OAR 918-695-0125: Limited Specialty Plumber Certificate of Competency for Solar Heating and Cooling System Installers

(1) Authorization and Scope. This rule creates a limited specialty plumbing certificate of competency to install and replace solar heating and cooling systems. (2) Persons eligible for licensing. The experience and training requirements for licensure are: (a) A minimum of 2,000 hours on-the-job verifiable experience installing solar heating or cooling systems prior to July 1, 2002 if the application is received between July 1, 2002 and July 1, 2004; or (b) Satisfactory completion of a division-approved training program for Limited Specialty Plumber Solar Heating and Cooling Installers that includes the following: (A) A minimum of 288 hours of classroom training; and (B) A minimum of 2,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training; or (c) Equivalent lawfully obtained experience and training covering: (A) General items — 500 hours of experience and training in: (i) Materials, tools and equipment; (ii) Mathematics and science; (iii) Soldering and brazing; (iv) Safety and Basic first aid; (v) Blueprints and solar codes; (vi) Water piping systems; (vii) Basic electricity; (viii) Administrative rules. (B) Specific training or work experience in: (i) Plumbing of solar thermal systems — 500 hours; (ii) Installation of balance of system equipment — 500 hours; (iii) Roof mounting and equipment installation — 500 hours; (iv) Total Minimum — 2,000 hours. (3) Procedure for Licensing. An applicant for licensing shall: (a) Complete and sign the division application; (b) Provide verification of the required training or equivalent experience; and (c) Pay applicable fees; (4) Examination. All applicants must take and pass a division-approved written examination testing the requirements for installation of solar heating and cooling systems, and the related administrative and enforcement provisions. (5) Scope of Plumbing Authorized. The holder of a limited specialty plumber certificate of competency solar heating and cooling systems may: (a) Install and replace solar heating and cooling systems, including collectors, heat transfer systems, heat storage and associated piping related to: (A) Replacement or solar conversion of an existing water heating or cooling system; (B) Installation of collectors, heat transfer systems, storage tanks, pumps, valves and associated piping; and (C) Installation of piping and related appurtenances applicable to the temperature pressure relief valve. (b) May not connect a solar heating or cooling system to a potable water source. The connection of a solar heating or cooling system to a potable water source shall be made only by a licensed journeyman plumber. (6) Nothing in these rules shall prohibit a licensed journeyman plumber from installing, replacing or repairing solar heating and cooling systems.