ignoring a weak seal because "it still cools"; only testing one place.

C. Defrost a manual-defrost fridge or freezer

Defrost when frost reaches about 0.5 in (about 12 mm) (one source) or sooner at about 0.25 in (about 6 mm) (another); the sources differ.

Materials: cool boxes, towels, a shallow tray or bowl, a plastic scraper or wooden spatula, a clean cloth, warm water in a bowl.

Defrost safely

Switch off at the socket and unplug.
Move food to cool boxes with ice. Keep frozen food together.
Lay towels and a tray at the bottom. Leave the door open.
Let the frost melt. You may place a bowl of warm (not boiling) water inside to help. Do not use a hair dryer or heater near water and plastic liners.
Never chip ice with a knife or sharp tool. Scraping or heating the evaporator can cause damage.
When the ice has loosened, lift it out with your hands or a plastic scraper.
Wipe the inside dry. Clean the drain channel if there is one.
Plug in, wait for it to cool, and return the food.
Record the date and the thickness of ice you found.

Frost-free fridges do not need manual defrosting. Heavy frost means a fault (Unit 5).

D. Look after a split AC

1. Filters (the easiest and most important job). A guide says to clean every 30 days in the peak season, using lukewarm water and a mild detergent, and drying fully before refitting. In dusty seasons, check more often (general practice).

Wash an AC filter

Switch off at the isolator or breaker, then with the remote.
Open the front panel gently. Lift the filters out as the manual shows.
Tap out the loose dust over a bag; vacuum if you wish.
Wash in lukewarm water with a little mild detergent. Rinse. Do not scrub the mesh hard.
Dry completely in the shade before refitting. A wet filter grows mould and can drip.
Refit the filters and close the panel.
Run the AC and feel the air. Record the date.

2. Indoor coil and blower. Clean only the surface dust by hand at this level. Deep cleaning of a wet coil needs a coil-cleaner and a drip sheet to protect the board and is a Level 2 supervised task. Never spray onto the control board.

3. Drain. Clear dirt and algae from the drain hose and pan; vacuum from the outlet end. Check that the hose slopes downward.

Clear the drain

Switch off at the isolator. Place a bowl under the outlet if there is one.
Check the hose runs downhill all the way and is not kinked or squashed.
Fit a vacuum pipe with a cloth around the end of the drain outlet and suck from the outside end for 30-60 seconds.
With the AC off, pour a small cup of water slowly into the drain pan or over the coil as the manual allows and watch that it flows out of the outlet.
If water still does not flow, record it and refer (or go to the decision tree in Unit 5).

4. Outdoor unit. Clear leaves and rubbish. Keep it free of obstruction. A blocked outdoor unit stops heat from leaving. After isolating power, gently wash the condenser fins from inside out with low-pressure water (general practice); straighten bent fins with a fin comb. Do this only at ground level or low wall height; no ladders or roofs for trainees.

Outdoor unit clean (ground level)

Switch off at the isolator and prove it dead.
Remove leaves and rubbish around the unit. Check the fan blades are free by turning with a stick (not fingers).
Brush the fins gently along their length. Straighten bent fins with a fin comb.
Rinse gently with low-pressure water, from the inside out if the panel is open, but not on the electrical box.
Let it dry, switch on, and check the fan and the air.
Check the clamp meter current against the nameplate.
Record the date, what you did and the reading.

5. Final check and record. After any service: air flows, no ice, no drips, no unusual noise, current within the nameplate. Record date, what was cleaned, current draw and customer notes.

A basic yearly service is recommended; a service visit costs less than the extra running cost of an unmaintained unit. The Takoradi price for a split AC service was not found; collect your own quotes (homework in Unit 7).

Job card (copy into your logbook)

Item	Entry
Date and place
Customer and phone
Appliance and nameplate (model, voltage, current, refrigerant)
What the customer said
What I found
What I cleaned or checked
Readings (voltage, current, temperature)
Advice given
Referred to certified technician? Why?
Customer signature

What nobody tells you. A clean filter on a quiet day looks like nothing was done. Customers value what they can see. Show the dirty filter before you wash it, take a before-and-after photo (with the customer's permission), and write the next service date on a sticker on the unit.

