Course: Applications in Electrical Technology
Lab Experiments
4th Year Electrical
Module 4 C
Title: Standby and Emergency Systems
Overview:
The labs in this module will take place off site, from the school, and will consist of
touring various facilities in the surrounding community that are equipped with Standby
and Emergency power systems. It is advisable for the instructor to make early touring
arrangements, at least three weeks in advance. This module will require planning at the
beginning of the semester.
Recommended Lab equipment and supplies:
Emergency Lighting Unit (self contained battery type).
Group A
Lab Assignment 4C01: Stand by Generator System (Industrial type not a Hospital power
plant). The student will be introduced to a standby generator power system. The various
parts that make up a Stand-By Generator System: Diesel Engine, Generator motor, Auto
Voltage Regulator, and the Transfer Switch. The transfer switch can be either automatic
or manual, though examples of each would be highly desirable. The operation will be
explained to the students as they tour the facilities.
Group B
Lab Assignment 4C02: Health care (Hospital) facility Stand-By System (Tour of Hospital
ESBPS). In this Lab Assignment the student will be introduced to Automatic Sequential
Paralleling of the Emergency Stand-By Power System (ESBPS), which is comprised of
two or more generator sets connected in parallel, through a Paralleling Switchboard. The
student will be shown how an Emergency Lighting System works, and the necessity for it
in a Hospital. NEC Article 517 requirements for Health care facilities will be reviewed
before the tour; during the tour the student will be shown how NEC 517 is met in each
patient’s room (two branch circuits from one or more emergency power systems in each
patient room).
Group C
Lab Assignment 4C03: Battery and UPS Systems (tour of a facility equipped with a UPS
system). NEC Article 701 will be reviewed before the lab (tour), and the student should
be familiar with its requirements. If available both Single-conversion and double
conversion Type UPS systems should be visited, and the differences between the two
system types should be pointed out by the instructor. Examples of lead acid, nickel
Cadmium, SVRLA, and other battery types should be shown to the students. Special
maintenance and handling requirements for each should be pointed out. Monthly,
quarterly, and annual battery maintenance checks should be gone over. Battery
maintenance equipment should be pointed out.
A Regional Collaborative of Finger Lakes, Genesee, and Monroe Community Colleges. Funded through a Finger Lakes WIRED grant.
Module 4
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Course: Applications in Electrical Technology
Lab Experiments
4th Year Electrical
Group C
Lab Assignment 4C04: Emergency Lighting Unit (ELU) (self contained battery type).
The instructor will take apart an Emergency light Unit in the lab, and point out the
various components to the class, and then explain how the Emergency Lighting Unit
works. The students will make various voltage measurements with unit when it’s
supplied with Power from the mains, and when the power is removed. The instructor will
describe the normal preventive maintenance procedures that should be performed on the
ELU.
A Regional Collaborative of Finger Lakes, Genesee, and Monroe Community Colleges. Funded through a Finger Lakes WIRED grant.
Module 4
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Course: Applications in Electrical Technology
Lab Experiments
4th Year Electrical
Module 4 D
Title: Basic Electronic Theory
Overview: This module will touch on the basics of Electronic power systems. Through
lab assignments the student will gain an understanding of the operation of various
Module 4
rectifier circuits: half wave, full wave, and bridge rectifiers. The students, with the
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instructor’s help, will observe how each rectifier circuit changes AC waveforms to
pulsating DC Waveforms and learn the advantages and disadvantages of each, and how to
test rectifiers, using a simple ohm meter.
The student will construct simple power supply circuits and compare the output
waveforms of half wave circuits, full wave circuits, and bridge rectifier circuits. How
capacitors are used to smooth out the ripple content on the output.
The student will then learn how Diacs and Triacs devices can be used to control power
applied to a load. The student will construct simple circuits using Diacs, and Triacs
devices, to control light bulb intensity.
