Fundamentals of Electrical Controls from Udemy

This course is an introduction to electrical controls with an emphasis on motor controls in the real world.

In this course, we focus on industrial and commercial installations, we will start with the absolute basics of electrical circuits. We look at the fundamentals of resistive circuits, and introduce Ohms Law, a mathematical formula that all electricians learn. The course looks at the different types of voltages and where they come from in the real world, focussing on transformer formations from the power supply authority, and AC and DC Voltages. As this is a course on the fundamentals of electrical controls, we will go through the basics of control circuits such as, normally open and normally closed, and look at how controls are made up of series and parallel circuits.

Taking a more practical approach to the subject, we dive inside control panels and look at each electrical component that we will be using later in the course, in our own motor control installation. We look inside the parts in detail and see how they work, discuss ratings, and learn how to size them up, with a particular focus on contactors and overloads. We also simplify an explanation of how an asynchronous motor works.

Before we get to wiring up our own control circuit, we look at the different types of control voltages in the real world and follow them from end device at the customers installation all the way back to the supply transformer at the power company, so we can see how a full installation might look, and get an insight into different systems that we might find in industry.

After learning the basics, we look at how we would install a motor control installation from scratch, including the motor itself. We get to see all the parts that we have learned about, working together in a mock real world installation, we learn how to size up the components and then go through the wiring of the circuit step by step. Part of installing a control board is commissioning it, so we go through the operation of the circuit after we have installed it to make sure it works.

Installations are often amended and modified in the real world, so we'll look at a few ways in which we could modify our mock installation, change our wiring around and re-commission the installation.

At the end of the course, we're going to challenge ourselves, and learn how to fault find a circuit as we would if we were called to a breakdown as an electrical controls technician. We'll go through a few faults that we might come up against in the industry and look at how we might repair them. We also briefly touch on preventative maintenance techniques and discuss why they are important, for safety reasons and also financial reasons too.

Controls can be quite daunting and complicated, we will go through slowly and steadily, learning each part of the installation in detail before putting it all together, the course is weighted towards learning from practical examples, perfect for those of us that are visual learners. And, instead of enforcing hard and fast rules of how things must be done, We focus more on learning how to break down circuits and understand them for ourselves. I will show you wiring techniques used by Controls Electricians in the real world.

What is covered in the course:

Learn the fundamentals: AC and DC voltages, 3 phase voltages, resistive circuits, ohms law, normally open and normally closed, series and parallel circuits, supply transformers (star & delta), faults to earth.
Electrical components: Control panels, isolating switches, circuit breakers, fuses, contactors, overloads, asynchronous motors, push buttons, indicator lights, power supplies.
Types of installations: Single phase, dual phase, power supply, mixed voltage control.
Installation of a motor control circuit: Install electrical components, wiring of a mock installation, commission installation.
Modifying an installation: Add and remove components, wire a hold in circuit, commission.
Fault finding and maintenance: Fault find and repair, use a multimeter, preventative maintenance.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Chapter 1 :- The Fundamentals

Course Introduction

Chapter 1 Overview

Electricity

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Takes a practical approach to electrical controls, diving inside control panels to examine components and their functions, which is essential for technicians

Covers fault finding and maintenance techniques, which are critical skills for electrical controls technicians dealing with breakdowns and repairs

Explores the fundamentals of electrical circuits, including Ohm's Law, AC and DC voltages, and transformer formations, which are foundational concepts in electrical engineering

Focuses on industrial and commercial installations, providing relevant context for technicians working in those environments

Examines control circuits, including normally open and normally closed configurations, as well as series and parallel circuits, which are essential for understanding control systems

Teaches wiring techniques used by controls electricians in the real world, offering practical knowledge for those entering the field

Reviews summary

Practical electrical controls fundamentals

According to learners, this course provides a strong, practical foundation in electrical controls, particularly focusing on motor control installations in industrial settings. Students appreciate the clear explanations and the instructor's ability to break down complex concepts into understandable parts, making it suitable for beginners or those needing a refresher. The emphasis on real-world applications, including wiring demonstrations and fault finding techniques, is frequently highlighted as a major strength. While widely praised for its foundational content, some learners note that it may not cover advanced topics in sufficient depth for experienced professionals or specific industry standards.

