basic home wiringlit.modernss.com › basic_home_wiring_curriculum.pdf · 2014-05-09 · basic home...

BASIC HOME WIRINGINTRODUCTION:

Electricity does a lot of work for us, making our lives easier and more

comfortable. Here are some ways we use electricity every day in our homes,

schools, and businesses:

• cooking

• heating and cooling

• lighting

• entertainment

• communication

• convenience/time-saving

• cleaning

• manufacturing of goods

In this module, students will explore fundamental concepts and techniques related

to home, or residential, electrical wiring. They will learn some basics about

electricity and then set to work learning how to install wiring that is functional

and safe. The Modern Electrical trainer and Modern Power Supply allow students

BASIC HOME WIRING T–1

© 2006 Modern School Supplies, Inc. V1

M O D E R N T E C H N O L O G Y L A B S

P.O. Box 958Hartford, CT 06143www.modernss.com

PHONE 800-243-2329 FAX 800-934-7206

ModernSchool

Supplies, Inc.

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BASIC HOME WIRING

to work with a variety of real-world electrical wires, supplies, and tools without

any danger of electrical shock.

CONCEPT/CONTENT:

This module benefits all students, regardless of what their future profession may

be. As students learn in this module, anyone who consumes electricity should be

aware of basic safety issues and procedures that will help keep them safe. In

addition, the projects presented in this module are common do-it-yourself projects

that homeowners regularly take on themselves.

In addition to learning about electricity and house wiring, students are also given

valuable experience in following directions, using their fine motor skills, working

in a team environment and making experimental observations. And, since the

equipment, techniques and production concepts used in this module are similar to

those used in the real world, students will begin to understand some of the

scientific and occupational possibilities available that involve electricity and

wiring. They will also develop an appreciation for the energy used to power many

of the common devices found in their homes and at school.

This module is structured so students can follow either a 7-, 10-, or 15-day plan.

A pre-test, post-test, and rubric are included in both plans to help with assessment,

and there are optional exercises provided to accommodate students of varying

abilities and learning speed. This flexibility allows you to stick to your module-

rotation schedule while still ensuring that all students, regardless of individual

differences in academic ability, benefit from the module.

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AACCTTIIVVIITTYY HHIIGGHHLLIIGGHHTTSS::Activity #1: Introduction to Basic Home WiringStudents begin by taking a pre-test. They go on to read background information about electrici-ty. After that, they begin learning about the tools and electrical parts that they will be workingwith throughout the module. Students also review important safety guidelines that they mustfollow during every activity. Finally, they complete Worksheet #1 using what they have learnedduring today’s activity.

Activity #2: Electrical Video, Part 1Students view the first part of a video on home electrical wiring. This video segment should runapproximately 30 minutes. Afterwards, students complete Worksheet #2 using information fromthe video.

Activity #3: Fundamentals of Wiring

Students learn some of the fundamental procedures that they will use when they’re working onthe wiring trainer.

Activity #4: The Circuit Breaker Service Panel

Students learn about the circuit breaker service panel. They learn about its functions, compo-nents, and importance for home wiring.

Activity #5: Wiring a Basic Circuit

Students wire their first complete closed circuit.

Activity #6: Wiring a Basic Switching Circuit

Students wire a circuit that opens and closes via a switch.

Activity #7: Wiring a ReceptacleStudents wire another very common household item—a receptacle. Students working on the 7-day schedule finish by taking the post-test and completing the self-evaluation rubric.

Activity #8: Wiring a Switch-controlled Receptacle

Students wire a switch-controlled receptacle.

Activity #9: Electrical Video, Part 2Students view the second part of a video on home electrical wiring. They then complete aworksheet.

Activity #10: Wiring a Three-way Switch

Students wire one of the more advanced circuits that’s common to many homes—the three-wayswitch. Students working on the 10-day schedule finish by taking the post-test and completingthe self-evaluation rubric.


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BASIC HOME WIRING

Activity #11: Wiring a Dimmer

Students learn about and wire a dimmer switch.

Activity #12: Wiring a Door BuzzerStudents read about common low voltage components that are used in homes. Afterwards, theywire a door buzzer.

Activity #13: Wiring a Three-way Switch with Two Lights, Part IStudents begin a project in which they wire a three-way switch that operates two lights.