Care schedule

Plan a year of care for a shop with: 1 chest freezer, 2 manual-defrost fridges, 1 split AC used 8 hours a day.

How often will you clean each item?
What will you do on every visit?
How many visits in a year if you visit every two months?

Home care visit

With permission, clean the condenser coils and door seal of one fridge at home or a neighbour's. Fill in a job card with a before-and-after photo.

Check yourself: Unit 4

Why should you never chip ice from a freezer with a knife?
How do you test a door seal with paper?
What must you do before refitting a washed AC filter?

Unit 5 · Fault-finding step by step

A good fault-finder asks questions in the right order. Free checks first, then measurements, then parts, and stop at the gate.

Competency standard

Learning outcome	Performance criteria — the trainee…
5.1 Use the fault-finding order	does the free checks first, then measures, then tests parts
5.2 Follow a decision tree	follows trees for no cooling, noise, ice, leaks and tripping
5.3 Do simple, legal repairs	replaces a door seal, a lamp or a fan on a training unit with the same part
5.4 Stop and refer	recognises sealed-system signs and writes a fault report

Range. Domestic fridges and freezers; wall-mounted splits. Evidence. Fault-finding records; observed trees; fault reports.

The order that saves time

1. Ask. What happened, when, and what did you change?
2. Look. Power, plug, setting, door, seal, dust, ice, water.
3. Listen and feel. Does the compressor run? Fans? Warm back?
4. Measure. Voltage at the socket, then current with the clamp meter.
5. Test parts with the power off (Unit 3).
6. Decide. Fix it, or stop and refer.

General rule for every tree: do the free, safe checks first (power, setting, airflow, seals) before touching electrical parts, and stop at the sealed-system gate (Unit 1).

A. Fridge or freezer: no cooling or nothing runs

Step	Question	If YES	If NO
1	Is there power at the socket (test with a lamp or tester, not the fridge)? Is the cabinet light on?	Go to 2	Fix the supply or plug; a dead socket may need a CEWP
2	Is the temperature control off or at its warmest?	Set to a middle setting; wait a few hours	Go to 3
3	Was the supply low or cut? Is the voltage guard in its delay?	Wait for the delay (about 3-5 minutes) and try again	Go to 4
4	Do the fans run but the compressor is silent, or does the compressor click and trip?	Go to tree B	Go to 5
5	Is the condenser dirty, door open, seal bad, vents blocked?	Fix (Unit 4); wait 24 hours	Go to 6
6	Does the compressor run for a long time, the condenser feel warm, but the cabinet stays warm even at the coldest setting?	Likely a sealed-system fault: STOP and REFER	Write a fault report

B. Compressor clicks, hums, starts then stops, or trips

Measure the supply voltage at the socket while the fridge tries to start. Low voltage is a major suspect in Ghana (see Unit 6).
Wait at least 10 minutes with the unit off; a hot overload protector can stop the compressor, and the cool-down matters before testing.
With the power off, discharge any capacitor and test the overload protector, start relay, start capacitor (if fitted) and PTC using the values in Unit 3. On modern fridges the relay and overload are often one plug-on part; test it as one.
Replace a faulty part only with an exact type, rating and terminals.
If all parts test good and it still fails, or the clamp meter reads much higher than the nameplate, the compressor may be stuck or the sealed system faulty: STOP and REFER.

These start-part tests touch only the protective parts mounted on the compressor shell, not the refrigerant circuit. The author could not confirm whether a person without an EPA certificate may lawfully replace them. In this course they are trainer-supervised bench tasks on training units. Do not charge customers for these repairs until your trainer has the answer in writing from the EPA.

A replaced relay does not always cure a no-cool fridge. Do not promise.

C. Too much frost or ice

Manual-defrost fridge or freezer. Causes: door left open or not closing, bad seal, over-opening, a humid room. Fix the seal, defrost (Unit 4).

Frost-free fridge, in this order:

Door seal first. Frost concentrated in one spot points to the leak.
Defrost timer. Turn its dial slowly by hand; the compressor should stop and the heater come on. If the unit then runs normally, replace the timer.
Defrost thermostat. It should have continuity when cold and open above about 3 °C (about 37 °F). If it never closes, the heater gets no power.
Defrost heater. Continuity per the manual. Clear heavy ice first before judging.
Control board and thermal fuse on electronic models: read the manual or refer if unsure.