Well-structured course with good pace.

"The course is very well-organized, moving logically from fundamentals to practical application."

"I liked how each part was covered in detail before putting it all together."

"The pace feels slow enough to understand everything without being boring."

"Each chapter builds nicely on the previous one."

Instructor is knowledgeable and experienced.

"The instructor clearly has real-world experience and knows what he's talking about."

"His insights into actual installation and maintenance practices are very valuable."

"You can tell the instructor is a seasoned professional in the field."

"His explanations are rooted in practical experience, which is a big plus."

Excellent introduction for newcomers.

"As someone new to electrical controls, this course started from the basics and built up gradually, which was perfect."

"It's ideal for beginners or anyone needing a solid introduction to the fundamentals."

"The pace is just right for someone starting out in this field."

"I had no prior knowledge, and this course made me feel confident in understanding the basics."

Concepts are explained clearly and simply.

"The instructor does an excellent job explaining complex topics like Ohms Law and circuits in a simple, easy-to-understand way."

"He breaks down intimidating concepts into bite-sized pieces that are easy to digest."

"I found the explanations of series and parallel circuits particularly clear and helpful."

"The step-by-step approach makes learning much less daunting."

Strong emphasis on practical applications.

"This course is very practical and focuses on real-world applications, which is exactly what I needed for my job."

"The wiring examples and fault-finding sections were incredibly useful and directly applicable."

"I loved seeing the components inside control panels and understanding how they work in an actual setup."

"It covers motor control installations from scratch, which is a great hands-on approach."

May be too basic for experienced learners.

"While great for beginners, I felt it didn't go into enough detail on more advanced control systems or specific industry standards."

"Experienced electricians might find this course a bit too introductory."

"Could benefit from covering more complex circuit designs or troubleshooting scenarios."

"I was hoping for more advanced concepts; this feels strictly foundational."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Fundamentals of Electrical Controls with these activities:

Review Basic Electrical Theory

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Reinforce your understanding of fundamental electrical concepts like Ohm's Law and circuit analysis to better grasp the principles behind electrical controls.

Browse courses on Ohm's Law

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Review notes from previous electrical courses.
Work through practice problems on series and parallel circuits.
Research online resources explaining basic electrical theory.

Review 'National Electrical Code (NEC)'

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Ensure your motor control projects adhere to safety standards and regulations by reviewing the National Electrical Code.

View NFPA 70, National Electrical Code Handbook on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the latest NEC.
Review the sections related to motor control circuits and wiring.
Understand the requirements for overcurrent protection, grounding, and conductor sizing.

Read 'Electrical Motor Controls' by Gary Rockis and Glen Mazur

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Gain a deeper understanding of motor control principles and applications by studying a comprehensive textbook on the subject.

View Electrical Motor Controls for Integrated Systems on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Electrical Motor Controls'.
Read the chapters relevant to the course syllabus.
Work through the example problems and exercises.

Four other activities

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Simulate Motor Control Circuits

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Practice designing and simulating motor control circuits using software to reinforce your understanding of circuit operation and troubleshooting.

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Download and install a circuit simulation software (e.g., Multisim, LTspice).
Recreate the motor control circuits discussed in the course.
Simulate circuit operation and analyze the results.
Experiment with different circuit modifications and observe the effects.

Create a Motor Control Circuit Diagram

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Solidify your understanding of motor control circuits by creating a detailed circuit diagram for a specific application.

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Choose a motor control application (e.g., forward/reverse control, start/stop control).
Research the required components and wiring connections.
Draw a detailed circuit diagram using CAD software or by hand.
Label all components and connections clearly.

