TPC Foundational Courses

The AC Control Equipment electrical training course covers the broad range of industrial motor starting and control equipment maintenance, including NEMA sizes and ratings. The online course includes pushbutton control stations, limit switches, mercury switches, mechanical and magnetic plugging, foot switches, and pressure, temperature, and float switches. Covers control panel wiring and special applications. This course has no prerequisites. AC Control Equipment is available in online maintenance training, course manual, and Spanish training formats.

This maintenance course begins with coverage of airflow basics, including how air moves, types of airflow, and pressure relationships. Online lessons compare and contrast the various types of fans and fan motors. They go on to examine the types of ducts, fittings, connections, insulation, and terminal devices. Covers various methods of cleaning and filtering air, as well as balancing and troubleshooting the air-handling system. This course concludes with a lesson on indoor air quality and sick building syndrome. This course has no prerequisites. Air-Handling Systems is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

This online course covers all maintenance aspects of using ammonia as a refrigerant. Describes both single-stage and two-stage ammonia systems. Explains the importance of accumulators and intercoolers in ammonia refrigeration. Concludes with coverage of liquid recirculation system operation. This course has no prerequisites. Ammonia Refrigeration Basics is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Basic Electricity and Electronics online training covers basic, non-mathematical approach to understanding principles of electricity. Introduces electron theory, static electricity, electrons in motion, and magnetism. Covers basic methods of measuring current, voltage, and resistance during electrical troubleshooting procedures. Explains circuit components-conductors, insulators, resistors, capacitors-and simple Ohm's Law calculations for DC and AC circuits. This course has no prerequisites. Basic Electricity and Electronics is available in online maintenance training and course manual training formats.

The Basic Hydraulics training course covers hydraulic principles of mechanical maintenance, types of hydraulic fluids and their characteristics. Describes components of the hydraulic system and their functions for maintenance procedures, including filters and strainers, reservoirs and accumulators, pumps, piping, tubing and hoses, control valves, relief valves, and actuating devices. This hydraulics course overs a variety of cylinders and training on hydraulic motors. This course has no prerequisites. Basic Hydraulics training is available in online maintenance training and course manual training formats.

This Basic Mechanics, mechanical maintenance, training course covers force and motion, work and energy, and fluid mechanics as applied in industrial maintenance. Explains principles of operation for simple machines, such as the lever, inclined plane, wheel and axle, pulley, and screw. Explains the basic elements of industrial machines, as well as common measurement tools used to monitor and adjust equipment. Covers hand tools, power tools and fasteners, ending with a discussion of ways to reduce friction and wear. This course has no prerequisites. Basic Mechanics is available in online maintenance training and course manual training formats.

The Basic Milling Procedures course covers the setup and use of the horizontal milling machine, and describes the functions of basic cutters and attachments. Uses "hands-on" projects so trainees actually gain experience on the milling machine. Includes a work-holding fixture project that can have practical value in the shop when finished. A prerequisite to this course is 323 - Machine Shop Job Analysis.

The Basic Pneumatics online training course covers how work, force, and energy are applied to principles of pneumatics. Shows operating principles of reciprocating, positive displacement, rotary, and dynamic air compressors. Covers primary and secondary air treatment. Includes valves, logic devices, cylinders, and air motors. This course has no prerequisites. Basic Pneumatics is available in online maintenance training and course manual training formats.

The Batteries and DC Circuits online electrical course course covers how electrochemical action is used. Covers batteries, electrolytic action, electroplating, characteristics of storage batteries, application and maintenance of lead-acid, nickel-alkaline, and nickel-cadmium batteries, putting batteries into service, charging batteries, maintaining records, fundamentals of DC circuits, and using Ohm's Law to solve problems in DC series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits. This course has no prerequisites. Batteries and DC Circuits is available in online maintenance training and course manual training formats.

The Bearings mechanical maintenance training course covers principles and applications of various types of bearings, including plain journal, ball, and roller bearings. Explains installation, inspection and maintenance of bearings. Deals with specialized bearings, including powdered-metal, nonmetallic, and hydrostatic bearings. Covers bearing seals, lubrication, and maintenance practices. This course has no prerequisites. Bearings is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Covers basic shop math and measurement skills. This online welding course explains how to read, use, and make blueprints. Discusses types of welds, weld joints, and weld symbols. Explains advanced shop math and measurement skills. This course has no prerequisites. Blueprint Reading for Welders is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

This online course covers belt conveyors that carry coal, sand, gravel, grain and other loose materials. Acquaints the trainee with the terminology, basic structure, and operation of these systems. Includes detailed coverage of belts, belt cleaners, idlers, and feed/discharge devices, as well as an explanation of installation, maintenance, replacement, and troubleshooting information of these components. This course has no prerequisites. Bulk-Handling Conveyors is available in online and course manual formats.

