Academic Catalog

APEL 124A: DC/AC SYSTEMS & THEORY REVIEW, TRANSFORMERS, PRINT READING, INTERMEDIATE CIRCUITS & CONDUIT

Foothill College Course Outline of Record

Foothill College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Summer 2025
Units: 7.5
Hours: 80 lecture, 40 laboratory per quarter (120 total per quarter)
Prerequisite: Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the San Francisco Inside Wireman Electrical 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

  • To learn why and how grounding is important in the field of electricity
  • To understand how a transformer works and why

Description

Students will review the fundamentals of AC and DC theory in preparation for their study of transformers. They will learn about transformer function, installation, and National Electric Code requirements. In the lab, students will gain hands-on experience with conduit bending using a sidewinder bender and applicable conduit bending formulas and practice intermediate circuit wiring and troubleshooting. Students will also continue to work with commercial and industrial blueprints and learn how to apply them to lay out a job site.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:

  1. Recall and apply AC and DC theory.
  2. Demonstrate safe transformer handling and accurate installation.
  3. Discuss transformer function, grounding, and electrical systems transformers create.
  4. Apply the National Electric Code to transformer installation.
  5. Navigate commercial and industrial prints, examine their electrical systems, and use prints to layout equipment such as lighting.
  6. Demonstrate intermediate conduit bending techniques on a sidewinder bender.
  7. Demonstrate intermediate circuiting and troubleshooting skills in a lab setting.

Course Content

  1. AC/DC theory review
    1. Basic AC/DC electrical generation
    2. DC series parallel circuits
    3. AC/DC waveforms
    4. Basic three-phase AC
    5. Use of Wye or Delta wiring schemes
    6. Functions, operation, and characteristics of various types of distribution systems
  2. AC transformers
    1. Proper transformer installation and grounding procedures
      1. Steps for receiving and preparing transformer for installation
      2. Selection and installation of transformers and grounding
      3. Testing of transformer windings using megohmmeters
    2. Transformer characteristics
      1. Electrical principles involved in transformer operation
      2. Transformer classifications and applications
      3. Transformer losses
      4. Ratios for voltage and amperage with respect to turns
    3. NEC requirements for transformers
      1. Understanding transformer nameplate data
      2. Sizing conductors for transformer installations
      3. Sizing overcurrent protection for transformers
  3. Commercial and industrial print reading and application
    1. Extension of basic and intermediate plan reading applied in industrial and commercial settings
    2. Using reflected ceiling plans to lay out floors and ceilings

Lab Content

Students will work individually and in teams on proper wiring and grounding of electrical systems. Safe working practices will be reviewed, including safe material management, equipment usage, and lock-out tag-out procedures in the lab. Students will engage in the following labs:

  1. Transformer handling and installation
  2. Transformer testing using megohmmeters
  3. Conduit bending on larger conduit on the sidewinder bender
  4. Troubleshooting electrical circuits using test equipment
  5. Laying out ceilings and floors using lasers and referencing reflected ceiling plans

Special Facilities and/or Equipment

1. Laboratory with electrical tools and equipment.
2. Computer and overhead projector.
3. When taught via Foothill Global Access, on-going access to computer with software and hardware capable of running video conferencing applications (e.g., Zoom).

Method(s) of Evaluation

Methods of Evaluation may include but are not limited to the following:

Results of written quizzes and average of six tests
Results of hands-on projects and homework
Results of class participation
Maintenance of a student's workbook with questions drawn from text

Method(s) of Instruction

Methods of Instruction may include but are not limited to the following:

Lecture
Lab assignments
Group discussion
Demonstration

Representative Text(s) and Other Materials

American Technical Publishers and NJATC. Conduit Bending and Fabrication. 2009.

American Technical Publishers. Transformer Principles and Applications. 2006.

Callanan, Michael I., and Bill Wusinich. Electrical Systems Based on the 2023 NEC. 2023.

Mazur, Glen, and William Weindorf. Printreading for Installing and Troubleshooting Electrical Systems. 2015.

Mazur, Glen. Test Instruments and Applications. 2019.

NFPA. NFPA 70: National Electric Code. 2023.

Although some of these texts are older than the suggested "5 years or newer" standard, they are the latest editions available.

Protech Skills Learning Management System:

Transformers Blended Learning

Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments

Read Chapter 1 in the Transformer Principles and Applications text and complete Level 1, Lesson 1 of the Transformers Blended Learning available in the Protech Skills Institute LMS system.

Discipline(s)

Electricity