Laundry Technician

Course Description

EER0315 – Laundry Technician is Occupational Completion Point (OCP) B of the Florida statewide Major Appliance and Refrigeration Technician program (J620300), classified under Engineering Technologies > Electronics Service Repair in the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). This 300-contact-hour course builds directly on the foundations established in OCP A (Appliance Installation Helper, EER0391) and focuses on the diagnosis, installation, service, and repair of residential laundry appliances — primarily automatic washers and gas/electric clothes dryers. Instruction combines classroom theory with hands-on laboratory practice using industry-standard tools and diagnostic equipment. The curriculum also develops communication skills, leadership, human relations, employability skills, safe and efficient work practices, high-order reasoning, and problem-solving skills required by the major appliance industry.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of EER0315, students will be able to:

• Identify, inspect, and safely use hand tools, power tools, and specialized diagnostic instruments used in laundry appliance repair.
• Apply electrical theory — including AC/DC circuits, voltage, current, resistance, and continuity — to diagnose laundry appliance faults.
• Read and interpret wiring diagrams, schematics, and technical service manuals for automatic washers and clothes dryers.
• Explain the mechanical and electrical operating principles of both top-load and front-load automatic washers, including water inlet systems, pump/drain systems, agitator/drum drive mechanisms, and spin cycles.
• Explain the operating principles of gas and electric clothes dryers, including heating elements, gas burners, thermostats, thermal fuses, drum drive systems, and venting requirements.
• Diagnose and repair common washer faults: failure to fill, failure to agitate, failure to spin, failure to drain, and excessive vibration.
• Diagnose and repair common dryer faults: failure to heat, failure to tumble, overheating, excessive drying time, and noisy operation.
• Perform complete disassembly and reassembly of front-load and top-load washers following manufacturer procedures.
• Enter and interpret diagnostic/service mode on electronically controlled washer and dryer models.
• Inspect, test, and replace both mechanical controls (timers, water-level switches, lid switches) and electronic controls (control boards, sensors, thermistors).
• Perform proper installation of washers and dryers, including electrical, plumbing (supply and drain), and gas-line connections in compliance with applicable codes.
• Demonstrate safe work practices: electrical lockout/tagout, gas leak detection, proper lifting techniques, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Apply customer relations skills: communicate repair findings, provide service estimates, and complete service documentation and work orders.

Optional / Enrichment Outcomes

The following outcomes are covered at the discretion of the instructor or institution and extend student competency beyond the core standard:

• Configure and troubleshoot Wi-Fi–connected (smart) washers and dryers using manufacturer diagnostic apps.
• Describe energy-efficiency ratings (Energy Star) and water-usage standards applicable to modern laundry appliances.
• Perform basic maintenance on combination washer-dryer units and ventless/condenser dryer systems.
• Identify commercial laundry appliance differences and the expanded service requirements of coin-operated machines.
• Demonstrate basic record-keeping and parts-ordering procedures using industry inventory management systems.
• Apply introductory entrepreneurship and business management skills relevant to operating an independent appliance service business.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Electrical Fundamentals Review – Ohm's Law, series/parallel circuits, multimeter use, continuity testing, and electrical safety specific to appliance repair.
• Safety Procedures & Workplace Practices – OSHA standards, lockout/tagout, gas leak detection, safe handling of electrical components, proper tool use.
• Technical Reading & Documentation – Interpreting wiring diagrams, schematics, parts diagrams, and manufacturer service bulletins; completing service work orders.
• Washer Types & Operating Principles – Top-load vs. front-load design distinctions; mechanical and electronic controls; water inlet valves; pump and drain systems; agitator, impeller, and drum drive systems.
• Automatic Washer Diagnosis & Repair – Systematic troubleshooting methodology; entering diagnostic mode; diagnosing fill, agitate, spin, drain, and leak faults; motor and belt/direct-drive systems; lid switch and door latch testing; boot/bellows removal and installation.
• Automatic Washer Disassembly & Reassembly – Complete teardown and rebuild of both top-load and front-load washers following manufacturer procedures.
• Gas Dryer Operating Principles – Gas supply systems, burner assemblies, igniter types (glow-bar, spark), flame sensors, gas valves, and safety shutoffs.
• Electric Dryer Operating Principles – Heating elements, cycling thermostats, high-limit thermostats, thermal fuses, and element continuity testing.
• Dryer Mechanical Systems – Drum support (bearing, rollers, slides), drum belts, idler pulleys, and direct-drive motors.
• Dryer Diagnosis & Repair – No-heat, low-heat, overheating, no-tumble, noisy operation, and extended drying time faults; venting inspection and correction.
• Electronic & Mechanical Controls – Mechanical timers; electronic control boards; water-level pressure switches; thermistors and temperature sensors; testing and replacement procedures.
• Installation Procedures – Electrical hookup (120V/240V), water supply and drain hose connections, gas-line connections, anti-tip and stacking kit installation, and venting requirements for dryers.
• Customer Relations & Professional Skills – Effective communication of diagnoses, professional service delivery, estimating repair costs, and completing service records.
• Employability Skills – Teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving strategies, work ethic, and professional workplace behavior.

