Description
This unit introduces students to the characteristics and operational parameters of a range of electrical system components that are used in a variety of applications; and how to fault find when they go wrong.
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to follow electrical system circuit diagrams, understand the operation of the various components that make up the system and select the most suitable fault finding technique. Therefore, students will develop skills such as critical thinking, analysis, reasoning, interpretation, decision making information literacy, information and communication technology literacy, innovation, creativity, collaboration, and adaptability, which are crucial skills for gaining employment and developing academic competence for higher education progression.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this unit students will be able to:
1. Investigate the constructional features and applications of electrical distribution systems.
Operating principles:
Three-phase, single-phase distribution methods and connections
Earthing system connections
Transformer constructional features:
Construction, application, characteristics of transformers such as step up/down, isolating, shell and core, windings, connections, efficiency
Electrical circuit symbols and layout diagrams
Fault finding techniques and test equipment:
Input/output, half split
Meters, insulation testers
Typical faults found
2. Examine the types and applications of electrical motors and generators.
Types and applications:
Construction, application, characteristics, and testing
Types of electric motors and generators
Practical applications
Generation methods
Starting methods
Voltages, power, speed, torque, inertia
EMI, efficiency
Cooling and protection devices
3. Analyse the types of lighting circuits available in the industry by assessing their practical application.
Types available and applications:
Construction, application, characteristics and testing of lighting circuits
Types of lights available (high-intensity discharge lamps (HID lamps) such as metal-halide and sodium, fluorescent, light emitting diode (LED) and halogen)
Practical applications
Voltages, energy usage, lumen output, efficiency, recycling
Safety requirements for use in hazardous zones
Heat and protection devices
Lighting design:
Quality of light, control of glare, luminance, internal/external lighting for visual tasks, emergency lighting, use in hazardous environments
4. Explain the operating characteristics of electrical safety components.
Electrical safety standards:
Approved codes of practice
Component types available and applications:
Construction, application, characteristics and testing of: distribution boards, circuit breakers, residual current devices (RCDs), fuses, thermal devices, relays, contactors, switch gear, emergency stop buttons, interlocks, disconnectors, earth connections, Insulation Protection (IP) rating