Electrical Technology

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

EAP 101: Bending Basics

Credits 1

Students will become familiar with a variety of electrical wireways and conduit bending techniques essential for the apprentice electrician. Emphasis is placed on the proper installation, layout, and bending of common wireway systems. Students will utilize the National Electrical Code® (NEC®) published by NFPA as the primary reference for rules and regulations governing electrical installations. The course develops the ability to navigate the NEC, apply code requirements, and follow safe work practices related to wireway installation.

EAP 103: Branch, Series, and Service Terminations

Credits 1

Students will learn the fundamentals of electrical splicing and termination for branch circuit and service-level applications. Instruction focuses on proper techniques, materials, and tools used to make safe, reliable electrical connections. The National Electrical Code® (NEC®), published by NFPA, will be used as the primary reference for installation rules, safety requirements, and best practices. Emphasis is placed on code compliance, workmanship, and electrical safety.

EAP 105: Wire Pathway's

Credits 1

Students will develop skills in the proper use of electrical power tools, including the selection and application of a variety of drill bits and accessories. Instruction includes material identification, tool safety, and correct techniques for working with common construction and electrical materials. The National Electrical Code® (NEC®) is applied as a reference for installation requirements and safe work practices. Emphasis is placed on jobsite safety, accuracy, and code-compliant workmanship.

EAP 106: Conductor Pulling and Fishing

Credits 1

Students will learn proper methods for sizing electrical conduit and selecting materials based on installation requirements. Instruction covers correct procedures for pulling conductors in a variety of situations, including new construction and remodel applications. Students will identify and use tools associated with conduit installation and wire pulling while following safe work practices. The National Electrical Code® (NEC®) is applied to ensure code-compliant installations, with emphasis on safety, efficiency, and workmanship.

ECAL 100: Introduction To Electricity

Credits 3

An introductory lecture class in electrical fundamentals. A practical approach to the study of electricity including Ohm¿s law, power, series and parallel circuits, direct and alternating current, with strong emphasis on diagrams and troubleshooting. (F, S)

ECAL 101: Direct Current (DC) Fundamentals

Credits 5

This course examines the basic components used in electrical circuits. The course stresses the appropriate terminology, units and uses of the various components in DC (direct current) environment only. Also, circuit analysis is stressed with circuits connected in series, parallel and series/parallel configurations. (F)

ECAL 102: Alternating Current (AC) Fundamentals

Credits 5

This course examines the basic components used in electrical circuits. The course stresses the appropriate terminology, units and uses of the various components in an AC (alternating current) environment. Also, circuits are analyzed with components in series, parallel, and series/parallel. Prerequisites: ECAL 101, MATH 136. (S)

ECAL 103: Electrical Code Study

Credits 4

An in-depth study of the National Electrical Code Chapters 1, 2, 3 and portions of Chapter 4. Wiring methods and materials, and equipment for general use are covered. State (ND and MN) electrical codes are also covered. (F)

ECAL 105: Electrical Safety and NFPA 70E

Credits 1

This course is a study of electrical safety and the rules for safe work practices set forth by OSHA and NFPA 70E, the standard for electrical safety in the workplace. In this course you will look at procedures to work safely around electrical systems and how to create an electrically safe work environment. (F)

ECAL 111: Electric Meters and Motors Lab

Credits 3

A practical, hands-on course using various electrical testing equipment to troubleshoot and test electric motors, components, and wiring systems. A study of single and three phase AC motors, their construction features and operating characteristic's. This lecture/lab class emphasizes electric motor terminology, identification of motor types, enclosures, mounts, motor selection, connections, maintenance, testing and troubleshooting. Students are also introduced to motor loads, protection, controls, and devices used to connect motors to their loads such as pulleys, v-belts, gearboxes, and couplings. (F, S)

ECAL 133: Basic Wiring Lab

Credits 3

This is an introduction to basic electricity, basic wiring methods, and materials and tools used in the electrical industry. Actual circuit layout and installation is done according to the rules of the National Electrical Code and other applicable state and local codes. (F, S)

ECAL 137: Electrical Drafting

Credits 2

This is a lecture and laboratory course dealing with the application of Computer Aided Drafting (CAD), using AutoCAD drafting software, as well as some reading and interpretation of blueprints from an electrician¿s perspective. (F, S)

ECAL 192: Experimental Course

Credits 1

A course designed to meet special departmental needs during the new course development. It is used for one year after which time the course is assigned a different number.