D. Noisy fridge

Sound	Likely cause	Action
Rattle or roar at the bottom rear	Dirty or dry condenser fan, loose drain pan, worn rubber grommets	Clean (Unit 4); check the fan and the pan; replace the grommets
Squeal, chirp or grind inside the freezer	Evaporator fan motor	Check fan; replace with the same model
Rhythmic scrape or buzz	Ice touching the fan	Go to tree C
Hum turning to a knock, click or loud buzz at the bottom	Compressor	Refer
Gurgling, hissing, clicking during defrost or refrigerant flow	Normal	Reassure the customer

Also check the fridge is level and nothing touches the wall.

E. Tripping the breaker, RCD or plug-top

Unplug the appliance. Do not reset the breaker repeatedly.
With power off, check the lead and plug for damage or burn marks.
Look for water on the defrost heater area or wet parts (water near live parts).
Common causes: water on a heater element, a damaged cord, a wet or burnt relay or capacitor, a failed compressor winding.
If a compressor winding fault is suspected, it needs live tests: refer.
Do not bypass the trip. Do not fit a bigger breaker. Breaker or wiring changes are CEWP work.

F. Water leaks (fridge)

A blocked defrost drain is a common cause (general practice; a fridge-specific source was not found). Clear it with warm water and a soft tool. Water under the fridge from an overflowing drain pan or cracked hose is also possible. If the leak is from melting ice, go to tree C.

G. Split AC: not cooling or poor cooling

Step	Check	If YES	If NO
1	Remote on "Fan" or wrong mode, set-point too high, flat batteries?	Correct it	Go to 2
2	Filter dirty? Vents blocked?	Clean (Unit 4)	Go to 3
3	Is the outdoor unit blocked or dirty? Is its fan running?	Clean; if the fan does not turn or hums, go to 5	Go to 4
4	Ice on the indoor coil?	Tree H	Go to 5
5	Is the clamp meter current far from the nameplate, or does the fan or compressor hum but not start? Check the run capacitor (isolate and discharge first)	If capacitor is faulty, swap with the same spec on a training unit	Go to 6
6	Compressor runs all the time and the room hardly cools?	A sign of refrigerant shortage: REFER	Write a fault report

H. Split AC: ice on the indoor coil

Turn it off and let it thaw fully (it may take hours). Do not scrape or heat the coil. Do not run the compressor with blocked airflow.
Clean or replace the filter, check the vents, check the indoor blower.
Restart. If it freezes again with clean filters and good airflow, suspect low refrigerant: REFER. Stop running it; forcing a frozen system stresses the compressor.

I. Split AC: water leaking indoors

Thaw first if iced; melt water can overflow the pan.
Clear the blocked drain (Unit 4). Check that the hose slopes downwards to the outlet and is not kinked.
Check the drain pan is not cracked and the hose is not loose; check sweating of pipe insulation.
Check that the indoor unit tilts slightly toward the drain side (general practice; a maker's manual overrides).

J. Split AC: noise, vibration, smell, tripping

Noise or vibration: dirty or loose indoor blower wheel, outdoor fan blade hitting, loose panels or pipes (general practice).
Burning smell: switch off at the isolator and stop.
Tripping or not starting: check the supply voltage at the outdoor isolator, an ageing run capacitor, or a seized fan or compressor (refer). Do not change the breaker or cable size: CEWP.
Error codes differ by brand; read the label under the front panel or the manual. Brand-specific codes were not verified.

Simple legal repairs (training units; bench tasks)

All with power off, wires photographed, capacitor discharged. These parts are outside the refrigerant circuit. Confirm with the EPA and Energy Commission before charging customers (open items).