Recommended Lab equipment and supplies:
VOM Multimeter, 1N58A diode, 2200uF 35V Electrolytic Capacitor, 0.1uF Ceramic
Disc Capacitor, 10uF 35V Electrolytic Capacitor, 1N4007 Silicon Diode, 2A 30V Bridge
Rectifier, SCR, Step down Transformer 110 VAC/12 VAC, SPST 2 Amp Switch, 2A
250V Fuse and Holder, Line Cord, Heat sink, Bread board, Hook up Wire, 275-ohm
resistor-1/2 watt, Potentiometer, 50 K-ohms ½ watt, .068 Microfarad Capacitor- 250
volts, Neon Lamp, 40502 Triac and heat sink, 110 VAC power plug, 60 watt light bulb
with socket (110VAC).
Group A
Lab Assignment 4D01: Simple Rectifier Tests. The student will test the forward and
reverse resistance of a rectifier (1N4007) using a VOM Multimeter set on the highest
resistance scale. The student will measure the forward and reverse resistance of the
rectifier by switching the meter leads. One directions should show very low resistance
(almost a short) and the other direction very high resistance (>100K-ohms) when a
Rectifier is good). The student will note the large difference in the two resistance
readings. The instructor will point out that a bad rectifier will normally either be open or
shorted both directions.
Group B
Lab Assignment 4D02: Half Wave Rectifier circuits.
The student will assemble a half wave rectifier circuit, and then with the instructors help,
use an Oscilloscope to observe the wave form on both sides of the rectifier. The student
will measure rectifier output peak to peak voltage and measure the period of the wave
form, and then sketch it.
A Regional Collaborative of Finger Lakes, Genesee, and Monroe Community Colleges. Funded through a Finger Lakes WIRED grant.
Course: Applications in Electrical Technology
Lab Experiments
4th Year Electrical
:
Half Way Rectifier Circuit
Oscilloscope
Fuse
1N4007
12 VAC (RMS)
110VAC
On/Off
Switch
Step Down Transformer
110/12 VAC
275-Ohms
Load
Module 4
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2200 U FD, 35
VDC
Group C
Lab Assignment 4D03: Full Wave Rectifier Circuits. The student will assemble a Full
wave rectifier circuit, and then with the instructors help, use an Oscilloscope to observe
the wave form on both sides of the rectifier. The student will measure rectifier output
peak to peak voltage and measure the period of the wave form, and then sketch it.
Full Way Rectifier Circuit
Fuse
1N4007
Oscilloscope
275-Ohms
Load
12 VAC (RMS)
110VAC
Step Down Transformer
110/12 VAC
2200 U FD, 35
VDC
Group D
Lab Assignment 4D04: Bridge Rectifier Circuits.
The s part of the Lab Assignment the Student will assemble a Bridge Rectifier circuits,
then and with the instructors help, use an Oscilloscope to observe the wave forms on the
output. The students will measure the peak to peak voltage readings and measure the
period of wave form, then sketch it and compare it with the measured voltages and
sketched waveform of the Half wave, and Full Wave Rectifier circuits.
Bridge Rectifier Circuit
1N4007
Fuse
110VAC
12 VAC
(RMS)
Step Down Transformer
110/12 VAC
275-Ohms
Load
2200 U FD, 35
VDC
A Regional Collaborative of Finger Lakes, Genesee, and Monroe Community Colleges. Funded through a Finger Lakes WIRED grant.
Course: Applications in Electrical Technology
Lab Experiments
4th Year Electrical
Group D
Lab Assignment 4D05: Solid State Switches (Diacs, Triacs, and SCRs).
First the student will build the Triac lamp Dimmer circuit shown below on a bread board.
R1 can be adjusted to dim the brightness of the light bulb L1. The student, with the
assistance of the instructor and an oscilloscope, can see the input pulses on the Triac
Gate. The output of the Triac has pulses which the Oscilloscope can display.