This online course thoroughly explains the function of the compressor in a refrigeration system. Introduces information on the construction and use of reciprocating, rotary, helical, scroll, and centrifugal compressors. Covers compressor motors, control, and protection. Concludes with a lesson on preventive maintenance for compressors as well as troubleshooting and repair. This course has no prerequisites. Compressors is available in Online Maintenance Training and course manual formats.

This online course overs the function, construction, and operation of both air- and water-cooled condensers and related devices. Discusses cooling towers and spray ponds, including maintenance and troubleshooting. Includes a lesson on evaporative condensers. Concludes with a discussion of water-related problems and how to solve them. This course has no prerequisites. Condensers and Cooling Towers is available in Online Maintenance Training and course manual formats.

This online maintenance management course covers how to use verbal and written communication tools, including the importance of listening. Explains how to motivate maintenance personnel through effective communication. Discusses how to organize written communication, best utilizing the elements of writing—parts of speech, phrases, clauses, sentences, structure, punctuation, and syntax. Gives examples of business writing used for reporting progress and motivating employees. This course has no prerequisites. Effective Communication for Supervisors is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

This online course covers electrical energy consumers in typical commercial and industrial facilities. Investigates utility rate structures and relates cost to load management. Examines power factors, including how they are calculated and how they affect energy usage. Shows methods of conducting lighting surveys and how lighting fixture and lamp selection can impact electricity costs. This course has no prerequisites. Electrical Energy Conservation is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

The Electrical Measuring Instruments electrical training course covers the maintenance procedures and principles on which electrical test instruments operate. Basic instruments covered in this online course include voltmeter, ammeter, wattmeter, ohmmeter, and megohmmeter. Covers AC metering, split-core ammeter, use of current and potential transformers. Includes detailed coverage of modern multimeters. Explains functions and uses of oscilloscopes. This course has no prerequisites. Electrical Measuring Instruments is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

The Electrical Safety and Protection online electrical course examines electrical hazards and stresses the importance of electrical safety. The online course covers the maintenance equipment and procedures necessary to work safely with electricity, including PPE, lockout/tagout, and first aid. Explains the importance of grounding. Describes many kinds of fuses, circuit breakers, and motor protection devices and their uses. This course has no prerequisites. Electrical Safety and Protection is available in online and course manual formats.

This maintenance management online course defines the supervisor’s job in terms of maintenance planning, operations, and employee interaction. Demonstrates how good leadership requires administering discipline fairly, recognizing employee needs, and preventing employee strife. Discusses the basic information supervisors need in handling grievances and union disputes. This course has no prerequisites. Employee Relations is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Explains the function and construction of evaporators. Covers direct-expansion, dry-expansion, and flooded evaporators, as well as systems using multiple evaporators. Discusses ways to boost evaporator performance. Explains evaporator defrosting, maintenance, and troubleshooting. The online course goes on to describe the function, operation, and maintenance of various metering devices, including hand-operated, automatic, thermostatic, thermal-electric devices. This course has no prerequisites. Evaporators and Metering Devices is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

The Evaporators, Condensers, and Controls online course covers the maintenance of gravity feed, overfeed, dump trap, CPR, and DX supply systems. Describes evaporator and evaporative condenser design, selection, and operation. Discusses various defrost systems-hot gas, electric, water, and glycol spray. Examines stop, shutoff, relief, check, solenoid, expansion, pressure-regulating, and float valves. This course has no prerequisites. Evaporators, Condensers, and Controls is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

Covers principles of fluid flow and how primary devices affect fluid flow. Describes flow measurement using several kinds of secondary devices. The online course goes on to Discuss rotameters and other variable-area instruments. Explains how weirs, flumes, and other arrangements measure open-channel flow. Compares many kinds of positive-displacement meters and explains the operation of several kinds of turbine and magnetic flowmeters. Describes less-common flowmeters (including vortex-precession, mass flow, and ultrasonic devices) and instruments that meter the flow of solids. Provides guidelines for safe installation and maintenance of flow devices. This course has no prerequisites. Flow Measurement is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

