The Beginner'S Guide To Testing Electrical Circuits

Learn electrical circuit and test instrument basics and how to use them in any testing or troubleshooting task.

What you'll learn

Students will learn the basics of electrical circuits and Ohm's Law

Students will learn the types and functions of test instruments, highlighting digital multimeters

Students will understand the relationship between electrical circuits and components and test instruments

Students will learn the purpose, functions, and controls of digital multimeters

Students will understand safe use of instruments when testing circuits and components

Students will be able to apply the curriculum to real world testing and troubleshooting

Requirements

No multimeter experience needed. Students should own or have access to a meter for skills practice.

Description

The Beginner's Guide to Testing Electrical Circuits combines clear explanations of electrical circuits, components, and values with detailed demonstrations and labs on using test instruments competently and safely. The instruction also covers common circuit and component troubleshooting and the role of a multimeter in that process.  Designed for students and beginners, the curriculum is also a great refresher and skill builder for those familiar with electrical testing. Whether you are a student, electrician, technician, engineer, or hobbyist, The Beginner's Guide to Testing Electrical Circuits will improve your knowledge and competence when using digital multimeters.The instruction begins with lessons on basic electrical circuits, terminology, and theory, including Ohm's Law. These are then applied to test instruments and how they function. Also included are essential safety precautions and step-by-step test procedures. Basic testing tools are demonstrated, primarily focusing on the digital multimeter. Students should have access to a meter to replicate and practice testing procedures included in the training.  The instructor, Mitch Hegman, is both a practicing master electrician and a professional instructor. Mitch understands electrical testing from both a practical and educational perspective and applies a combination classroom and "in-the-field" approach to his teaching. And early course lessons introduce and allow students to begin using and practicing with their meters as they learn about circuits and components. 

Overview

Section 1: Class Introduction, Electrical Theory and Basic Electrical Circuits

Lecture 1 Course Outline and Overview

Lecture 2 Welcome!

Lecture 3 Understanding Basic Electrical Circuits

Lecture 4 Basic Electrical Circuit Lab and Measurement Demonstrations

Lecture 5 Understanding Basic Electrical Quantities

Lecture 6 Ohm's Law and Ohm's Power Law

Lecture 7 Introduction to Series and Parallel Circuits

Lecture 8 Series Circuits Illustrated (In Depth)

Lecture 9 Parallel Circuits Illustrated (In Depth)

Lecture 10 Helpful Electrical and DMM Symbols

Section 2: Introduction to Electrical Test Instruments and Testing Safety

Lecture 11 Section Overview

Lecture 12 Electrical Testing Safety - NFPA 70, 70E and CAT Ratings

Lecture 13 Digital Multimeter Specific Safety

Lecture 14 Introduction to Meters (Analog and Digital)

Lecture 15 Overview of Different Voltage Testers (With Demonstrations)

Section 3: Ohm's Law and Its Relationship to Electrical Testing (Ohm's Toaster)

Lecture 16 Section Overview

Lecture 17 Ohm's Toaster Explained

Lecture 18 Ohm's Toaster Part One (Voltage, Current, Resistance)

Lecture 19 Ohm's Toaster Part Two (Power)

Section 4: Getting to Know Your Digital Multimeter (Buttons, Settings, Range, Resolution)

Lecture 20 Section Overview

Lecture 21 Buttons and Settings (Using a Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter)

Lecture 22 Introduction to DMM Range and Resolution

Lecture 23 Range and Resolution Tables and Prefixes

Lecture 24 Range and Resolutions Demonstrations

Section 5: Digital Multimeter Test and Measurement Demonstrations

Lecture 25 Section Overview

Lecture 26 Testing for Voltage

Lecture 27 Testing for Current (Amperage)

Lecture 28 Testing for Resistance

Lecture 29 Testing for Continuity

Lecture 30 Testing a Diode

Lecture 31 Testing Capacitors

Section 6: Thank You for Joining Me in the Class!

Lecture 32 Additional Resources and Links

Electricians (all levels), technicians, handymen and women, DIY and hobbyists, STEM students