Standard

Rev. 03/30/04

ACT 105 – Electrical Components

Course Description

Provides instruction in identifying, installing, and testing commonly used electrical components in an air conditioning system. Topics include: pressure switches, overload devices, transformers, magnetic starters, other commonly used controls, diagnostic techniques, installation procedures, and safety.

 

Competency Areas

Hours

 

Pressure Switches

Class

3

Overload Devices

D. Lab

2

Transformers

P. Lab/O.B.I.

3

Magnetic Starters

Credit

5

Controls

 

 

Diagnostic Techniques

 

 

Installation Procedures

 

 

Safety

 

 

 

Prerequisites/Corequisites:

ACT 103

 

Course Guide

 

Competency

After completing this section, the student will:

Hours

Class

D.Lab

P.Lab/

O.B.I.
PRESSURE SWITCHES

3

2

3

Theory

Explain the reasons for pressure switches.

 

 

 

Application

Install a low-pressure safety cut out on refrigeration systems.

 

 

 

Troubleshooting

Test pressure switches for correct operation.

 

 

 
OVERLOAD DEVICES

2

2

3

Theory

Discuss the difference between a thermal overload and a magnetic overload.

 

 

 

Application

Replace a thermal overload on air conditioning compressors.

 

 

 

Troubleshooting

Check for continuity in several thermal overloads.

 

 

 

TRANSFORMERS

2

2

4

Theory

Discuss the purpose of the transformer in an air conditioning system.

 

 

 

Application

Replace a transformer on an air conditioning system.

 

 

 

Troubleshooting

Test primary and secondary cores of transformers with VOM.

 

 

 

MAGNETIC STARTERS

3

2

3

Theory

Discuss the differences between a magnetic starter and contractor.

 

 

 

Application

Replace a magnetic starter on an air conditioning compressor.

 

 

 

Troubleshooting

Test various magnetic starters with a VOM.

 

 

 

CONTROLS

2

2

4

Types

Identify and explain several common controls used on air conditioning systems.

 

 

 

DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES

8

5

7

Application

Follow troubleshooting charts to isolate problems.

 

 

 

 

Use accepted troubleshooting methods to locate problems.

 

 

 

 

Use test instruments to locate and verify problems.

 

 

 

INSTALLATION PROCEDURES

8

5

6

Application

Install a humidistat on an air conditioning system by following manufacturer recommendations.

 

 

 

 

Install various electrical control devices on an air conditioning system by following manufacturer recommendations.

 

 

 

SAFETY

2

0

0

Safety concerns

Discuss the safety concerns of the technician when dealing with electrical components.

 

 

 

 

Suggested Resources

 

Althouse, A. D., et al. (1988). Modern refrigeration & air conditioning. South Holland, IL: Goodheart-Willcox. http://www.goodheartwillcox.com.

Haines, R. (1987). Control systems for heating, ventilating, & air conditioning (4th ed.). New York: Van Nos Reinhold.

Herman, S. L., & Sparkman, B. L. (1986). Electricity & controls for heating, ventilating, & air conditioning (4th ed.). Albany, NY: Delmar. http://www.delmar.com/.

Langley, B. C. (1985). Control systems for air conditioning & refrigeration. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. http://www.cefga.org/.

Langley, B. C. (1986). Cooling systems troubleshooting handbook. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. http://www.cefga.org/.

Langley, B. C. (1988). Electric controls for refrigeration & air conditioning (2nd ed.). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. http://www.cefga.org/.

Long, W. (1985). Refrigeration & air conditioning: Operation & analysis servicing. New York: Macmillan. http://www.macmillan.com/.

Miles, L. (1987). Refrigeration & air conditioning (2nd ed.). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. http://www.cefga.org/.

Miller, R. (1983). Refrigeration and air conditioning technology. New York: Bennett Il.

Miller, R. (1988). 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. (1983). Refrigeration & air conditioning. New Delhi: Wiley Eastern, Ltd. http://www.wiley.com/.

Rudman, J. (1991). Air conditioning, heating & refrigeration mechanic. Syosset, NY: National Learning.

Smith, R. E. (1987). Electricity for refrigeration, heating & air conditioning. Albany, NY: Delmar. http://www.delmar.com/.

Swenson, S. D. (1990). Troubleshooting & servicing air conditioning equipment. Troy, MI: Busn News.

Terminology of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, & refrigeration. (1986). Atlanta: American Heating, Refrigeration, & Air Engineering.

Whitman, W., & Johnson, W. (1991). Refrigeration & air conditioning technology (2nd ed.). Albany, NY: Delmar. http://www.delmar.com/.