All CHP-5 Subject Domains:       HVAC Fundamentals          Electrical and Controls         Comfort and Airflow          Installation          Service

NATE Exam Prep - Electrical and Controls

Each course below is a collection of modules,  which are listed as bullet points in the box to the right of each course.

You may enroll in any course and then access any module of interest that is listed in the bullet points. 

This is set up to allow you to study what you need at the course or module level. 

Electrical DC Theory Plus

111 HVACR Electrical DC Theory Plus   (18 hours / Foundation) 
Written by Chris Compton

An introduction to basic electrical theory such as the electron, Ohms Law, circuit schematic symbols, circuit characteristics and measurements as applied to DC & AC circuits in the HVACR industry. Instruction aligns with ACCA Quality Installation & Maintenance Standards. Also the ESCO Electrical Theory and Application e-book is included in the course. This online course is NATE recognized for 18 hours of continuing education (CEHs) applicable to NATE re-certification. Students also receive access to the ESCO Electrical Theory and Application e-book as an additional learning resource.

6 Modules:
  • Electrical Safety Fundamentals
  • What is Energy
  • Atomic Theory
  • Basic Circuits
  • Parallel Circuits
  • Power

(3 hours each)

Electrical AC Theory Plus

112 HVACR Electrical AC Theory Plus   (18 hours / Intermediate) 
Written by Chris Compton

A continuation of the Electrical 111 course, concepts presented focus on alternating current production and application to devices utilized in HVACR systems. Topics include magnetism, alternating current, two types of loads, capacitors, and values of load devices and their calculations, and transformers. Also the ESCO Electrical Theory and Application e-book is included in the course. This course is recognized for 18 hours of continuing education (CEHs) applicable to NATE re-certification. Students also receive access to the ESCO Electrical Theory and Application e-book as an additional learning resource.

6 Modules:
  • Magnetism
  • Alternating current
  • Loads, Resistive and Inductive
  • Capacitors
  • Resistance
  • Transformers

(3 hours each)

Electrical Common Components

hvac electrical training

113 HVACR Electrical Common Components (18 hours / Advanced)
Written by Chris Compton

A logical continuation of 112 Electrical, this course covers common control components found in HVACR systems. Presentations and examples are given for specific devices and their electrical sequence of operation in normal HVACR applications. The final modules discuss wiring and schematic reading.  Recommended Prerequisites: You will want to have completed 111 HVACR Electrical DC Theory Plus, and 112 HVACR Electrical AC Theory Plus, or have a working knowledge of the content of those courses prior to enrollment into this advanced course. 

6 Modules:
  • Control Methods, Temperature & Pressure
  • Residential Heat / Cool Thermostats @ Low Voltage
  • Really Good Relay Stuff
  • Contactors go / Starters go with protection
  • Power wiring
  • Odds and ends around a schematic

(3 hours each)

Electrical Motors

114 HVACR Electrical Motors (21 hours / Advanced)
Written by Bob Recko and Bruce Aitken

This course is dedicated to common single-phase and small three-phase electric motors. Presentations focus on basic motor theory, common types of motors, starting components and protection devices. You will also develop diagnostic skills for motor troubleshooting and replacement. Instruction aligns with ACCA Quality Installation & Maintenance Standards. Students also receive access to the ESCO Electrical Theory and Application e-book as an additional learning resource

7 Modules:
  • Basic Electric Motor Theory
  • Open and Hermetic Motors
  • Capacitor Motors
  • Three-phase Motors
  • The Application of Electric Motors
  • Diagnosing and Replacing Electric Motors
  • ECM Motors

(3 hours each)

Energy Terminology and Units of Measurement

Energy Terminology and Units of Measurement  (1 hour)

  • Learn about the building blocks of matter and understand the relationship between atomic structure and electricity
  • Learn about the various units of electrical measurements and their proper usage
  • The relationships between the values of voltage, current, resistance and how they can be calculated mathematically

Series Circuits, Parallel Circuits and Power

Series Circuits, Parallel Circuits and Power  (1 hour)

  • The workings of a series circuit explained in detail
  • The workings of a parallel circuit explained in detail
  • The concept of power and its calculation for series and parallel circuits

Fundamentals of Alternating Current

Fundamentals of Alternating Current  (1 hour)

  • Explain alternating current
  • Describe sine waves
  • Explain electrical frequency
  • Define; Peak-to-peak, RMS, and Average Voltage Values
  • Explain the sine wave relationships in resistive, inductive and capacitive circuits
  • Calculate total current in a capacitive and inductive circuit

Introduction to Transformers

Introduction to Transformers  (1 hour)

  • The construction of transformers, common faults, and how transformers are rated
  • The workings, features, and testing of a residential type transformers
  • Commercial transformers, multi-voltage, ratings, testing and determining current draw

Relays, Contactors and Starters

Relays, Contactors and Starters  (1 hour)

  • Explains the workings of relays
  • Explains how to test pilot-duty relays
  • Line-duty relay function, description of parts, and testing
  • The workings of contactors, description of parts, and how to test
  • Explanation of starters and potential relays and how to test
  • Describes the features and testing procedures for current and time-delay relays

Introduction to Understanding Electrical Schematics

Understanding Electrical Schematics   (1 hour)

  • Describe how wiring diagrams work
  • Identify different types of wiring diagrams used in HVACR
  • List the five basic components to any schematic
  • Identify the electrical symbols used in schematic diagrams and the components that they represent
  • Identify and explain the difference between the “line” side and the “load” side
  • Describe the different switch symbols used in schematic diagrams
  • Identify the various machine functions depicted in a wiring diagram

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