Lamp Dimmer Circuit
L1
R1
TR1
Light bulb 60 Watt
110VAC
110 VAC
R2
C1
C2
L2
Parts
R1__________50K Pot
R2__________15K 1/2W Resistor
C1,C2_______0.068 250V Capacitor
L1__________Lamp To Be Controlled (up to 350 watts)
L2__________Neon Lamp
TR1_________40502 TRIAC
MISC________Case, Knob, Heatsink For TR1, Wire,
Socket For L1
Notes
1. This circuit is for 117VAC only. 220 or 240 V will
burn up the circuit. L1 can be a maximum of 350 watts.
(A SCR may be substituted for the TRIAC in the circuit above)
A Regional Collaborative of Finger Lakes, Genesee, and Monroe Community Colleges. Funded through a Finger Lakes WIRED grant.
Module 4
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Course: Applications in Electrical Technology
Lab Experiments
4th Year Electrical
Module 4 E
Title: Fire Alarm Systems
Overview: Note: unless the school has a fire and sprinkler apprenticeship program with a
fully equipped lab, it is recommended that this lab assignment consist of tours of various
facilities that are equipped with various fire alarm systems.
The tours should cover the following subjects: To basic type of Smoke detectors
(Photoelectric and Ionization detectors), in open areas and in ducts; Rate Compensation
Detectors (heat) and Flame detectors; Manual (pull) fire stations; Wet sprinkler systems,
and dry sprinkler systems; water flow alarms, Visual notification Devices and audible
notification devices; Notification Appliance Circuits; Primary Power Requirements, and
secondary Power Requirements.
The instructor should arrange for site visits well in advance (Four Weeks or more) and
have several sites picked out for the tour. In this manner the students will have seen
several different Fire Alarm Systems to broaden their knowledge base.
Group E
Lab Assignment 4E01: Fir Alarm Systems.
The instructor will arrange for the student to participate in several tours of various Fire
Alarm Systems.
A Regional Collaborative of Finger Lakes, Genesee, and Monroe Community Colleges. Funded through a Finger Lakes WIRED grant.
Module 4
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Course: Applications in Electrical Technology
Lab Experiments
4th Year Electrical
Module 4 F
Title: Specialty Transformers.
Overview: This module will familiarize the student with specialty transformers. The
student will learn how to identify specialty transformers; see what the effects of Buck and Module 4
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Boost transformers do to a load center; learn how to connect current and potential
transformers; see the effects of Harmonics on a power system; how to connect three
phase transformers in either Delta or Wye,; and how to use a use a Power Quality
Analyzer.
Note due to the expense of these transformers some of the labs, at the instructors
discretion, maybe limited to an off site visit to give the students a chance to observe the
specialty transformers.
Recommended Lab equipment and supplies:
120/208V to 240 VAC Autotransformer, Three phase transformer, Single Phase
Transformer with multiple secondary’s, Lighting Constant-Current Transformers, Control
Transformer, Control Transformer, Instrument Transformers, Current Transformers with
amp, voltage, and watt meter, .05k VA Buck and Boost Transformer, Power Quality
Analyzer.
Group A
Lab Assignment 4F01: Common Power Transformer Connections. This lab requires a
three phase transformer, with three independent outputs. The student will be show how
the inputs are connected in Delta or Wye configurations, and the outputs can also be
connected delta or Wye configuration. The student will be asked to wire the transformers
in various configurations and be graded on it.
Group B
Lab Assignment 4F02: Auto Transformers. The student will set up an autotransformer
circuit with a 120/208 VAC primary and 240 VAC secondary. The student will make
various measurements of the primary and secondary of the autotransformer and explain
how the transformer action works.
Group C
Lab Assignment 4F03: Lighting Constant Current Transformers. The instructor will point
out the various operating points on a de-energized Lighting Constant Current
Transformer (shaft, rod, and rocker arm and hinges). He will explain how the load current
maintains a fairly constant level with changes in load. The transformer can be energized
and variable load and amp meter placed in the line. The students can observe how the
transformer reacts to the load impedance changes by changing the applied voltage.
