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Electrical Skills and Principles

DC Principles

Course #: Block A21
Duration: 30 hours
Course Prerequisites: Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn: In this block consisting of six study units, the trainee will learn the basics of electrical theory. These units introduce electrical terms, symbols, and the operation of simple circuits. Ohm's law receives extensive coverage including practical troubleshooting examples used to industry. A new unit specific to capacitors and inductors provides more in-depth coverage. Up-to-date information on conductors, insulation, and specialty batteries forms a revised study unit. Study units covering magnetism, electromagnetism, motors, and generators are included with industry related examples.
Components: Nature of Electricity (086001); Circuit Analysis and Ohm's Law (086002); Capacitors and Inductors (086003); Magnetism and Electromagnetism (086004); Conductors, Insulators, and Batteries (086005); DC Motors and Generator Theory (086006);
Special Notes: This updated course replaces DC Principles, Block A01. Each study unit contains a progress examination.

Nature of Electricity

Course #: 086001
Duration: 5 hours
Course Prerequisites: Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

  • Explain the operation of a simple circuit.
  • Define the terms: conductor, insulator, and resistor.
  • Demonstrate that unlike charges attract and like charges repel.
  • List the dangers and benefits of static electricity.
  • Define the terms: volt, ampere, and ohm.
  • Describe common notations and prefixes used to identify electrical and electronic values.
  • Identify carbon resistors, potentiometers, and rheostats, and explain how they work.
  • Identify the common electrical symbols used in schematic diagrams.
  • Explain the difference between a series and parallel circuit.

    • Circuit Analysis and Ohm's Law

    Course #: 086002
    Duration: 5 hours
    Course Prerequisites: Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
    What Students Learn:

  • Find the total resistance in series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits.
  • Use Ohm's law to calculate the current, voltage, or resistance in circuits.
  • Calculate the amount of power supplied and dissipated in a DC circuit.
  • List the steps for finding current, voltage, and resistance with a digital or analog meter.

    • Capacitors and Inductors

    Course #: 086003
    Duration: 5 hours
    Course Prerequisites: Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
    What Students Learn:

  • Explain how a capacitor holds a charge.
  • Describe common types of capacitors.
  • Identify common capacitor ratings.
  • Calculate the total capacitance of a circuit containing capacitors in series or in parallel.
  • Calculate the time constant of a resistance-capacitance or RC circuit.
  • Explain how inductors are constructed.
  • Describe the system used to rate inductors.
  • Describe how an inductor regulates the flow of current in a DC circuit.
  • Calculate the total inductance of series or parallel connected inductors.
  • Calculate the time constant for a resistance-inductance or RL circuit.

    • Magnetism and Electromagnetism

    Course #: 086004
    Duration: 5 hours
    Course Prerequisites: Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
    What Students Learn:

  • Identify the north and south poles of permanent magnets and electromagnets.
  • Name magnetic and nonmagnetic materials.
  • Describe how to magnetize a piece of steel by induction.
  • Explain the difference between simple, compound, and closed magnetic circuits.
  • Locate the direction of magnetic lines of force around a conductor (if the direction of current is known).
  • Use the right-hand rule to locate the poles of a solenoid.
  • Describe the operation of simple electromagnetic relays, buzzers, and stepping switches.
  • Explain how a DC motor operates.
  • Give a simplified explanation for generator action and motor action with electromagnetic induction.

    • Conductors, Insulators, and Batteries

    Course #: 086005
    Duration: 5 hours
    Course Prerequisites: Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
    What Students Learn:

  • Describe the various types of conductors and discuss their conductivity.
  • Explain the American Wire Gage System of sizing copper conductors.
  • Determine the size of conductor needed for an application.
  • Identify the various types of insulating materials and their temperature ratings.
  • Explain the difference between a dry cell and a storage battery.
  • How to connect cells together to obtain more voltage, more current, or more of both voltage and current.
  • Describe the proper safety precautions used when working with storage batteries.
  • Describe how to properly clean and care for storage batteries.
  • Discuss the instruments used for testing storage batteries.
  • Explain how NiCad, lithium, and other types of special batteries operate, and describe their ratings.

    • DC Motors and Generator Theory

    Course #: 086006
    Duration: 5 hours
    Course Prerequisites: Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
    What Students Learn:

  • Identify a series-, shunt-, and compound-wound motor and discuss their application.
  • Explain how a permanent-magnet and stepper motor operate.
  • List the steps to reversing a DC motor's direction.
  • Discuss how the speed of a DC motor can be controlled.
  • Explain the basic principle for generating a direct current.
  • Name the factors that affect the strength of the induced voltage.
  • Describe the purpose of a commutator and brush assembly.
  • Discuss the difference between the field connections of series-, shunt-, and compound-wound machines.
  • Give the reason for shifting brushes.
  • Discuss the use of commutating poles and compensating windings for better generator operation.
  • List the various types of machine losses.