Build a Simple Motor Control Circuit

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Apply your knowledge by building a physical motor control circuit, allowing you to gain hands-on experience with wiring and troubleshooting.

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Gather the necessary components (motor, contactor, overload relay, pushbuttons, etc.).
Wire the circuit according to a schematic diagram.
Test the circuit and troubleshoot any issues.
Document the project with photos and a description of the circuit's operation.

Follow Online Tutorials on PLC Programming

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Expand your knowledge of industrial automation by learning the basics of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and their application in motor control systems.

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Search for online tutorials on PLC programming for motor control.
Follow the tutorials to learn the basics of PLC ladder logic.
Simulate a simple motor control circuit using a PLC simulator.
Explore advanced PLC programming concepts such as timers, counters, and sequencers.

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of Electrical Controls will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Industrial Electrician

Working as an Industrial Electrician means installing and maintaining electrical systems in industrial settings. The Fundamentals of Electrical Controls course provides a comprehensive introduction to electrical controls with an emphasis on motor controls. The course covers essential topics such as electrical circuits, voltages, control circuits, and electrical components. The practical approach, including wiring, commissioning, and modifying installations, is directly relevant to the tasks of an Industrial Electrician. Also, you will have a good understanding of fault finding and preventative maintenance. This course teaches how to break down circuits and understand them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Electrician

Field Service Technician

A Field Service Technician travels to customer locations to install, maintain, and repair equipment. This course in Fundamentals of Electrical Controls will provide you with a strong foundation in electrical controls, making you proficient in troubleshooting and repairing electrical issues in the field. You will learn about electrical circuits, control systems, and essential components. The course's practical approach, including wiring, commissioning, and fault finding, will prepare you for real-world challenges. What you learn in this course will translate to what you'll see in the real world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Field Service Technician

Control Systems Technician

A career as a Control Systems Technician involves installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting control systems, which are essential in many industries. This course in Fundamentals of Electrical Controls provides a detailed overview of control circuits, electrical components, and motor control installations. You will learn about control voltages, wiring techniques, and how to commission and modify installations. The course's emphasis on practical examples, fault finding, and preventative maintenance is highly relevant to the responsibilities of a Control Systems Technician. The course will be relevant to you because it shows wiring techniques used by Controls Electricians in the real world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Control Systems Technician

Electrical Maintenance Technician

Electrical Maintenance Technicians are responsible for maintaining and repairing electrical equipment and systems. This course in Fundamentals of Electrical Controls provides a solid understanding of electrical circuits, control systems, and motor controls. The course covers essential topics such as electrical components, wiring techniques, and fault finding. The course's practical approach, including modifying installations and preventative maintenance, helps you excel as an Electrical Maintenance Technician. This course will be relevant to you because it shows wiring techniques used by Controls Electricians in the real world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Maintenance Technician

Electrical Technician

As an Electrical Technician, you will install and maintain electrical systems and equipment. This course in Fundamentals of Electrical Controls helps build a strong foundation in understanding control circuits, electrical components like contactors and overloads, and real-world motor control installations. The course's practical approach, including wiring, commissioning, and modifying installations, is directly applicable to the tasks Electrical Technicians perform daily. Furthermore, the focus on fault finding and preventative maintenance techniques is invaluable for troubleshooting and ensuring the longevity of electrical systems. This course is particularly helpful because it teaches how to understand and break down circuits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Technician

Manufacturing Technician

Manufacturing Technicians work in manufacturing facilities, maintaining equipment and ensuring smooth operations. The Fundamentals of Electrical Controls course provides valuable knowledge about electrical circuits, control systems, and motor controls. The course will enable you to understand electrical components, wiring techniques, and fault finding, aiding in troubleshooting and maintaining manufacturing equipment. This course is particularly helpful because it teaches how to understand and break down circuits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Manufacturing Technician

Mechatronics Technician

Mechatronics Technicians work with integrated systems that combine mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. The Fundamentals of Electrical Controls course provides a strong foundation in the electrical aspects of mechatronics, particularly in control systems and motor control. The course covers essential topics such as electrical circuits, components, and wiring techniques. The course's emphasis on practical examples, fault finding, and preventative maintenance is highly relevant to the responsibilities of a Mechatronics Technician. Electrical concepts are important in being a Mechatronics Technician.

