Course Summary
This 240-hour advanced course introduces students to commercial electrical environments, complex circuitry, and automated systems. Balancing rigorous classroom instruction with extensive hands-on laboratory training, this module focuses on preparation for entry-level commercial electrical construction and maintenance careers.
Students will gain practical experience in conduit bending, commercial distribution, motor control circuits, transformers, and troubleshooting applications while strictly adhering to commercial National Electrical Code (NEC) standards and safety protocols.
Major Topics Covered
- Infrastructure & Power: Conduit bending, commercial wiring methods, three-phase electrical distribution, transformers, and power systems.
- Controls & Automation: Motors, motor controls, and an introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).
- Blueprints & Diagnostics: Commercial blueprint reading, ladder diagrams, schematics, and specialized testing equipment.
- Field Application: Immersive commercial laboratory training and advanced troubleshooting techniques.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Conduit & Fabrication: Bend and install electrical conduit utilizing accepted commercial field practices.
- System Installation: Identify, configure, and install commercial electrical distribution equipment and wiring systems.
- Motors & Controls: Construct, analyze, and troubleshoot basic motor control circuits using relays, contactors, timers, and overload protective devices.
- Advanced Theory: Explain the operational mechanics of transformers, motors, commercial lighting, three-phase electrical systems, and introductory PLC/automated control concepts.
- Schematic Interpretation: Read and interpret commercial electrical drawings, architectural prints, schematics, and ladder diagrams.
- Diagnostics & Code: Apply professional troubleshooting methods and safe testing procedures using advanced electrical instruments while ensuring strict NEC compliance.
Required Textbooks & Materials
Modern Commercial Wiring (10th Edition)
- Publisher: Goodheart-Willcox (G-W)
- Features: Focuses on commercial electrical systems, complex circuitry, conduit bending, print reading, and the comprehensive safety regulations required for commercial environments.
Modern Commercial Wiring Student Workbook
- Publisher: Goodheart-Willcox (G-W)
- Features: Includes specialized activities, practice calculations, and review questions designed to reinforce commercial wiring concepts and code applications.