Assabet Valley

Students entering Electrical Wiring as freshmen are provided with the basic knowledge and skills necessary for success in the electrical field. Students will receive practical instruction on safety and the proper use of hand tools. Students will learn how to draw and wire simple circuits. Freshman students participate and receive a 10 hour OSHA training certification in construction safety, the training provides the necessary background to work safely and the introduction to LOTO lock-out tag-out policies used throughout the school. Students participate daily in Related Theory, where they will learn the proper way to draw and label their circuits. Students create wiring and schematic diagrams that will be used as they build their projects in the shop. Students will splice and terminate conductors using low voltage as well as line voltage cabling. Students will install and troubleshoot low voltage wiring. Upon completion of all low voltage projects students move on to other wiring methods, constructing circuits using non-metallic sheathed and armored cable. Students will begin to build individual project portfolio.

This course is designed to further develop the basic skills and knowledge needed for success in the electrical wiring field. Students will use safety and testing procedures associated with the electrical industry. Special focus is given to the use and understanding of the current Massachusetts Electrical Code, continuation of the safe use and maintenance of hand/power tools. Through continued daily related class work, students will be exposed to the language of the trade with reading and instruction and will be expected to develop an understanding of electrical terminology and the communication of proper trade terms. They will use academic skills to successfully solve problems related to the electrical trade. Sophomore students focus on wiring methods which include metal – clad cable, flexible metal conduit, surface metal raceway, electrical metallic tubing, rigid conduit, and rigid non-metallic conduit. Upon completion of all wiring methods students will showcase their skills in this area by constructing a 100 and 200 amp residential service. Finally, students are introduced to relays and logic control systems.

Safety continues to be a primary focus of the curriculum in electrical wiring, and students will continue to use lock out tag out procedures during the work day. Students continue installing wires for motors and controllers as well as programmable controllers. Students are required to complete a final exam upon completion of motor controls, involving a dual voltage starter. The junior curriculum rounds out with heating and cooling systems, as well as the installation of lighting fixtures, data systems, fiber optics and industrial sensors. Students will participate in the community work extension program, fine tuning the skills they learn in shop. Students will continue to use academic skills to successfully solve problems related to the electrical trade. Finally, students will be prepared for co-op.

Once again safety is the most important aspect of the electrical trade, continuing use of the lock out tag out procedure. Students will install test and troubleshoot the following systems through the use of trainers; fire alarm systems, low voltage control of lighting, and ground fault protection. Students will connect and test single phase and three phase transformers. Students will research, construct, demonstrate, and present senior projects to industry professionals. Students are encouraged to participate in the Skills USA state competition. Skills continue to be honed throughout the work extension program and Co-op placement for eligible students.