This course covers force, stress, and strain and explains the operation of strain-gauge systems. Relates weight to mass and scales to balances. The online course explains the operation of load-cell scales. Describes belt-scale, nuclear-scale, and weigh feeder operation. Covers position measurements by means of proximity detection, air gauging, LVDT gauges, synchros, code disks, and other devices. Explains machine tool control and accelerometer operation. Describes the measurement of angular velocity and acceleration, vibration detection, and machinery balancing. This course has no prerequisites. Force, Weight, and Motion Measurement is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

The "Hand Tools" course covers the most important hand tools used on the job. The online course begins with measuring tools, including a discussion of units of measurement. Examines the various kinds of wrenches and screwdrivers, their uses, maintenance, and handling techniques. Explains other hand tools by specialty: pipefitting tools, plumbing tools, electrician's tools, sheet metalworking tools, machinists' metal-working tools. Ends with hoisting and pulling tools. This course has no prerequisites. Hand Tools is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

This online maintenance management course covers instructions to the first-line supervisor in the strategies involved in improving performances and presents proven methods for increasing maintenance productivity. Develops ways of evaluating training effectiveness and the management of time. Describes the information necessary to stimulate improvement in all facets of the maintenance program. This course has no prerequisites. Improving Performance in Maintenance is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Covers the use of the dividing head. Covers plain, differential, and angular indexing. The course explains the use of the dividing head for milling hexagons. This online course proceeds to the cutting of spur gears, helical gears, and cams. This course has no prerequisites. Indexed Milling Procedures is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

Covers techniques and safeguards in the use of rope, chain, hoists, and scaffolding when moving heavy plant equipment and maintaining plant utilities. This course has no prerequisites. Industrial Rigging Principles and Practices is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

A sequential follow-up to course 324 on lathe operation, This online course covers chuck installation, boring and counterboring operations, thread cutting, and taper boring. Continues into special lathe operations that use faceplates, angle plates, and boring bars. Provides several real "hands-on" projects. Lathe- Machining Work in a Chuck is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

Covers principles governing various methods of measuring level. This online course explains the operation of conductive, capacitive, resistive, ultrasonic, and photoelectric devices. Compares the operation of several kinds of pressure-head instruments and their maintenance. Explains the measurement of solids by ultrasonic, microwave, radiation, and other methods. Discusses several special-application devices for both continuous and point level measurement. This course has no prerequisites. Level Measurement is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

The Lubricants and Lubrication mechanical maintenance online course covers a complete lubrication training program, including functions and characteristics of lubricants, factors in selection of lubricants, and effects of additives. Oils, greases, and other compounds used for lubrication are described, as well as their applications. Lubrication, mechanical maintenance methods, and recommended storage and handling procedures are included. This course has no prerequisites. Lubricants and Lubrication is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Covers types of jobs likely to be encountered by the maintenance machinist, and describes how the machinist decides which machine(s) to use for particular operations. This online course shows how to analyze the entire job before selecting the most efficient sequence of machining operations. Builds on Courses 315, 316, 317, and is a prerequisite for the "hands-on" projects in the courses that follow. Machine Shop Job Analysis is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Covers the principles of machining, measurement, tool grinding, and machine shop safety. This online course discusses the properties of metals, how to layout and set up a job, how to use measuring devices such as the micrometer and vernier caliper, and how to read working drawings. Explains how to grind single-and multi-point tools. This course has no prerequisites. Machine Shop Practices is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

Covers types of milling machines and milling operations. Covers spindles, arbors, feed rates, and safety precautions. This online course discusses shaper and planer operations-setup, maintenance, and safety procedures. Also introduces grinding, power sawing, and gear cutting operations. This course has no prerequisites. Machine Shop Shaping Operations is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

Covers the major types of lathes and their attachments, safety, maintenance, job preparation, and basic lathe operations. This online course discusses all facets of drilling and boring, types of drills and drill presses, milling machines, and job bores. Explains reaming and reamer terms. Covers threads and threading. This course has no prerequisites. Machine Shop Turning Operations is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

Covers components and terminology used in piping systems. Also covers terminology, measurement, and maintenance of threaded, welded, and plastic piping systems. This online course explains the use of pipefitting accessories-supports, traps, filters and strainers, and expansion joints. This course has no prerequisites. Maintenance Pipefitting is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