ECAL 197: Cooperative Education

Credits 1

Cooperative education offers students the opportunity to integrate career, social and personal development into the educational process. The cooperative education program allows students to integrate classroom study with a paid work experience related to their fields of study. It is recommended that a student has successfully completed one year of academic study.

ECAL 201: 3-Phase Electrical Systems

Credits 5

This course is a study of three-phase alternating current circuits, electrical instruments and the theory, operation and connection of transformers. Students will study the theory, operation and connection of three-phase wye and delta circuits and the relationship of voltage, current and power in these circuits. Students will also study the harmonics of the effects of the building electrical systems. Prerequisite: ECAL 102. (F)

ECAL 203: Advanced Electrical Code Study

Credits 3

This course is a continuation of ECAL 103. Chapters 4 through 8 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) are studied in this course. There is special emphasis on hazardous locations and applications. Prerequisite: ECAL 103. (S)

ECAL 204: Electrical Planning and Estimating

Credits 4

This course is a culmination of all the student¿s previous learning experiences. It incorporates code classes, lighting and design, AutoCAD, wiring labs and theory classes. The course is designed to teach the student how to read and understand a set of prints in conjunction with a specification book, familiarize the student with the various materials, an emphasis on layout procedures, labor, and two different estimating techniques to develop a reasonable ¿bid¿ price for various projects. (S)

ECAL 205: Electrical Design and Lighting

Credits 4

A class discussion course dealing with electrical material and equipment sizing, layout and application, applicable wiring codes, regulations and rules, and characteristics of common electrical distribution systems as used in industrial plants and commercial building locations. Included is a study of short circuit current, current limiting and coordination, power factor correction and electrical rates. This course includes the study of modern illumination principles, calculation procedures and equipment for lighting installations. (S)

ECAL 211: AC Measurements

Credits 4

This lecture/lab course consists of a series of experiments to investigate the characteristics of single-phase and three-phase electrical circuits. The connections and testing of transformers in both single-phase and three-phase configurations are stressed. Students also learn the operation of three phase motors from conventional sources. Corequisite: ECAL 201. (F)

ECAL 222: Solid State Systems Lab

Credits 2

This course covers the foundation of electronics, the devices used in electronic circuits, how they function, and the proper handling of electronic components. The course covers the proper operation and use of test equipment such as multi-meters and oscilloscopes used in industry for testing and troubleshooting equipment. In addition, the course covers home automation.

ECAL 223: Structured Cabling and Alarms Lab

Credits 2

Structured cabling for low voltage systems, installation, and maintenance of alarms. This type of work is considered a specialty trade branch of electrical work. In this course the student will understand the unique terminology associated with these systems. Describe the relationship between these systems and life safety by various codes and standards that affect both commercial and residential building. The course will describe the characteristics and functions of various alarm components, explain the different types of circuitry that connects these components and describe the theory behind conventional, addressable, and analog systems to better understand how these systems function. The lab portion of the class includes handling and termination of low voltage cables for networking, structured wiring, data, video, and warning alarms. Emphasis will be placed on major brands of fire alarms for commercial buildings with the lab using both Simplex and Siemens equipment.

