The eLearning Center for Gatlin Education Services

Overview

This course introduces single phase, electrical power definitions and calculations. Energy and power considerations are at the heart of determining electrical operating costs. A basic knowledge of the relationships between the power source and typical electrical loads enables the engineer to determine the energy required by a load and the rate (power) at which it is delivered. An introduction to the units, components and basics of ac circuits is presented on the way to realizing the energy calculation objective.

The material is mainly intended for the non electrical engineer who requires a basic understanding of single phase electrical power systems. Electrical engineers who have worked a considerable time in other areas will also find the course useful.

The course material is presented in an intuitive and illustrative manner with the equations presented without derivation. The material assumes skill in basic trigonometry and vector addition and conversion between Cartesian and Polar representations.

The student must take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of twenty (20) questions at the end of this course to obtain PDH credits.

Specific Knowledge or Skill Attained

This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills:

  · Definitions of electrical energy and power
  · Relationship of DC and AC electrical power sources
  · Description of the three types of loads typically found in an electrical power system
  · Consideration of a practical or combined load
  · Power calculations for various loads
  · Calculation of Power Factor for various loads
  · Factors affecting electrical energy costs

State Board Acceptance

This course can be used by professional engineers to fulfill PDH requirements mandated by state and provincial licensing boards. Decatur Professional Development is an approved provider of continuing education in all states that pre-approve course providers. In all other states that mandate continuing education for engineers, it is the individual engineer's responsibility to determine the suitability of activities for PDH credit. The state boards typically accept online* courses that cover technical, managerial** or ethical content and which are relevant to the practice of engineering. The course must have a clear purpose or objective with a content that will maintain, improve or expand the skills and knowledge of the licensee's field of practice. For questions about your mandatory PDH requirements, visit the website of your state licensing board.

*Online courses are accepted by all state licensing boards that mandate continuing education. Other than New York (which limits online courses to 18 PDH) and Iowa (which limits online courses to 6 PDH), there are no limits placed by other states on the number of hours that can be earned through online continuing education. Consult with your state licensing board if you have any questions about the acceptability of online courses.

**The New York State Board of Engineers does not accept general office management courses, but will accept project management courses that are offered by an approved provider and that are technical in nature and contribute to the engineer's professional practice.