Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 5:51 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Retrofit and modify air conditioning and HVAC systems

Retrofit and modify air conditioning and HVAC systems

Unit of competency
National Code
AURETU3005
State Code
WF129
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
17/01/2013
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
19/07/2013
Field of Education
030503 - Vehicle Mechanics
Original Release Date
19/07/2013
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes required to retrofit and modify automotive air conditioning systems - including heating, ventilation, air conditioning and cooling (HVAC) systems - that are fitted to a range of vehicles and equipment for passenger convenience and comfort.The unit involves diagnosing deviations from correct operation, the retrofit and modification of vehicle air conditioning and HVAC system components and associated systems, and applying post-modification testing procedures.The unit also involves identifying and confirming work requirements, preparing for work, de-gassing and re-gassing systems, and completing work finalisation processes, including clean-up and documentation.Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit. Users are advised to check with the relevant regulatory authority.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare to retrofit air conditioning and HVAC system
  • 1.1. Nature and scope of work requirements are identified and confirmed
  • 1.2. Workplace health and safety (WHS) requirements are observed throughout the work
  • 1.3. Procedures and information are sourced and interpreted
  • 1.4. Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) code of practice is sourced and complied with
  • 1.5. Retrofit options are analysed and those most appropriate to the circumstances are selected and prepared
  • 1.6. Technical and calibration requirements for retrofit are sourced and support equipment is identified and prepared
  • 1.7. Tools and equipment are identified for effective retrofit and modification methods
  • 1.8. Critical precautions in relation to working with air conditioning, refrigerant and refrigerant oils are observed
2. De-gas and re-gas air conditioning and HVAC system
  • 2.1. Correct information is accessed and interpreted from manufacturer and component supplier specifications
  • 2.2. System is de-gassed using approved recovery unit and appropriate refrigerant recovery cylinder for individual refrigerant type
  • 2.3. Oil recovered is measured for replacement purposes
  • 2.4. System is evacuated according to manufacturer and component supplier specifications and industry codes of practice, including state and territory legislation with reference to ozone depleting substances
  • 2.5. System is pressure tested for leaks prior to being re-gassed and performance tested using approved methods and equipment
  • 2.6. Recovery and charging of air conditioning system are completed without causing damage to components or systems and in line with requirements for ozone depleting substances, industry regulations and guidelines, WHS legislation, and relevant industry codes of practice
3. Retrofit air conditioning and HVAC system
  • 3.1. Correct information is accessed and interpreted from manufacturer and component supplier specifications
  • 3.2. Air conditioning retrofit procedures are determined after performance testing
  • 3.3. Retrofit of the system and components is carried out according to manufacturer and component supplier specifications
  • 3.4. Modifications are carried out without additional pressures associated with the performance of the system or any loss to system integrity
  • 3.5. Retrofit to air conditioning system is completed without causing damage to components or systems and according to industry regulations and guidelines, WHS legislation, and relevant industry codes of practice
4. Performance test air conditioning and HVAC system
  • 4.1. System is performance tested prior to placing into service and results are documented according to workplace policies and procedures
  • 4.2. Service schedule documentation is completed
  • 4.3. Final inspection is made to ensure protective guards and safety features are in place
5. Retest air conditioning and HVAC systems
  • 5.1. Retests are carried out to ensure correct and safe system performance operation
  • 5.2. Post-retrofit testing is carried out according to workplace procedures and relevant legislation
6. Prepare vehicle and equipment for delivery to customer
  • 6.1. Final inspection is made to ensure work is to workplace expectations
  • 6.2. Vehicle is cleaned to workplace expectations and presented ready for use
  • 6.3. Workplace documentation is processed according to workplace procedures
  • 6.4. Appropriate decal sticker is placed in engine compartment
7. Clean up work area and maintain equipment
  • 7.1. Material that can be reused is collected and stored in the appropriate designated area and
  • 7.2. Waste and scrap are removed following workplace procedures and disposed of according to environmental regulations
  • 7.3. Equipment and work area are cleaned and inspected for serviceable condition according to workplace procedures
  • 7.4. Faulty equipment is identified, tagged and isolated according to workplace procedures and WHS regulations
  • 7.5. Operator maintenance is completed according to manufacturer and component supplier specifications, site procedures and ARC code of practice
  • 7.6. Tools and equipment are maintained according to workplace procedures
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Scope of work may include:
type of system fitted
refrigerant type
oil type
system variables, including:
refrigerant leak detecting
refrigerant recovery and charging
system evacuation
mechanical removal and replacement of components
system and component testing
performance testing.
