ST. LOUIS - Emerson Climate Technologies, a business of Emerson, has announced the launch of the second and third modules of its distance-learning training program for contractors, a series of interactive CD courses that allows HVACR contractors and technicians to learn at their own pace from the comfort of their home or office. All three of the modules, which now include "Fundamentals of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration" and "Compressor Operation and Mechanical Failures," are offered through the company's Educational Services division.

"Success in the HVACR industry requires a thorough understanding of the basics, while keeping on top of the latest trends and technologies," said Larry Banas, director of Emerson Climate Technologies' Educational Services. "Through our distance-learning modules, we're bringing the classroom to the contractor, making it easier than ever for students to continue their educations. Student interaction is the key to maximizing learning in this format, and all three of our distance-learning modules are successful at doing so."

Emerson's distance-learning modules are designed to be highly interactive, yet easy to use. The modules can be used for brushing up on the basics or helping prepare contractors who plan to attend an instructor-led course. Each session takes about 20 minutes to complete. At the end of the session, students must take a quiz to see how well they have absorbed the material. If a student scores an 80 percent or above, Emerson will send the student a certificate of completion upon request.

The first module in the distance-learning series, "Refrigeration Basics," was introduced in May 2005 and serves as an introduction to the refrigeration process. Upon completion of the CD, students have a general understanding of refrigeration basics and an appropriate foundation for the new modules.

Module two, "Fundamentals of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration," consists of three sections:

Basic Refrigeration Principles - Addresses the basic principles that make modern refrigeration possible.

Refrigerants - Details topics such as refrigerant mixtures, classes, and service issues.

Refrigeration Cycle - Takes a detailed look at the refrigeration cycle, including system efficiency and performance, pressure drops, and compound systems.

Module three, "Compressor Operation and Mechanical Failures," consists of six sections dealing with the five most common causes of compressor failures, including how to analyze failed parts to determine the root cause of a problem. The six sections include:

Fundamentals of Compressor Operation

Refrigerant Floodback

Flooded Starts

Slugging

Overheating

Loss of Oil

For more information on the distance-learning training program, visit www.emersonclimate.com/education or contact Emerson Climate Technologies' Educational Services at 800-748-2779.

Publication date: 01/16/2006