"Making Measurements" covers units of measurement used in commercial and industrial applications. Examines all aspects of basic measurement concepts and procedures, including accuracy and tolerance. This online course discusses techniques and devices for comparison measurements (dial indicators and gauge blocks). Shows common methods for measuring volume, motion, force, temperature, fluid flow, and electricity. Explains how to use scales and rules, combination calipers, and micrometers. This course has no prerequisites. Making Measurements is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

Covers analysis of training needs. Describes various kinds of maintenance training and lists important steps in administering training. This online course compares group management techniques to self-study. Discusses the training environment. Examines how to keep training records and how to evaluate training results. This course has no prerequisites. Managing a Training Program is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Begins by introducing mathematical basics-numbers and numerals, subtraction, addition, multiplication, and division. This online course examines common fractions and decimal fractions, ratios and proportions, powers and roots. Discusses the calculator: usage, basic and special functions, internal logic, and special purpose calculators. Moves on to cover geometry, algebra, and formulas for problem solving. Concludes by explaining properties of triangles and trig and inverse trig functions. This course has no prerequisites. Mathematics in the Plant is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

Covers further details of drive maintenance, including brakes, clutches, and adjustable-speed drives. This online course also covers maintenance and troubleshooting of fluid drives and package drive systems. This course has no prerequisites. Mechanical and Fluid Drive Systems is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Covers alignment, particularly coupling alignment. Includes installation and maintenance of mechanical drives, from chain drives to enclosed gear drives. This course has no prerequisites. Mechanical Drive Maintenance is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

The "Metals in the Plant" course Introduces metals, metallurgy, and metalworking. Discusses the properties of metals, including their mechanical properties. This online course examines several industrial manufacturing processes. Covers iron and standard steels. Explains the different kinds of heat treatment and their usage. Discusses some techniques of working with copper, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, lead, nickel, tin, and zinc. This course has no prerequisites. Metals in the Plant is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Previous courses have dealt largely with the operation of two major machine tools, the lathe and the milling machine. This course picks up some of the other machines found in a machine shop, some of which may be used infrequently, but which nevertheless require specific skills to operate. In most cases, simple projects are described to give trainees experience working with these machines. This course has no prerequisites. Multiple-Machine Procedures is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

The "Nonmetals in the Plant" course introduces major nonmetal materials and how they are most frequently used. Describes properties, characteristics, and classifications of each material. Covers synthetic and natural materials. Examines various paints and coatings, their proper use, preparation, and application. Surveys industrial chemicals. Chemical safety precautions are covered, along with the proper use of protective equipment. This course has no prerequisites. Nonmetals in the Plant is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

The Oxyfuel Welding course covers the welding of ferrous and nonferrous metals. Describes oxygen cutting as well as brazing and soldering. The course concludes with discussing types of welding surfacing techniques. This course has no prerequisites. Oxyfuel Operations is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

Examines piping system materials and sizing. Includes coverage of codes, valves and fittings, and the cutting and joining of piping and tubing. Explains the function and unique requirements of the discharge line, liquid line, and suction line. Concludes with a lesson on piping system maintenance, including handling dirt and scale, expansion, vibration, corrosion, and leaks. This course has no prerequisites. Piping is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Industrial Piping Systems online training course covers piping and tubing systems used for fluid transport in the plant: hydraulic fluids, steam, liquefied product, refrigerant, and water. Shows typical metallic and nonmetallic piping systems, pipe-joining methods, and how tubing and hoses differ from piping. Covers valves, pipe fittings, hangers, supports, and insulation, and shows how tubing is sized, fitted, bent, and joined. Explains uses of traps, filters, and strainers. This course has no prerequisites. Piping Systems is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

The "Portable Power Tools" course explains the uses, selection, safety, and care of industrial power tools: electric drills, electric hammers, pneumatic drills and hammers, screwdrivers, nutrunners, wrenches, linear-motion and circular saws, routers and planes, electric sanders, grinders, and shears. Covers tool sharpening techniques for selected tools. This course has no prerequisites. Portable Power Tools is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

