Students will be expected to learn by using real blueprints in the fabrication of conduit for electrical projects. Early electrician college courses will teach the fundamentals of blueprints and how to read them as an introduction to conduit and the different purposes for it. As one progresses through the coursework, advanced classes in these topics will focus on grounding and bonding requirements for various electrical uses as well as for many other real-world electrical jobs.
Practical applications of mathematics is a focus throughout electrician college courses. Beginning math courses for electricians focus on how math is used, practicing fractions, algebraic functions, trigonometry, as well as conversions from metric to standard. Advanced mathematics courses in electrician colleges usually focus on advanced trigonometry and geometry principles, learning to calculate angles, the Pythagorean Theorem and vectors.
Physics courses will be taught throughout one's education at an electrician college. Early physics courses focus on an introduction to physics in the electrician's work, learning about the physics of work, power, voltage and other measurement fundamentals.
Later physics courses will teach about parallel circuits and series, advanced principles of power, electronic theories that apply to the field, and various commercial electrical systems. Some topics covered during these courses include transistors, electrical conductors, diodes and integrated circuits.
Students will be introduced to the National Electrical Code (NEC) and its uses in the field. Principles on the practical application of it to various jobs will be reviewed. Topics that will be covered in NEC courses include circuit protection, load calculations, wiring devices and wiring designs.
Electrician college courses focus on safety during the application of principles to the job. Students will be expected to complete several classes that are devoted solely to safety principles. For example, test instruments and safety measurements practices will be learned, Occupational Safety and Health Administration rules and regulations will be taught in depth, as will construction safety, including topics on fall protection, personal protective equipment and the proper use and safety of ladders.