Optional / Supplemental Topics

• Smart Appliance Technology – Wi-Fi and IoT connectivity in modern washers and dryers; manufacturer diagnostic applications; remote diagnostics.
• Energy Efficiency & Water Conservation – Energy Star ratings, water factor ratings, and environmental considerations in residential laundry appliances.
• Ventless & Condenser Dryers – Heat-pump dryer operation, condenser maintenance, and differences from vented models.
• Coin-Operated / Commercial Laundry Equipment – Differences in commercial machine construction, coin mechanisms, and expanded maintenance requirements.
• Basic Business Skills – Introduction to independent service business operation, scheduling, invoicing, and parts procurement.

Resources & Tools

• Diagnostic Instruments: Digital multimeter (DMM), clamp meter, non-contact voltage tester, manometer (gas pressure), and ohmmeter.
• Hand & Power Tools: Nut drivers, hex-key sets, spanner-strap wrenches, bearing pullers, and cordless drills/drivers.
• Service Documentation: Manufacturer technical service manuals, wiring diagrams, error/fault code reference guides, and parts-ordering catalogs (e.g., RepairClinic, Encompass, OEM portals).
• Training Appliances: Operational and inoperable top-load washers, front-load washers, gas dryers, and electric dryers representing multiple brands and model years.
• Reference Standards: Florida Building Code (gas installations), National Electrical Code (NEC) residential appliance circuits, and OSHA 29 CFR 1910 General Industry Standards.
• Professional Service Association (PSA): PSA study materials and Graduate Certified Appliance Professional (GCAP) exam preparation resources.
• NASTeC Study Materials: National Appliance Service Technician Certification (NASTeC) Laundry specialty exam preparation (administered through ISCET).

Career Pathways

Successful completion of EER0315 qualifies students for an OCP B certificate and entry-level employment in the major appliance service industry. Graduates may pursue the following career roles:

• Appliance Repair Technician – Residential service and repair for independent service companies or large retailers.
• Store Service Center Technician – In-store repair and warranty service for retail appliance departments.
• Factory Repair Center Technician – Manufacturer-authorized repair at regional service depots.
• Appliance Installer – New-appliance delivery, installation, and setup for retailers or installation contractors.
• Independent Service Contractor – Self-employed appliance repair business owner serving residential customers.

Students who continue through the full Major Appliance and Refrigeration Technician program (OCP C – Cooking Appliance Technician, EER0392; OCP D – Cooling Appliance Technician, ACR0084) qualify for the full program certificate and broader employment opportunities. The average wage for appliance repair technicians in Florida is approximately $17.85/hr ($37,130 annually), with starting salaries of $18+ per hour reported by Florida technical college graduates.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

This course and the broader Major Appliance and Refrigeration Technician program (J620300) prepare students for the following industry credentials:

• PSA Graduate Certified Appliance Professional (GCAP) – Awarded by the Professional Service Association (PSA), the national accrediting body for the major appliance service industry. Students are strongly encouraged to pursue PSA certification upon program completion. The full program (all OCPs) is PSA-accredited.
• NASTeC – National Appliance Service Technician Certification (Laundry Specialty) – Administered by the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET). The laundry specialty exam tests washer and dryer diagnosis and repair competencies directly aligned with this course.
• EPA Section 608 Technician Certification (Type I) – Required by federal law under the Clean Air Act for any technician who services appliances containing regulated refrigerants. Type I covers small appliances (≤5 lb refrigerant charge). This certification is relevant to students advancing to OCP D (Cooling Appliance Technician) and is introduced conceptually in this course.

Note: There are no formal state licensing requirements specific to laundry appliance repair in Florida; however, gas appliance work must comply with Florida Building Code gas-piping provisions, and electrical work must comply with NEC requirements. Employer preference strongly favors formally trained and certified technicians.