    • Electronics Workbench.

    Course #: 086800
    Duration: 0 hours
    Course Prerequisites: DC Principles (Block A21);
    What Students Learn: Electronics Workbench is an electronics lab in a computer. A powerful software tool that simulates the behavior of analog circuits, digital circuits, and the corresponding test equipment. Students perform experiments faster, in a safe, user friendly environment.
    Sophisticated troubleshooting options allow trainees to make practical evaluations of the theory they have been learning. High quality, visual circuit paths are recreated. The simulator lets students design, build, and verify circuits significantly faster than on a real test bench. As self-paced study, students can experiment with "what if" scenarios. Circuits can be created with any number of faults or malfunctions for students to diagnose, isolate, and repair.
    Realistic test instruments used in working applications include the digital multimeter, oscilloscope, function generator, word generator, logic analyzer, logic converter, and bode plotter. A "bottomless" bin of real world components for both digital and analog circuits include over 125 74xx and 74xxx chips, resistors, diodes, capacitors, a wide variety of logic gates, scrs', triacs, npn, and pnp transistors and many more.

    Special Notes:

  • The Electronics Workbench is available in Microsoft Windows 95 and 98 platforms. Electronics Workbench versions 3, 4 and 5 are supported by the ICS electrical and electronics block courseware and the laboratory exercise manuals.
  • Single user copies and site licenses are available. Contact your Training Consultant for pricing information.

    • Electronics Workbench Lab Manual for DC Principles (Block A21)

    Course #: 387009C
    Duration: 10 hours
    Course Prerequisites: Electronics Workbench. (086800); DC Principles (Block A21);
    What Students Learn: Basic lab exercises and elementary troubleshooting problems using the Electronics Workbench (Versions 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0) are contained in this manual. Practice exercises using electrical notations, prefixes, Ohm's law, series and parallel connections, and basic circuit construction are included. The manual includes the basic operational instructions for the Workbench software and Windows.

    Special Notes: The manual contains a file disk of practice circuits.

    AC Principles

    Course #: Block A22
    Duration: 40 hours
    Course Prerequisites: DC Principles (Block A21); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
    What Students Learn: Alternating current is the form of current most often used to furnish electrical energy. Students receive a complete introduction to AC terminology and basic AC circuit configurations. Individual study units on the uses of capacitors and inductors in AC circuits underlines the importance of these components in AC theory. The generation, control, and distribution of AC power are highlighted in study units on alternators, transformers, and energy distribution. How electricity is generated at a power plant and sent to consumers is covered. The student will also be introduced to basic electronics through a study unit on rectification and basic electronic components.
    Components: Alternating Current (086007); Alternating Current Circuits (086008); Inductors in AC Circuits (086009); Capacitors in AC Circuits (086010); Transformers (086011); Alternators (086012); Electrical Energy Distribution (086013); Rectification and Basic Electronic Devices (086014);
    Special Notes: This updated course replaces AC Principles and Components, Block A02. Each study unit contains a progress examination.

    Alternating Current

    Course #: 086007
    Duration: 5 hours
    Course Prerequisites: DC Principles (Block A21); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
    What Students Learn:

  • Draw a graph of an AC voltage and describe how AC voltage is created.
  • Explain AC cycle terms: "alternation," "peak," "positive," and "negative."
  • Define the time period of an AC voltage as expressed in degrees.
  • List the characteristic values of an AC cycle and describe the relationship between the values.
  • Define phase angle and describe how it relates to reactive circuits.
  • Calculate power for single-phase and three-phase circuits.
  • Describe how a 220 VAC single-phase circuit operates.
  • Illustrate the phase relationship of three-phase wave forms.
  • Determine real power by reading a power factor meter.
  • Describe delta and wye three-phase circuit connections.

    • Alternating Current Circuits

    Course #: 086008
    Duration: 5 hours
    Course Prerequisites: DC Principles (Block A21); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
    What Students Learn:

  • Identify electric circuits in terms of their circuit characteristics.
  • List several circuit characteristics that are used to describe a circuit for a particular load application.
  • Connect electrical components in series and parallel circuits.
  • Control loads from one or two switch points.
  • Describe how delta- and wye-connected three phase circuits are different.
  • Explain how grounding a circuit increases its safety.
  • Recognize the difference between control circuits and power circuits.

    • Inductors in AC Circuits

    Course #: 086009
    Duration: 5 hours
    Course Prerequisites: DC Principles (Block A21); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
    What Students Learn:

  • Explain how an inductor is made and how it operates in a DC and AC circuit.
  • Describe inductive reactance and impedance, and how AC frequency effects inductance.
  • Use Ohm's law in an AC circuit that includes an inductor.
  • Calculate the impedance of a series RL circuit.
  • Calculate the impedance of a parallel RL circuit.

