Manufacturing Engineering
Residential Electrical Controls and Wiring
Lesson Plan
Performance Objectives
After completing this lesson, students will be able to describe how to use and troubleshoot residential
electrical controls and wiring to the teacher’s satisfaction.
Specific Objectives
 Discuss the purpose of residential (household) electrical controls
 Research and discuss terms used in typical residential (household) electrical wiring schematics
 Discuss residential electrical devices and schematics
Terms
 Alternating current- electrical current that changes direction and strength; primarily used by power
companies for distribution to residential areas
 Ampere- a unit of measurement for electrical current
 Circuit- a path made of conductors and electrical components to allow flow of electrical current
 Circuit breaker- a switch designed to stop the flow of electric current through a circuit if the current
reaches excessive levels (i.e., short circuit)
 Conductor- metal designed and shaped to permit the flow of electrical current
 Electrical codes- formal written regulations, designed to ensure work on electrical systems meet safety
standards (i.e., shock and fire prevention)/ National Electrical Code (NEC)
 Electrical meter- a measuring device used to determine the amount of electricity used in a residence;
electrical energy is usually measured in kilowatt hours
 Ground- a return path for electrical circuits to the earth; provides protection in case a “short circuit”
occurs
 Incandescent lamp- a commonly used light bulb that provides lighting by using electricity to heat a
metal filament wire until it glows brightly
 Overload- occurs when wiring or electrical components receive more electrical current than the
system was designed for and can create excessive heat and fires
 Power receptacle- devices designed to connect appliances and electrical equipment to a power source
to allow the flow of electrical current
 Short circuit- a defective connection that occurs within an electrical circuit that bypasses the normal
flow of current; can create excessive current flow, heat and component damage
 Volt- a unit of measurement for the force of electricity through a circuit
 Watt- a unit of measurement for the power of electricity through a circuit
Time
When taught as written, this lesson should take approximately 180 minutes.
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Preparation
TEKS Correlations
This lesson, as published, correlates to the following TEKS. Any changes/alterations to the activities may result
in the elimination of any or all of the TEKS listed.
Manufacturing Engineering 130.329 (c)
o (5) The student performs functions and solves problems in the electricity and electronics
field. The student is expected to:
(A) develop solutions to use control devices; and
(B) troubleshoot control devices.
Interdisciplinary Correlations
English Language Arts and Reading, English I 110.31 (b)
o (1) Reading/Vocabulary Development. Students understand new vocabulary and use it
when reading and writing.

110.31 (b)
o (11) Reading/Comprehension of Informational Text/Procedural Texts. Students understand
how to glean and use information in procedural texts and documents.
Algebra I 111.32 (b)
o (1) Foundations for functions. The student understands that a function represents a
dependence of one quantity on another and can be described in a variety of ways.
(E) interpret and make decisions, predictions, and critical judgments from functional
relationships
World Geography Studies 113.43 (c)
o (19) Science, technology, and society. The student understands the impact of technology
and human modifications on the physical environment. The student is expected to:
(A) evaluate the significance of major technological innovations in the areas of transportation
and energy that have been used to modify the physical environment;
(B) analyze ways technological innovations such as air conditioning and desalinization have
allowed humans to adapt to places; and
(C) examine the environmental, economic, and social impacts of advances in technology on
agriculture and natural resources.
 113.43 (c)
o (20) Science, technology, and society. The student understands how current technology
affects human interaction. The student is expected to:
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(A) describe the impact of new information technologies such as the Internet, Global
Positioning System (GPS), or Geographic Information Systems (GIS); and
(B) examine the economic, environmental, and social effects of technology such as medical
advancements or changing trade patterns on societies at different levels of development.
Occupational Correlation (O*Net – www.onetonline.org/)
Job Title: Electrician
O*Net Number: 47-2111.00
Similar Job Titles: Electrician, Maintenance Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, Inside Wireman, Control
Electrician, Electrician Technician, Industrial Electrician, Journeyman Wireman
Tasks
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Maintain current electrician's license or identification card to meet governmental regulations
Connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components
Repair or replace wiring, equipment, or fixtures, using hand tools or power tools
Test electrical systems or continuity of circuits in electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, using
testing devices, such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, or oscilloscopes, to ensure compatibility and safety
of system
Plan layout and installation of electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, based on job specifications
and local codes
Diagnose malfunctioning systems, apparatus, or components, using test equipment and hand tools to
locate the cause of a breakdown and correct the problem
Soft Skills
Critical Thinking/ Operation Monitoring/ Active learning and listening/ Troubleshooting
Accommodations for Learning Differences
It is important that lessons accommodate the needs of every learner. These lessons may be modified to
accommodate your students with learning differences by referring to the files found on the Special
Populations page of this website.
