 On completion of this module, you will be able to:

  Describe the significance of the electrical trade in today's times.

 Explain the terms associated with the electrical trade.

 Outline the types of skills required by electricians working on residential, commercial,

industrial, and maintenance projects.

 Discuss the basics of the electrical wiring system in the various sectors.

 Identify the job requirements in the electrical trade

 The Electrical Trade

 The electrical trade offers numerous job opportunities in residential, commercial, and industrial
construction. 

The skills required in this profession include blueprint (drawing) reading, job planning, selecting
materials, selecting and using the correct tools, installing the components, testing the systems, and
troubleshooting. 

Electricians install electrical services, conductors, and fixtures.

 Both residential and commercial electricians require the same set of knowledge and skills. 

In addition to the basic skill set, electricians working on commercial projects require skills related to
conduit bending, load calculations, and exposure to higher voltage levels.

 Industrial electricians, on the other hand, must also know how to install various types of conduit,
large conductors, motors, and controls. They must possess sharp testing and troubleshooting
abilities.

Maintenance electricians are responsible for keeping the electrical or higher-voltage systems and
equipment in productive operating condition.

 On completion of this module, you will be able to:

  Describe the significance of the electrical trade in today's times.

 Explain the terms associated with the electrical trade.

 Outline the types of skills required by electricians working on residential, commercial,

industrial, and maintenance projects.

 Discuss the basics of the electrical wiring system in the various sectors.

 Identify the job requirements in the electrical trade.

 The Electrical System

 1. Residential Wiring
Residential electrical system includes an electrical supply, electrical service, nonmetallic-
sheathed cable, nail-on device boxes, panel boards, and fixtures. 

Phases of residential electrical wiring include rough-in, trim out, testing, and troubleshooting.


 2. Commercial Wiring
Electrical installations in commercial structures contain many of the same elements as
residential installations. The only difference is that in commercial electrical installations,
conductors are typically installed in metal raceways. This aspect of the job requires the
electricians installing the devices to be skilled in conduit bending procedures, too.

3. Industrial Wiring
Because of the hazardous materials that exist in many industrial facilities, the installation and
maintenance of electrical systems in these volatile environments must follow strict
requirements.

Conduit systems in volatile environments must be sealed to outside vapors and gases, and any
potential sparking or arcing device must be enclosed within a special enclosure or casing to
prevent the ignition of hazardous vapors that might be present. Industrial electricians are
generally split into two groups: installers and maintenance personnel. 

 Terms Associated with the Electrical Trade

 Click on the tabs below to find out more:

 
The electrical components that are used to connect commercial power to a premise's wiring system. 

OSHA- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the federal government agency
established to ensure a safe and healthy environment in the workplace. 

OJT- On-the-job training (OJT) is job-related learning acquired while working. 

RACE-WAYSYSTEM-Conduit, fitting, boxes, and enclosures that house the conductors in an electrical
system.

 ROUGH-IN-The installation of a raceway system (including conduit, boxes, and enclosures), wiring,
or cable.

TRIM-OUT-After rough-in, the installation and closure of devices and fixtures.

 END OF TOPIC

 Career Opportunities in the Electrical Trade

 We live in a world dependent on electric power, with most of us taking its availability for granted.
We have all experienced the unexpected power failures and power outages due to weather
conditions, brownouts, or even blackouts. 

It takes a small army of electrically-skilled individuals to generate, transmit, distribute, and maintain
electrical systems and equipment in order for us to have the convenience of electrical energy.

 Examples of electrical occupations include:

  residential electrician

 commercial electrician

 industrial electrician

 electrical maintenance technician

  Job Requirements in the Electrical Trade
 Click on the tabs to find out more about them:

  Residential Electricans

 Commercial Electricians

 Industrial Electricians

Residential Electricians provide the complete electrical system in a residential structure, keeping in
mind the safety precautions. A lack of safety measures may contribute to injury due to shock or fires.

Elements of a residential wiring installation include installing the electrical service entrance
equipment, branch circuit conductors, device boxes, panel enclosures, over-current
protective devices (circuit breakers), and fixtures such as lighting and smoke detectors. 

