SKET 178 - Residential Wiring and Controls

Credits: 5
Instructional Contact Hours: 5

Develops competency in the application of the Michigan Residential Electrical Codes. Students will review proper installation procedures for electrical conductors using the National Electric Code (NEC) and the Michigan Residential Codes. Builds on the skills developed in control circuits and applies the concepts learned to programmable logic controllers.

Prerequisite(s): SKET 130 with a minimum grade of “C”.
Corequisite(s): None
Lecture Hours: 45 Lab Hours: 30
Meets MTA Requirement: None
Pass/NoCredit: No

Outcomes and Objectives

Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of the Michigan Residential Codes.
1. Describe the purpose of the Michigan Residential Codes.
2. Describe how the Michigan Residential Code book is arranged.
3. Describe the authority having jurisdiction purpose and when a permit is needed.
4. Demonstrate how electrical definitions are used in the Michigan Residential Codes.
Evaluate floor plans for residential electrical installations.
1. Identify and describe the requirements and locations for general equipment used in residential applications.
2. Evaluate floor plans to determine service or feeder size and rating.
3. Analyze floor plans to determine the location of outlets and switches.
4. Determine electrical wire type to be used for a given application. Perform calculations to properly size electrical conductors including service, feeder, branch circuits, and grounding electrode.
5. Describe the proper wiring methods, connections, and identifications for electrical wiring including overhead service drop, service conductor, grounding electrode, feeders, and branch circuits.
6. Perform calculations to properly size overcurrent protection devices.
7. Describe when the code takes precedence over a print.
Differentiate between the requirements for various residential electrical applications.
1. Differentiate between general wiring requirements and the above ground or underground installation requirements.
2. Identify and describe the receptacles, switches, and lighting outlets used for power and lighting distribution.
3. Describe the installation and fill requirements for boxes, conduit bodies, and fittings.
4. Describe the installation and grounding requirements for cabinets and panelboards.
5. Describe the general installation requirements for appliances.
6. Explain the equipment location and clearances for swimming pool installations.
7. Describe the bonding and grounding requirements for swimming pool installations.
8. Explain the requirements for luminaires and ceiling fans for swimming pool installations.
9. Differentiate between standard switching and three way switching to operate residential loads.
10. Differentiate between 120 volt and 240 volt plugs and receptacles.
11. Differentiate between standard receptacles and GFCI receptacles.
Explain the operation of hardware in a PLC system.
1. Identify and describe the operation of a PLC input and a PLC output card.
2. Identify and describe the functions of a CPU in a PLC system.
3. Identify and describe the operation of a power supply in a PLC system.
4. Configure, connect, and utilize a PC to communicate with a PLC processor.
Explain the operation of software in a PLC system.
1. Differentiate between data files and program files in a PLC.
2. Describe a PLC scan including the order of operation and the scan time required to perform all tasks.
3. Identify and describe the operation of basic logic elements in a PLC program.
4. Identify and describe the operation of timers and counters in a PLC program.
Demonstrate ability to configure and use programming software.
1. Configure and utilize RSLinx software to establish a connection between a PC and the PLC.
2. Utilize RSLogix for creating, editing, saving, downloading, and uploading programs.
3. Demonstrate the ability to troubleshoot PLC logic programs.
Conduct laboratory experiments to reinforce lecture material.
1. State, comprehend, and comply with safety precautions when working on electrical equipment.
2. Construct control circuits using electrical devices and laboratory PLC equipment. Predict and analyze the proper operation of PLC circuits. Troubleshoot and make wiring modifications, if necessary, to obtain the desired results of the control schematic.
3. Evaluate the proper operation of the PLC program using programming software.
4. Wire a switch to a 120 VAC receptacle and verify proper operation of the circuit.
5. Wire two switches using three way switching to a 120 VAC receptacle and verify proper operation of the circuit.
6. Wire a switch to a 240 VAC receptacle and verify proper operation of the circuit.
7. Wire a switch to a 120 VAC GFCI receptacle and verify proper operation of the circuit.
8. Develop troubleshooting techniques.