RPA and ASSE International Certify First 11 Professionals to Become Hydronics Systems Instructors

The Radiant Professionals Alliance (RPA) and ASSE International are pleased to announce the certification of the first 11 hydronics and radiant industry professionals to pass the ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI Standard 19210 Train the Trainer Course conducted recently at the Mokena, Ill., offices of the RPA. After successfully completing the examination at the conclusion of a three-day course, these 11 individuals are now eligible to apply to ASSE International as Hydronics Systems Instructors.

The RPA’s Standard 19210 training course provides a deep background on all critical aspects of radiant and other hydronic systems installation, and is based on the RPA’s Radiant I; Basic Theory and Field Installation, and Radiant II; Application and Design manuals, as well as Modern Hydronic Heating for Residential and Light Commercial Buildings by John Siegenthaler. The course, which includes basic concepts and definitions, system components and their proper installation, radiant systems, tubing, code requirements, system commissioning, and documentation, was taught by RPA Director Mark Eatherton, an industry expert with 40 years’ experience
in the hydronics field.

“Consumers appreciate the tradesperson who keeps up to date on cutting edge technology, and are willing to pay more money for a given product and service up front to avoid issues going forward from a less-qualified contractor,” Eatherton said. “Becoming certified will raise contractors head and shoulders above their uncertified competition and provide the fastest return on the investment if used to its full advantage.”

The 11 individuals who completed the training are: James Erhardt, Viega; Robert Green, Calsteam; Dave Holdorf, TACO; Maya Kadi, Energy Environmental; Lance MacNevin, Plastic Pipe Institute; William Shady, Monterey Energy Group North; Charles Shaw, Navien Boilers; Wesleigh Sisco, Uponor; Clay Thornton, Thornton Plumbing & Heating; Dean Wolfe, Johnstone Supply; and Dave Yates, FW Behler.

“When the new ASSE 19210 Professional Qualification Standard certification course became available, I immediately signed on for the three-day course to obtain this new installer certification,” said Yates, owner of F.W. Behler and one of the 11 certified professionals. “The fact that this new 19210 qualification standard class and test is administered by ASSE International raises the bar substantially for the hydronic and electric radiant heating/cooling industry. I'm looking forward to utilizing this certification to win more bids for my firm.”
The RPA is planning a series of three-day trainings around the United States in 2017. Each training will be followed by the ASSE 19210, Hydronics Heating and Cooling Installer Professional Qualification Standard, examination. Successful passage of the exam will result in certification to this new standard, allowing certified individuals to demonstrate the highest level of competence in their field. As training locations are selected, they will be updated on the RPA website at www.radiantpros.org.

For more information, contact Eatherton at (877) 427-6601,or [email protected].

The RPA’s mission is to provide superior leadership in the industry and foster the awareness.