 Commercial Electricians

Commercial electricians install power, light and control wiring in a variety of locations
including apartment buildings, stores, offices, service stations, and hospitals.

Similar to residential electrical needs, these services also require that safety precautions are in
place to prevent injury or loss of life and property. 

 Industrial Electricians

These electricians require additional training due to the amount of special equipment that
must be installed, tested, and maintained.

Electricians working in hazardous locations must understand the special code requirements
associated with these locations. 

They should be able to differentiate between the hazardous classes and divisions, and know
the requirements for each; be familiar with three-phase power, motors and motor control
systems, conduits and wiring for process control and instrumentation.  

END OF TOPIC

The Electrical Trade: Lesson Summary

 The key points from this module are:

 The electrical trade offers many job opportunities to work in residential, commercial, and
industrial construction.

Electricians are responsible for the installation and maintenance of electrical systems and
equipment.

Electricians working on residential and commercial projects require the same basic set of knowledge
and skills. Industrial electricians must know the installation procedure for various types of conduit,
large conductors, motors, and controls, as well as possess strong troubleshooting skills.
The electrical wiring system for residential, commercial, and industrial projects varies, and a
thorough knowledge of the requirements for each sector is a vital part of the job. 

Electricians working with industrial wiring and equipment are also required to know the safety
procedures for handling hazardous materials.

END OF TOPIC

Working in Confined Spaces

 Working in Confined Spaces

 Occasionally, you may be required to do your work in a manhole or vault. If this is the case, there
are some special safety considerations that you need to be aware of. This topic outlines the general
precautions for working in confined spaces.

 A confined space includes (but is not limited to) any of the following: 

  manhole

 boiler tank

 trench (four feet or deeper)

 tunnel

 hopper

 bin

 sewer

  vat

 pipeline

 vault

 pit

 air duct
  vessel


 A confined space is identified as follows:

  It has limited entry and exit

 It is not intended for continued human occupancy
 It has poor ventilation
 It has the potential for entrapment / engulfment
 It has the potential for accumulating a dangerous atmosphere.

 Confined Space Hazard Review

 Before determining the proper procedure for confined space entry, a hazard review should be
performed. The hazard review should include, but not be limited to, the following conditions:

  The past and current uses of the confined space.

 The physical characteristic of the space including size, shape, air circulation, etc.

 Proximity of the space to other hazards.

 Potential Hazards in Confined Spaces

 Click on each number to find out the existing or potential hazards in confined spaces:

  1. Atmospheric conditions (oxygen levels, flammable / explosive levels, and / or toxic

levels)

 Presence / potential for liquids

 Presence / potential for particulates

 Potential for mechanical / electrical hazards in the confined space (including the work to be
done)

 Confined Space Hazard Review

 Once the hazard review is completed, the supervisor, in consultation with the project managers
and / or safety manager, shall classify the confined space as one of the following:

 A non-permit confined space

 A permit-required confined space controlled by ventilation
 A permit-required confined space
 Once the confined space has been properly classified, the appropriate entry and work procedures
must be followed.

END OF TOPIC

 Handling Hazardous Materials

 You should be prepared in case an accident occurs on the job site or anywhere else. 

 First aid training that includes certification classes in CPR and artificial respiration could be the
best insurance you and your fellow workers ever receive.

Make sure you know where first aid is available at your job site, as well as know the accident
reporting procedure. 

 Each job site should also have a first aid manual or booklet giving easy-to-find emergency
treatment procedures for various types of injuries. 

Emergency first aid telephone numbers should be readily available to everyone on the job site.

 Solvents and Toxic Vapors:

The solvents used by electrician may give off vapors that are toxic enough to make people
temporarily ill or even cause permanent injury. Many solvents are skin and eye irritants.

Click on each tab to know more about the effects of solvents

 When swallowed or absorbed through the skin, solvents can be systemic poisons.
  When mixed in air small aerosol particles or solvent vapors form a combustible mixture with
oxygen. The slightest spark could cause an explosion in a confined area because the mix is
perfect for fast ignition.

