APEL 124: LIGHTING CONTROLS SYSTEMS, FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS & BLUEPRINT READING
Foothill College Course Outline of Record
| Heading | Value |
|---|---|
| Effective Term: | Fall 2026 |
| Units: | 4 |
| Hours: | 40 lecture, 53 laboratory per quarter (93 total per quarter) |
| Prerequisite: | Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Electrical Apprenticeship Program. |
| Advisory: | Not open to students with credit in APRT 124. |
| Degree & Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | None |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade (Request for Pass/No Pass) |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Student Learning Outcomes
- A student will be able to identify circuits for lighting and power.
- A student will be able to read and understand blueprints.
- A student will be able to use single line power diagrams.
- A successful student will be able to safely install basic electrical systems and their applications.
Description
Introduction to lighting controls and fire alarm life safety systems and installations. Continued discussion of blueprint reading.
Course Objectives
The student will be able to:
- Understand the principles and functions of basic controls systems, such as lighting controls and fire alarm life safety systems, including inputs, outputs, and different types of signals and circuits.
- Demonstrate an increased understanding of blueprint reading, including navigating blueprints of different construction disciplines.
Course Content
- Lighting controls
- Room controllers
- Lighting control panels
- Input devices
- Dimming control
- CAT 5 topography
- Switching logic
- Daylight zoning
- Fire alarm life safety systems
- Fire alarm control panels
- Input devices
- Notification devices
- Output control devices (relays)
- Relay logic
- Matrix navigation
- Circuit identification
- Blueprint reading
- Floor plans
- Reflected ceiling plans
- Details
- Elevations
- Electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire sprinkler, civil, structural, architectural, and other disciplines applicable
Lab Content
- Students will wire a lighting controls system.
- Students will wire a fire alarm system.
- Students will engage in blueprint activities, such as takeoffs, pre-planning, and installation routing.
Special Facilities and/or Equipment
Laboratory with electrical tools and equipment.
Method(s) of Evaluation
Methods of Evaluation may include but are not limited to the following:
Results of written quizzes and average of four exams
Results of hands-on projects and homework
Results of class participation
Method(s) of Instruction
Methods of Instruction may include but are not limited to the following:
Lecture
Lab assignments
Group discussion
Class demonstrations
Representative Text(s) and Other Materials
Electrical Training Alliance. Syllabus for Third Year Core Curriculum. 2025.
Electrical Training Alliance. Fire Alarm Systems. 2023.
Electrical Training Alliance. Construction Documentation. 2024.
ETASV building drawings via Procore.
Wattstopper manufacturer drawings and data sheets.
Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments
- Computer mediated learning assignments utilized for out of class homework (fire alarm and blueprint reading).
- Interpretation of manufacturer data sheets and shop drawings for lighting controls and fire alarm life safety systems.
Discipline(s)
Electricity