Stationary Engineering
Program Summary
Heating, air-conditioning, refrigeration, and ventilation systems keep large buildings and other commercial facilities comfortable all year long. Industrial plants often have facilities to provide electrical power, steam, or other services. Stationary engineers and boiler operators operate and maintain these systems, which include boilers, air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment, diesel engines, turbines, generators, pumps, condensers, and compressors. The equipment that stationary engineers and boiler operators control is similar to equipment operated by locomotive or marine engineers, except that it is not in a moving vehicle.
Stationary engineers and boiler operators start up, regulate, repair, and shut down equipment. They ensure that the equipment operates safely, economically, and within established limits by monitoring meters, gauges, and computerized controls. Stationary engineers and boiler operators control equipment manually and, if necessary, make adjustments. They also record relevant events and facts concerning the operation and maintenance of the equipment in a log. With regard to steam boilers, for example, they observe, control, and record the steam pressure, temperature, water level, chemistry, power output, fuel consumption, and emissions from the vessel. They watch and listen to machinery and routinely check safety devices, identifying and correcting any trouble that develops. They use hand and power tools to perform repairs and maintenance ranging from a complete overhaul to replacing defective valves, gaskets, or bearings. Service, troubleshooting, repair, and monitoring of modern systems require the use of sophisticated electrical and electronic test equipment.
Employment Trends
Applicants may face competition for jobs; opportunities will be best for workers with training in computerized controls and instrumentation.
Stationary engineers and boiler operators usually acquire their skills through a formal apprenticeship program, or on-the-job training supplemented by courses at a trade or technical school.
Most States and cities have licensing requirements.
Program Objectives
- Successful completion of each course earns a Certificate of Completion
- Skills development and preparation potentially leading to professional credentialing through the National Institute for the Universal Licensing of Power Engineers (NIULPE) first through fourth class certifications
Program Requirements
These courses are designed as a review for certification examination. Students should enter the program with at least six months of experience in the stationary engineering field.
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Crs #
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Course Name
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Hrs
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OCU539
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Stationary Engineering, Part I
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43
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OCU361
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Stationary Engineering, Part II
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43
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Program total
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86
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