This introductory course is designed for individuals pursuing careers in the electrical field or seeking foundational knowledge of electricity and its behavior in electrical circuits.
The curriculum includes fundamental concepts of electricity, career pathways within the electrical industry, workplace safety, atomic structure of conductors and insulators, and the role of magnetism in electrical operations.
Topics include electrical properties, application of electrical formulas, and the use of electrical tools and testing equipment. The course also examines single-phase and polyphase transformer connections, as well as methods of power generation and distribution from the power plant to the end user.
Prerequisites
None.
Part 1. Workplace health and safety, and careers.
Introduction to Electricity
1. Describe the history of electricity.
2. Outline the future of electricity.
Careers in the Electrical Field
1. Describe options available to you as you prepare for an electrical career.
2. Demonstrate the process of applying for a position in the electrical industry.
3. Describe how to prepare for a job interview.
4. Outline what is necessary to be successful in the workplace.
Workplace Safety
1. Identify and describe common electrical hazards encountered in the workplace.
2. Explain safety mechanisms implemented in electrical systems to ensure circuit protection and user safety.
3. Describe various types of personal protective equipment and explain their specific purposes in electrical work.
4. Explain the importance of fire safety in the electrical workplace.
5. Demonstrate methods for developing workplace safety awareness and applying these techniques to maintain ongoing safety.
6. Identify and describe hazards related to working at elevated heights in electrical settings.
7. Assess the risks associated with collaborating with other trades on electrical projects.
8. Describe potential hazards encountered when performing electrical work in confined spaces.
9. Identify hazards associated with performing electrical work in open trenches and pits.
Part 2. Electrical and magnetic theory.
Building Blocks of Electricity and Electronics
1. Explain the similarities and differences between elements, compounds, and mixtures.
2. Describe the theory of atoms and the law of charges.
3. Describe electricity.
4. Determine the differences between conductors and insulators on an atomic level.
5. Define solid state, and electronic components.
6. Describe the construction and function of semiconductors.
Magnetism Fundamentals
1. Describe magnetism.
2. Describe the law of charges in magnetism.
3. Explain the force of magnetism at the atomic level.
4. Outline the differences between temporary and permanent magnets and their application.
5. Describe magnetic properties.
Electrical Characteristics
1. Compare how voltage is like pressure.
2. Compare how current is like volumetric flow.
3. Compare how resistance is similar to a restriction.
4. Calculate power in an electrical circuit.
5. Define ohms law and how it is used to determine voltage in an electrical circuit.
Part 3. Circuit manipulation and testing equipment.
Mathematical Manipulation and Conversions
1. Demonstrate the order of mathematical operations.
2. Demonstrate competence using algebraic expressions.
3. Calculate measurements and conversions.
4. Convert mathematical units.
Electrical Tools and Testing Instruments
1. Outline the fundamental principles of tool safety.
2. Distinguish among various hand tools and describe their specific functions.
3. Differentiate between types of power tools and describe their respective functions.
4. Demonstrate appropriate procedures for using electrical testing equipment.
Part 4. Transformers and power generation.
Single Phase Transformers
1. Describe the applications for transformers.
2. Describe the theory of basic transformer functions.
3. Describe the differences between a step up and a step-down transformer.
4. Explain the use of isolation transformers and their importance.
5. Define the purpose of multitap transformers
6. Describe the properties of variable transformers.
7. Calculate voltage potential on multiple winding transformers.
8. Describe the use and construction of autotransformers.
9. Determine the polarity of transformer hookups.
10. Analyze transformer voltage and current waveforms.
11. Demonstrate knowledge of transformer troubleshooting.
Three Phase Transformers
1. Describe the construction of three phase transformers.
2. Calculate the voltage and current output as determined by a transformer’s windings.
3. Describe the common configurations of three phase transformers.
4. Describe the uncommon configurations of three phase transformers.
5. Calculate the properties of three phase transformer loads.
Electricity Production
1. Describe the law of conservation of energy.
2. Define the methods of chemically producing electricity.
3. Define the methods of producing electricity with pressure.
4. Describe the process of producing electricity with wind.
5. Describe the process of producing electricity with heat.
6. Demonstrate comprehension of producing electricity with light energy.
Power Distribution from the Generator to You
1. Describe the electrical power grid in the United States.
2. Describe the components of an electrical transmission system.
3. Describe the function of a smart power grid.
4. Calculate the effects from components of distributed energy resources.
5. Calculate conductor sizes for power transmission.