Maintenance Toolbox: Electrical Clinic

Electrical Maintenance Basics

Class Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

This half-day course provides a foundational understanding of electrical systems commonly encountered in multifamily maintenance. The session focuses on essential safety practices, troubleshooting techniques, and practical skills to improve confidence and capability in handling basic electrical tasks.

Class Topics Include:

• Ohm’s Law: Understanding the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance, and how it applies to real-world troubleshooting.

• Basic Electricity: Introduction to electrical flow, circuits, and key terms like volts, amps, and watts.

• Wire Sizes: Overview of common wire gauges, proper use, and safety implications when selecting wiring for repairs or replacement.

• Arc Flash Awareness: Explanation of arc flash hazards, proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), and how to minimize risks when working on energized equipment.

• Breaker Boxes: Identifying components of a breaker box, understanding how to reset breakers, label circuits, and diagnose common issues.

• Multimeter Use: Hands-on instruction on how to safely use a multimeter to check voltage, continuity, and resistance.

• Switches & 3-Way Switches: Wiring basics for single-pole and three-way switches, how to diagnose and fix common problems.

• Lighting Systems: Common lighting issues, troubleshooting ballasts, LED conversions, and fixture replacements.

• Troubleshooting Techniques: Practical steps to diagnose and resolve common electrical problems in apartment units and common areas.

• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO): Safety procedures for shutting down and securing electrical systems before maintenance work begins, ensuring OSHA compliance.

By the end of the class, attendees will have gained fundamental knowledge to safely approach electrical repairs, recognize when to call a licensed electrician, and understand their role in maintaining electrical safety within their community.