Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Students will study fundamental electrical theory including series, parallel and series-parallel circuits, voltage, amperage, resistance, electromagnetism and circuit protection.  Fundamental theory, service and repair of battery and starting systems will be performed. Testing, diagnosis and repair of charging, starting, relay and basic circuits will be practiced in the classroom and laboratory using test boards and digital multi-meters. Students will study and practice various forms of wire splicing, repair and soldering techniques.

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

• Perform basic electrical system inspection, maintenance, diagnosis, and repairs relating to basic electrical systems.
• Access and utilize repair information in a rapidly changing technology.
• Develop and implement strategies and processes to diagnose and repair electrical system problems.
• Perform repair of basic electrical systems to professional and ethical standards.
• Communicate professionally with employers, customers, and co-workers using industry standard language and following industry standard protocols.

To reach the outcomes goals students will complete the following tasks
1. Build and test samples of series, parallel, series-parallel and relay controlled circuits
2. Complete disassembly, testing and reassembly of starter motor
3. Access technical information for wiring schematics and circuit protection
4. Perform testing and assessment of automotive batteries
5. Test and diagnose complete automotive starter system using appropriate electrical test equipment

5. Diagnose electrical opens and shorts on training boards
6. Complete soldering projects
7. Achieve minimum of 70% academically
8. Meets minimum requirements for attendance and standard shop practices

Students will study the following concepts:
•sources of voltage
•atomic structure of electricity
•electrical circuits
•electro-magnetism
•Ohm’s Law
•volt drop
•parasitic loads
•battery drains
•opens, shorts and grounds
.Competencies/Skills:
•Ability to construct series, parallel and series-parallel circuits
•Perform volt drop tests on various electrical circuits
•Use proper techniques of wire splicing, soldering and repair
•Use analog and digital electrical test equipment
•Demonstrate use of  computerized information gathering
•Practice safe tool and equipment usage
•Test various forms of circuit protection
•Perform complete battery evaluation, service and testing
•Perform complete starter system evaluation, service and testing
•Troubleshoot simple electrical circuit problems
•Read and interpret simple wiring diagrams and understand electrical symbols and nomenclature