Part	Symptom	Steps	Refer when
Door gasket	Weak seal, sweating	Warm the new gasket in warm water; push into the channel starting at the corners; run the paper test	Never; it is a basic job
Fridge fan (evaporator or condenser)	Noise, no airflow	Remove the panel, photograph the wires, unplug the connector, check the blade spins free, test the motor for continuity, swap with the same model and voltage, refit the grommets	Fan fine and still no cooling
Thermostat (cold control)	Never starts or never stops	Test continuity at set positions (general practice); swap the same type; do not kink or cut any capillary sensor tube if it enters the sealed system	The sensor tube is part of the sealed system
Start relay, overload, capacitor, PTC	Click, trip, no start	As in tree B	Compressor winding suspect
Defrost timer, heater, thermostat	Frost build-up	Tree C	Access needs the sealed system opened
Temperature sensor (thermistor)	Wrong temperature or error	Measure resistance vs temperature per the manual; replace with the same part number	Board fault
Split AC fan motor, run capacitor	Fan does not spin or hums	Isolate, discharge, test, replace the same spec	Compressor or inverter board faults

Local parts prices were not verified. Ask five local shops for prices (homework in Unit 7). Accra directory repair price ranges (third-party, undated, unverified): thermostat swap from about GH¢200 up to about GH¢900 for a complete overhaul, compressor repairs GH¢250-800. Treat these as rough only.

Follow a tree

Your trainer sets up a faulty training fridge (for example: door seal damaged, or condenser blocked with dust, or thermostat set to off).
Follow tree A without skipping a step. Write each question, your answer and what you did.
Fix the fault. Wait the right time. Record the result.
Write a fault report for one fault you decided to refer: what the customer said, what you measured, photos, and why you stopped.

Fit a door gasket (training unit)

Unplug the fridge. Open the door fully.
Peel the old gasket from its channel, starting at a corner. Clean the channel.
Soak the new gasket in warm water for a few minutes to soften it (general practice).
Press it into the channel starting at the top corners, then work along the sides.
Check the corners are seated and not twisted.
Do the paper test in all places. Fix gaps by gently reseating the gasket.
Record the job.

Fault report for a referral (template).

Customer name, phone, date
Appliance, nameplate photo
Symptom in the customer's words
What I checked (power, voltage reading, clean, seals)
What I measured (voltage, current vs nameplate)
Why I stopped (sealed-system sign, compressor, flammable gas, wiring)
What I told the customer

Which tree, which step?

The AC cools badly; the filter is clean, the outdoor fan spins, the compressor runs all the time. What next?
A fridge freezes lettuce at the top shelf; the fridge compressor runs often. Where would you look first?
A frost-free fridge has thick frost in one corner only. What do you check first?
A fridge clicks, then trips the breaker, three times. What must you NOT do?
A split AC drips water into the room after four hours of use and the coil is iced. What is the first action?

Fault diary

Interview two people who own a fridge or AC. Ask what has gone wrong in the last year. For each fault, name which tree in this unit you would follow and whether it should be referred. Write it in your logbook.

Check yourself: Unit 5

What are the first three things you check on a fridge that is not cooling?
Name two signs that you must stop and refer.
What do you do first when an AC coil is iced?

Unit 6 · Saving energy, protecting from bad voltage and caring for customers

Good advice saves your customer money, and honest quotes keep your name clean. Records protect you.

Competency standard

Learning outcome	Performance criteria — the trainee…
6.1 Advise on saving energy	gives practical tips and reads a star label
6.2 Explain voltage protection	explains the guard, the delay and the nameplate rating
6.3 Work out running cost	calculates kWh and cost from watts and hours
6.4 Care for the customer	communicates, quotes honestly and keeps records

Range. Domestic and small-shop fridges, freezers and splits. Evidence. Running-cost calculation; quote sheet; job records.

Energy-saving tips (all hands-on)

Clean coils and filters on time (Unit 4)
Keep door seals good
Do not overfill; do not put hot food straight in; let it cool first (general practice)
Keep the fridge away from the cooker and out of the sun
Keep air gaps around the condenser
Set an AC to a sensible temperature; very low settings waste power
Close doors and windows while the AC runs
Defrost manual freezers on time

Poor maintenance raises running cost. Inverter ACs run about 30-40% cheaper than non-inverter ones.

Star labels. Under Energy Commission rules, appliances carry a star rating (1 to 5), and importers must register and label them; a public notice dated 17 Nov 2025 said the transition period is over. Advise customers to read the label. A minimum air-conditioner efficiency (EER 2.8 W/W) is given by an IEA page last updated in September 2020 and may have changed. The fridge minimum was not verified.

