In the absence of many in-classroom training sessions and opportunities, A. O. Smith has announced several online training opportunities through its business units. A.O. Smith University, LochinvarU, State University and American University are home to state-of-the-art training programs and video resources that are designed specifically with contractors and engineers in mind. These resources will help essential workers stay engaged and up to date on best practices. Below are overviews of each training platform and its program offerings: 

A. O. Smith University Overview

Key link(s) include the following:

• www.university.hotwater.com
• www.university.hotwater.com/live-show

Online certifications offered include the following:

• Residential Certification  
  • Prepares contractors to install, troubleshoot, and repair the company's common residential products
  • Upon completion, contractors will be better able to do the following:
    • Understand basic tools and test instruments.
    • Implement the best practices for installing residential water heaters for trouble-free service and long life.
    • Quickly diagnose and repair the most common issues related to residential water heaters.
    • Reduce customer callbacks and complaints with more accurate diagnostics.
• Heat Pump Certification
  • Heat pump water heaters are the most efficient type of electric water heaters and are required under NAECA III for some applications. 
  • Heat pump water heaters are easy to install, but do require management of the condensation produced. They have built-in diagnostics to make troubleshooting easier. Most problems can be diagnosed with the built-in diagnostics and a multi-meter.
  • Some electric utilities require that installers be certified by the manufacturer in order to qualify for utility rebates. This certification test meets current utility requirements.
• Tankless Workshop
  • This online workshop covers the same material as the company's industry-leading classroom setting.
  • It includes installation and troubleshooting on standard gas, standard electric, power/power direct vent, heat pump, and condensing gas, as well as full product teardown, product selection and application.
• X3 Tankless Workshop
  • This online workshop covers the same material as the company's industry-leading classroom setting.
  • This class covers the tankless workshop and incorporates training for X3 technology. 
• Commercial Gas Certification 
  • This online certification covers application, installation, top service items, and other important topics for the company's commercial gas offerings.
  • Topics to be covered include the following:
    • Modulating High Efficiency Commercial Gas Water Heaters
    • Commercial Multi-Flue Gas Water Heaters
    • Polaris Commercial Gas Water Heaters

LochinvarU Overview

Key link(s) include the following:

• www.lochinvaru.com

Subject matter expert(s) include the following: 

• Ernie Chase, Lochinvar learning management system administrator
• Kevin Watts, senior technical trainer 

Courses offered include the following:

• LochinvarU Development 
  • Basic Multi-Meter Symbols 
  • Basic Circulators
  • Connection Plugs
  • Understanding Negative Regulation
  • Basic Condensation and Evaporation
  • Downloading PC Software
  • Log File Training 
  • Modbus Front End Training 
  • Gateway User Interface
• Tips and Tricks 
  • Igniter Replacement 
  • 2-inch to 2 ^1/2-inch Three Way Valve 
  • Display Communication Board
  • Heat Exchanger Gaskets
  • Electric Conversion Tank Type 
• Product Training 
  • SmartTouch Control
  • CREST Condensing Boiler
  • FTXL
  • Micro CHP
  • PowerFin
  • KNIGHT FireTube Boiler  
  • KNIGHT Heating Boiler 
  • KNIGHT XL
  • NOBLE Fire Tube Combi 
  • ARMOR Condensing Water Heater
  • SHIELD Commercial Water Heater
  • Tank Type Water Heaters
  • Tankless

Additional features include the following:

• Digital Simulators
• Digital Calculators
• Interactive Troubleshooting Tools

State University Overview

Key link(s) include the following:

• university.statewaterheaters.com

Subject matter expert(s) include the following:  

Online certifications offered include the following:

• Residential Certification  
  • Prepares contractors to install, troubleshoot, and repair our common residential products
  • Upon completion, contractors will be better able to do the following:
    • Understand basic tools and test instruments.
    • Implement the best practices for installing residential water heaters for trouble-free service and long life.
    • Quickly diagnose and repair the most common issues related to residential water heaters.
    • Reduce customer callbacks and complaints with more accurate diagnostics.
• Heat Pump Certification
  • Heat pump water heaters are the most efficient type of electric water heaters and are required under NAECA III for some applications. 
  • Heat pump water heaters are easy to install, but do require management of the condensation produced. They have built-in diagnostics to make troubleshooting easier. Most problems can be diagnosed with the built-in diagnostics and a multi-meter.
  • Some electric utilities require that installers be certified by the manufacturer in order to qualify for utility rebates. This certification test meets current utility requirements.
• Tankless Workshop
  • This online workshop covers the same material as the company's industry-leading classroom setting.
  • It includes installation and troubleshooting on standard gas, standard electric, power/power direct vent, heat pump, and condensing gas, as well as full product teardown, product selection and application.
• X3 Tankless Workshop
  • This online workshop covers the same material as the company's industry-leading classroom setting.
  • This class covers the tankless workshop and incorporates training for X3 technology. 
• Commercial Gas Certification 
  • This online certification covers application, installation, top service items, and other important topics for the company's commercial gas offerings.
  • Topics to be covered include the following:
    • Modulating High Efficiency Commercial Gas Water Heaters
    • Commercial Multi-Flue Gas Water Heaters
    • Polaris Commercial Gas Water Heaters

American University Overview

Key link(s) include the following:

• university.americanwaterheater.com

Subject matter expert(s) include the following: 

Courses offered include the following:

• Residential Product Training 
  • Standard Electric
  • Self-Cleaning 
  • Standard Gas
  • High Efficiency 
  • Heat Pump
  • Power Vent 
• Online Certifications  
  • X3 Tankless Workshop
    • Topics covered include the following:
      • Installation and troubleshooting on standard gas, standard electric, power/power direct vent, heat pump, and condensing gas, as well as full product teardown, product selection and application
      • X3 Technology