Appliance Service Technician is a person who repairs and maintains consumer related products including audio, video and telephone answering equipment, and washers, dryers, stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, microwave ovens and other major and small kitchen appliances. Appliance Service Technician is a nationally designated trade under the Inter-provincial Red Seal program. (Find out about Red Seal in the Trades Lingo section.)

What do these workers do?
(Source: BC Work Futures)

Inspect and diagnose appliance breakdowns. Consulting the customer, referring to the work order and performing a check for unusual noises, excessive vibration, fluid leaks or loose parts will help you determine why the appliance doesn't work. You may use service manuals, troubleshooting guides and your own experience to diagnose problems. When you disassemble the appliance, you examine its internal parts for signs of wear or corrosion. Referring to wiring diagrams and using testing devices, such as ammeters, voltmeters and wattmeters to check electrical systems, may reveal faulty electrical connections. The customer may ask you to provide a written diagnosis and estimate of repair costs.

Replace or repair defective components. In some cases the service may be as simple as fixing or replacing belts, motors, heating elements, switches or gears. You also tighten, align, clean, and lubricate parts as necessary.

Use hand tools and specialized equipment. You will use a variety of tools, such as soldering guns, brazing equipment and special tools designed for particular appliances. Common hand tools, including screwdrivers, wrenches, files and pliers, will also hang on your work belt.

Handle electrical parts and sensitive materials. You may have to replace circuit boards or other electronic components. As required by law, when repairing refrigerators and window air-conditioners you will conserve, recover and recycle chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) and hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants used in the cooling systems.

Install home appliances. Customers may ask you to install such household appliances as refrigerators, washing machines and cooking equipment.

Communicate with customers. You need to explain the repairs to customers and answer questions about the care and use of appliances. You have to write estimates of repair cost, keep records of parts used and hours worked, prepare bills and collect payments. Self-employed repairers also deal with the original appliance manufacturers and submit claims for warranty work.

Read the full Appliance Service Technician Profile (36kb pdf).

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