Voltage and power protection

A voltage protector (fridge guard) switches off when the supply is too low or too high and reconnects after a delay (vendor claims). Read the rated amps against the appliance.
Stabilisers. Types, prices and whether modern inverter units need one were not verified; say "ask the manufacturer".
The cheapest protection: a good socket, proper earthing (done by a CEWP), no sharing of an extension lead with heaters, and wait 3-5 minutes after any outage before restarting a fridge (general practice; the guard-delay figures above support it).
If low voltage is common at the customer's place, report it to the electricity distributor in writing and keep a log of your readings.

Running cost: kilowatt-hours

Rule. Energy in kWh = power in kW × hours. Cost = kWh × price per kWh. (1 kW = 1,000 W.)

The electricity tariff for your customer's bill is on their bill or from the utility; this book does not state a current tariff. All sums below use an example tariff of GH¢2.00 per kWh (example only; check the real one).

Running cost (all figures are examples)

A split AC draws 1,000 W (1 kW) while running and is used 8 hours a day for 30 days. How many kWh? What does it cost at GH¢2.00 per kWh?
An inverter model does the same job and saves 30% of the energy. How many kWh and how much money does it save a month, and what does it cost to run?
The same AC is badly maintained and uses 15% more energy than the 1,000 W figure. How much extra does a month cost at the example tariff?
A fridge that draws 120 W on average runs for 24 hours a day. How many kWh a month (30 days) and what is the cost?

Caring for the customer

Customer visit: step by step

Greet and introduce yourself. Wear clean clothes and show your trainee card or name.
Listen. Ask: what happened, since when, what was done before? Do not interrupt.
Explain what you will do and what you will not do (for example, "I clean and check; I do not touch the gas").
Ask permission before you move furniture, open panels, or take photos.
Do the work with the safety routine (Unit 1). Protect floors and furniture with a cloth.
Show the dirty filter or coil and what you cleaned.
Give honest advice: what is fixed, what is not, what you recommend, and what a certified technician must do.
Write the job card, give a copy, and write the next service date on a sticker.
Clean up and take away the rubbish.

Honest quoting

What nobody tells you. Many customers have been cheated by "technicians" who say "your gas is finished" after a quick look. Do not say it unless a certified technician has proved it. Say "the signs suggest a gas problem; I will refer you to a certified technician." You will keep the customer, and you stay on the right side of the law.

A good quote shows: the work to be done, the price of labour, the price of any parts (shown separately), transport, and what is not included. Give it in writing. Never charge for a part you did not fit. Return old parts to the customer on request.

Quote sheet (all figures are examples)

A customer has a split AC with a dirty filter and a blocked drain. Your labour for cleaning is GH¢80, drain clearing GH¢40, transport GH¢20. Write a quote and give the total. Then: the customer asks you to "top up the gas". What do you say?

Records that protect you

Keep for every job: date, customer, nameplate details, what you found, what you did, readings, parts used, advice, the referral and the customer's signature. Keep your logbook and receipts for at least five years (a good habit; the CTVET RPL policy asks assessors to keep evidence for at least five years, Source: CTVET RPL Policy).

Cost it

Find the wattage on the nameplate of a fridge or fan at home. Estimate the hours it is used in a month. Work out the kWh and the cost using the example tariff and then using the real tariff on a bill if the family will show you one. Write both.

Check yourself: Unit 6

What is the rule for working out kWh?
How long should you wait before restarting a fridge after a power cut?
What do you say if a customer asks you to "top up the gas"?

Unit 7 · Your location, small business and marketing

You can start earning with cleaning, checking and honest advice, with little money. Keep the line between your work and the certified technician's work clear, and build a partnership.

Competency standard

Learning outcome	Performance criteria — the trainee…
7.1 Choose a location and service	judges places and customers for a cleaning and care service
7.2 Plan a small business	prices a service, lists tools and costs, names a partner
7.3 Market yourself	plans a name, message and ways to reach customers
7.4 Plan the next step	names the path to certification and further training
7.5 Include everyone	names tasks suitable for persons with disabilities and adjustments

Range. The trainee's own plan. Evidence. Costing sheet; one-page plan; local price notes.

