Description:

This is a beginning course in electrical theory that is required for HVAC, electrical and power plant technology, but is appropriate for all interested students. Common components found in the HVAC industry are used to develop these skills. Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to identify electrical components and their relationships to the various repair and troubleshooting techniques. The materials in this course will prove useful to service technicians whose background in electricity is limited. The course includes material from basic electrical theory to troubleshooting complex electrical circuits. This course will provide practice in application of electrical theory as well as in the interconnection of components of heating and cooling systems. The student will be required to provide ANSI Z87 safety glasses and may be expected to provide other basic hand tools and/or equipment. 3 hrs. lecture, 3 hrs. lab/wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor’s course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Label the components in a basic HVAC electrical ladder schematic.
2. Draw and connect the wires of a basic HVAC electrical ladder schematic given a component list.
3. Modify a basic HVAC electrical wiring trainer given more safety and/or operating
4. controls.
5. Identify the differences between various HVAC electrical wiring diagrams.
6. Prepare HVAC electrical ladder schematics from operating HVAC equipment.
7. Interpret the sequence of operation from any HVAC wiring diagram.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Basic Electricity
   A. Explain the atomic theory and its relationship to physical objects
and electron flow.
   B. Explain the flow of electrons and how it is accomplished.
   C. Explain electrical potential, current flow and resistance and how
each is measured.
   D. Explain electrical power and how it is measured.
   E. Explain Ohm’s law.
   F. Calculate the potential, current and resistance of an electrical
circuit using Ohm’s law.
   G. Calculate the electrical power of a circuit and the BTU/hour rating
of an electrical resistance heater.

II. Electric Circuits
   A. Explain the concepts of a basic electric circuit.
   B. Explain the characteristics of a series circuit.
   C. Explain the characteristics of a parallel circuit.
   D. Describe how series circuits are utilized as control circuits in the
air-conditioning industry.
   E. Describe how parallel circuits are utilized as power circuits in the
air-conditioning industry.
   F. Explain the relationship and characteristics of the current,
resistance and electromotive force in the series circuit.
   G. Explain the relationship and characteristics of the current,
resistance and electromotive force in a parallel circuit.
   H. Calculate the current, resistance and electromotive force in a
series circuit.
   I. Calculate the current, resistance and electromotive force in a
parallel circuit.
   J. Explain the characteristics of a series-parallel circuit.
   K. Describe how series-parallel circuits are utilized in the
air-conditioning industry.

III. Electric Meters
   A. Describe the use of the volt-ohm meter and clamp-on ammeter in the
heating, cooling and refrigeration industry.
   B. Explain the operation of the basic analog meter.
   C. Explain how analog electric meters transfer a known value in an
electric circuit to the meter movement.
   D. Describe the operation of an analog voltmeter.
   E. Describe the operation of an analog and a digital clamp-on ammeter.
   F. Describe the operation of an analog ohmmeter.
   G. Explain the operation of a digital volt-ohm meter.
   H. Give the advantages and disadvantages of the analog and digital
meters.
   I. Describe the conditions of resistance that can exist in an
electrical circuit in reference to continuity.
   J. Describe the source of energy for the operation of the analog
voltmeter, ammeter and ohmmeter.

IV. Component, Symbols of Circuitry of Air-Conditioning Wiring Diagrams
   A. Explain what electrical loads are and their general purpose in
heating, cooling and refrigeration systems.
   B. Give examples of common loads used in heating, cooling and
refrigeration systems.
   C. Identify the symbols of common loads used in heating, cooling and
refrigeration systems.
   D. Explain the purpose of the relays and contactors in heating, cooling
and refrigeration systems.
   E. Identify the symbols of relays and contactors in heating, cooling
and refrigeration systems.
   F. Explain the purpose of switches and the types used in heating,
cooling and refrigeration systems.
   G. Identify the symbols of switches and the types used in heating,
cooling and refrigeration systems.
   H. Identify the symbols and purpose of other miscellaneous controls in
heating, cooling and refrigeration systems.
   I. Identify the different types of wiring diagrams used in the industry
and the purpose of each.
   J. Read simple schematic diagrams.
   K. Read advanced schematic diagrams.

V. Alternating Current, Power Distribution and Voltage Systems
   A. Explain the basic difference between direct and alternating
currents.
   B. Explain how alternating current is produced.
   C. Explain the difference between single-phase and three-phase power
distribution systems.
   D. Explain inductance, reactance and impedance.
   E. Explain a basic power distribution system.
   F. Explain the common voltage systems.