Activity #14: Wiring a Three-way Switch with Two Lights, Part 2Students finish the project they started in the last activity.

Activity #15: Conserving Electricity and Career ExplorationStudents learn how to make calculations to estimate energy use and annual consumption forvarious electrical appliances. They also learn about careers in the field of electricity and wiring.They end today’s activity by taking the module post-test and completing the self-evaluationrubric.

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CCOOMMPPEETTEENNCCIIEESS::

At the completion of this module, students will be able to perform the following

operations and demonstrate the following skills:

GENERAL

• Follow a sequence of written instructions.

• Work effectively as part of a team to complete a project.

• Maintain a clean, well-organized work area.

BASIC HOME WIRING

• Explain electricity and its properties.

• Explain how a circuit works.

• Explain the difference between direct current and alternating current.

• Define hertz (Hz).

• Identify and explain the uses of basic wiring tools.

• Identify electrical parts common to many wiring projects.

• Understand the safety rules that they must follow during each activity in this

module.

• Understand the importance of following electrical code, getting permits for

work, and having electrical work inspected.

• Describe the rough-in phase of an electrical project.

• Explain the purpose of a circuit breaker.

• Explain what a short circuit is.

• Describe how a pigtail is made.

• Explain the purpose of wiring nuts in an electrical project.


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BASIC HOME WIRING

• Understand how wires and screw terminals are color coded.

• Extract information from a Electrical Wiring video in order to complete

a worksheet.

• Use an electrician’s tools to cut and strip cable and wire.

• Run and secure cable in and between utility boxes.

• Properly connect wire to screw terminals on components and fixtures.

• Use an electrician’s tools to create a pigtail.

• Use an electrician’s tools to make a pigtail splice.

• Describe how a circuit breaker service panel functions.

• Explain how circuit breakers make the electrical system safer.

• Explain what a short circuit and circuit overload are, and describe the dangers

associated with them.

• Understand what a system ground is and why it is important.

• Set up a 15 amp circuit breaker in the main service panel.

• Understand the plan for a basic closed circuit and how it translates into a real

project on the wiring trainer.

• Wire a basic circuit from a circuit breaker to a plastic lampholder.

• Understand the plan for a switching circuit and how it translates into a real proj-

ect on the wiring trainer.

• Wire a basic switching circuit.

• Understand the plan for wiring a receptacle and how it translates to the actual

wiring trainer.

• Wire a simple hot receptacle circuit.

• Understand the plans for a switch-controlled receptacle and how they translate

onto the actual wiring trainer.

• Wire a switch-controlled receptacle.

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• Discuss GFCI outlets and their benefits.

• Explain what happens during the trim-out step.

• Briefly describe how the main service panel functions.

• Extract information from an Electrical video in order to complete

a worksheet.

• Understand the workings of a three-way switch.

• Understand the wiring plan for a three-way switch and how it translates to the

wiring trainer.

• Wire a three-way switch.

• Understand how a dimmer works.

• Understand how a dimmer and other household electrical components can help

to reduce energy consumption.

• Understand the wiring plan for a dimmer and how it translates to the trainer.

• Wire a dimmer.

• Understand what a low voltage system is and how they are used in homes.

• Understand what a transformer is.

• Understand the wiring plan for the door buzzer and how it translates to the

wiring trainer.

• Wire a door buzzer.

• Tell what the National Electrical Code is.

• Explain how communities ensure that electrical projects are done safely.

• Wire a three-way switch that operates two lights.

• Use mathematical formulas to estimate the energy use of an appliance.

• Name some careers related to electricity and electrical wiring.


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BASIC HOME WIRING

RREELLAATTIIOONNSSHHIIPPSS TTOO OOTTHHEERR CCUURRRRIICCUULLAARR AARREEAASS::

Many of the activities in this module make reference to other subject

areas, including:

Mathematics and Logic: Mathematics play a prominent role in this module.

Students are required to measure wire, read measurements, and make calculations

of the energy use of appliances.

Language Arts: Reading, writing, speaking, following complex directions and

listening are skills employed in this module.

Social Studies: Students learn about electricity and its impact on people. Its

sources, availability, cost, and efficiency can shape the course of a society. In this

module, students will begin to see how.

