Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

1. Display and use an introductory knowledge of basic atomic theory, electrical theory, conductors, insulators, wiring methods, wire sizing, common electrical devices, electrical panels, over-current protection, and code requirements when wiring in a residential setting.
2. Identify and use the most common hand tools and power tools used in residential wiring.
3. Display and use an introductory knowledge of common electrical switches and circuits when wiring in a residential setting.
4. Display and use an introductory knowledge of schematic diagrams, wiring diagrams, electrical circuits, amps, ohms, volts, and watts when wiring in a residential setting.
5. Work safely per NEC and OSHA requirements when wiring in a residential setting.

The majority of the course will be Lecture accompanied by demonstrations of wiring practices per the requirements of the NEC

Assessment will be accomplished through the completion of specific wiring projects applicable to Residential wiring

1. Demonstrate understanding of the basic structure of matter including electrons, protons, neutrons.
2. Demonstrate understanding of the basic characteristics of conductors and insulators 
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the names of common hand and power tools used in electrical work.
4. Identify quality hand tools from a selection of tools presented. State what characteristics to look for in quality hand tools.
5. Identify single pole, three-way, four-way, double-pole switches, receptacles.
6. Show where each type of switch would be used (for what purpose).
7. Identify different types of wire commonly used in house wiring.
8. Draw wiring diagrams for many various switch and plug combinations presented to the student as problems they might encounter when wiring around the home.
9. Discuss wire safety and code the various switch and plug combinations.
10. Discuss the characteristics of improperly wired circuits to analyze what possible effects improper wiring may have on your house.
11. Relate wire size and amperage to each other.
12. Use various electrical meters and test equipment to trouble shoot electrical circuits as needed for the class.
13. Define basic terminology of electrical circuits, including amps, ohms, watts, services, weather head, insulation, terminal, color codes, resistance, voltage, current, EMF, and others.
14. Operate safely in an electrical environment.
15. Relate basic electrical theory to activities in class.
16. Relate basic electrical codes to activities in class.
17. Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of building codes, electrical codes, licensing laws, electrical permit processes.