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Automation Technician

An Automation Technician works with automated systems, ensuring they run efficiently and effectively. The Fundamentals of Electrical Controls course helps you understand the electrical aspects of automation, including control circuits, components, and motor control. Learning about wiring, commissioning, and modifying installations is directly applicable to the tasks of an Automation Technician. Additionally, the course's focus on fault finding and preventative maintenance helps you troubleshoot and maintain automated systems. This course may be useful because it teaches you about the different types of voltages in the real world.

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Robotics Technician

Robotics Technicians build, program, and maintain robots used in various industries. The Fundamentals of Electrical Controls course can be beneficial in understanding the electrical components and circuits within robots. The course covers essential concepts such as electrical circuits, control voltages, and motor controls. The practical approach, including wiring and commissioning, will offer a deeper understanding of the electrical systems in robotics. The course will be relevant to you because it shows wiring techniques used by Controls Electricians in the real world.

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HVAC Technician

HVAC Technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Many HVAC systems rely on electrical controls, making this course in Fundamentals of Electrical Controls valuable. It provides a solid understanding of electrical circuits, control circuits, and electrical components. The course's practical approach, including wiring and fault finding, is directly applicable to diagnosing and repairing electrical issues in HVAC systems. Electrical concepts are also important in being an HVAC Technician. This course will be relevant to you because it teaches you about the different types of voltages in the real world.

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Instrumentation Technician

As an Instrumentation Technician, you install, maintain, and calibrate instruments used to measure and control industrial processes. While this role focuses on instrumentation, understanding electrical controls is crucial. The Fundamentals of Electrical Controls course provides an introduction to electrical circuits, control voltages, and electrical components. You will find the practical examples in wiring and the course's focus on fault finding very helpful in your work as an Instrumentation Technician. This course may be useful because it teaches you about the different types of voltages in the real world.

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Controls Engineer

Controls Engineers design and implement control systems for various applications. An advanced degree is typically required. The Fundamentals of Electrical Controls course helps you understand the practical aspects of control systems, including control circuits, electrical components, and motor control. The course's emphasis on wiring techniques and fault finding complements theoretical knowledge, making you a more effective Controls Engineer. The course will be relevant to you because it shows wiring techniques used by Controls Electricians in the real world.

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Renewable Energy Technician

Renewable Energy Technicians install, maintain, and repair renewable energy systems such as solar and wind power. This course in Fundamentals of Electrical Controls can be useful in understanding the electrical aspects of these systems. The course provides an introduction to electrical circuits, control circuits, and electrical components. The practical knowledge gained from wiring and fault-finding exercises may be applicable to maintaining renewable energy installations. The course helps you to understand the different types of voltages in the real world.

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Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design, develop, and test electrical equipment and systems. An advanced degree is typically required. While this course focuses on the fundamentals, it helps build a practical understanding of electrical controls, which is valuable for Electrical Engineers. The Fundamentals of Electrical Controls course provides a detailed overview of control circuits, electrical components, and motor control installations. This may be useful for you because it teaches how to understand and break down circuits.

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Power Systems Operator

Power Systems Operators monitor and control the flow of electricity through transmission and distribution networks. Understanding the fundamentals of electrical controls is important for this role. The Fundamentals of Electrical Controls course provides insights into electrical circuits, voltages, and control systems. The knowledge of electrical components and wiring will be useful. This course teaches how to break down electrical issues and understand them.

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Fundamentals of Electrical Controls

What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Practical electrical controls fundamentals

Activities

Career center

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