 Material Safety Data Sheets

 There are procedures and methods for using, storing, and disposing of most solvents and
chemicals. These procedures are normally found in the materials safety data sheets (MSDSs)
available at your facility.

An MSDS is required for all materials that could be hazardous to personnel or equipment. These
sheets contain information on:

  the materials, such as the name of the manufacturer and the chemical makeup of the
material. 

 the hazardous materials that can be used to rectify a problem in as safe a manner as
possible.


 Precautions When Using Solvents

 It is always best to use a non-flammable, nontoxic solvent whenever possible. However. whenever
solvents are used, it is essential that your work area is adequately ventilated and that you wear
appropriate personal protective equipment.

Protect yourself by wearing: 

  A chemical face shield with chemical goggles to protect the eye and skin

 A chemical apron to protect your body

  A chemical cartridge respirator

 A paper filter mask does not stop vapors -- it is used only for nuisance dust. In situations where a
paper mask does not supply adequate protection, a chemical cartridge respirator might be needed. 

These respirators can stop many vapors if the correct cartridge is selected.

 Dangers of Working with Asbestos

 Asbestos is a mineral-based material that is resistant to heat and corrosive chemical. Depending on
the chemical composition, asbestos fiber may range in texture from coarse to silky. 

The properties that make asbestos fiber so valuable to the industry are its high tensile strength,
flexibility, heat and chemical resistance, and good frictional properties.

Asbestos fiber enters the body by inhalation of airborne particles or by ingestion, and can become
embedded in the tissues of the respiratory or digestive systems. Exposure to asbestos can cause
numerous disabling or fatal diseases. Among these diseases are asbestos emphysema-like condition,
lung cancer, and mesothelioma -- a cancerous tumor that spreads rapidly in the cells of membrane
covering the lungs and body organs and gastrointestinal cancer.

 The use of asbestos was banned in 1978.

 Because asbestos was still in the manufacturing pipeline for a while after it was banned, you need
to assume that any facility constructed before 1980 has asbestos in it. 

Common products that contain asbestos are:

  thermal pipe insulation

 mastic for duct and insulation

 fireproofing materials

 floor tiles

 ceiling tiles
   roof insulation

 exterior building sheathing

 old wire insulation

 pipes

  As an electrician, you must not drill through or otherwise work with asbestos; you can only
be trained to work around it (and only when it can be done safely).  

 The owner must have a survey of any work rules needed to work safely around asbestos.

 Dangers of Working around Batteries

 Working around wet cell batteries can be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken.

Batteries often give off hydrogen gas as a byproduct. When hydrogen mixes with air, the
concentrated mixture can be explosive. For this reason, smoking is strictly prohibited in battery
rooms. Moreover, only insulated tools should be used when working with batteries. Proper
ventilation also reduces the chance of an explosion in battery areas.

Batteries also contain acid, which can eat away human skin and many other materials. Personal
protective equipment for battery work typically includes chemicals aprons, sleeves, gloves, face
shield, and goggles to prevent acid from contacting the skin and the eyes.  

Wash stations are located near battery rooms to provide immediate care to a person in case they
come in contact with the battery's acid.


  Do not connect or disconnect batteries without proper supervision.

 Battery acid should be flushed from the skin and eyes with large amounts of water or with a
neutralizing solution.

 Working with asbestos requires special training and protective equipment.

 Working with PCBs and Vapor Lamps

 Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are chemicals that were marketed under various trade names as
a liquid insulator / cooler in older transformers.

 PCBs are also found in some large capacitors and in the small ballast transformers used in street
lighting and ordinary fluorescent lighting fixtures. 

 

  Use extreme caution and follow procedures when disposing these materials.
 Any vapor lamps, such as fluorescent, halide, or mercury vapor lamps, must be recycled. 
 Tubes must be packaged and handled carefully to avoid breakage. 

END OF TOPIC

 Respiratory Protection
 The best respiratory protection is to avoid the hazard entirely. Off-shift work and / or rescheduled
work schedules should always be used to eliminate the need for working in areas with poor air
quality. 

