Educational Project
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Basic Wiring Installations - Signal and Control Lab Re-development
Background - Course Description A practical course in which the student will select and install common residential electrical wiring systems and equipment within the regulations and standards set out by the Canadian Electrical Code and the Building Code. Learning Outcomes Learning outcomes are clear statements of the critical/essential knowledge, skills and attitudes that a student is required to demonstrate to indicate successful completion of this course. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Demonstrate the correct installation procedures and wiring connections for common residential switching devices and outlets, ensuring strict adherence to CEC and NBC regulations. 2. Prepare a circuit drawing and install one or more normally open push buttons to control a signal device. 3. Prepare a circuit drawing and install an extra low voltage relay to control a 120 volt light. 4. Demonstrate the correct method of operation for common hand and power tools used in the electrical trade. 5. Demonstrate the correct installation method for enclosures and fittings. 6. Demonstrate the correct installation method for cable. 7. Demonstrate the correct techniques for the termination of conductors. Goals of Re-development To improve the learning experience for the student. To update the labs to suit current real-life situations. This course, as is the case in most of our courses, is dependent on local codes. The Canadian Electrical Code is updated every three years and the lab package has not been updated since the latest code book came out in 2012. This is a hands on course that demonstrates the students ability to install electrical components properly, both by there intended use and by the local codes, because of this the lab components wear out and become outdated and sometimes obsolete. The lab reconstruction will update the lab to current equipment as well as equipment that is fully functional. The additions, updates and reconstructions will help to prepare the student better for their next level (Intermediate) of Wiring Installations. Methods There is a lab package that is given to each student at the start of the course. It contains some information on the equipment that is used by the student to complete the labs, It also contains the 16 labs that each student is expected to complete (some of the code and equipment in the lab package is outdated). The codes and equipment have been updated, more information has been added to the package to help the student's understanding of the equipment's use and installation and a new lab (17) has been created to further there understanding of control circuits to prepare them for motor control circuits in the next level. Each lab is wired using a lab board with the components pre-mounted. Each lab board has been rebuilt using new and/or updated equipment. An Instructor's lab package that contain the updated answers, wiring diagrams and schematics for the 17 labs has been created and made available to the instructors. Results The Lab boards were reconstructed over the past year and the feedback has been great from the students, they really appreciate that the lab boards they use have working equipment. We found that there has been less questions on the equipment from previous years due to the additional and updated information in the lab package. Next Steps This course is an ongoing course that has over 250 students per year using the equipment. The equipment needs to be maintained in good working order to maximize the student's learning experience. Maintenance will be done over the Christmas and summer breaks. The lab information needs to be kept current and up to date with both industry and codes. The next code book is due out in 2015 and therefore the lab package will need to be revisited and updated. |