Science: Students are exposed to information from a variety of scientific fields,

including branches of physics and the environmental sciences. Most importantly,

students will utilize the scientific method throughout the module.

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RESOURCES:

Modern Wiring Trainer

Modern Power Supply

Hometime Electrical VHS video

2 Safety goggles

Toolbag containing lineman’s pliers, needlenose pliers, cable ripper, wire strip-

per/cutter, tape measure, 2 phillips screwdrivers, and 2 standard screwdrivers

Assorted electrical components, including single-pole switches, three-way switch-

es, receptacles, lampholders, wire nuts, grounding screws, door buzzer assembly,

door bell, bell wire, 14-2 cable, 14-3 cable, black electrical tape, cable clamps,

circuit breakers, and 12 volt light bulbs

2 Student Workstation manuals


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BASIC HOME WIRING

RREEFFEERREENNCCEESS::

To encourage students to fully explore topics related to home wiring, including

electricity and electrical wiring, you may want to assemble an assortment of

references.

BBOOOOKKSS

Landers, Jack M. Home Repair and Maintenance. Tinley Park, IL: Goodheart-

Willcox Company, c1999.

Mix, Floyd M. House Wiring Simplified. Tinley Park, IL: Goodheart-Willcox

Company, c2005.

U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Indianapolis, IN:

JIST Works, c2006.

WWEEBB

Energy Start homepage: http://www.energystar.gov

U.S. Department of Energy:

http://www.energy.gov/energysources/electricpower.htm

Energy Kid’s Page:

http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/electricity.html

Electrical Safety Foundation International: http://www.electrical-safety.org/

Home Tips. com: http://www.hometips.com/index.html

Southern Company:

http://www.southerncompany.com/learningpower/h204kids.asp?mnuOpco=soco&

mnuType=lp&mnuItem=oc

Smithsonian Institution, Powering a Generation of Change: http://americanhisto-

ry.si.edu/powering/

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Activity #8:Wiring a Switch-controlled Receptacle

Topics for Teachers

ACTIVITY:

In this activity, students will wire a receptacle controlled by a switch.

CCOONNCCEEPPTT//CCOONNTTEENNTT::

The switch-controlled receptacle is a popular way of controlling the lighting in a

house. Instead of relying on overhead lighting that has been wired and installed in

the home, a homeowner can simply plug their favorite lamp into a receptacle and

be able to control it via switch.

COMPETENCIES:

At the completion of this activity, students will be able to:

• Describe how electricity is transported from power plant to home.

• Understand the plans for a switch-controlled receptacle and how they translate

onto the actual wiring trainer.

• Wire a switch-controlled receptacle.Sample


BASIC HOME WIRINGT–154

INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES/MANAGEMENT:

Be sure students have reviewed and fully understand all of the safety guidelines

presented at the beginning of this activity. You may want to post the guidelines at

the student workstation. You could also make copies and have students sign their

copy to indicate that they have read and understand the guidelines.

Students are instructed to always work with the power supply turned off. They

must get your permission before testing their projects using the power supply.

When students ask to test their project, you can review their work and ask

questions to check their understanding of the project they are working on.

Together, you can then test the circuit. If the students completed the work

correctly, the lamp plugged into the receptacle will turn on when the switch is

turned on. If they did not, you can work with students to discover where they may

have gone wrong.

IMPORTANT: The 50W 12V light bulbs that the students use in this activity

should not be installed in lamps that are plugged into a standard 120V receptacle.

The bulb is designed to work with 12V only. Plugging it into a receptacle with a

voltage greater than 12V is extremely dangerous.

Suggested Time Allotment:

Exercise #1: 10 minutes

Exercise #2: 10 minutes

Exercise #3: 15-20 minutes

Clean Up: 5 minutes

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INDIVIDUAL ASSESSMENT:

There is no formal assessment for today’s activity. You may want to ask students

to demonstrate the techniques they have learned. If students were able to

successfully wire the circuit today, you can assume that they have a fair grasp of

the material presented thus far.

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NNOOTTEESS::

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Activity #8:Wiring a Switch-controlled Receptacle

Introduction

WHAT YOU WILL DO TODAY:

Today you will wire a switch-controlled receptacle.

