2024 Electricity Systems Activity

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Associate Superintendent Contact Information

• Nathan Clark Senior Instructor-Agricultural Education

• Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO

• Telephone (970) 491-3930

• Email: Nathan.Clark@colostate.edu

Purpose

The purpose of the Electrical Skill Activity is to provide students the opportunity to demonstrate critical thinking, problem solving, analytical and hands-on skills related to agricultural technology and mechanical systems and the practical application of those skills to meet the need of a dynamic agricultural workplace.

Possible activities for the 2023 event

• Connect a dual voltage electric motor to power source for a given agricultural application.

• Install electrical circuits, switching devices, current protection, contact relays, sensors, etc.  for proper electric motor installation.

• Connect electric motor controls for given motor use in a given agricultural application.

UPDATE as of 9/23/2024

• Use of National Electric Code

  • We will use the 2020 version of the National Electric Code for this year’s event.  If you would like free access to a free version online version of the code, you can go to:

  • https://link.nfpa.org/free-access/publications/70/2020 (you may have to create a free account to access the code)

• Use of Agricultural Wiring Handbook

  • We will be using the 18th edition (2024) version of the Ag Wiring Handbook.   You can download a free pdf copy of this book at this link:

  • https://link.nfpa.org/free-access/publications/70/2020

  • https://mrec.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/302/2024/08/Ag-Wiring-Handbook_Updated-2024.pdf 

Note: Each of the possible activities could involve: Determining the correct size conductors, devices and overcurrent protection for specific circuit applications based on: ampacity, Ohm’s law, wire length and size, specific applications such as in air, in conduit, underground and preparing conductors and connecting devices.

Event Related Competencies

• Use appropriate standards for agricultural applications, including the National Electrical Code (NEC), Electrical Testing Laboratory (ETL), Factory Mutual, Underwriters Laboratory (UL), Canadian Standard Association (CSA) and/or OSHA standards.

• Determine volt, amp and ohm relationships (Ohm’s and other application laws).

• Interpret electric motor nameplate data.

• Identify electric motors and motor parts.

• Identify methods of providing electric motor protection.

• Identify and describe basic principles of controls including thermostats; humidistat; photoelectric; magnetic relays; programmable controllers; proximity switches and sensors; ultrasonics; timers and other time-delay equipment and pressure, motion, limit, float and sail switches.

• Select appropriate wire sizes and protection devices for specific loads and lengths of circuits.

• Read schematics and sketch wiring circuits.

• Install service entrance for single phase 120/240V service or three-phase power.

• Connect and operate electrical motors to power source.

• Change the direction of electric motor rotation

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Content Standards

• AS.05.01.02.c. Select, use and evaluate equipment, technology and handling procedures to enhance sustainability and production efficiency.

• CS.03.04.01.b. Analyze and summarize protective equipment requirements on various AFNR tools and equipment.

• CS.03.04.01.c. Design plans to ensure the use of appropriate protective equipment when using various AFNR tools and equipment.

• CS.06.04.02.c. Evaluate and select appropriate tools and equipment to complete AFNR tasks.

• CRP.02.01.01.b. Assess workplace problems and identify the most appropriate academic knowledge and skills to apply.

• PS.03.05.04.b. Analyze the proper conditions required to maintain the quality of plants and plant products held in storage and during shipping.

• PST.01.02.03.b. Select, maintain and demonstrate the proper use of tools, machines and equipment used in different AFNR-related mechanical systems.

• PST.03.02.01.c. Analyze and design electrical circuits for AFNR power, structural and technical systems using knowledge of the basic units of electricity.

• PST.03.02.02.b. Analyze and interpret electrical system symbols and diagrams.

• PST.03.02.03.b. Distinguish and select materials and tools used in electrical control circuit installation.

• PST.04.04.01.c. Install and/or repair fixtures following appropriate codes and standards.

• PST.04.04.02.c. Plan and wire electrical circuits (i.e., single pole switch, three-way switch, duplex outlet, etc.).

Suggested Resources

• NFPA 70, 2023 National Electric Code, National Fire Protection Association

•  Agricultural Wiring Handbook (17th ed. or later).

• Electrical Wiring (7th ed. or later) by Ralph Duncan & James E. Wren. Available from AAVIM

• Electrical Controls (2nd ed.) by James M. Allison. Available from AAVIM

Please review the general references for the CDE. - CDE rules

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