Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Course Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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DSL 145 - Basic Electricity

Credits: 5
Lecture Hours: 1
Lab Hours: 8
Practicum Hours: 0
Work Experience: 0
Course Type: Voc/Tech
An introduction to the basic electricity and electronic principles that apply to diesel-powered equipment. Systems and components covered include starting, charging, lighting and accessories.
Competencies
  1. Explain the basic fundamentals of electricity
    1. Describe what electricity is
    2. Name the units for force, flow and resistance
    3. List the components of a basic circuit
    4. State the three forms of Ohm?s Law
    5. Describe the relationship of voltage, current and resistance in a circuit
    6. Explain general safety precautions when working with electricity
  2. Calculate values of resistance, current, voltage, using Ohms Law
    1. Solve for volts when amps and ohms are given
    2. Solve for amps when volts and ohms are given
    3. Solve for ohms when volts and amps are given
  3. Explore series circuits
    1. Define a series circuit
    2. Identify a circuit as being series
    3. Explain the rules for voltage, current and resistance in a series circuit
  4. Investigate parallel circuit
    1. Define a parallel circuit
    2. Identify a circuit as being parallel
    3. Explain the rules for voltage, current and resistance in a parallel circuit
  5. Examine series-parallel circuits
    1. Explain the series-parallel circuit
    2. Distinguish the series parts of the circuit from the parallel sections
  6. Demonstrate the proper use of a digital multi-meter
    1. Check voltage applied to a circuit
    2. Check voltage drop across two given points in a circuit
    3. Measure the current in a live circuit
    4. Measure the resistance of various components
    5. List the prefixes commonly used along with their symbols
    6. Convert a value of voltage, current or resistance from one prefix to another or two a straight value
  7. Explore common electrical components
    1. Identify the symbols for different electrical components
    2. Explain the different types of resistors and the operation of each
    3. Describe the operation of a bulb and how its resistance is affected
    4. Discuss the functions of several types of semi-conductors
    5. Differentiate the different types of switches and their functions
  8. Analyze the function and condition of a lead-acid battery
    1. State the safety and environmental concerns involved in working with batteries
    2. List the basic components of the battery
    3. Discuss the different categories, types and applications of batteries
    4. Explain the chemical changes occurring during charging and discharging
    5. Diagnose the condition of a battery, performing the necessary steps using a load tester and multi-meter
    6. Explain how to charge a battery and the charge characteristics of different batteries
    7. Describe the proper procedure for jump starting a vehicle
    8. Define and measure parasitic load on the vehicle
  9. Investigate the starter, its related components and circuits
    1. Differentiate between a solenoid and a relay relating their functions to starter operation
    2. Identify the basic starter components
    3. Outline the requirements for motor action, relating these to the starter motor
    4. Describe what to look for when examining a starter
    5. Draw basic starter circuit diagrams, with and without a relay, describing the operation of each circuit
    6. Wire a starter to the vehicle making all necessary connections
    7. Diagnose the condition of the starter circuits, performing the necessary steps using a load tester and multi-meter
  10. Explore the principles and components relating to the charging circuit
    1. Outline the requirements for electromagnetic induction of current and voltage relating this to the alternator
    2. Explain DC,AC, 3 phase AC, Full wave rectification and half-wave rectification
    3. Identify the basic components of an alternator
    4. Describe the procedure for checking an alternator and its individual components
    5. Summarize the operation of the alternator, explaining the two circuits involved
    6. Wire an alternator to the vehicle making all necessary connections
    7. Diagnose the condition of the alternator and vehicle charging circuits using a load tester and multi-meter
  11. Make solder connections and perform other basic electrical repair techniques
    1. Demonstrate the proper procedure to make a good solder connection
    2. Show other methods that can be used to repair wiring or terminals



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