Group D
Lab Assignment 4F04: Buck Boost Transformers. In the lab the instructor will point
various things about the transformer and how it works. The NEC required methods of
A Regional Collaborative of Finger Lakes, Genesee, and Monroe Community Colleges. Funded through a Finger Lakes WIRED grant.
Course: Applications in Electrical Technology
Lab Experiments
4th Year Electrical
wiring will be explained, and the students have a chance to connect the transformer in
Buck and Boost mode and measure the output changes.
Group E
Lab Assignment 4F05: Harmonic and the Power Quality Analyzer (PQA).
The instructor will demonstrate the various functions of the PQA and the various
parameters that can be measured. The instructor will demonstrated the procedure for
making measurements with a PQA. A power transformer and circuit with several loads
(motors, Fluorescent lights, etc) will be connected in the lab for the students, to measure
the transformer outputs and the input, and the load. The PQA meter selected should be
able to perform measurements (kW, VA, VAR) of power factor and displaced power
factor measurements: voltage and current readouts and waveforms, inrush current, and
duration recording, transient measurements and sag and swell recordings.
A Regional Collaborative of Finger Lakes, Genesee, and Monroe Community Colleges. Funded through a Finger Lakes WIRED grant.
Module 4
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Course: Applications in Electrical Technology
Lab Experiments
4th Year Electrical
Module 4 G
Title: Advanced Motor Controls
Overview: This module will familiarize the student with the principles of Advanced
Motor Controls. The student will, through the various lab assignments gain a practical
understanding of: Solid state relays in Motor control, solid state protective relays,
Module 4
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Recommended Lab equipment and supplies:
DC power supply, start push button(NO), stop push button (NC), solid state relay,
SSOLR, Transformer, in line fuse and fuse holder, 3 phase motor, current transformers,
disconnect Switch, Time Delay Relays, VOM Multimeter
Group A
Lab Assignment 4G01: Solid State Relays and motor control. The instructor will explain
the operation of a solid state relays how it is applied to motor control. The student will
assemble a circuit using a single phase AC Capacitance start motor and a solid state
motor controller and start stop relays, in line fuse assembly, and a DC power supply. The
student will make pertinent measurements of the circuit in the power off position and in
the power on position.
Motor Control using a solid state relay
Start
AC
Motor
DC
Control
Voltage
L2
N
Stop
Solid State
Relay
Group B
Lab Assignment 4G02: Solid State Overload Relays. The instructor will briefly explain
the operation of Solid State Overload Relays, and point out the various positions on a
SSOR the students will be using. The students, using the circuit of lab Assignment 4G01,
will add a SSOLR as per the diagram below. After construction various voltage
measurements will be made with the motor running and not running to acquaint the
student with what a normal SSOR will measure in either condition.
A Regional Collaborative of Finger Lakes, Genesee, and Monroe Community Colleges. Funded through a Finger Lakes WIRED grant.
Course: Applications in Electrical Technology
Lab Experiments
4th Year Electrical
Disconnect
Means
T1
CT
M
T2
CT
M
M
MOTOR
T3
CT
Module 4
Page | 10
SSOLR
HI
H2
XI
X2
START
STOP
M
M
Group B
Lab Assignment 4G03: Time Delay motor starting. The instructor will briefly explain the
operation of Time Delay Relays, and point out the various positions on a Time Delay
Relay the students will be using. The students will assemble the circuit as per the diagram
below. After construction various voltage measurements will be made with the motor
running and not running to acquaint the student with what a normal Time delay relay will
measure in either condition. The students can see the Time delay function as the circuit is
energized.
