Getting started
What you need to begin
The tools, the knowledge and the paperwork, in plain terms.
Basic tools
A modest kit covers most calls. Add specialty tools as your work grows.
Digital multimeter
Volts, ohms and continuity, ideally with a clamp for measuring current.
Non-contact voltage tester
A quick check that a circuit is dead before you touch it.
Nut drivers and bits
Quarter-inch and five-sixteenths nut drivers, plus Torx and Phillips bits.
Light and mirror
A good headlamp and an inspection mirror for the back of the cabinet.
Appliance dolly and floor protection
For pulling out ranges and refrigerators without damaging the floor.
Gas leak detector
Leak-check solution or an electronic detector for any gas appliance work.
Knowledge worth having
Basic electrical theory: voltage, current, resistance and how series and parallel circuits behave. How to read a ladder-style wiring diagram. How the main systems work: water fill and drain, heating elements, gas ignition, motors and drives, refrigeration and defrost, and electronic controls.
Manufacturer tech sheets, community college courses and experienced technicians are the best teachers. The skills quiz on this site shows you which areas to work on.
Licenses and paperwork
EPA Section 608 certification is required to buy refrigerant and to open or repair sealed refrigeration systems. The test is offered through approved organizations, often online.
If you work for yourself, check your state and town for business licensing, and carry liability insurance. Rules for gas appliance connections vary by location, so learn your local code before doing gas work.
This page is general information, not legal advice.