Howdy,
How many of you control guys out there started out as electricians, electronics geeks, computer geeks, or anything besides pipe fitters?
I'd like to share some of the "prejudice" I've come across in the HVAC world. Personally, I've worked in the HVAC world since 2003 when I began installing temperature control systems (Siemens Building Automation) while already a journeyman electrician. Like many fellow electricians who found their way into this trade, I did a fair share of fire alarm installs and troubleshooting plus all the other flavors of electrical work prior to this. I worked for Continental Express Airlines before that as an Avionics (aviation electronics) Technician and then in General Aviation specializing in Autopilots. So I have about 30 years working with electronics and electricity. Instead of controlling airplanes I now control buildings.
I've seen on this forum many with similar and varied backgrounds. Many people bring a different perspective to the field of HVAC controls.
I work for a large school district as a controls technician in the HVAC shop. We employ technicians with different skill sets to take care of the multiple needs of HVAC. We're comprised mostly by pipe fitters, but also have 2 boiler techs, 3 refrig techs, 4 "motor guys" and 3 of us DDC control techs (we also do pneumatics).
Here's the rub. The other day I was talking to my supervisor who use to work in our shop as a pipe fitter. He informed me that our previous boss who let me advance to our top level as a maintenance tech was wrong in letting me advance because I used my journeyman's electrician license as proof of licensure and my experience doesn't count because I'm an electrician. His contention is that only a pipe fitter has that been through an apprenticeship and turned out as one has the right for that title.
I was speechless.:eek2: He has no clue how to do my job. He thinks he understands what goes into control work. He falls far short of that. That's ok, but the lack of respect that goes with it is outrageous!
I've run across this before when I started out installing controls. On a big project (hospital in Denver) some pipe fitters from the local union where telling me that was pipe fitter work and electricians had no right doing it. They said they had classes at the hall for this. BUT NOBODY TOOK THEM! So fine, electricians started doing the work and some of us evolved into technicians.
From what I gather, this prejudice stems from pipe fitters learning about HVAC from day one. But I sure as hell had to learn how air handlers worked while I installed controls on them and then as a technician when I had to understand and program Sequences of Operation.
And who do you think pipe fitters call when they need help on an Air Handler or to troubleshoot the controls?
Anyone else out there come across this?
How many of you control guys out there started out as electricians, electronics geeks, computer geeks, or anything besides pipe fitters?
I'd like to share some of the "prejudice" I've come across in the HVAC world. Personally, I've worked in the HVAC world since 2003 when I began installing temperature control systems (Siemens Building Automation) while already a journeyman electrician. Like many fellow electricians who found their way into this trade, I did a fair share of fire alarm installs and troubleshooting plus all the other flavors of electrical work prior to this. I worked for Continental Express Airlines before that as an Avionics (aviation electronics) Technician and then in General Aviation specializing in Autopilots. So I have about 30 years working with electronics and electricity. Instead of controlling airplanes I now control buildings.
I've seen on this forum many with similar and varied backgrounds. Many people bring a different perspective to the field of HVAC controls.
I work for a large school district as a controls technician in the HVAC shop. We employ technicians with different skill sets to take care of the multiple needs of HVAC. We're comprised mostly by pipe fitters, but also have 2 boiler techs, 3 refrig techs, 4 "motor guys" and 3 of us DDC control techs (we also do pneumatics).
Here's the rub. The other day I was talking to my supervisor who use to work in our shop as a pipe fitter. He informed me that our previous boss who let me advance to our top level as a maintenance tech was wrong in letting me advance because I used my journeyman's electrician license as proof of licensure and my experience doesn't count because I'm an electrician. His contention is that only a pipe fitter has that been through an apprenticeship and turned out as one has the right for that title.
I was speechless.:eek2: He has no clue how to do my job. He thinks he understands what goes into control work. He falls far short of that. That's ok, but the lack of respect that goes with it is outrageous!
I've run across this before when I started out installing controls. On a big project (hospital in Denver) some pipe fitters from the local union where telling me that was pipe fitter work and electricians had no right doing it. They said they had classes at the hall for this. BUT NOBODY TOOK THEM! So fine, electricians started doing the work and some of us evolved into technicians.
From what I gather, this prejudice stems from pipe fitters learning about HVAC from day one. But I sure as hell had to learn how air handlers worked while I installed controls on them and then as a technician when I had to understand and program Sequences of Operation.
And who do you think pipe fitters call when they need help on an Air Handler or to troubleshoot the controls?
Anyone else out there come across this?
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