Where this cannot be avoided, use an air purifying respirator -- a respirator that removes the
contaminants from the air inhaled by the wearer.

 Particulate removing respirators are designed to protect the wearer against the inhalation of
particulate matters in ambient atmosphere.

Gas and vapor removing respirators are designed to protect the wearer against the inhalation of
gases or vapors in ambient atmosphere.

 The essential requirements that a respiratory protective equipment must cater to are:

  It should be inspected regularly and maintained in good condition.

 It should be properly cleaned on a regular basis and stored in sanitary dust proof containers.

 Positive and Negative Fit Check for Respirators

 All respirators are useless unless properly fit-tested to each individual. To obtain the best
protection from a respirator, perform positive and negative fit checks each time you wear it. These
fit checks must be done until you obtain a good face mask.

To perform a positive fit check, do the following:

 Adjust the face piece for the best fit; then adjust the head and neck straps to ensure good fit
and comfort.

 Block the exhalation valve with your hand or other material. 

 Breathe out into the mask.

 Check for air leakage around the edges of the face piece.

 If the face piece puffs out slightly for a few seconds, a good face seal has been obtained.
 To perform a negative fit check, do the following:

  Block the inhalation valve with your hand or other material. 

 Attempt to inhale. 

 Check for air leakage around the edge of the face piece. 

 If the face piece caves in slightly for a few seconds, a good face seal has been
obtained.

END OF TOPIC

 Safeguarding Against Falls

 Proper fall protection equipment or systems must be used when working at elevations of six (6)
feet or higher.

The use of these systems becomes necessary when there is an unprotected edge or side to the
elevated surface.

 The areas of work requiring the use of fall protection equipment includes, but is not limited to, the
following:

  Finished and unfinished floors or mezzanines

 Temporary or permanent walkways / ramps
 Finished or unfinished areas
 Elevator shafts and hoist ways
 Floor, roof, or walkway holes
  Working 6’ or more above dangerous equipment

 If a dangerous equipment is unguarded, fall protection must be used at all heights regardless of
the fall distance.

 Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS)

 Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS) provide fall arrest after an employee falls. This equipment must
be selected, inspected, donned, anchored, and maintained to be effective. 

The complete system usually consists of a full body harness, lanyard, and anchoring device.

 Full Body Harness:

Full body harnesses are the only acceptable equipment to wear for PFAS. Selecting the appropriate
harness is based on size and gender. 

 Click on each tab to read more on full body harnesses:

  1
 2
 3
  Inspect the equipment before use. Harnesses must be worn snug (but not tight) with all
required straps attached. 

The D-ring in the back of the harness must be centered between the shoulder blades. 

After donning the harness, have a co-worker pull sharply up on the D-ring. You should feel
the harness grip around the thighs, chest, and buttocks.

When properly worn, you should be able to slide two fingers under the straps with little difficulty.

Jobs that require positioning must be accomplished using a full body harness with side D-rings;
safety belts are not allowed.

 Lanyards:

Lanyards are used to connect the harness to the attachment point. 

 Some important points to note with regard to lanyards:

  Standard lanyards must be no longer than 6 feet as no employee can be exposed to a fall
of more than 6 feet.
 You can be exposed to 1800 pounds of force in a properly worn harness.  
 The use of shock-absorbing lanyards or retractable lanyards can reduce that force to as low
as 400 - 600 pounds. (In case of a fall, shock absorbers slow the employee to a stop by
ripping out the stitches on the lanyard, while elongating it up to 42 inches.)

 Locking Snap Hooks:

  All lanyards must have locking snap hooks. 

 Never attach two locking snap hooks to the same D-ring as they can foul each other, causing
the relative weak gates to break. 
 A twin-tailed lanyard is required when climbing. As you cannot unhook your lanyard to move
it to another anchorage and still have 100 percent fall protection while climbing, two
lanyards can help you ‘walk’ to where you are working.  


 Retractable lanyards come in a variety of sizes, from 10 feet to over 150 feet.