Workplace health and safety requirements may include:
material safety data sheets (MSDS)
first aid kit
personal protective clothing and equipment
use of tools and equipment
safe handling of material
use of fire-fighting equipment
workplace safety policies and procedures
workplace first aid equipment
water shower or equivalent
hazard control, including control of hazardous materials and toxic substances
dangers associated with handling refrigerants and oils.
Procedures and information may include:
verbal, written and graphical instructions
signage
work schedules, plans and specifications
work bulletins and memos
MSDS
diagrams and sketches
safe work procedures relating to the retrofit and modification to air conditioning and HVAC systems
regulatory and legislative requirements relating to automotive industry
Australian Design Rules
engineer's design specifications and instructions
workplace work specifications and requirements
instructions issued by authorised workplace or external persons
Australian standards
ARC code of practice
vehicle service requirements and repair manuals.
Retrofit options may include:
change of refrigerant gas from R12 to R134a:
receiver dryer filter replacement
change of system fittings for gauge fitment
change of refrigerant gas from R134a to R1234yf:
change of system fittings for gauge fitment.
Tools and equipment:
are to include the following specialist tools, which are mandatory under the ARC code of practice:
manifold and gauge set
recovery unit
vacuum pump
electronic leak detector
electronic scales
may include:
normal hand tools
nitrogen cylinder and regulator
digital vacuum gauge (vacrometer)
oil injector
infra-red thermometer (pyrometer)
electronic temperature probe
valve core removing/replacement tool
psychrometer (humidity detector)
various refrigerant hoses and couplers
digital multimeter
diagnostic scan tool.
Critical precautions may include:
dangers associated when working with refrigerants and lubricants, including:
frostbite (refrigerant boiling point -36.7ºC)
carcinogenic oil
care taken with some flammable refrigerants.
Post-retrofit testing may include:
validating the effectiveness of the retrofit and modification action, including the following checks:
ambient temperature
centre vent temperature
condenser and suction line temperature
manifold gauge pressure readings
refrigerant leaks
confirming that reported faults have been rectified
confirming that no other faults are present as a result of the retrofit and modification action.
Information on decal sticker must include:
name of the service organisation
quantity of refrigerant added
refrigerant and oil type
service date
technician’s licence number
vehicle odometer reading.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge.
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to:
observe safety procedures and requirements, in particular the dangers associated with handling refrigerants
select methods and techniques appropriate to the retrofit and modification of an air conditioning system
conduct performance testing to establish viability of retrofit and modification
complete preparatory activity in a systematic manner
apply full retrofit and modify sequence in line with scope of work
accurately interpret air conditioning performance test results
conduct refrigerant recovery and evacuation of refrigerant operations according to industry codes of practice and legislation, and charge the system with the appropriate refrigerant and oil type
complete a retrofit and modification of air conditioning system and associated components within workplace time frames
present vehicle and equipment in a condition that complies with workplace requirements
complete workplace and equipment documents to ARC code of practice requirements
clean up work area and maintain equipment to workplace standards.
Context of, and specific resources for assessment
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessment is to occur:
using standard workplace practices and procedures
following safety requirements
applying environmental constraints.
Assessment is to comply with relevant:
regulatory requirements
Australian standards
industry codes of practice
ARC code of practice.
The following resources must be made available for the assessment of this unit:
workplace location or simulated workplace
light and heavy vehicles with air conditioning and HVAC systems relevant to the qualification being sought
material relevant to perform a retrofit and modification of air conditioning systems
equipment appropriate for the retrofit or modification of light and heavy vehicle air conditioning and HVAC systems, including:
manifold and gauge set
recovery unit
vacuum pump
electronic leak detector
nitrogen cylinder and regulator
digital vacuum gauge (vacrometer)
digital multimeter
electronic scales
oil injector
infra-red thermometer (pyrometer)
electronic temperature probe
valve core removing/replacement tool
psychrometer (humidity detector)
various refrigerant hoses and couplers
diagnostic scan tool
specifications and work instructions
service procedures for above equipment appropriate for the retrofit and modification of vehicle air conditioning and HVAC systems.
Method of assessment
Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.
Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with the application of required skills and knowledge.
Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on required skills and knowledge to ensure correct interpretation and application.
Competence in this unit may be assessed in conjunction with other units which together form part of a holistic work role.
Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate the needs of diverse clients.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally sensitive and appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
W5074 AURT322666A Repair/retrofit air conditioning systems Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AXD54 AURETU005 Retrofit and modify air conditioning and HVAC systems Unit of competency