Preparation
 Review and familiarize yourself with the terminology, website links, and the slide presentation.
 Have materials, slide presentation, and websites ready to go prior to the start of the lesson.
References
 http://websters.yourdictionary.com
 http://www.thefreedictionary.com
Instructional Aids
 Residential Electrical Controls and Wiring slide presentation and notes
 Residential Electrical Controls and Wiring Matching Terms and Definitions handout for each student
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Residential Electrical Controls and Wiring Matching Terms and Definitions Answer Key
Warm-up Activity (slide 3)
Residential Electrical Controls and Wiring Quiz for each student
Residential Electrical Controls and Wiring Quiz Answer Key
Introduction
The main purpose of this lesson is to help students understand residential (household) electrical controls and
terms used in typical residential electrical wiring schematics.
Ask: Have you ever thought about how important electrical energy is to your daily life?
Ask: Have you ever talked to a senior citizen about how much manual labor they were required to do when
they were young?
Say: We will discuss how electrical energy has removed most manual labor from our lives.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
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Outline
MI
OUTLINE
NOTES TO TEACHER
I.
Introduction and start of lesson
A. Bell Work Activity
B. Warm-up Activity
Begin the Residential
Electrical Controls and
Wiring slide presentation.
II.
Residential electrical controls and wiring
A. Overview
B. Electricity as an energy source
Have students work on the
Bell Work Activity.
(slide 2)
III.
Electrical terms and system layout
A. Residential electrical terms
B. System layout
IV.
Administer Quiz at end of lesson
Warm-up Activity: Using
Residential Electrical
Controls and Wiring
Matching Definitions
handout, students (in pairs)
will teach each other the
terms and definitions. They
may do computer-based
research to look up the
meaning. (slide 3)
Discuss additional natural
forms of electricity and
alternative electrical energy
sources. (slides 4-5)
Each slide is meant to be
discussed. Have some
background knowledge, and
challenge the students to
make some contributions to
the discussion. Ensure
students understand the
definition and function of
each term. (slides 6-7)
Carefully discuss the layout
of the cabin and how the
components are controlled
by electrical current. (slide 8)
Use answer key to grade the
quiz.
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Multiple Intelligences Guide
Existentialist
Interpersonal
Intrapersonal
Kinesthetic/
Bodily
Logical/
Mathematical
Musical/Rhythmic
Naturalist
Verbal/Linguistic
Visual/Spatial
Application
Guided Practice
The teacher and students search the Internet to find different sources to gain more insight into:
 Unique ways electrical energy sources are created around the globe
 Companies using cutting edge technology to create new electrical energy sources
Independent Practice
 Students write a 50 word essay on electrical energy from wind power.
 Students research the impact of deregulation of the electrical power industry online.
Summary
Review
Students review the terms from the Warm-up Activity and key points from the Residential Electrical Controls
and Wiring slide presentation.
Evaluation
Informal Assessment
Teacher will assess students with oral questions and answers. Students will discuss definitions of terms and
key points from the Residential Electrical Controls and Wiring slide presentation.
Formal Assessment
Teacher will administer the Residential Electrical Controls and Wiring Quiz.
Enrichment
Extension
Students will research and write a paper about Thomas Edison and his contributions to the electrical industry
on the Internet.
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Name___________________________________Date______________________Class_______________
Manufacturing Engineering
Residential Electrical Controls and Wiring
Matching Terms and Definitions
Directions- Match the terms in Section 1 with the definitions in Section 2 (next page).
Section 1
A. Alternating current
B. Ampere
C. Circuit
D. Circuit breaker
E. Conductor
F. Electrical codes
G. Electrical meter
H. Ground
I.