 Anchorage Devices:

Anchorage devices and points are the interface between the PFAS and the structure to which they
are attached. These points must hold 5000 pounds (which is the equivalent of a full size extended
cab pickup truck).

 The inspection process for this equipment involves the following:

  All personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) must be inspected when received and before each
use. 
 Check the manufacturers' tag for the manufacturers' inspection date. If the fall equipment
has no date, it should be disposed of immediately. 
 Carefully look over the webbing. If you observe any burns, ripped stitches, color marker,
threads, distorted grommets, bent, cracked, or pulled fabrics, remove the PFAS from
service. 

 Rescue Operations

 Click on each button to know the basics of a rescue operation:

Never pull anyone up by their fall protection equipment; always rescue them with ladders or
equipment from below. 

If the standard equipment is not available to provide rescue, a plan must be created before the
release work can proceed. 
Rescue must be accomplished from below using ladders, lifts and / or scaffolds. 

Immediately summon the fire department to assist the rescue effort unless you can rescue the
person without assistance.

Rescue must take place as quickly as possible, as hanging from a harness presents additional
hazards. 

Continue to move your limbs (if you have a fall and find yourself hanging from a harness) while
awaiting rescue. This will help maintain circulation in your lower extremities. 

 Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS) Selection

 The type of system selected depends on the fall hazards associated with the work to be
performed.

A hazard analysis must be conducted by the job site supervisor prior to the start of work.

END OF TOPIC

 The key points from this module are:

 As electricians work in all areas of a job site, they are exposed to many of the workplace hazards
faced by other personnel. 

The most common occupational hazard that electricians face includes electric burns and
shock. Some of the other workplace risks include operating hand and power tools, working with
batteries and ladders, and working around overhead equipment.

Working in confined spaces is another challenging aspect of an electrician's job. In the absence of
proper precautionary measures, such work can expose them to dangerous and toxic materials that
may cause respiratory problems.

A basic attitude to personal safety and complying with the safety policies in the industry (such as the
OSHA guidelines) goes a long way in ensuring a safe working environment for all. 

Electricians must also wear personal protective equipment and fall arrest systems as per the
demands of the job.

END OF TOPIC
Electrical Circuits: Learning Outcomes

 On completion of this module, you will be able to:

  Recognize how electricity works in electrical circuits.

 List the various terms associated with electrical circuits.
 Summarize what is meant by a basic electric circuit.
 Discuss the reaction and involvement of atoms in electric circuits.
 Describe electrical power, charge, and current.
 Define Ohm's law.

Introduction to Electrical Circuits

 Electricity is a form of energy that can be used by electrical devices. Working with
electricity requires knowledge of how it works in electrical circuits.

 A circuit is a complete path that connects the negative terminal to the positive terminal. 

A circuit contains, at minimum, a voltage source, a load, and conductors to carry the
electrical current.

Electricity is about cause and effect.

 The presence of voltage (volts) in a closed circuit will cause the current (amps) to flow.
Voltage is the driving force that makes current flow in a circuit. The more the voltage, the
more current will flow.


 Current is the movement of electrons in a circuit. Current flow is also determined by how
much resistance (ohms) the load offers to the flow of current. In order to convert electrical
energy into work, the load consumes energy. The amount of energy a device consumes is
called power and is expressed in watts (W).

Electricians must understand the roles that voltage, current, and resistance play in electrical
systems. Without this knowledge, you will be merely performing trade tasks not knowing
how electricity and electrical devices work.

 Basic Electrical Circuit

 An electrical circuit is a path which electrons from a voltage or current source follow.
Electric current flows in a closed path called an electric circuit.


On a very simple level, an electrical circuit is much like water flowing down a stream and
being forced to turn a water wheel to get from point A to point B.

Ammeter- An instrument for measuring electrical current.

Ampere (A)- A unit of electrical current. For example, one volt across one ohm of resistance
causes a current flow of one ampere.

Atom- The smallest particle to which an element may be divided and still retain the
properties of the element.

