Electrical Engineering Technician - Power Distribution & Control

Electrical Systems Applications

This course is designed to extend the student's knowledge and experience into the areas of single-phase AC as well as DC systems. Resistive-reactive DC and AC circuits, power factor correction, DC motors and generators and single phase AC transformers are studied. Emphasis throughout the course is on problem solving. These concepts are supported and reinforced in the laboratory portion of the course.

Electronic Devices & Applications

This course covers an explanation of the fundamentals of electronics from digital logic to the operation of basic semiconductor devices in DC and AC circuits. Topics will include logic gates, Boolean algebra, flip-flops, P-N junction diodes, LEDs, transistors, thyristors, opto-couplers and operational amplifiers. The student will apply his/her knowledge of these devices in practical circuits such as dimmers, variable frequency drives and programmable logic controllers.

Industrial Installation Practices

In this course the student will gain the ability to read, interpret, and create electrical schematics related to motor control. The installation and operation of common controls used in industry including Stop-Start, Jog, Forward/Reverse, and speed control via variable frequency drives will become part of the student's skill set. An introduction to the wiring and programming of Programmable Logic Controllers will complete the student's industrial control knowledge. In addition students will gain the ability to interpret drawings and install conventional fire alarm system class A and class B circuits. Students will become familiar with different fire alarm devices along with their uses and operation.

Introduction Programmable Logic Controllers

Upon successful completion, the apprentice will be able to describe the basic operation of a PLC including numbering systems, programming, and addressing requirements, as well as perform testing of PLC inputs and outputs. The student will also be able to demonstrate basic PLC programming including common relay instructions such as timers and counters to design programs to operate machines in a required manner using many of the internal functions of a PLC.

Code & Prints

Upon successful completion, the student will be able to navigate and apply sections of the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) including determining code requirements and performing calcuations for a residential service, maximum circuit loading, and motor branch circuits. The student will also be able to interpret and use information provided from drawings, specifications and standards, as well as create drawings and schedules for residential electrical installation and maintenance.

General Education Elective

Control Systems Architecture & Data Communications & Control

This course is an introduction to industrial process control systems, hardware architecture, and industrial data communications. Techniques and tools utilized for troubleshooting process control loop problems, and data communication systems are examined. The need for Instrumented Safety Systems is investigated and various system architectures are examined and evaluated using traditional qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques. Laboratory exercise involve the programming of traditional operator interfaces, implementing, integrating, and troubleshooting industrial communication systems, safety instrumented systems, and processes.

Introduction to Transmission & Distribution of Electric Power

This is an introductory course on electric power generation, transmission, distribution and utilization focused on industrial, commercial and residential sites. Students will learn about the construction and the properties of the foundational elementary components as well as how the components interface in order to deliver electrical power to the level of quantity and quality required by the electrical utilities and the end user. Students will learn how to analyze electrical power components and related circuits to determine their operational behaviours and will also learn how to specify components to suit system requirements. Basic knowledge of complex numbers and trigonometry will be utilized throughout this course.

Introduction to Industrial Control & Protection

The course focuses on the application of equipment used in any industry to safely and consistently utilize electrical systems at the device level. The course will discuss the safe utilization (lock out tag out) of motor control centres, programmable logic controllers, human machine interfaces, variable frequency drives, and soft starts. Students will interpret, compare and troubleshoot electrical drawings directly to the hardware associated with the labs. Final projects will test the students ability to design and implement electrical control strategies and will be graded based on completion.

Mathematics for Technology I

This course reviews and develops concepts in algebra, trigonometry, complex numbers, and vectors with technical applications.

Job Search & Success

This course provides student with skills and knowledge to help support their career search and succeed in the workplace. Students align their personal skill set and goals to guide them on their career paths. They will learn how to effectively conduct a job search, build a professional and well-tailored resume and cover letter, and develop and practice interview techniques. Students will also develop their personal brand to help support effective career networking and aid in their job search. Teamwork and collaboration in the workplace are also discussed. Self-reflection is used to inspire insight and support their professional career journey.

General Education Elective

Programmable Logic Control

An integrated lecture/laboratory course where learners are introduced to the fundamentals of programmable logic control design. Applications of programmable logic controllers are stressed. This course will allow the learner to study control systems which use discrete components and continuous/analog systems operated in well defined sequential steps to bring about a desired result. Using the unique control features afforded by PLC's, and by judicious application of PLC fundamentals, the learner will also demonstrate an ability to bring process systems under control.

Project Management

This course will provide the student with an overview of the structured processes and knowledge areas of project management within the context of organizations. It will contrast the differences between operational management and project management. It will provide the student with numerous tools and techniques used to initiate, plan, execute, monitor and control, and close a project. Students learn the vocabulary, definitions, principles and concepts of project management and working in a project team.

Introduction to Protective Relays

This is an introductory course on power protection and associated application in residential, commercial and industrial electrical systems. Students will practice voltage drop, fault and short circuit current calculations in single and three phase systems in industrial applications. They will also learn how to estimate protection devices ratings in accordance with the Canadian standards.

Electrical Metering

This course is an introduction to various types of electrical metering devices. The student will gain the ability to identify, select and safely use electrical meters to measure various electrical quantities. The student will further their ability by commissioning electrical equipment through measurement, trouble shooting problems with their circuits, and creating accurate measurement circuits.

Application of Power Electronics

This is a course on the application of switching power devices such as transistors, thyristors like silicon controlled rectifiers and new emerging semiconductor power electronics modules. The application of these various devices will be studied in renewable energy conversion systems, power supplies including uninterruptable power supplies and variable speed drives.

General Education Elective

Co-op Work Term (optional)

Co-operative education provides students with the opportunity to apply classroom learning to the workplace, undertake career sampling and gain valuable work experience that may assist students in leveraging employment after graduation.