Electrical Trade Testing Class 1

Electrical and electronic trade testing class one assesses basic competence.

• Testing ensures ability to perform tasks safely and effectively.
• Testing provides standardized method to evaluate skills and safety regulation adherence.

Core Skills Assessed

• Basic circuit construction involves constructing simple electrical circuits.
• Soldering/desoldering means proficiency in soldering electronic components is essential.
• Use of measuring instruments is competence in using multimeters/oscilloscopes.
• Component identification means ability to identify common components.
• Wiring and cabling involves skills in wiring electrical panels and creating cables.
• Safety practices means understanding safety standards and procedures.

Tools and Equipment

• Multimeters measure voltage, current, and resistance.
• Oscilloscopes observe waveforms and do signal analysis.
• Soldering irons and desoldering tools are for soldering/removing components.
• Wire strippers and crimpers prepare and terminate wires.
• Hand tools include screwdrivers, pliers, and cutters.
• Breadboards prototype circuits.
• Power supplies provide voltage/current for circuits.

Basic Circuit Construction

• Series circuits must be understood and able to construct.
• Parallel circuits must be understood and able to construct.
• Combination circuits must be understood and able to construct with series and parallel components.
• Circuit analysis involves calculating voltage, current, and resistance in circuits.
• Troubleshooting means identifying and resolving common circuit faults.

Soldering and Desoldering Techniques

• Preparing components involves cleaning leads/surfaces before soldering.
• Applying solder involves using the correct amount of solder for a secure joint.
• Soldering techniques include point-to-point and surface mount soldering.
• Desoldering techniques involve using desoldering pumps/wicks to remove components.
• Inspecting solder joints ensures solder joints are shiny, smooth, and free from defects.

Use of Measuring Instruments

• Multimeter usage involves measuring voltage, current, and resistance accurately.
• Oscilloscope usage involves displaying and analyzing waveforms.
• Frequency measurement involves using instruments to measure signal frequency.
• Signal tracing involves using instruments to trace signals in a circuit.
• Calibration means understanding the importance of calibrating measuring instruments.

Component Identification

• Resistors are identified by their color codes and values.
• Capacitors are identified by different types and values.
• Inductors are identified and their properties understood.
• Diodes are identified and their function understood.
• Transistors are identified and their operation understood.
• Integrated circuits (ICs) are able to recognize common IC packages and their functions.

Wiring and Cabling

• Wire types are identified by different wire types and their applications.
• Cable preparation involves stripping, terminating, and labeling cables.
• Wiring techniques are proper methods for wiring electrical panels/enclosures.
• Connector types are identified and one must know how to use different types.
• Cable management involves organizing/routing cables neatly and safely.

Safety Practices

• Electrical safety involves understanding/applying electrical safety rules.
• Lockout/Tagout procedures implement procedures to prevent accidental energization.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) involves using appropriate PPE, such as gloves and safety glasses.
• First aid means knowing basic first aid for electrical shock.
• Safe handling of tools involves using tools safely and maintaining them properly.
• Fire prevention means understanding fire hazards and prevention measures.

Assessment Criteria

• Accuracy means precision in measurements and circuit construction.
• Efficiency means completing tasks in a timely manner.
• Safety means adhering to safety practices and procedures.
• Problem-solving means identifying and resolving issues effectively.
• Understanding means demonstrating a clear understanding of concepts and principles.
• Neatness means maintaining a clean and organized work area.

Potential Hazards

• Electrical shock is the risk of electric shock from exposed conductors.
• Burns are the risk of burns from hot soldering irons or components.
• Eye injuries is the risk of eye injuries from flying debris or chemicals.
• Cuts/abrasions is the risk of cuts/abrasions from sharp tools/materials.
• Fire hazards is the risk of fire from flammable materials or faulty equipment.

Troubleshooting Techniques

• Visual inspection means checking for obvious signs of damage or defects.
• Continuity testing means verifying the integrity of circuits/connections.
• Voltage testing means measuring voltage levels to identify faults.
• Signal tracing means following signals through a circuit to locate issues.
• Component testing means testing individual components to identify failures.
• Isolation means isolating parts of a circuit to narrow down the problem area.

Documentation

• Circuit diagrams are read and interpreted.
• Component data sheets are understood and used.
• Test reports document test results and findings.
• Maintenance logs keep records of maintenance and repairs.
• Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are followed for specific tasks.

Regulations and Standards

• National Electrical Code (NEC) must be understood and complied with.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations for workplace safety are followed.
• Industry standards and best practices are adhered to.

Basic Electronic Components

• Resistors resist the flow of current.
• Capacitors store electrical energy in an electric field.
• Inductors store electrical energy in a magnetic field.
• Diodes are semiconductor devices allowing current flow in one direction.
• Transistors are semiconductor devices used for amplification and switching.

Electrical Units

• Voltage (V) is the electric potential difference, measured in volts.
• Current (I) is the flow of electric charge, measured in amperes.
• Resistance (R) is the opposition to current flow, measured in ohms.
• Power (P) is the rate at which electrical energy is transferred, measured in watts.

Electrical Laws

• Ohm's Law: V = IR (Voltage = Current x Resistance).
• Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL): The total current entering a junction equals the total current leaving it.
• Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL): The sum of voltages around a closed loop is zero.

Grounding and Bonding

• Grounding connects electrical systems to the earth for safety.
• Bonding connects metallic parts of a system to create a low-impedance path for fault current.
• Purpose is to ensure safety and prevent electric shock.

Practical Applications

• Lighting circuits involve wiring and troubleshooting lighting systems.
• Power outlets involve installing and maintaining power outlets.
• Motor control circuits must be understood and one must know how to work with them.
• Electronic devices involve repairing and maintaining them.

Types of Cables and Wires

• Common types include NM, THHN, and coaxial cables.
• Wire gauge is understanding wire gauge and ampacity.
• Insulation means there are different types of insulation and their properties.

Conduit and Raceways

• Purpose is protecting wires and cables.
• Types include EMT, PVC, and flexible conduit.
• Installation means proper installation techniques for conduit and raceways.

Electrical Drawings

• Symbols are electrical symbols used in drawings that must be understood.
• Schematics are schematic diagrams that must be read and interpreted.
• Layouts are for electrical installations that must be understood.

Basic Digital Electronics

• Logic gates: AND, OR, NOT, NAND, and NOR gates must be understood.
• Truth tables are for analyzing logic gate functions.
• Flip-flops basic operation must be understood.

Understanding AC and DC

• Alternating current (AC) periodically reverses direction.
• Direct current (DC) flows in one direction.
• AC characteristics: Frequency, voltage, and waveform.
• DC characteristics: Constant voltage and current.