Automated Electrical Systems and Devices

Course Description

This laboratory course introduces students to the theory, components, and practical application of automated electrical systems and devices used in building systems, HVAC controls, and light industrial environments. Students explore how electrical devices — including sensors, actuators, motors, and control circuits — are integrated and automated to manage mechanical, fluid, and thermal systems. Emphasis is placed on hands-on wiring, component identification, circuit construction, system troubleshooting, and safe working practices. The course is housed within the Engineering Technologies taxonomy (Mechanics, Fluids, and Heat) and prepares students for technician roles in building automation, energy management, and industrial maintenance.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

• Identify and describe the function of common automated electrical devices, including sensors, actuators, relays, contactors, and motor starters.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, ladder diagrams, and wiring diagrams associated with automated systems.
• Wire, test, and troubleshoot control circuits for automated electrical systems in a laboratory setting.
• Explain the principles of motor control, including single-phase and three-phase motor starting methods and protection devices.
• Demonstrate safe electrical work practices in compliance with applicable codes and standards (e.g., NFPA 70E, NEC guidelines).
• Apply knowledge of control logic — including start/stop circuits, interlocks, and sequencing — to automated system configurations.
• Identify and use common sensing devices (temperature, pressure, flow, humidity, and occupancy sensors) in building and mechanical system automation.
• Describe the role of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and basic control strategies in automated systems.

Optional Outcomes

• Program and configure a basic PLC using ladder logic for a simple automated process.
• Interface variable frequency drives (VFDs) with motor control systems to regulate speed and energy usage.
• Demonstrate the use of Building Automation System (BAS) or Energy Management Control System (EMCS) interfaces.
• Analyze closed-loop control systems, including proportional, integral, and derivative (PID) concepts as applied to building or process controls.
• Evaluate energy efficiency strategies achieved through automation, including demand control, scheduling, and setpoint optimization.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Electrical Safety and Codes — NFPA 70E, lockout/tagout procedures, personal protective equipment, NEC guidelines for control wiring
• Electrical Fundamentals Review — Ohm's Law, AC/DC circuits, voltage, current, resistance, and power in automated systems
• Control Devices and Components — Relays, contactors, motor starters, overloads, disconnect switches, pilot devices (pushbuttons, limit switches, float switches)
• Sensors and Transducers — Temperature sensors (thermistors, RTDs, thermocouples), pressure switches and transducers, humidity sensors, flow sensors, occupancy and photoelectric sensors
• Actuators — Solenoid valves, damper actuators, electric valve actuators, and their integration with control circuits
• Motor Control Circuits — Start/stop logic, full-voltage starting, reversing starters, interlocking, jogging, and sequencing circuits
• Schematic Reading and Wiring Diagrams — Ladder diagrams, line diagrams, wiring diagrams; interpretation and practical wiring of control panels
• Introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) — PLC architecture, input/output modules, basic ladder logic programming, and simple control sequences
• Troubleshooting Automated Electrical Systems — Systematic diagnostic methods using multimeters, clamp meters, and test equipment; fault identification and correction

Optional Topics

• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) — Operating principles, parameter setup, speed control applications for fans, pumps, and compressors
• Building Automation Systems (BAS) — Overview of BAS/EMCS architecture, communication protocols (BACnet, Modbus), and integration with HVAC and lighting systems
• Closed-Loop and PID Control — Proportional-integral-derivative control concepts and their application to automated building and process systems
• Pneumatic and Electro-Pneumatic Controls — Basic pneumatic control principles and their interface with electrical control systems
• Energy Management Strategies — Demand control, scheduling, setpoint reset, and monitoring through automated controls
• Smart Devices and IoT in Automation — Introduction to networked sensors, smart thermostats, and cloud-connected control devices

Resources & Tools

• Laboratory Equipment: PLC trainers (Allen-Bradley / Siemens), motor control panel trainers, multimeters, clamp meters, oscilloscopes, wiring panels
• Software: RSLogix / Studio 5000 (Allen-Bradley), TIA Portal (Siemens), or equivalent PLC programming software; AutoCAD Electrical or equivalent for schematic reading
• Reference Standards: NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code), NFPA 70E (Electrical Safety in the Workplace), ASHRAE standards for building systems
• Recommended Texts: Industrial Motor Control by Stephen Herman; Electrical Motor Controls for Integrated Systems by Gary Rockis & Glen Mazur; manufacturer documentation for PLCs and control devices
• Online Resources: Florida Department of Education SCNS catalog, manufacturer training portals (Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Schneider Electric), O*NET Career Explorer

Career Pathways

Completion of ETM 1602C supports entry into the following careers and further education pathways:

• Building Automation Technician — Install, program, and maintain BAS and EMCS in commercial and institutional facilities
• HVAC Controls Technician — Service and troubleshoot automated controls for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems
• Industrial Maintenance Electrician — Maintain automated electrical systems, motor controls, and PLCs in manufacturing and production facilities
• Energy Management Technician — Monitor and optimize energy use through automated control systems in commercial buildings
• Electro-Mechanical / Mechatronics Technician (SOC 17-3024) — Operate and maintain automated electromechanical equipment across a range of industries
• Further Education: Associate in Science (A.S.) in Engineering Technology, Energy Management Technology, or Electronics Technology; stackable certificates in PLC Programming or Building Automation

Special Information

Certification Preparation

• OSHA 10 — General Industry: Safety content aligns with OSHA 10-hour General Industry training requirements, including electrical hazard awareness and lockout/tagout.
• NFPA 70E Electrical Safety Awareness: Course content supports foundational knowledge for electrical safety certifications relevant to control technicians.
• Certified Automation Professional (CAP) — ISA: Topics in sensors, actuators, PLCs, and control systems provide foundational preparation for the International Society of Automation (ISA) CAP credential pathway.
• Building Automation System Technician (BAST) — NEBB / AABC: Optional BAS and energy management topics support preparation for industry-recognized building automation credentials.

This is a laboratory ("C" suffix) course; students are expected to complete both lecture and hands-on lab components each week. Appropriate closed-toe shoes, safety glasses, and adherence to lab safety protocols are required at all times in the lab environment.