Study each topic below — these are the core knowledge areas tested in Year 1. Build a solid foundation here before advancing to Year 2 material.
📐Transformer Calculations & Operation
- Single-phase transformer equations: V₁/V₂ = N₁/N₂ = I₂/I₁
- Calculating secondary voltage and current; turns ratio and impedance
- Transformer sizing for load; KVA = V × A / 1000
- Three-phase transformer connections; delta-wye step-down configurations
- No-load losses, full-load losses, and efficiency calculations
🦺Arc Flash & Electrical Safety
- Arc flash incident energy calculations; boundary determination per CSA standards
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) ratings; arc rating (cal/cm²) selection
- Working distances; minimum approach distances from energized parts
- Hazard analysis and arc flash labels; NFPA 70E equivalency in Canada
- Safe work method statements for energized work
📐Cable & Conduit Advanced Sizing
- Ampacity derating factors: temperature, conduit fill, altitude, bundling
- Applying multiple derating factors; calculation sequence and final ampacity
- Voltage drop calculations: VD = (2 × L × I × R) / 1000 for DC; single and three-phase AC
- Maximum recommended voltage drop: 3% branch, 5% combined
- Pulling force calculations for conduit fills; tension limits for cable
🔌Advanced Motor Analysis
- Synchronous speed: ns = (120 × f) / P; calculating slip percentage
- Locked rotor current (LRC) and full load current (FLC) from nameplate
- Soft starter and variable frequency drive (VFD) applications and limitations
- Motor control circuit design; interlock logic and sequential operation
- Thermal protection settings; ambient temperature compensation
📖Distribution Systems & Load Analysis
- Demand load calculations per CEC; diversity factors for residential and commercial
- Connected load vs. demand load; peak demand factors
- Service size determination; calculating minimum service amperage
- Load scheduling and building management system integration
- Future growth considerations and spare capacity planning
🦺Special Locations & Hazardous Areas
- Classified locations: Class I (gas/vapor), Class II (dust), Class III (fibers)
- Division 1 vs. Division 2; probability of hazardous atmosphere
- Group classifications; matching equipment certification to group requirements
- Temperature classification; T-codes and safe surface temperatures
- Marking and certification requirements for hazardous area equipment
📖Power Quality & Harmonic Analysis
- Power factor; leading, lagging, and unity power factor correction
- Harmonic distortion; total harmonic distortion (THD) limits per standards
- Non-linear loads; effects on neutral conductor and transformer heating
- Harmonic filtering; passive and active filter applications
- Voltage and current waveform analysis; oscilloscope interpretation
🔍Testing, Commissioning & Troubleshooting
- Insulation resistance testing; Megohm values for different voltage classes
- Continuity testing of grounding and bonding; acceptance criteria
- Phase sequence testing; identifying correct phase rotation
- Load testing and startup procedures; soft start recommendations
- Fault finding using clamp meters, infrared thermography, and logic
📖Commercial & Industrial Systems
- Fire alarm integration; emergency lighting and backup power considerations
- Building automation systems; BACnet and protocol integration
- Data center power distribution; redundancy and N+1 design
- Renewable energy integration; solar, wind, and battery systems
- Energy management; metering and demand response programs
📋Code Updates & Compliance
- Latest CEC amendments and changes from previous editions
- Provincial electrical code variations; territorial requirements
- CSA and UL standards specific to electrical installations
- Accessibility standards; AODA and electrical design considerations
- Energy efficiency codes and minimum performance requirements