The focus of this article will be what curriculum to look for when browsing for online industrial electrical training courses. The courses were researched and listed based on information found currently online. When choosing an online electrician program make sure that its curriculum will qualify you to satisfy the electrician licensing or certification standards for your state.

Here’s a sampling of industrial electrician courses you can expect:

1. Electrical troubleshooting
Electrical troubleshooting includes learning to read schematic diagrams that map the components in an electrical circuit. Being able to read a schematic enables the following of an electrical sequence of operation. Students will be introduced to reading the electrical diagram for an entire building or a line diagram a simplified representation of a circuit. During this unit of online electrical courses, students are introduced to troubleshooting problems with AC and DC motors. Y-connected and three phase delta motors are also covered including unmarked lead identification. Lighting system troubleshooting is also will be part of the course.

2. NFPA 70E explained
NFPA 70E is an electrical safety guideline drafted by The National Fire Protection Association. In this unit, students will be taught the origins of NFPA 70E and how NFPA 70E relates to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. Every article of NFPA 70E will be explained.

3. Measuring equipment
The aspiring industrial electrician will be introduced to the measuring tools of the electrical trade like the ammeter, as well as the megohmmeter, ohmmeter, voltmeter, and wattmeter. This unit begins with an explanation of how each meter works and its role in electrical maintenance. Enrollees will become acquainted with AC metering and the split core ammeter. Current and potential transformers and the operation of oscilloscopes will also be covered.

4. Electricity and electronics fundamentals
This unit introduces students to the basics of electricity. Electron theory and electrons in motion are part of the course work. Magnetism and static electricity are also discussed. Enrollees are shown how to gauge current, resistance, and voltage as a part of learning to troubleshoot. Capacitors, insulators and their function in a circuit are covered. Lastly, students are taught to make calculations using Ohm’s Law.

5. Safety, protection, and electricity
Although related to the unit covering NFPA 70e this covers aspects of safety not covered in the NFPA 70E unit. This is where online electrical courses introduce the principles of electrical safety. Students will be made familiar with personal protective equipment (PPE). The role that proper grounding, lockout/tagout, and motor protection devices play in safety is explained. Basic first aid is part of the curriculum.

6. AC and DC equipment
The mechanics and maintenance of AC and DC motors are taught. National Electrical Manufacturers (NEMA) safety standards will be discussed. Future industrial electricians learn the function and repair of the components of each type of motor. The internal components of AC and DC motors are explained including armatures, various types of switches, controllers, and diodes.