APEL 124A: DC/AC SYSTEMS & THEORY REVIEW, TRANSFORMERS, PRINT READING, INTERMEDIATE CIRCUITS & CONDUIT
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
Course Objectives
The student will be able to:
- Recall and apply AC and DC theory.
- Demonstrate safe transformer handling and accurate installation.
- Discuss transformer function, grounding, and electrical systems transformers create.
- Apply the National Electric Code to transformer installation.
- Navigate commercial and industrial prints, examine their electrical systems, and use prints to layout equipment such as lighting.
- Demonstrate intermediate conduit bending techniques on a sidewinder bender.
- Demonstrate intermediate circuiting and troubleshooting skills in a lab setting.
Course Content
- AC/DC theory review
- Basic AC/DC electrical generation
- DC series parallel circuits
- AC/DC waveforms
- Basic three-phase AC
- Use of Wye or Delta wiring schemes
- Functions, operation, and characteristics of various types of distribution systems
- AC transformers
- Proper transformer installation and grounding procedures
- Steps for receiving and preparing transformer for installation
- Selection and installation of transformers and grounding
- Testing of transformer windings using megohmmeters
- Transformer characteristics
- Electrical principles involved in transformer operation
- Transformer classifications and applications
- Transformer losses
- Ratios for voltage and amperage with respect to turns
- NEC requirements for transformers
- Understanding transformer nameplate data
- Sizing conductors for transformer installations
- Sizing overcurrent protection for transformers
- Proper transformer installation and grounding procedures
- Commercial and industrial print reading and application
- Extension of basic and intermediate plan reading applied in industrial and commercial settings
- 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:
- Transformer handling and installation
- Transformer testing using megohmmeters
- Conduit bending on larger conduit on the sidewinder bender
- Troubleshooting electrical circuits using test equipment
- Laying out ceilings and floors using lasers and referencing reflected ceiling plans
Special Facilities and/or 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
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
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.