BBAACCKKGGRROOUUNNDD::

The switch-controlled receptacle is a popular way of controlling the lighting in a

house. Instead of relying on overhead lighting that has been wired and installed in

the home, a homeowner can simply plug their favorite lamp into a receptacle and

be able to control it via switch.

ACTIVITY EXERCISES

EEXXEERRCCIISSEE ##11:: BBAACCKKGGRROOUUNNDD RREEAADDIINNGG

TTRRAANNSSPPOORRTTIINNGG EELLEECCTTRRIICCIITTYY

Many people simply take electricity for granted—that is, until there is a power

outage or problem with the large nationwide distribution grid that provides

electric power to homes, schools, and businesses across the country. You most

likely have seen parts of the system—from electric wires you see along the side of

the road to neighborhood substations to a large power plant in your area. Using

Figure 8.1, you will take a closer look at the system used to generate and transport

electricity.

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FIGURE 8.1 — TRANSPORTING ELECTRICITY

11.. PPOOWWEERR PPLLAANNTT GGEENNEERRAATTEESS EELLEECCTTRRIICCIITTYY

In the United States, most electrical power is generated by power plants using

fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, or oil), nuclear power, and hydropower (water). In

the case of a coal power plant, coal is burned to heat water until it becomes steam.

The steam then powers a generator, which produces electricity.

22.. TTRRAANNSSFFOORRMMEERR SSTTEEPPSS UUPP VVOOLLTTAAGGEE

A transformer is used to “step up” or increase the voltage of the electricity that’s

generated by a power plant. With the higher voltage, electricity can be easily and

efficiently carried over long distances.

33.. TTRRAANNSSMMIISSSSIIOONN LLIINNEESS CCAARRRRYY EELLEECCTTRRIICCIITTYY

Transmission lines mounted on a large network of towers move the electricity.

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44.. TTRRAANNSSFFOORRMMEERR SSTTEEPPSS DDOOWWNN VVOOLLTTAAGGEE

Voltage must be reduced before the electricity can move from the transmission

lines to the distribution lines. Step-down transformers are typically located in

small fenced-in areas called substations.

55.. DDIISSTTRRIIBBUUTTIIOONN LLIINNEESS CCAARRRRYY EELLEECCTTRRIICCIITTYY TTOO NNEEIIGGHHBBOORRHHOOOODDSS

Distribution lines carry electricity to neighborhoods and individual homes and

buildings. These lines may be overhead or underground, depending on where you

live. The voltage must once again be reduced using a transformer mounted on a

pole or located in a box on the ground.

66.. AA MMEETTEERR MMEEAASSUURREESS TTHHEE EELLEECCTTRRIICCAALL PPOOWWEERR EENNTTEERRIINNGG TTHHEE HHOOMMEE

AANNDD CCOONNNNEECCTTSS TTOO TTHHEE MMAAIINN SSEERRVVIICCEE PPAANNEELL

The meter allows the electricity supplier (often called a utility company) to

measure how much electricity you use. The wires then travel to the main service

panel, which supplies power to all individual circuits in the building. As you

learned in an earlier activity, circuit breakers (or fuses) are safety devices that cut

power if there is a problem with a circuit—for example, too much current flowing

through a wire.

EEXXEERRCCIISSEE ##22:: CCRREEAATTIINNGG AA WWIIRRIINNGG DDIIAAGGRRAAMM

You have now learned how to wire a switch controlling a light fixture and a

receptacle. In the next exercise, you will wire a switch to control a receptacle.

Before you begin, take a few minutes to consider how such as a project might be

wired. Draw a diagram showing how you think the circuit would work in your

notebook. Use crayons, colored pencils, or markers to color code the hot, neutral,

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and ground wires. Use labels to clearly identify all electrical components and

connections.

IIMMPPOORRTTAANNTT SSAAFFEETTYY RREEMMIINNDDEERR::

Be sure to put on your protective eyewear before beginning the exercises that

follow. Also, be sure to follow all safety rules you were given in Activity #1. The

rules are presented here as a reminder.

• Never work on live wires. Always double-check to be sure the power to the

trainer is turned off. (Your teacher may also require the power supply to be

unplugged from the wall outlet.)