L2
Timed Delay starting for
Three Motors
L1
Stop
OL 1-3
Start
Motor1
M1
M1
TR1
Motor 2
TR1
TR2
Motor 3
TR2
A Regional Collaborative of Finger Lakes, Genesee, and Monroe Community Colleges. Funded through a Finger Lakes WIRED grant.
Course: Applications in Electrical Technology
Lab Experiments
4th Year Electrical
Module 4 H
Title: HVAC Controls
Overview: This module will familiarize the student with the principles of HVAC
Controls. Various Thermostats will be examined and the student will, after a
demonstration from the instructor, correctly install a thermostat using correct siting and
wiring techniques.
The instructor will demonstrate the correct method to employ when making final
adjustments to a thermostat installation.
The student will examine various electromechanical and electronic HVAC controls, and
will trouble shoot a HVAC Electrical diagram using a VOM Multimeter.
The instructor will explain the various controls used in HVAC and their functions to the
students.
Recommended Lab equipment and supplies:
Bimetal heating-only thermostat, cooling only thermostat, Heating-Cooling Thermostat,
Automatic Changeover Thermostat, Multistage thermostat, Programmable Thermostat,
Time delay relay, Compressor short circuit timer, control Circuit safety Switches,
Pressure Switches, Freezestat, Thermocouple, firestat, airflow control, Inducer Switch,
Heat gun.
Group A
Lab Assignment 4H01: HVAC Thermostats. The student will, using a VOM, make
resistance measurements of several thermostats. Then using a heat gun, activate the
contacts, and re-measure the contacts.
Group B
Lab Assignment 4H02: Installing Thermostats. In the lab, on a temporary frame wall, the
student will install a thermostat and make the make final adjustments under the guidance
of the instructor.
Group C
Lab Assignment 4H03: HVAC electronic and electromechanical controls. The instructor
will point out to the students Various HVAC controls, and explain how they function and
how to trouble shoot them. The student will participate by making various measurements
and explaining to the instructor what they are measuring and what they VOM meter
should read before making the measurements.
A Regional Collaborative of Finger Lakes, Genesee, and Monroe Community Colleges. Funded through a Finger Lakes WIRED grant.
Module 4
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Course: Applications in Electrical Technology
Lab Experiments
4th Year Electrical
Module 4 I
Title: Heat Tracing and Freeze Protection
Overview: This module will familiarize the student with the principles of Heat Tracing,
and other methods employed for Freeze Protection. The student will examine methods
used to protect pipelines and other vessels from the harmful effects of freezing, the
requirements of the National Electrical pertaining to Heat Tracing and Freeze Protection.
The student will examine the components of an electric floor warming system; the
instructor will explain proper procedure for installing an electric floor warming system.
Using manufactures instruction, catalogs, and the NEC, the instructor will lead the
students thorough the design and planning a electric floor heating/warming system.
If available, a tour of an existing facility with an electric floor warming system would be
quite beneficial to the students.
Recommended Lab equipment and supplies:
Display boards, Heating cable, End Seal, Line-Sensing Thermostat, GFCI, Glass tape for
securing heating cable to pipe, Four section of Iron pipe (4 four inch Diameter).
Group A
Lab Assignment 4I01: Electric Heat Tracing for pipes. The instructor will explain how
the heat tracing system works, how an installation is planned out, and show a section of
pipe with Heat tape correctly installed, with end seals, line-sensing Thermostat, and glass
tape. How a GFCI should be installed and its location per the NEC.
Group B
Lab Assignment 4I02: Planning an electric floor warming system.
Using manufactures instruction, catalogs, and the NEC, the instructor will lead the
students thorough the design and planning a electric floor heating/warming system.
Group C
Lab Assignment 4I03: Tour of existing Heat Tracing Systems. The instructor will make
prior arrangements (at least three or fours prior to the tour) of several installed Heat
Tracing systems.
A Regional Collaborative of Finger Lakes, Genesee, and Monroe Community Colleges. Funded through a Finger Lakes WIRED grant.