Battery- A DC voltage source consisting of two or more cells that convert chemical energy
into electrical energy.
Circuit- A complete path for current flow.
Conductor- A material through which it is relatively easy to maintain an electric current.

Current- The movement, or flow, of electrons in a circuit. Current (I) is measured in amperes.

Insulator- A material through which it is difficult to conduct an electric current.

Joule (J)- A unit of measurement that represents one Newton-meter (Nm), which is a unit of
measure for doing work.

Matter- Any substance that has mass and occupies space.

Neutrons- Electrically neutral particles (neither positive nor negative) that have the same mass as a
proton and are found in the nucleus of an atom.

Nucleus- The centre of an atom. It contains the protons and neutrons of the atom.

Ohms- The basic unit of measurement for resistance.

Ohmmeter- The basic unit of measurement for resistance.

Ohm’s Law- A statement of the relationships among current, voltage, and resistance in an electrical
circuit: current (I) equal voltage (divided by resistance (R). Generally expressed as a
mathematical formula: I =E/R.

Power- A statement of the relationships among current, voltage, and resistance in an electrical
circuit: current (I) equal voltage (divided by resistance (R). Generally expressed as a
mathematical formula: I =E/R.

Protons- The smallest positively charged particles of an atom. Protons are contained in the nucleus
of an atom.

Resistance- An electrical property that opposes the flow of current through a circuit. Resistance ® is
measured in ohms.

Resistor- Any device in a circuit that resists the flow of electrons.

Schematic- A type of drawing in which symbols are used to represent the components in a system.

Series circuits- A circuit with only one path for current flow.

Solenoid- An electromagnetic coil used to control a mechanical device such as a valve.

Transformer- A device consisting of one or more coils of wire wrapped around a common core. It is
commonly used to step voltage up or down.

Valence shell- The outermost ring of electrons that orbit about the nucleus of an atom.

Volt (v)- The unit of measurement for voltage (electromotive force or difference of potential). One
volt is equivalent to the force required to produce a current of one ampere through a resistance of
one ohm.

Voltage- The driving force that makes current flow in a circuit. Voltage is also referred to as
electromotive force or difference of potential.

Voltage Drop- The change in voltage across a component that is caused by the current flowing
through it and the amount of resistance opposing it.
Voltmeter- An instrument for measuring voltage. The residence of the voltmeter is fixed. When the
voltmeter is connected to a circuit, the current passing through the meter will be directly
proportional to the voltage at the connection points.

Watts- The basic unit of measurement for electrical power.

END OF TOPIC

 Atomic Theory - An Introduction

 To be a successful and safe electrician, you must understand electrical theory. Electrical theory
involves the study of atoms, their reactions, and their involvement in electrical circuits.

Atomic theory explains the construction and behaviour of atoms and the transfer of electrons in the
current flow. So, what is an atom?

An atom is the smallest part of an element that enters a chemical change in the form of a charged
particle. These charged particles are called ions. 

There are two kinds of ions: positive and negative. Ions of the same charge repel each other,
whereas unlike ions attract each other. When ions become charged it means a quantity of electricity
is either positive or negative. 

 An atom contains three types of atomic particles that are of interest in electricity:


    1. Protons: positive charge (+)

    2. Electrons: negative charge (-)

    3. Nucleus: no electrical charge


 

 A proton (+) repels another proton (+)

An electron (-) repels another electron (-)

A proton (+) attracts an electron (-)

 Conductors and Insulators:

The chemical activity and stability of atoms depends on the number and position of its
electrons. Electrons are in groups of orbits called valance shell. Naturally, the electrons in this shell
are called valance electrons. 

The valance electrons of an atom determine its ability to gain or lose electrons. 

Elements are divided into three categories based on their electrons. Click on each button to
find out more:

  Conductors

 Insulators

 Semiconductors

 Conductors have three or less valance electrons and they flow electricity. Conductors
transfer electrical energy from one point to another. 

For example, copper and silver conduct a flow of electrons easily.

 Conductors

 Insulators

 Semiconductors

Insulators have five or more valance electrons and they prevent the flow of electricity. 

Compounds such as porcelain and plastic are good examples of insulators.

