Applicants to the Construction Electrician Program should have a solid background in basic mathematics. Applicants should also have good reading comprehension skills in the English language. Applicants must meet minimum levels in math and reading comprehension skills before entering any courses in the program. Each applicant will take the CPT test prior to admission to the program to determine levels of math and reading comprehension skills. Applicants must have acceptable scores in both the math and reading comprehension portions of the CPT test or have completed the required developmental courses satisfactorily BEFORE entering the Construction Electrician Program. Students that attend a minimum of 95 percent of each required program course receive work credit for licensure from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry and the Iowa electrical exam board. This gains the student a full year of credit towards their electrical license. Riverland is the only school in Minnesota to be recognized by both states.
Tool kit – different options available, price varies per supplier.
Reading: An Accuplacer score of 52 is recommended.
Students admitted into Riverland Community College program may need to complete additional courses based on assessment results and course prerequisite requirements. Certain MATH and ENGL courses have additional prerequisites.
Course # | Course Name | Credits | ||
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ELEC1702
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Theory I
This course covers the basic concepts of electricity including direct current. The basic study of atomic structure, current and voltage, power conductors, electromagnetic and insulators, and resistance, applications of test meters, circuit theorems, magnetic, and terminology are also covered. Co-requisite: MATH 1020. (4 Credits - 3 lecture, 1 lab) |
4
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ELEC1703
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Electrical Lab
This course covers the basic concepts of electricity, direct current circuits, and alternating current circuits. The basic study of atomic structure, current and voltage, power conductors, electromagnetic and insulators, and resistance, Ohm’s Law, Electromagnetic Field (EMF) source, series and parallel circuit construction and analysis, applications of test meters, circuit theorems, magnetic, and terminology are also included. (2 Cr - 0 lect, 2 lab) |
2
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ELEC1705
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Electricial Theory II
This course is an introduction to alternating current (AC) theory including proper use of electrical formulas for algebra and trigonometry that are frequently used in the electrical industry. These include such formulas as voltage drop, power factor, efficiency, and transformer rations. Proper use of meters and oscilloscopes will also be covered. This course is recognized as an Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) ISPQ Accredited Training Program for curriculum covering the Job Task Analyses for Small Wind Installer (NABCEP). Prerequisite: ELEC 1702. (4 Credits - 2 lecture, 2 lab) |
4
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ELEC1707
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Electrical Safety
This course introduces safety and laboratory practices that are common to the electrical trade. Accident prevention and discussion of unsafe acts in the electrical occupational field are covered along with proper personal protective equipment (PPE) that is required. Since safety is a paramount importance, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules are includes as they pertain to the electrical industry. (1 Cr - 1 lect, 0 lab) |
1
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ELEC1713
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Construction Blueprint Reading
This course covers the plans, symbols, and specifications for construction and design of residential and commercial buildings. Residential and commercial service calculations are included. National Electrical Code (NEC) is included in all discussions. (2 Cr – 0 lect, 2 lab) |
2
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ELEC1714
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Conduit
This course covers conduit applications (basic to advanced), types of conduit systems and the bending and threading of each type of raceway. Benfield methods and National Electrical Code rules are used in all projects. Knowledge of the proper ways to install conductors and how to properly make the numerous types of bends skillfully help advance a person’s career in the electrical trades. (3 Cr – 1 lect, 2 lab) |
3
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ELEC1715
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Residential Wiring I
This course covers applications of blueprint reading skills, the National Electrical Code (NEC) and residential wiring procedures applicable to single family dwellings. It will also include an introduction to wiring procedures applicable to multi-family dwellings. This course will include single family services and special circuits. Concurrent enrollment in ELEC 1702 is required. (5 Credits – 2 lecture, 3 lab) |
5
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ELEC1723
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Residential Wiring II
This course covers residential wiring and the National Electric Code (NEC). Included are the special wiring and services used today in single and multi-family dwellings. An understanding of low voltage, communications, special appliances, heating and cooling, and the calculations that are taught in this course are needed in the electrical trades. (5 Cr – 3 lect, 2 lab) |
5
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ELEC1728
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National Electrical Code I
This course is an introduction to the National Electrical Code (NEC), as well as Minnesota State Board of Electricity laws and how to use them. Knowledge of the NEC and laws and rules for electricians is the foundation of a career in the electrical industry as all electrical installations must comply with both. The most current versions are used. (4 Cr – 2 lect, 2 lab) |
4
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ELEC1746
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Power Electronics
This course introduces the basic theory and operation of solid state semi-conductor devices that are used in industrial electrical/electronic circuits. Electrical test meters and oscilloscopes are used in this class to enhance understanding of the basic electrical and electronic projects. This course is recognized as an Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) ISPQ Accredited Training Program for curriculum covering the Job Task Analyses for Small Wind Installer (NABCEP). (3 Credits – 2 lecture, 1 lab) |
3
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ELEC2701
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Electric Motors I
This course covers the various construction characteristics and uses of alternating current (AC) single-phase and three-phase motors. Also covered in this course is recognition, installation, and troubleshooting of all common AC motors for National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements and calculations. Prerequisites: ELEC 1705 (3 Cr - 2 lect, 1 lab) |
3
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ELEC2702
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Structured Wiring
This course covers communications and other low-voltage inside wiring techniques and principles. Also covered are different types of cable and wire associated with these systems along with National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements. This course is recognized as an Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) ISPQ Accredited Training Program for curriculum covering the Job Task Analyses for Small Wind Installer (NABCEP). (2 Cr - 0 lect, 2 lab) |
2
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ELEC2703
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Electric Motor Controls I
This course introduces the basic construction and operation of motor control equipment, including different types of electrical diagrams, protective devices, application and connection of controls for single-phase and three-phase alternating current (AC) motors. Prerequisite: ELEC 1746. Co-requisite: ELEC 2745 and ELEC 2701. (3 Credits – 1 lecture, 2 lab) |
3
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ELEC2706
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Motor Controls II
This course covers additional applications and operation of specialized control equipment for single-phase and three-phase motors such as reduced voltage starters, frequency drives, and braking devices.
