Standard

Posted: 11/29/04

ACT 103 – Electrical Fundamentals

Course Description

Introduction to fundamental electrical concepts and theories as applied to the air conditioning industry. Topics include: AC and DC theory, electric meters, electric diagrams, distribution systems, electrical panels, voltage circuits, code requirements, and safety.

Competency Areas	Hours
AC and DC Theory	Class	5
Electric Meters	D. Lab	2
Electric Diagrams	P. Lab/O.B.I.	3
Distribution Systems	Credit	7
Electrical Panels
Voltage Circuits
Code Requirements
Safety

Prerequisite:	Provisional admission
Corequisite:

Course Guide

Competency	After completing this section, the student will:	Hours
		Class	D.Lab	P.Lab/ O.B.I.

AC AND DC THEORY		10	1	0
Terms	Define electrical terms such as conductor, insulator, voltage, resistance, amperage, and wattage.
	Discuss the difference between AC and DC current.
Ohm's Law	Solve various problems with Ohm's Law.
Electro magnetism	Discuss how electro magnets are used in electrical applications.
ELECTRIC METERS		2	2	3
Theory	Discuss basic principles of electric meters.
Types	Explain differences between voltmeter, ammeter, and ohmmeter.
Application	Test and measure voltage, current, and resistance.
ELECTRIC DIAGRAMS		5	10	10
Theory	Discuss basic concepts of electrical circuits.
	Identify and select several loads to be used in electrical circuits.
Electrical symbols	Correctly identify common electrical symbols.
Series circuits	Construct and operate simple series circuits.
Parallel circuits	Construct and operate parallel circuits.
Series-parallel circuits	Construct and operate series-parallel circuits.
DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS		5	1	0
Types	Discuss how electrical energy is distributed from the power plant to the home.
ELECTRICAL PANELS		5	4	0
Types	Discuss panel requirements for HVAC equipment.
	Discuss types of panels used in homes and businesses.
	Properly size disconnect-panels for HVAC equipment.
VOLTAGE CIRCUITS		10	1	7
Low voltage	Discuss the advantages of using low-voltage circuits.
	Properly wire a low-voltage circuit.
Line voltage	Properly size wiring circuits for HVAC equipment.
Devices	Identify electrical components.
	Check electrical components.
CODE REQUIREMENTS		10	1	10
Theory	Discuss the National Electrical Code.
Application	Wire a condensing unit per the N.E.C.
Grounding
SAFETY		3	0	0
Theory	Discuss some of the safety concerns involved in working with electricity.
Grounding
Application

Suggested Resources

Althouse, A. D., et al. Modern refrigeration & air conditioning. South Holland, IL: Goodheart-Willcox. http://www.goodheartwillcox.com/.

Haines, R. Control systems for heating, ventilating, & air conditioning. New York: Van Nos Reinhold.

Herman, S. L., & Sparkman, B. L. Electricity & controls for heating, ventilating, & air conditioning. Albany, NY: Delmar. http://www.delmar.com/.

Langley, B. C. Control systems for air conditioning & refrigeration. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. http://www.cefga.org/.

Langley, B. C. Cooling systems troubleshooting handbook. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. http://www.cefga.org/.

Langley, B. C. Electric controls for refrigeration & air conditioning. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. http://www.cefga.org/.

Long, W. Refrigeration & air conditioning: Operation & analysis servicing. New York: Macmillan. http://www.macmillan.com/.

Miles, L. Refrigeration & air conditioning. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. http://www.cefga.org/.

Miller, R. Refrigeration and air conditioning technology. New York: Bennett Il.

Miller, R. Electricity for heating, air conditioning & refrigeration. San Diego, CA: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. http://www.harcourt.com/.

National Center for Construction Education and Research (latest edition). NCCER: Core Curricula: Basic Communication Skills. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. http://www.cefga.org/.

Prasad, M. Refrigeration & air conditioning. New Delhi: Wiley Eastern, Ltd. http://www.wiley.com/.

Rudman, J. Air conditioning, heating & refrigeration mechanic. Syosset, NY: National Learning.

Smith, R. E. Electricity for refrigeration, heating & air conditioning. Albany, NY: Delmar. http://www.delmar.com/.

Swenson, S. D. Troubleshooting & servicing air conditioning equipment. Troy, MI: Busn News.

Terminology of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, & refrigeration. Atlanta: American Heating, Refrigeration, & Air Engineering.

Whitman, W., & Johnson, W. Refrigeration & air conditioning technology. Albany, NY: Delmar. http://www.delmar.com/.