 Conductors
  Insulators

 Semiconductors

Semiconductors have four valance electrons and they are used in electronic circuits. 

Materials such as germanium and silicon are not good conductors or insulators.

 Magnetism

The force of attraction or repulsion between various substances, especially those made of
iron and certain other metals is due to the motion of electric charges. 

 Magnetism is important in electricity because the flow of electrons in a circuit or the current
through a conductor produces a small magnetic field around the conductor. 

This is the basis of how electric motors operate.

END OF TOPIC

 Electrical Power - Generation and Distribution

 Electricity generation is the process of generating electric energy from other forms of
energy.

Electricity distribution is the delivery of electricity to end users by devices known as

transformers, which step the voltage down to lower levels as it reaches substations and eventually
homes, offices, and factories. The electrical power that travels through long distance transmission
lines may be as high as 750,000 volts (V).
  

 Electrical Charge and Current

 Electric Charge:

An electric charge can move another charge by attraction or repulsion. Electrical charge is
measured in coulombs. 

The sum of the difference of potential of all the charges in the electrostatic field is voltage.
Voltage is represented by the letter E. An electron has 1.6 x10₋₁₉ coulomb of charge. Therefore, it
takes 6.25 x 10₁₈ electrons to make up one coulomb of charge.

Current Flow:

The movement or the flow of electrons in a circuit is called a current. Current is represented
by the letter (I) and measured in ampere (A). One ampere of current is defined as the movement of
one coulomb past any point of a conductor during one second of time. The direction of current flow
is from a point of negative potential to a point of positive potential.

 Voltage:

 Voltage attempts to make a current flow, and the current will flow if the circuit is complete. 

Voltage is sometimes described as the 'push' or 'force' of electricity; it isn't really a force but
this may help you to imagine what is happening. 
  It is possible to have voltage without current, but current cannot flow without voltage. So, it
is the force that causes electrons to move. 

One volt is the potential difference between two points for which one coulomb of electricity
will do one joule (J). The voltage between two ends of a path is the total energy required to move a
small electric charge along that path, divided by the magnitude of the charge.

A battery is one of several means of creating voltage.

 Resistance:

Resistance is directly related to the ability of a material to conduct electricity. All conductors

have very low resistance; insulators have very high resistance.

 

END OF TOPIC

 Electrical Circuits - Other Terminologies

 In this topic, we look at some other terminologies associated with electrical circuits. They
are as follows:

1.  Ohm’s Law

2. Schematic Representations

3. Resistors

4. Electrical Circuits

5. Electrical Measuring Instruments

6. Electrical Power

 1. Ohm's Law

 Ohm’s law defines the relationship between current, voltage, and resistance. It states that
the current, through a conductor between two points, is directly proportional to the potential
difference across the two points. 
Introducing the constant of proportionality, the resistance, one arrives at the usual
mathematical equation that describes this relationship: I = V/R

In the formula I is the current through the conductor in units of amperes, V is the potential
difference measured across the conductor in units of volts, and R is the resistance of the
conductor in units of ohms. 


 More specifically, Ohm's law states that the R in this relation is constant, and independent
of the current. 
 2. Schematic Representation of Circuits

 A schematic diagram shows by means of graphic symbols, the electrical connections and
functions of the different parts of a circuit. 

A schematic or pictorial diagram shows the connecting wires, the battery, the switch, and
the lamp. 

 3. Resistors

 A linear resistor is a linear, passive two-terminal electrical component that implements

electrical resistance as a circuit element. The current through a resistor is in direct
proportion to the voltage across the resistor's terminals. Thus, the ratio of the voltage
applied across a resistor's terminals to the intensity of current through the circuit is called
resistance. 
 This relation is represented by Ohm's law: I = E/R

 4. Electrical Circuits

 An electrical network is an interconnection of electrical elements such as resistors,

inductors, capacitors, transmission lines, voltage sources, current sources, and switches.

 An electrical circuit is a special type of network, one that has a close loop giving a return
path for the current. 