What the market looks like (asking prices, October 2026)

A new fridge in Ghana on Jiji ranges from about GH¢2,400 to GH¢14,000; a new LG top-freezer around GH¢12,700-14,200.
Split AC units about GH¢3,000-12,000 in an article dated 4 Jul 2026.
Many people own costly equipment and few can clean it right: care and honest advice have value.

How many fridges and ACs exist in Takoradi and Akwidaa was not verified.

Where to work (location)

Places with many fridges and freezers: shops, chop bars, hotels and guest houses, clinics, schools, fish sellers and smokers, bakeries
Places with split ACs: offices, banks, clinics, hotels, churches, homes
Near a shop that sells parts and tools (electrical and hardware shops)
A dry, safe place for a bench; steady electricity; an RCD on the bench
Near a certified technician whom you can work with
Mobile service by motorbike or tricycle with a tool bag reduces rent

Business ideas (low capital, legal)

(Business ideas from the research notes; costs are examples and need local quotes)

Mobile cleaning and care service. Split AC filter, coil and drain cleaning; fridge coil cleaning; seal checks. Needs hand tools, a vacuum, and a meter. No refrigerant work. Repeat customers by contract: hotels, guest houses, clinics, shops, fish sellers' freezers.
Bench repair of small parts. Fridge relays, thermostats, fans, door seals. Accepts only non-refrigerant repairs and refers gas work.
Partnership model. You do diagnosis, cleaning and parts; a certified technician is paid per job for the refrigerant steps; there is a clear written scope and receipts for the customer.
Sales and spares. Voltage guards, plugs, door seals, filters (stock listed by Jiji prices).
Cold-chain care. Cleaning schedules and temperature checks for freezers used by Akwidaa fish smokers, farmers and shops. The size of the demand was not quantified.

The Zidisha microloan profiles show Ghanaian fridge repairers starting with about US$200 and growing to US$500 over three years (self-reported, undated, only as colour).

Start-up costing (all figures are examples)

You start a mobile cleaning service. Tools: multimeter GH¢250, clamp meter GH¢270, test leads GH¢29 (asking prices from Jiji, Unit 3). Hand tools and brushes GH¢300 (example). Vacuum cleaner GH¢600 (example). Coil cleaner and spray bottles GH¢100 (example). Tool bag GH¢80 (example).

What is the total start-up cost?
You charge GH¢100 per split AC clean (example) and expect to clean 20 units a month. What is the monthly income before costs?
Monthly costs: transport GH¢300, coil cleaner GH¢100, phone data GH¢50 (examples). What is the profit?
How many months to pay back the start-up cost from the profit?

Market yourself

A clear name and a simple line: "I clean and check your fridge and AC. I never touch the gas; I refer you to a certified technician."
A sticker on every unit: your name, date, next clean due.
WhatsApp and Facebook photos of before and after (with permission).
Free first-visit checklist for shops and chop bars.
Listing on Jiji and Tonaton; referral cards at electrical shops; church and market groups.
Honest prices; written quotes; polite language.

The path to more

Learn principles, cleaning, maintenance and diagnosis (this course).
Work under a certified technician (Level 2 bridge).
Enrol for the EPA's free training for certification. The EPA says the training is free. Ghana has Centres of Excellence in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning at Accra, Takoradi and Kumasi technical institutes, with a later report adding Tamale. The Takoradi centre is at Takoradi Technical Institute. Enrolment steps, intake dates, fees and contacts were not found; phone before you go.
Optionally sit a CTVET or NVTI assessment. The official syllabus and grades for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning were not verified.
Later (Level 3): supervise and run a shop only with certified technicians doing the refrigerant work.

Accessibility: who can do what

No Ghana or Africa source on disability and this trade was found by the author. The adjustments below are suggested (the author's reasoning, not sourced).

