Hot Water System Installer (Heat Pump Installer)

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a heat pump installer. Heat pump installer is one who installs, tests, maintains and repairs domestic air source type, heat pump systems and equipment. These tasks will meet the requirements for safe and correct installation of new and replacement of non-functioning domestic air source heat pump systems complete with all the relevant and applicable safety and hydraulic control units. It covers domestic air source, heat pump water heating systems that fall within the scope of SANS 151 up to 500 litres. A qualified learner will be able to: • Prepare and plan for the installation of domestic air source heat pump systems. • Install domestic air source heat pump systems in a safe and compliant environment. • Diagnose and repair faults and maintain domestic air source heat pump systems.

The Plumbing Industry Registration Board (PRIB) is a SAQA registered Professional Body which has the responsibility to ensure that the skills in the plumbing industry meet the requirements to provide effective and competent Heat Pump Installation services. The industry's constituencies identified the need to address new technology within the industry as well as the growing critical need for alternative energy sources. Domestic air source heat pump technology is not a new technology, however, the technology has predominantly been used in the applications of space heating and cooling (air conditioning or air to air heat pumps). As a result of the growing concern of global warming and South Africa's energy challenges, the use of heat pumps instead of Solar Water Heating in the heating of water in the domestic and commercial sectors is on the increase. Recent changes to the National Building Regulations prescription, that 50% of hot water needs must be generated from a renewable source. These changes and other factors have resulted in the growth and the increasing demand for the use of Air to Water Heat pumps as an alternate water heating method in a plumbing installation. The learners who will enter into this industry will come from different areas such as school leavers with relevant qualifications; workers already within the industry, already qualified plumbers will also enrol for up skilling as practising artisans in the Heat Pump Installations. Obtaining this qualification will also improve the employability of individuals in the relevant sub sectors of the plumbing industry. This qualification resides as one of several in the construction industry and makes allowance for any feeder occupations to gain access to the Heat Pump Installer occupation. The Heat Pump Installer qualification also makes provision for people to progress within this discipline to areas of specialisation including mounting heat pump systems, heat pump system installation, testing, commissioning, housekeeping, assessment, diagnosis, fault finding, repair and maintenance activities. The main benefit of this qualification for the learner is that the learner has an opportunity to be recognised as a qualified Heat Pump Installer with a well-structured, relevant and current competencies and will be able to have access to entrepreneurial opportunities within the plumbing environment. In addition, the learner will possess usable competencies whether as an employee or employer. Alternative energy is critical for the wellbeing of the general society and the lack or absence thereof, will have a very negative impact on society. The economy will grow positively when saving on a scarce resource such as coal when managed efficiently by qualified people.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record. RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: • NQF Level 3 with Mathematics.

• Prepare and plan for the installation of domestic air source heat pump systems.
• Install domestic air source heat pump systems in a safe and compliant environment.
• Diagnose and repair faults and maintain domestic air source heat pump system.