Electrical networks that consist only of sources (voltage or current), linear lumped elements
(resistors, capacitors, inductors), and linear distributed elements (transmission lines) can be
analysed by algebraic and transform methods to determine DC response, AC response, and transient
response. 


A resistive circuit is a circuit containing only resistors and ideal current and voltage sources.
Analysis of resistive circuits is less complicated than analysis of circuits containing capacitors
and inductors. If the sources are constant (DC) sources, the result is a DC circuit. 

A network that contains active electronic components is known as an electronic circuit. Such
networks are generally nonlinear and require more complex design and analysis tools. 

 5. Electrical Measuring Instruments

 These instruments measure voltages, current, and resistance. The most common test
meter is volt-ohm-milliammeter (VOM) or multimeter. 

  Clamp-on Ammeter - A clamp-on ammeter measures current.

 Ohmmeter - An ohmmeter measures resistance. 

 Voltmeter - A voltmeter measures voltage. 

 Voltage Testers - A voltage tester checks the presence of voltage as a troubleshooting tool
and safety measure. 

 A clamp-on ammeter measures current. –

 6. Electrical Power

 Power is defined as the rate of doing work which is energy used or dissipated. In electrical
circuits, power is measured in units called watts (W). The term wattage is used colloquially
to mean "electric power in watts". Electric power, like mechanical power, is represented by
the letter P in electrical equations. 

 Direct Current:

 In direct current resistive circuits, electrical power is calculated using Joule's law: P = VI
where P is the electric power, V the potential difference, and I the electric current. 

In the case of resistive (Ohmic or linear) loads, Joule's law can be combined with Ohm's law
(V = I • R) to produce alternative expressions for the dissipated power, where R is the electrical
resistance. 

END OF TOPIC
 The key points of this module are:

 Working with electricity requires knowledge of how it works in electrical circuits. A circuit is
a complete path that connects the negative terminal to the positive terminal. It contains a
voltage source, a load, and conductors to carry the electrical current. 

Understanding the roles that voltage, current, and resistance play in electrical systems is
important for an electrician.

Electrical theory also involves the study of atoms, especially about their involvement in
electrical circuits. 
 An electric charge can move another charge by attraction to repulsion. Electrical charge is
measured in coulombs. 

The movement or flow of electrons in a circuit is called a current. Current is measured in

amperes. 

Voltage attempts to make a current flow, and the current will flow if the circuit is complete.
Voltage is measured in volts. 

Resistance is the ability of a material to conduct electricity. Resistance is measured in ohms.

A volt-ohm-milliammeter is the most common test meter for voltages, resistances, and
current in an electric circuit. 

END OF TOPIC
 Safeguarding Against Falls

 Proper fall protection equipment or systems must be used when working at elevations of
six (6) feet or higher.

The use of these systems becomes necessary when there is an unprotected edge or side to
the elevated surface.

 The areas of work requiring the use of fall protection equipment includes, but is not
limited to, the following:

  Finished and unfinished floors or mezzanines

 Temporary or permanent walkways / ramps

 Finished or unfinished areas

 Elevator shafts and hoist ways

 Floor, roof, or walkway holes

 Working 6’ or more above dangerous equipment

 

 If a dangerous equipment is unguarded, fall protection must be used at all heights

regardless of the fall distance.

 Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS)

 Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS) provide fall arrest after an employee falls. This
equipment must be selected, inspected, donned, anchored, and maintained to be effective. 

The complete system usually consists of a full body harness, lanyard, and anchoring device.

 Full Body Harness:

Full body harnesses are the only acceptable equipment to wear for PFAS. Selecting the
appropriate harness is based on size and gender. 

 Click on each tab to read more on full body harnesses:

  1

 2

 3

 Inspect the equipment before use. Harnesses must be worn snug (but not tight) with all
required straps attached. 

When properly worn, you should be able to slide two fingers under the straps with little
difficulty.

The D-ring in the back of the harness must be centered between the shoulder blades. 
 After donning the harness, have a co-worker pull sharply up on the D-ring. You should feel
the harness grip around the thighs, chest, and buttocks.