Task	Notes and adjustments
Bench diagnosis with a multimeter	Good for wheelchair users and people with leg injuries: use a raised, seated bench with knee space. For hearing-impaired trainees use written job cards, visual signs and LED test lights
Cleaning, filter service, seal checks	Workable for many people: use a stool or low stand, long-handled brushes, and a trolley
Customer service, quotes, bookkeeping, social-media marketing, parts stock	Workable for most disabilities
Visually impaired trainees	Tactile markers for tool positions and meter settings; a talking multimeter (price not verified); customer-service and sales roles
Heavy outdoor units, ladders, rooftops, tight roof spaces	Not suitable for trainees at this level; use team roles: one person works at height, another does the bench work

The same safety rules (isolate, prove dead, discharge, no refrigerant) apply to everyone. Women are about 6.8% of enrolment in the sector; UNDP and EPA have engaged guidance and counselling officers in Takoradi to promote girls' careers in refrigeration and air conditioning. The UNEP and UN Women booklet on women in the sector is a free resource.

Business plan

Choose one service (for example: AC filter and drain cleaning for guest houses).
List your tools and cost them with local quotes (use the Jiji prices as a start).
Set a price and work out your monthly income and costs like the exercise.
Name your location or area and your first five customers.
Name the certified technician you would refer to. Phone them and ask how they work with helpers (see the homework).
Write a one-page plan with your name, sticker wording and WhatsApp message.

Price survey

Collect five real local quotes in Takoradi or your town: (a) split AC service or filter clean, (b) fridge relay or thermostat swap, (c) a voltage guard, (d) a fridge door seal, (e) a set of basic hand tools. Write the shop, the date, and the price. These replace the example prices in this book for your plan.

Check yourself: Unit 7

Name one business you can start with no refrigerant work.
What can a certified technician do that you cannot, and how do you work with one?
Name one task that suits a trainee who uses a wheelchair.

Glossary

Term	Meaning
AC (air conditioner)	A machine that cools and dries room air by moving heat outside
Capacitor	A part that stores charge to help a motor start or run; it can keep a dangerous charge
Capillary tube	A long narrow tube that lowers the refrigerant pressure in a fridge
CEWP	Certified Electrical Wiring Professional; the only person who may wire premises
Clamp meter	A meter that reads current by clamping around one wire
Compressor	The pump of the cooling system
Condenser	The part where the hot refrigerant gives up heat
Defrost	Removing frost or ice from the evaporator
Direct-cool	A fridge that cools by contact with the freezer box and needs manual defrosting
Drain pan	The tray that catches water from the cooling coil
EPA	Environmental Protection Agency of Ghana
Evaporator	The cold coil that takes heat from the air or food
Frost-free	A fridge with a fan and automatic defrosting
Gasket / door seal	The rubber strip around the door that keeps the cold in
Inverter	A compressor that changes speed to save power
Isolate	To switch off and disconnect from the supply
kWh	Kilowatt-hour; the unit of electricity you pay for
Multimeter	A meter for volts, ohms and continuity
Overload protector	A safety switch that cuts the compressor when it gets too hot or draws too much current
PTC	A start device for some fridge compressors
R600a / R290 / R32	Refrigerant types; R600a and R290 are flammable and R32 is mildly flammable
Refrigerant	The gas or liquid that carries heat round the cooling circuit
Relay (start relay)	A switch that helps the compressor to start
Split AC	An air conditioner with an indoor unit and an outdoor unit joined by pipes
Voltage protector	A plug-in guard that cuts power if the voltage is unsafe and waits before reconnecting

Logbook

Unit 1: my MAY/REFER list; sorting exercise; isolate, prove, discharge practice record
Unit 2: nameplate readings for three units; labelled sketches
Unit 3: meter check; voltage readings; cabinet temperature log
Unit 4: job cards for coil clean, seal test, defrost, AC filter, drain and outdoor unit
Unit 5: fault-finding records; one fault report; gasket job
Unit 6: running-cost sums; one quote sheet; customer visit notes
Unit 7: price survey (5 quotes); one-page plan; costing sheet
Every homework, dated

Self-check quiz

Who may open, charge or recover refrigerant in Ghana?
Name two things you must never do to a refrigerant pipe.
What are the four steps to make an appliance safe before you open it?
Name the four main parts of the cooling cycle.
Why is the back of a fridge warm?
How do you test a door seal with a strip of paper?
Why must you never chip ice from a freezer with a knife?
What is the first thing you do when an AC coil is iced?
What reading do you compare your clamp meter reading with?
What do you do if you smell gas near a fridge or AC?
How do you work out the cost of running an appliance?
What do you say if a customer asks you to "top up the gas"?