Electrical troubleshooter for AC/DC circuits, relays, contactors and PLCs

Electrical troubleshooter

This “Study Guide” is designed to provide the electrical troubleshooter with a review of, and the mechanical troubleshooter with an introduction of, basic electrical skills needed for him/her to safely and more efficiently carry out their duties in the plant environment.

After successful completion, the troubleshooter can improve their understanding of DC, AC, three phase circuits, Relays, Contactors, PLC, Electronics, and other related technology.

Applied electrical theory

To improve the understanding and application of electrical theory related to the principles of operation of manufacturing equipment.

1. Draw and solve for circuit parameters such as resistance, voltage, current, and power in:
   – D.C. series circuits
   – D.C. parallel circuits
   – D.C. complex series/parallel circuits
2. Understand the properties of magnetism and how they relate to electromagnetic concepts as applied to contactors, relays, generators, motors, and transformers.
3. Explain the generation of an A.C. sinewave using the associated terms.
4. Draw and solve for circuit parameters such as resistance, inductance, inductive reactance, capacitance, capacitive reactance, impedance, voltage, current, and power in:
   – A.C. series resistive circuits
   – A.C. series inductive circuits
   – A.C. series capacitive circuits
   – A.C. series combination RLC circuits
5. Draw transformers, explain the operating principle, and solve problems using voltage, current, and turns relationships.
6. Understand three phase concepts:
   – Advantages and disadvantages
   – Waveform generation
   – Calculations for Wye and Delta circuits
7. Understand three phase motor concepts:
   – Squirrel Cage motors
   – Wound Motors
   – American motor connections – European motor connections

Electrical schematics

To improve the understanding of the different types of electrical drawings and the use of electrical drawings associated with trouble-shooting procedures.

1. Recognize the standard electrical schematic symbols.
2. Relate symbols to the actual device.
3. Use symbols and basic drawing techniques to draw valid circuits from word descriptions.
4. Use electrical schematics to determine operating cycles for machines.
5. Use electrical schematics to analyze conventional machine faults such as open circuits, ground faults, and short circuits.

Troubleshooting procedures

To improve the understanding of safe, simple, and logical trouble-shooting procedures on conventional relay controlled machines.

1. Have become familiar with and practiced appropriate safety procedures during troubleshooting.
2. Be able to locate and repair open circuit faults using a safe, efficient procedure.
3. Be able to locate and repair ground faults and short circuits using a safe, efficient procedure.