VI. Installation of Heating, Cooling and Refrigeration Systems
   A. Explain the standard wire size as defined by the American Wire Gauge
(AWG).
   B. Give the advantages and disadvantages of copper and aluminum
conductors.
   C. Explain the factors that are considered when sizing an electrical
circuit conductor.
   D. Correctly size and install electrical conductors for circuits used
in the industry by the National Electrical Code and the manufacturer’s
instructions.
   E. Calculate the voltage drop in an electrical circuit.
   F. Explain the types of enclosures for disconnect switches that are
available.
   G. Explain the types, sizes and enclosures of disconnect switches that
are used in the industry.
   H. Explain the types of electrical panels that are used to distribute
electrical power to circuits in the structure.
   I. Install breakers in an electrical breaker panel.


VII. Basic Electric Motors
   A. Explain magnetism and the part it plays in the operation of electric
motors.
   B. Explain torque and the purpose of different types of single-phase
motors.
   C. Explain the operation of a basic electric motor.
   D. Describe the operation, install, reverse the rotation, if possible,
and diagnose problems in a shaded-pole motor.
   E. Describe the purpose of capacitors in the operation of a
single-phase motor and be able to explain the difference between a
starting and running capacitor.
   F. Correctly diagnose the condition of any capacitor and use capacitor
rules and be able to substitute a capacitor if a direct, replacement is
not available.
   G. Explain the operation, install, troubleshoot and repair, if
possible, split-phase and capacitor-start motors.
   H. Explain the operation , install, troubleshoot and repair, if
possible, permanent split-capacitor motors.
   I. Explain the operation, install, troubleshoot and repair, if
possible, capacitor-start-capacitor- run motors.
   J. Describe the operation, install, reverse and troubleshoot
three-phase motors.
   K. Determine the common, start and run terminals of a single-phase
compressor motor.

VIII. Components for Electric Motors
   A. Identify and explain the operation of motor-starting relays and
other starting components that are used on single-phase hermetic
compressor motors.
   B. Select the correct potential relay for an application with
information available on the potential relay to be replaced.
   C. Troubleshoot and install motor-starting relays on hermetic
compressor motors.
   D. Lubricate and identify the type of bearings used in electric
motors.
   E. Identify the type of motor drive used on industry applications.
   F. Calculate the variables in a v-belt drive application to obtain the
desired equipment rpm.
   G. Recognize and adjust a v-belt application to the proper tension and
alignment.

IX. Contactors, Relays and Overloads
   A. Explain the parts and the operation of contactors and relays.
   B. Explain the application of contactors and relays in control
systems.
   C. Correctly install a contactor or relay in a control system.
   D. Draw a schematic wiring diagram using contactors and/or relays to
control loads in a control system.
   E. Understand the types of applications of overloads.
   F. Troubleshoot contactors and relays.
   G. Identify the common types of overloads used to protect loads.
   H. Explain the operation of the overloads.
   I. Determine the best type of overload for a specific application.
   J. Draw schematic wiring diagrams using the proper overload to protect
loads.
   K. Troubleshoot common types of overloads.
   L. Explain the operation of a magnetic starter.
   M. Size the overload devices to be used in a magnetic starter for motor
protection.
   N. Wire a magnetic starter using switches, thermostats and push-button
stations.
   O. Troubleshoot magnetic starter and push-bottom stations.

X. Thermostats, Pressure Switches and Other Electric Control Devices
   A. Explain the purpose of a transformer in a control circuit.
   B. Size a transformer for a control circuit.
   C. Troubleshoot and replace a transformer in a residential
air-conditioning control circuit.
   D. Explain the basic function of a line and low-voltage thermostat in a
control system.
   E. Identify the common types of thermostats used in the industry.
   F. Draw schematic diagrams using line and low-voltage thermostats and
operating and safety controls.
   G. Install line and low-voltage thermostats on heating, cooling and
refrigeration equipment.
   H. Correctly set the heating anticipators and cooling anticipators, if
adjustable, on a residential low-voltage control system.
   I. Explain the modes of operation and be able to correctly set or
program a clock thermostat.
   J. Explain the function and operation of pressure switches.
   K. Install and correctly set the pressure switches in control systems
used as operating and safety controls.
   L. Troubleshoot pressure switches.
   M. Troubleshoot the following controls in control systems used in the
industry:
      1. Humidistat
      2. Oil safety switches
      3. Time-delay relays
      4. Time clocks
      5. Solenoid values

XI. Heating Control Devices
   A. Explain the purpose of the electrical controls in warm air and
hydronic heating applications that are necessary to safely operate and
maintain the desired temperature in a conditioned space.
   B. Describe the pilot safety controls and methods of ignition of the
burners in a gas furnace.
   C. Describe the operation of primary controls used to supervise the
operation of an oil burner.
   D. Draw a wiring diagram of an oil-fired, warm-air furnace.
   E. Draw a wiring diagram of a gas-fired, warm-air furnace.
   F. Explain the operation of an electric furnace or electric resistance
duct heater and the methods of control that are  commonly used.
   G. Draw the wiring diagram of an electric furnace.
   H. Troubleshoot a gas furnace.
   I. Troubleshoot an oil furnace.
   J. Troubleshoot an electric furnace or electric resistance duct
heater.