    • Capacitors in AC Circuits

    Course #: 086010
    Duration: 5 hours
    Course Prerequisites: DC Principles (Block A21); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
    What Students Learn:

  • Describe how a capacitor stores a charge and how series connected and parallel connected capacitance values are calculated.
  • Discuss capacitive reactance and use Ohm's Law in AC circuits that contain a capacitor.
  • Calculate the impedance of a series RC circuit.
  • Explain how changing the frequency of an AC signal changes capacitive reactance.

    • Transformers

    Course #: 086011
    Duration: 5 hours
    Course Prerequisites: DC Principles (Block A21); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
    What Students Learn:

  • Explain what the main components of a transformer are.
  • Tell how mutual inductance makes it possible to change an AC voltage from one value to another when using a transformer.
  • Determine the turns ratio of a transformer when the primary and secondary voltages are known.
  • Calculate primary or secondary voltages or current when either one of these and the turns ratio are known.
  • Explain why transformers are laminated.
  • Connect three single-phase transformers for three-phase operation.
  • Calculate line current (if phase current is known) in delta-connected transformers.
  • Explain the operating principles of an auto transformer.

    • Alternators

    Course #: 086012
    Duration: 5 hours
    Course Prerequisites: DC Principles (Block A21); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
    What Students Learn:

  • Explain how single- and three-phase alternators operate.
  • List and describe the major components of an alternator.
  • Discuss alternator ratings in terms of power, voltage, speed, and temperature.
  • State the steps required for starting, stopping, and operating alternators.
  • Describe the similarities and differences of the three main types of alternators.

    • Electrical Energy Distribution

    Course #: 086013
    Duration: 5 hours
    Course Prerequisites: DC Principles (Block A21); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
    What Students Learn:

  • Explain the difference between feeder and branch circuits.
  • Describe the different types of systems available for distributing power within a plant.
  • Recognize and identify utilization equipment.
  • Discuss the use of transformers in energy distribution.
  • Identify by name and describe the uses of various types of raceways.
  • Distinguish between panel boards and switchboards.
  • Describe the electrical system of a power utility.
  • Describe how electricity is generated at a power station or utility.

    • Rectification and Basic Electronic Devices

    Course #: 086014
    Duration: 5 hours
    Course Prerequisites: DC Principles (Block A21); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
    What Students Learn:

  • Explain how diodes are used as rectifiers.
  • Discuss the basic operation of a diode and a triode electron tube.
  • Connect a PN junction for forward and reverse bias.
  • Explain how a transistor operates as an amplifier.
  • Recognize transistor input and output circuits.
  • Compare rectifier circuits with and without filter circuits.
  • Describe the operation of an SCR and a triac.
  • Calculate the ripple frequency of a half-wave and full-wave single-phase and three-phase rectifier.

    • Electronics Workbench Lab Manual for AC Principles (Block A22)

    Course #: 387012C
    Duration: 10 hours
    Course Prerequisites: Electronics Workbench. (086800); DC Principles (Block A21); AC Principles (Block A22);
    What Students Learn: This lab manual, designed for use with the Electronics Workbench simulation software (Versions 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0), contains lab exercises and troubleshooting problems that reinforce the theory learned in AC Principles. Problems dealing with impedances of RC and RL circuits, rectification of AC voltages, and series and parallel resonant circuits are part of the learning experience.
    The manual contains the basic operational instructions for the Workbench software and Windows.

    Special Notes: The manual contains a file disk of practice circuits.

    Electrical Safety for the Trades

    Course #: 186005
    Duration: 5 hours
    What Students Learn: Preview
    This study unit will introduce students to many workplace situations that require you to work safely with electricity. You will learn how and why electricity can be dangerous. Trainees will also learn about various methods used for protection. Safety begins with the careful installation of electrical components by means of approved wiring methods. You should use safety procedures and practices that insulate you from electricity's power anytime you work with, or near, electrical equipment and components.

    Objectives
    When a student completes this study unit, he and she will be able to:

  • Explain how electricity can harm you and your property.
  • Discuss the importance of properly using quality electrical components.
  • Follow the basic methods of protection when wiring electrical installations.
  • Tell why it is important to ground electrical equipment and systems.
  • Select the type of electrical equipment to use in a hazardous location.
  • List the safety practices required in an electrical work area.
  • Talk about the importance of a clear working space around electrical equipment.
  • Educate your own level of safety training to be sure it matches the electrical work you are performing.

    Contents
    Introduction to Electrical Safety; Using Proper Materials and Components; Equipment Grounding; Hazardous Locations; Safe Working Clearances; Safety Practices.

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