Electricity & Residential Wiring
Program Summary (View Course Schedules | Register for Classes)
Electricity is essential for light, power, air-conditioning, and refrigeration. Electricians install, connect, test, and maintain electrical systems for a variety of purposes, including climate control, security, and communications. They also may install and maintain the electronic controls for machines in business and industry. Although most electricians specialize in construction or maintenance, a growing number do both.
Electricians work with blueprints when they install electrical systems in factories, office buildings, homes, and other structures. Blueprints indicate the locations of circuits, outlets, load centers, panel boards, and other equipment. Electricians must follow the National Electric Code and comply with State and local building codes when they install these systems. In factories and offices, they first place conduit (pipe or tubing) inside designated partitions, walls, or other concealed areas. They also fasten to the walls small metal or plastic boxes that will house electrical switches and outlets. They then pull insulated wires or cables through the conduit to complete circuits between these boxes. In lighter construction, such as residential, plastic-covered wire usually is used instead of conduit.
Employment Trends
- Job opportunities are expected to be good.
- Most electricians acquire their skills by completing an apprenticeship program lasting 4 years.
- About 79 percent of electricians work in the construction industry or are self-employed, but there also will be opportunities for electricians in other industries.
Program Objectives
- Successful completion of each course earns a Certificate of Completion.
- Coursework leading to state licensure as an Electrician.
- Coursework leading to award of a Continuing Education Certificate.
- Continuing education needed to maintain state licensure.
Program Curriculum(View Course Schedules | Register for Classes)
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Crs #
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Program - Electricity: Residential Wiring
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Hrs
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|
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Core Courses
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|
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OCU 410
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Core Introductory Craft Skills
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72.5
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ELC 301
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Electrical Level 1
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27
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ELC 308
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Electricity: Residential Wiring 1: Part 1
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27
|
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ELC 311
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Electricity: Residential Wiring 1, Part 2
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27
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ELC 322
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Electricity: Residential Wiring, Part 3
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30
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|
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Program total
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183.5
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|
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Program – Construction Electricity
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ELC 312
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Electrical Level 2
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58
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ELC 323
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Construction Electricity Level 2, Part 1
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46
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ELC 324
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Construction Electricity Level 2, Part 2
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37.5
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|
|
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141.5
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|
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Program – Advanced Electricity Hrs
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ELC 321
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Basic Electronics and Motor Controls Journeyman and Masters License Preparation
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52
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CST376
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National Electrical Code: Journeyman Prep
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42
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ELC330
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Master's Electrical Exam Preparation Continuing Education for License Renewal
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60
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CST 431
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NEC Update 2011
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10
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Can I get a job after I complete the Residential Wiring and Construction Electricity Certificate Program?
There are ample opportunities available for individuals training in the electrical field. All enrolled students can access the college’s career center for assistance with resume development, interviewing skills and opportunities in the technical trades’ field. Another great resource is your course instructor. The college’s instructors have numerous years of experience in the electrical field and will provide practical knowledge of where your skills can be used. The training offered through the college prepares individuals to work under the guidance of a Journeyman or Master Electrician.
- Where can I get additional electrical training?
Prince George’s Community College has a new partnership with Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). If you successfully complete the NCCER Level 2 Construction Electricity program, you may be able to take Levels 3 and 4 in combined Prince George’s Community College - ABC courses at the ABC training facility in Hyattsville.
- Can I take all the courses at the same time?
No, each course requires successfully completion the prerequisite course; however you may take OCU 410, Core Introductory Craft Skills concurrently with ELC 301, Electrical Level 1. You may take Basic Electronics and Motor Controls if you have previous electrical experience or knowledge.
- I’ve been working in the field for five years. Do I need to start with Electrical Level 1?
Not necessarily, you may be interested in studying for the Journeyman License. Every semester we offer a course to prepare experienced electricians for the exam. Check the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation’s website for up-to-date criteria needed to take the exam. The website is www.dllr.state.md.us.
- I need 10 hours/credit Continuing Education course to renew my Master Electrician License. What does PGCC offer?
The college offers two courses which meets the requirement for Master Electrician License renewal in Prince George’s county. These are courses are Elements of Grounding and National Electrical Code Update. The courses are offered in a Friday evening Saturday all day format. Friday meets from 6-9:30pm and Saturday meets from 9am-4:30pm.
The college offers the NEC Update 2011 course which meets the requirement for Master Electrician License renewal in Prince George’s county and the State of Virginia. The courses are offered in a Friday evening Saturday all day format. Friday meets from 5:30—9:00pm and Saturday meets from 9am-5:30pm.