Electrical Systems > Electrical Troubleshooting

Electrical Troubleshooting

Course Number: 730.1

The Electrical Troubleshooting textbook covers use of schematic diagrams, determining sequence of operation, and the use of building diagrams and single-line diagrams. It includes troubleshooting procedures for control circuits and combination starters and explains troubleshooting practices on DC and AC motors, identifying unmarked leads on three-phase delta and Y-connected motors, and troubleshooting lighting systems.

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Recommended Contact Hours – 15

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Troubleshooting with Electrical Schematics

Topics: Symbols; Elementary diagrams; Power control and motor-starting circuits; Identifying conductors; Control panel layout; Sequence of operation

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify a control relay on an electrical schematic.
  • State the NEC requirements for fuses in ungrounded conductors.
  • Explain component numbering on electrical schematics.
  • Explain how conductors in a motor-control circuit are identified.

Chapter 2: Troubleshooting with Building Drawings

Topics: Architectural drawings; Installation diagrams; Electrical symbols on blueprints; Substation and power-installation drawings; Circuit tracing

Learning Objectives:

  • Name the kinds of drawings used by electrical specialists.
  • Identify electrical symbols commonly used for building diagrams.
  • Describe a one-line diagram.
  • Discuss the different types of drawing characteristics.

Chapter 3: Troubleshooting Control Circuits

Topics: Control-circuit functions; Conditions of protection; Troubleshooting pushbutton, sequence/control, motor, and overload circuits

Learning Objectives:

  • Explain how severe three-phase voltage unbalance affects a three-phase motor.
  • List the advantages of inherent protection.
  • Explain how undervoltage release works.
  • Describe how to troubleshoot a motor circuit.

Chapter 4: Troubleshooting Combination Starters

Topics: Using relay-troubleshooting charts; Latching-relay and timing-relay checks; Replacing relay coils; Troubleshooting control circuits, starters, and relays

Learning Objectives:

  • List the reasons why a magnet coil burns or short-circuits.
  • List the steps in troubleshooting a defective motor.
  • Explain how a mechanical latching relay works.
  • Explain how an electronic timing relay operates.

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting Control Devices

Topics: Reversing controllers; Using a checking-sequence chart; Autotransformer starters; Multi-speed motor starter controls

Learning Objectives:

  • Demonstrate how to reverse the rotation of a three-phase induction motor.
  • Explain the function of limit switches in reversing-motor applications.
  • Describe how to use a checking-sequence chart.
  • Select the best starter for use where it is undesirable to put a heavy load on the power supply.
  • Explain how to change the speed of a squirrel-cage motor.

Chapter 6: Troubleshooting Special Controls

Topics: Selenium rectifiers; Testing rectifier diodes and three-phase rectifiers; Control-system logic; Static control; Time delay element

Learning Objectives:

  • Explain the effects of age on a selenium rectifier.
  • Name the protective devices used in electrical systems and pneumatic systems.
  • State the definition of a bistable device.
  • List the functions of a static control device.

Chapter 7: Troubleshooting DC Motors

Topics: Commutator discoloration; Brush sparking; Open winding; Vibration; Bearings; DC motor controls; Drum controllers

Learning Objectives:

  • List causes of electrical and mechanical vibration in a dc motor.
  • Explain how oil saturation affects brushes in a dc motor.
  • Explain how maximum bearing operating temperature is determined.
  • List problems in the motor control that can cause sudden or unexpected changes in motor speed.
  • Explain how to salvage a water-soaked motor.

Chapter 8: Troubleshooting AC Motors

Topics: Grounded stator windings; Short-circuited and reversed phases; Open circuits; Incorrect voltage connections

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify various kinds of three-phase motor failures.
  • Demonstrate how to conduct a balanced-current test on a three-phase, Y-connected winding.
  • List the symptoms of a reversed phase in a three-phase winding.
  • Explain how to identify external leads that have become defaced.
  • Demonstrate how to test for an open circuit in a split-phase motor.

Chapter 9: Troubleshooting Lighting Systems

Topics: Troubleshooting fluorescent, incandescent, mercury-vapor, and HID lamps; Low-voltage switching; Remote control; NEC requirements

Learning Objectives:

  • Explain group replacement of lamps.
  • Explain the function of a ballast.
  • Describe an indication of normal fluorescent lamp failure.
  • State the circumstances under which the number of relays used in a switching circuit may be a limiting factor.
  • Explain how disconnecting hangers work.

Chapter 10: Saving Time in Troubleshooting

Topics: Tracing circuit problems; Equipment changes and modifications; Motor-location file

Learning Objectives:

  • Name and describe the elements of a sequence of operation.
  • List the features that must appear on an elementary wiring diagram to make it comply with JIC standards.
  • List the steps in troubleshooting a new machine.
  • List the information to be included in a motor location file.
  • Select the best method for identifying a motor.

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