The Power Transmission Equipment online mechanical maintenance training course covers belt drives, chain drives, gears and gear drives, adjustable-speed drives, shaft alignment, shaft coupling devices, and clutches and brakes. This course has no prerequisites. Power Transmission Equipment is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Covers units of pressure and discusses Boyle's and Charles' laws to explain relationships among pressure, volume, and temperature. Describes sensor operation of manometers, bourdon tubes, diaphragms, and bellows. Explains the operation of potentiometric, capacitive, reluctive, servo, strain-gauge, and piezoelectric transducers. Describes devices used in low-pressure control. Discusses proper and safe methods for installing and servicing pressure instruments. This course has no prerequisites. Pressure Measurement is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Covers basic pumping concepts. Describes required maintenance of packing and seals. Covers maintenance and overhaul of centrifugal pumps. Concludes with the maintenance of rotary pumps. This course has no prerequisites. Pump Installation and Maintenance is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

The Pumps online training course covers typical applications of various types of pumps. Describes factors affecting pump selection. Explains operating principles of centrifugal, propeller, and turbine, rotary, reciprocating, and metering pumps. Includes special-purpose pumps, diaphragm pumps, and others designed to handle corrosive and abrasive substances. Covers pump maintenance, packing gland, seal, and bearing replacement. This course has no prerequisites. Pumps is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

Explains the effects of noncondensables on an ammonia system and the importance of their removal. Covers a wide range of piping considerations-sizing, flow rate, pressure drop, and others. Concludes with a thorough coverage of safety codes and programs, including ANSI/ASHRAE, IIAR, OSHA, and EPA information. This course has no prerequisites. Purging, Piping, and Safety is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

The Reading Blueprints training course covers all types of blueprints used in industrial plants. Discusses reading blueprints outlining machine parts and machine drawings. Features blueprint drawings of a compound rest and a clutch-brake control. Examines hydraulic, pneumatic, piping, plumbing, electrical, air-conditioning, and refrigeration drawings. Introduces reading blueprints and sketching used in industrial plants. This course has no prerequisites. Reading Blueprints is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

Reading Schematics and Symbols training course covers all types of schematics and symbols used in commercial and industrial settings.

Covers the physical properties of refrigerants, including pressure-temperature relationships. Discusses various kinds of refrigerant and their safe handling. Examines the effects of refrigerants on the atmosphere and related EPA requirements. Discusses filters, driers, leak detection equipment, gauge manifold set. Explains system charging, evacuation and dehydration, refrigerant recovery/recycling, and oil maintenance and servicing. This course has no prerequisites. Refrigerants and Refrigerant Oils is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

The Single-Phase Motors online electrical training course covers the types and operating principles of common single-phase motors. Explains NEMA motor standards. Explains how to identify motor leads on split-phase, capacitor-start, capacitor-run, permanent split capacitor, and repulsion motors. Also covers universal motors, shaded-pole motors, and other special types, including synchro and servo systems. Gives general maintenance procedures on all single-phase motors. This course has no prerequisites. Single-Phase Motors is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Covers units in thermal measurement and operation of RTDs (and wheatstone bridges), thermistors, and thermocouples and thermometers. Includes principles of pyrometry and operation of narrowband, broadband, and bandpass pyrometers. Discusses calibration standards, typical calibrating methods, and instrument testing. This course has no prerequisites. Temperature Measurement is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

Introduces the basic concepts needed for an understanding of refrigeration. Traces the basic refrigeration cycle. Explains the concepts of heat, temperature, humidity, dewpoint, enthalpy, and simple psychrometrics. Concludes with a lesson on the tools and instruments needed for refrigeration servicing and safe work practices. This course has no prerequisites. The Refrigeration Cycle is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

The Transformers and AC Circuits online electrical course covers differences between DC and AC circuits. Explains AC sine wave, using vectors to solve AC problems, calculating impedance in circuits having inductance, capacitance, and resistance, AC power relationships in single-phase and three-phase circuits, and principles of transformer maintenance. This course has no prerequisites. Transformers and AC Circuits is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

The "Troubleshooting Skills" course explores the subject of troubleshooting and the importance of proper maintenance procedures. Covers working with others, aids in communication, and trade responsibilities. Outlines troubleshooting techniques and aids, using schematics and symbols. Focuses on specific maintenance tasks, breakdown maintenance, and planned maintenance. This course has no prerequisites. Troubleshooting Skills is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Covers tubing specifications, materials, and fittings. Explains procedures used for handling, bending, cutting, and installing tubing. Gives basics of tubing in a hydraulic system. Describes hose systems and their functions. Concludes with gaskets, sealants, and adhesives. This course has no prerequisites. Tubing and Hose System Maintenance is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.