Standard

 

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

4

Electric Meters

D. Lab

3

Electric Diagrams

P. Lab/O.B.I.

0

Distribution Systems

Credit

5

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

0

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

20

0

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

5

1

0

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.

 

 

 

CODE REQUIREMENTS

5

1

0

Theory

Discuss the National Electrical Code.

 

 

 

Application

Wire a condensing unit per the N.E.C.

 

 

 

SAFETY

3

0

0

Theory

Discuss some of the safety concerns involved in working with electricity.

 

 

 

 

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/.

 

rev. 05.20.03