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4
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ELEC2710
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House Wiring Project I (Rough-in)
This course covers the rough-in wiring of an actual house. Topics and activities include layout, National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements, installation of boxes, boring holes, installation of wires and low voltage cabling, main and temporary service installation. Prerequisites: ELEC 1707, ELEC 1715, and ELEC 1723. (.5 Cr - 0 lect, .5 lab) |
.5
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ELEC2711
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House Wiring Project II (Finish)
This course covers the finish wiring of the house. Topics and activities include installation of wiring devices and light fixtures, terminating circuits in the panelboard, and energizing all circuits, as well as troubleshooting if necessary. Prerequisite: ELEC 2710. (.5 Cr - 0 lect, .5 lab) |
.5
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ELEC2717
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Transformers
This course covers the operation and installation of single and three-phase distribution and instrument transformers. The construction, markings and theory of induction will be covered. Multi voltage single phase transformer and all the three phase connections will also being covered in depth as will current and potential transformers. Prerequisites: ELEC 1702 and ELEC 1705.(2 Cr - 0 lect, 2 lab) |
2
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ELEC2721
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Industrial Wiring
This course covers transformer and motor selection, metering, busways, fusing, grounding systems, power factor correction, distribution and special systems used for industrial wiring. The subject matter is covered in specific courses other than industrial wiring. Prerequisites: ELEC 1714, ELEC 2701, ELEC 2703, and ELEC 2717. (2 Cr - 1 lect, 1 lab) |
2
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ELEC2723
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Electric Motors II
This course covers the types, construction, operation, installation, and maintenance of direct current (DC) motors and generators. These motors and generators are studied and connected, and the operating characteristics are observed and compared. Prerequisite: ELEC 2701 and ELEC 2703. Co-requisite: ELEC 2706. (2 Credits – 0 lecture, 2 lab) |
2
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ELEC2745
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Programmable Logic Controllers I
This course covers the basic theory, operation, installation and practical application of programmable logic controllers (PLC). Ladder logic, symbols, creating and downloading of programs are also covered. Prerequisite: BUSO 1620. Co-requisite: ELEC 2703. (3 Cr – 1 lect, 2 lab) |
3
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ELEC2750
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Programmable Logic Controllers II
This course provides the student additional applications of programmable logic controllers (PLC) with emphasis on advanced programming techniques and intelligent input/output modules. The operation of PLC internal timers and timers will be covered in depth. Data manipulation, sequencers and internal math functions will also be covered. Labeling, documentation and maintenance are also part of the curriculum. Prerequisite: ELEC 2703, ELEC 2745. Co-requisite: ELEC 2706. (3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab) |
3
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ELEC2780
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Commercial Wiring I
This course introduces the student to the materials and design aspects of commercial wiring and re-enforces residential wiring skills by wiring a new house. Topics included are installation of transformers, raceways, services, non-metallic cable, boxes, wiring devices, fixtures, residential code requirements and design requirements for conduit layouts, circuit protection, and display lighting. Prerequisites: ELEC 1705, ELEC 1707, ELEC 1714, ELEC 1715, and ELEC 1723. (3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab) |
3
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ELEC2785
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Commercial Wiring II
This course covers additional materials and design aspects of commercial wiring. Load schedules, fusing, special outlets, lighting, lamp installation and selection are also covered. Prerequisites: ELEC 2780 (3Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab) |
3
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ELEC2790
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National Electrical Code II
This course introduces the National Electrical Code (NEC) that pertains to all types of raceways, boxes, motors, motor control, air-conditioning equipment, transformers, and generators. Also covered are areas of special occupancies, special equipment, special conditions, communication systems, tables in Chapter Nine and the annex to the NEC. Prerequisite: ELEC 1728 (3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab) |
3
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GSCL1270
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Employment Search Skills
This course introduces students to a process of developing self-awareness when considering career opportunities and identifying career-related goals. Students conduct a job search, prepare a job application, resume, cover letter, a follow-up correspondence. The course includes preparation for job interviews. |
1
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GSCM1510
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Workplace Human Relations
This course examines interpersonal relationship skills in the work environment. Students evaluate individual strengths and weaknesses and assess and learn transferable skills. This course emphasizes employment-enhancing skills that include understanding and improving relationships and communication with co-workers, supervisors, subordinates, and customers. This survey course introduces concepts and methods for improvement of interpersonal relations. (2 Cr – 2 lect, 0 lab) |
2
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MATH1020
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Technical Math
This course covers basic mathematics and elements of algebra that will prepare students for success in their specific technical areas. Students will develop their problem-solving skills and master mathematical concepts. Students will receive a grade for this course. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement in course based on Multiple Measures for Course Placement – Math Decision Band Chart. (2 Cr – 2 lect, 0 lab) |
2
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