Title: Lab 4-2: Final Lab Troubleshooting (Electrical Systems)
Course: Troubleshooting Labs > Section: Final Troubleshooting Labs

INTRODUCTION

In the previous lab, you wired up a board using many of the skills you learned throughout the class. Now, you will practice using the Troubleshooting Methodology and the techniques you learned through Simutech to troubleshoot faults on a real circuit.

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APPLICATION

As you conclude this course, let's discuss real-life application. In the Automation Department at Bridgerland, we meet twice a year with our employers to hear what they think is necessary for our classes based on current industry needs. As a result, our curriculum is extremely relevant. For instance, the picture below shows the inside of a panel that controls the stoplights on a main highway in Logan. Review the image and see if you can find anything that you recognize from the class so far. (Click on the image to expand it.)

Here are a couple things worth noting:

- In the bottom right corner of the panel there is an enclosure that has circuit breakers, a 120V receptacle, and a relay, just like the ones you've worked with.

- At the top right corner of the box is another relay and some terminal blocks. Both use the wire color standards we've discussed in this class.

These are just a few real-world examples of how the skills you've learned are relevant to many aspects of both industry and your day-to day life. In this class, you've learned the basics of AC and DC electricity and wiring. When you get close to the end of the program, you will take the panel-building class, where you will assemble a complete electrical panel like the one shown here:

(Note: this panel has not been fully wired yet.)

You will use these skills in the future, so take the time to learn them thoroughly now so you are prepared when you need them.

Upcoming Assessments

Because you will need to remember troubleshooting and basic electrical knowledge for industry, you will be tested on your retention of these concepts as you work through the program. As you complete courses, you will find assessment assignments. These assessments will be timed and test your speed, safety, troubleshooting technique, and more. Some of these experiences will be for practice, but some will count heavily towards your grade. If you are not familiar with the troubleshooting concepts taught so far in the program, you will not be prepared for these assessments. Each retake of an assessment drops your grade significantly and only three retakes are allowed. The assessment in this assignment is a practice (although it still counts towards your grade in this class). Prepare now so you're ready for when it counts!

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MATERIALS + TROUBLESHOOTING REFERENCE PAGES

Materials

Basic Electrical Trainer
Lockout Tagout
120-Volt Receptacle
240-Volt Receptacle
3-Way Switch
4-Way Switch
Circuit Breaker Box
Light Bulb (12 VAC, 25W)
Light Socket
Single-pole Breaker (15-amp)
Single-pole Breaker (20-amp)
Double-pole Breaker (30-amp)
Transformer
Wire (18 AWG black, 18 AWG red, 18 AWG white, 18 AWG green)
Wire Colors

Tools

Multimeter (Greenlee)
Wire Strippers
4-in-1 Screwdriver

Measuring Electricity Reference Page

AC Voltage

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INSTRUCTIONS

1. You should have the final lab still wired up from the previous assignment. If you do not, rewire it first.
2. Test everything on your circuit to make sure it's working.
3. Take some time to review the troubleshooting methodology, the five troubleshooting concepts mentioned on the Basic Simutech Troubleshooting lab, and the component troubleshooting videos listed under the "Materials + Troubleshooting Reference Pages" section of this assignment.
4. Ask your instructor to come introduce troubleshooting faults to your board. They will have you leave the room as they do this.
5. Use your troubleshooting skills to find and fix the problems, thinking through the troubleshooting methodology as you do so. When you are done, fill out the maintenance report.
6. Have your instructor sign your maintenance report to confirm that you successfully solved the problem to Bridgerland's expectations and submit the signed report to complete this assignment.

TROUBLESHOOTING SPEED

In industry, it would take a technician a maximum of 30 minutes to solve the faults your instructor will introduce. Time yourself and see how you compare to industry standard.

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SUBMISSION

What to Submit

- Your completed Maintenance Report.

How to Submit

Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to submit video submissions.