Incandescent lamp
J. Overload
K. Power receptacle
L. Short circuit
M. Volt
N. Watt
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Section 2
1. _____ a unit of measurement for the force of electricity through a circuit
2. _____ a defective connection that occurs within an electrical circuit that bypasses the normal flow of
current; can create excessive current flow, heat and component damage
3. _____ occurs when wiring or electrical components receive more electrical current than the system
was designed for and can create excessive heat and fires
4. _____ a unit of measurement for the power of electricity through a circuit
5. _____ a return path for electrical circuits to the earth; provides protection in case a “short circuit”
occurs
6. _____ device designed to connect appliances and electrical equipment to a power source to allow the
flow of electrical current
7. _____ a switch designed to stop the flow of electrical current through a circuit if the current reaches
excessive levels (i.e., short circuit)
8. _____ a commonly used light bulb that provides lighting by using electricity to heat a metal filament
wire until it glows brightly
9. _____ a measuring device used to determine the amount of electricity used in a residence; electrical
energy is usually measured in kilowatt hours
10. _____ a path made of conductors and electrical components to allow flow of electrical current
11. _____ a unit of measurement for electrical current
12. _____ metal designed and shaped to permit the flow of electrical current
13. _____ electrical current that changes direction and strength; primarily used by power companies for
distribution to residential areas
14. _____ formal written regulations, designed to ensure work on electrical systems meet safety
standards (i.e., shock and fire prevention)
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Manufacturing Engineering
Residential Electrical Controls and Wiring
Matching Terms and Definitions
Answer Key
1. M. Volt- a unit of measurement for the force of electricity through a circuit
2. L. Short circuit- a defective connection that occurs within an electrical circuit that bypasses the
normal flow of current; can create excessive current flow, heat and component damage
3. J. Overload- occurs when wiring or electrical components receive more electrical current than the
system was designed for and can create excessive heat and fires
4. N. Watt- a unit of measurement for the power of electricity through a circuit
5. H. Ground- a return path for electrical circuits to the earth; provides protection in case a “short
circuit” occurs
6. K. Power receptacle- device designed to connect appliances and electrical equipment to a power
source to allow the flow of electrical current
7. D. Circuit Breaker- a switch designed to stop the flow of electrical current through a circuit if the
current reaches excessive levels (i.e., short circuit)
8. I. Incandescent lamp- a commonly used light bulb that provides lighting by using electricity to heat a
metal filament wire until it glows brightly
9. G. Electrical meter- a measuring device used to determine the amount of electricity used in a
residence; electrical energy is usually measured in kilowatt hours
10. C. Circuit- a path made of conductors and electrical components to allow flow of electrical current
11. B. Ampere- a unit of measurement for electrical current
12. E. Conductor- metal designed and shaped to permit the flow of electrical current
13. A. Alternating current- electrical current that changes direction and strength; primarily used by
power companies for distribution to residential areas
14. F. Electrical codes- formal written regulations, designed to ensure work on electrical systems meet
safety standards (i.e., shock and fire prevention)
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Name_____________________________________Date_______________________Class_____________
Manufacturing Engineering
Residential Electrical Controls and Wiring
Quiz
1. _____________________is a natural phenomenon that occurs ________________________________.
2. As our _______________, we learned to __________________________ and control it for our benefit.
3. American homes receive energy from ______________________ and the energy is ________________
throughout the house through the use of _________________________________________________.
4. Uncontrolled electrical energy is _______________ and _____________________________________.
You should ___________________________________________ on electrical systems or devices unless
___________________________________________.
5. Electrical voltage from the power company is usually _______________ volts.
6. All electrical circuits are required to be _______________and the ___________________ is buried in
the earth and provides ____________________________________ if an appliance is damaged or
shorted.
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Manufacturing Engineering
Residential Electrical Controls and Wiring
Quiz Answer Key
1. Electricity is a natural phenomenon that occurs throughout our planet.
2. As our technology evolved, we learned to harness electricity and control it for our benefit.
3. American homes receive energy from power companies and the energy is distributed throughout the
house through the use of wires, switches, and receptacles.
4. Uncontrolled electrical energy is dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. You should
never try to make repairs on electrical systems or devices unless you are qualified to do so.
5. Electrical voltage from the power company is usually 120 or 240 volts.
6. All electrical circuits are required to be grounded and the ground wire is buried in the earth and
provides a path for electricity to escape if an appliance is damaged or shorted.
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