• Before turning on the power to the trainer, always ask your teacher to check

your work and give you the OK to test your work.

• Wear protective eyewear when stripping and cutting wire, and whenever you

are directed to by your instructor or the curriculum.

• Use all tools and components correctly. Use the right tool for the job and use

the tools only as instructed to in the curriculum.

• Immediately report any mishap or injury to your teacher.

• Clean your area before you begin working and after you finish up. Be sure to

dispose of small bits of wire, sheathing, and other waste you create.

• Pay close attention to what you are doing at all times. Many of the tools and

components have sharp edges that can injure you if you’re not careful. The

studs on the trainer may also have rough surfaces. Use caution when working

with the trainer, especially when threading cables and wires, to avoid injury to

your hands.

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• Ask your teacher for help if you don’t understand how to complete any steps

given in the curriculum. Don’t skip over steps you don’t understand or use tech-

niques not covered in the curriculum.

EEXXEERRCCIISSEE ##33:: WWIIRRIINNGG AA SSWWIITTCCHH--CCOONNTTRROOLLLLEEDD RREECCEEPPTTAA--CCLLEE

Step 1: First ensure that the power supply connected to the wiring trainer is

turned off and not receiving power in any way. Check the power supply to be

sure. (Note: Your teacher may also require that the power supply be unplugged

from the wall outlet whenever you are setting up wiring projects on the trainer.

Ask your teacher if you have any questions.)

Step 2: Gather your tools and components for the day. In addition to your

standard wiring tools, you will also need:

• 14-2 cable

• receptacle and mounting hardware

• 15 amp breaker

• lamp with 50 watt 12 volt bulb

Step 3: Set up the 15 amp breaker as you have before. Use a 6’ length of cable.

Step 4: Run the cable that’s coming out of the breaker panel through one of the

holes in the bottom of the utility box as shown. Secure the cable with the screw-

down metal collar as you have before. See Figure 8.1 for an illustration.

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FIGURE 8.1 — RUN THE CABLE INTO THE UTILITY BOX

Step 5: Connect the hot wire from the cable to a brass-colored screw on the

switch fixture. Remember to use proper securing techniques—hook the wire and

place it around the screw so that it tightens as you tighten the screw.

Step 6: Cut a 3’ length of 14-2 cable and prepare it as you have before. Run it

into the other end of the switch utility box.

Step 7: Connect the 2 incoming neutrals using a pigtail splice and a wire nut.

Connect the 2 incoming grounds to the switch ground and box ground using 2

ground pigtails, a pigtail splice, and a wire nut.

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Step 8: Run the other end of the cable through one of the holes in the top of the

utility box below the switch. Secure the cable with the screw-down metal collar as

you have before.

Step 9: Connect the hot wire to one of the brass-colored screw terminals on the

receptacle fixture.

Step 10: Connect the incoming neutral to one of the silver-colored screw

terminals on the receptacle.

Step 11: This leaves you with just the grounds to finalize. Connect the incoming

ground to a ground from the outlet and a ground from the box (3 wires total). Use

2 ground pigtails, a pigtail splice, and a wire nut.

Step 12: Secure the light switch and receptacle to their respective utility boxes

using the top and bottom screws. You will have to push the wiring into the utility

box to do this.

Step 13: Make sure your switch is in the OFF position. (If you have cover plates,

you can secure them to each fixture. In a real wiring project, this is usually done

after the drywall has been installed and the wall has been painted or papered.)

Step 14: Have your teacher turn on the power for you. When the power is on,

turn the breaker on. Plug your lamp into the outlet and flip the switch. Does the

lamp go on?

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If your light doesn't go on, have your teacher turn the power off and check your

wiring.

GGOOIINNGG FFUURRTTHHEERR::

With your teacher’s permission, research electrical power generation and

transmission in your community. Use the Internet and library to gather

information. Be prepared to answer the following questions:

1. Where is electricity for your community generated? How is electricity gener-

ated—for example, burning coal, hydropower, nuclear power?

2. Where are substations located in your community?

3. What electric utility serves your community? What is their Web site?

FFIINNIISSHHIINNGG UUPP::

Clean up your work area and store your tools and fixtures safely.

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