XII. Troubleshooting Electric Control Devices
   A. Troubleshoot electric motors.
   B. Troubleshoot contactors and relays.
   C. Troubleshoot overloads.
   D. Troubleshoot thermostats.
   E. Troubleshoot pressure switches.
   F. Troubleshoot transformers.
   G. Troubleshoot electric heating controls.
   H. Troubleshoot gas heating controls.
   I. Troubleshoot oil heating controls.

XIII. Air-Conditioning Control Systems
   A. Explain the electrical circuitry of a residential condensing unit.
   B. Make all electrical connections to install a condensing unit in a
residential application.
   C. Troubleshoot a residential condensing unit.
   D. Describe the basic control systems used in residential
air-conditioning controls systems.
   E. Draw the control systems used in light commercial air-cooled and
water-cooled packaged units.
   F. Make all electrical connections for a complete residential
installation.
   G. Draw the control systems used in gas heat electric air-conditioning
packaged units.
   H. Troubleshoot residential air-conditioning system.

XIV. Control Systems: Circuitry and Troubleshooting
   A. Draw basic control circuits, including compressor, evaporator fan
motor, condenser fan motor and safety control circuits.
   B. Describe the control circuitry used in residential applications.
   C. Draw the basic circuitry of control systems used on light commercial
and commercial and industrial applications.
   D. Identify the method of control for commercial and industrial
systems.
   E. Describe the procedures used in troubleshooting conditioned air
systems.
   F. Describe the best troubleshooting procedures to use for a particular
problem.
   G. Troubleshoot residential conditioned air control systems.
   H. Troubleshoot basic light commercial conditioned air control
systems.

XV. Solid-State Controls and Systems
   A. Identify and describe the operation of basic electronic system
components.
   B. Identify and describe the operation of common one-function
electronic controls that are used in the industry.
   C. Troubleshoot one-function electronic controls.
   D. Describe the function and operation of an electronic defrost board
used in a heat pump.
   E. Describe the operation of an electronic motor protection module used
on motors.
   F. Troubleshoot electronic defrost modules.
   G. Troubleshoot electronic motor protection modules.
   H. Explain and troubleshoot basic electronic control systems used in
residential conditioned air systems.
   I. Identify electronic control systems used in commercial and
industrial equipment and structures.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

1. Textbook assignments will be made one class prior to their due
date; unreasonable length assignments will not be made. Read assignments
in the text before coming to class. Take notes during the lecture of
important points. Student participation in class is encouraged.

2. Lab Sessions : Simple and complex problems will be a part of the lab
experience. Tools and testing equipment will be studied and used. Lab
grades for each lab session will be based on the following criteria:
  a. Ability to work independently         15%
  b. Answers to lab study questions        15%
  c. Ability to work neatly and accurately 15%
  d. Ability to work productively          15%
  e. Successful completion of project      40%

Lab work will be graded according to progress and skill. 

Quizzes will be given periodically.
Periodical quizzes        10%
Chapter and/or unit tests 40%
Lab assignments           40%
Final Exam                10%
TOTAL                    100%

Quizzes: There will be no makeup of quizzes.

Chapter or Unit Tests: There will be no makeup of these exams unless prior
arrangements have been made with the instructor

Caveats:

1. Safety Glasses: Safety glasses with side shields are required to be worn during lab activities associated with this course. This requirement complies with accepted eye protection practices and Kansas State Law (K.S.A. 72-5207). Safety glasses must meet American National Standards Institute Z87.1 specifications. Safety glasses brought to lab and worn will be part of the lab grade. Failure to bring safety glasses to lab will result in the students being dismissed from class until they have safety glasses. Note: Most prescription eyewear does not meet ANSI Z87.1. Students who wear prescription glasses must: 1) provide evidence that existing eyewear meets ANSI Z87.1, or 2) wear cover goggles (if allowable), or 3) purchase and wear ANSI Z87.1 prescription eyewear.

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.