ECAL 224: Automated Industrial Controls Lab

Credits 5

This is a lecture/lab course that will cover digital electronics, basic pneumatic and hydraulic principles, and basic robot operations and programming. The final lab projects will include principles from all elements covered. (S)

ECAL 233: Commercial Wiring Laboratory

Credits 3

This course will introduce the student to many different wiring methods and equipment used in the electrical industry in commercial and industrial electrical environments. Provide examples of tools, materials and procedures utilized by electricians in the fast paced and rapidly changing electrical field of today. Prerequisites: ECAL 103, ECAL 133. Corequisite: ECAL 203. (S)

ECAL 237: House Wiring Rough-In

Credits 1

This course will introduce the student to the logistics and procedures involved with wiring of a residential dwelling. (F)

ECAL 238: House Wiring Trim-Out

Credits 1

This course will introduce the student to the logistics and procedures involved with the proper trim-out of a residential dwelling. (S)

ECAL 241: Basic Motor Controls Lab

Credits 3

A lecture and laboratory class oriented to the study of electromechanical control system concepts. Experiments are designed to illustrate the principles, applications, connection and installation procedures of electrical controllers. Special emphasis is placed on the analysis and development of motor control circuits. (F, S)

ECAL 242: Advanced Drives/Lab

Credits 2

This is a lecture and laboratory course dealing with the theory, construction, application, installation, and programming of Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) motor controllers. VFDs are an increasingly common method of controlling motors and their related processes. Students will program a variety of controllers to learn the limitations and capabilities of each device. We will also be configuring programmable controllers to communicate with the drives, as well as communications with Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs). This course is a two credit class that will meet for one hour four times per week. (S)

ECAL 243: Programmable Logic Controllers Lab

Credits 3

This is a lecture and laboratory course dealing with the theory, construction, application, installation and programming of microprocessor-based programmable controllers. Logic networks solving typical industrial control problems are developed and programmed into a variety of controllers to learn the limitation and capabilities of each machine. (F, S)

ECAL 245: Medium & High Voltage

Credits 1

This lecture/lab course covers medium- and high-voltage electrical theory, conductors, insulators, overcurrent devices, testing, termination, safety precautions and safety equipment. (F, S)

ECAL 246: Alarm, Communications and Data Systems

Credits 3

Installation and maintenance of alarms, communications and data is considered a specialty branch of electrical work. In this course you will understand the unique terminology associated with these systems, describe the relationship between these systems and life safety by various codes and standards that affect both commercial and residential buildings. The course will describe the characteristics and functions of various alarm system components, explain the different types of circuitry (hard wired and wireless) that connects these components and describes the theory behind conventional, addressable and analog systems to better understand how these systems function. The lab portion of this class includes handling and splicing of fiber optics, networking, structured wiring, data, satellite communications, all types of alarms (fire, security and community warning-tornado-civil defense) and video surveillance/recording. (These technology/revolutionary-based systems are subject to rapid change and every effort will be made to reflect any changes in technology. (F)

ECAL 253: Introduction to Instrumentation Lab

Credits 3

This course introduces the basic concepts of instrumentation and process control. The focus of the course is on negative feedback proportional control loops and their application in industry. This course will focus on the understanding of those systems used in the process control industries. (S)

ECAL 254: Instrumentation and Control Systems

Credits 4

This lecture/lab course covers the concepts of process control. Concepts include the terminology and functions of the devices used in control systems. The primary focus of this course will be on the role of controller plays in a process. (S)

ECAL 255: Process Measurement and Control Valves

Credits 4

This lab/lecture course deals with the operation and function of devices used to measure the process output of a control loop. Control valves and actuators are also included. Lab time is spent on experimentation and calibration of the devices. (S)

ECAL 261: HVAC and Building Systems

Credits 2

This is a lecture/lab course which examines the basic components used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems and their electrical circuits. The course focuses on identifying whether the system has failed due to an electrical problem or a mechanical problem. The building envelope is studied to verify proper size equipment or to use electric heat. Energy usage/efficiency will be discussed to maximize savings where possible. Lastly, building usage and scheduling will be studied where systems allow further control of the system to reap energy savings (introduction of building automation). (F)

ECAL 263: Distributed Electrical Systems

Credits 3

This course is a lecture/discussion course which examines today's need for more flexible energy systems. The basic components used in distributed generation systems will be discussed as well as the various types (solar, wind, engine drive, etc.). The NEC and wiring perspectives of various systems will also be studied. The students will be required to do research into modern systems as well as consult various industry resources for additional information. (F)