Module 4
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Course: Applications in Electrical Technology
Lab Experiments
4th Year Electrical
Module 4 J
Title: Motor Maintenance
Overview: This module will familiarize the student with testing, troubleshooting, and
repair of electric motors. The student will be instructed in inspection, testing, and trouble
shooting, of electric motors. Simple repairs that can be made to restore electric motors to
service.
Recommended Lab equipment and supplies:
Megohmmeter, DC HI-POT Test Set, Motor Analysis Instrument, Various electric
motors of various sizes
Group A
Lab Assignment 4J01: Motor Insulation Testing. The instructor will explain how to use a
Megohmmeter to the students. The students will measure the insulation of several motors
to familiarize themselves with the procedure and what they should find in a good motor
and what they will see in a defective motor with bad insulation. The students will be
instructed in safety rules that must always be observed.
Group B
Lab Assignment 4J02: DC HI-POT Test Set. The instructor will explain how to use a DC
HI-POT Test Set to the students. The students will measure the insulation of several
motors to familiarize themselves with the procedure and what they should find in a good
motor and what they will see in a defective motor with bad insulation. The students will
be instructed in safety rules that must always be observed.
Group C
Lab Assignment 4J03: Online Motor Monitoring. The instruction will explain the use of
the Motor Analysis Instrument, and how it can be connected to a motor, and analyze not
only important motor parameters but the load conditions, performance efficiency during
motor operation. The students will be instructed in the safe use of this instrument and
how to make important measurements with it. This instrument is an important tool in
providing important maintenance trending tool that can spot potential motor failures long
before they occur.
A Regional Collaborative of Finger Lakes, Genesee, and Monroe Community Colleges. Funded through a Finger Lakes WIRED grant.
Module 4
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Course: Applications in Electrical Technology
Lab Experiments
4th Year Electrical
Module 4 K
Title: High Voltage Terminations/Splices.
Overview: This module will familiarize the student with the proper tools to use and the
proper methods to use when making High Voltages Terminations and Splices. The
student will learn how to prepare high-voltage cable for terminations and splices, and
how to Inspect and test High-Voltage Terminations and splices.
Recommended Lab equipment and supplies:
Assortment of single and three-conductor high voltage cable, assortment of high voltage
crimp connectors suitable for use with copper or aluminum conductors, Nylon string,
120-grit Abrasive cloth, Solvent for removing residue as specified by the cable
manufacturer, Cloths to use with solvents, cotton tape, anti-oxide paste for use with
aluminum conductors, inline tape splicing kits, Jumper braid to connect the two shields of
a spliced cable, heat-shrink splicing kits, quick inline (cold-shrink) splicing kits,
insulators used with high voltage terminations, sharp knife or insulation cutter, Penciling
tool, Cable cutter, cable stripper, crimping tool with several assorted dies, propane torch
or hot-air heat gun, soldering iron and solder, Hi-Pot Tester and cables,
Group A
Lab Assignment 4K01: How to make a basic high-voltage splice. The instructor will
explain the all high voltage terminations and splices must be made under the best
environmental conditions possible on a job site. The slightest amount of moisture, dirt, or
other foreign material can render the slice useless. The instructor will demonstrate the
correct method to employ when making a high voltage splice. The students will each
make a correct splice. The completed splices will be tested with a HI-Pot Tester.
Group B
Lab Assignment 4K03: How to make in-line tape splices. The instructor will demonstrate
how to make a tape slice, using one manufacturers splicing kit. The students each will
make a correct splice. The completed splices will be tested with a HI-Pot Tester.
Group C
Lab Assignment 4K04: Making various high voltage splices and terminations. The
instructor will select various types of Splices (lead sheath, paper-insulated cable, Tee
splice, rejacketing, etc.) and demonstrate to the class.
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A Regional Collaborative of Finger Lakes, Genesee, and Monroe Community Colleges. Funded through a Finger Lakes WIRED grant.
Module 4
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