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Assabet Valley

Regional Technical/Vocational School District
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Construction Cluster

Electrical Wiring

Electrical Wiring

Meet the Instructors

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Bruce Long, LT
 
 
 
Michael Bizier
 
 
 
 
Jonathan Williams
 

Program & Course Information

Core Topics:

  • Splicing and Terminating Conductors
  • Installing Low Voltage Wiring
  • Installing Cable Wiring
  • Installing Raceways
  • Installing Wiring System for Motors
  • Installing Transformers
  • Wiring Heating Systems
  • Installing Current Handling Equipment
  • Installing Lighting Fixtures
  • Installing Data Systems
  • Installing Fiber Optics
  • Installing Programmable Controllers
  • Installing Industrial Sensors
   

Courses:

Electrical Wiring - Grade 9
Students entering Electrical Wiring as freshman are provided with the basic knowledge and skills necessary for success in the electrical field. Students will receive practical instruction on safety and the proper use of hand tools. Students will learn how to draw and wire simple circuits. Freshman students participate and receive a 10 hour OSHA training certification in construction safety, the training provides the necessary background to work safely and the introduction to LOTO lock-out tag-out policies used throughout the school. Students participate daily in Related Theory, where they will learn the proper way to draw and label their circuits. Students create wiring and schematic diagrams that will be used as they build their projects in the shop. Students will splice and terminate conductors using low voltage as well as line voltage cabling. Students will install and troubleshoot low voltage wiring. Upon completion of all low voltage projects students move on to other wiring methods, constructing circuits using non-metallic sheathed and armored cable. Students will begin to build individual project portfolio.
 
Electrical Wiring - Grade 10
This course is designed to further develop the basic skills and knowledge needed for success in the electrical wiring field. Students will use safety and testing procedures associated with the electrical industry. Special focus is given to the use and understanding of the current Massachusetts Electrical Code, continuation of the safe use and maintenance of hand/power tools. Through continued daily related class work, students will be exposed to the language of the trade with reading and instruction and will be expected to develop an understanding of electrical terminology and the communication of proper trade terms. They will use academic skills to successfully solve problems related to the electrical trade. Sophomore students focus on wiring methods which include metal – clad cable, flexible metal conduit, surface metal raceway, electrical metallic tubing, rigid conduit, and rigid non-metallic conduit. Upon completion of all wiring methods students will showcase their skills in this area by constructing a 100 and 200 amp residential service. Finally, students are introduced to relays and logic control systems.
 
Electrical Wiring - Grade 11
Safety continues to be a primary focus of the curriculum in electrical wiring, and students will continue to use lock out tag out procedures during the work day. Students continue installing wires for motors and controllers as well as programmable controllers. Students are required to complete a final exam upon completion of motor controls, involving a dual voltage starter. The junior curriculum rounds out with heating and cooling systems, as well as the installation of lighting fixtures, data systems, fiber optics and industrial sensors. Students will participate in the community work extension program, fine tuning the skills they learn in shop. Students will continue to use academic skills to successfully solve problems related to the electrical trade. Finally, students will be prepared for co-op.
 
Electrical Wiring - Grade 12
Once again safety is the most important aspect of the electrical trade, continuing use of the lock out tag out procedure. Students will install test and troubleshoot the following systems through the use of trainers; fire alarm systems, low voltage control of lighting, and ground fault protection. Students will connect and test single phase and three phase transformers. Students will research, construct, demonstrate, and present senior projects to industry professionals. Students are encouraged to participate in the Skills USA state competition. Skills continue to be honed throughout the work extension program and Co-op placement for eligible students.
 

Resources, Files & Links for Students

Useful Formulas

Series Circuits - Rules
  • Total resistance is equal to the sum of all the resistors.
  • Current in the circuit remains the same through all the resistors.
  • Voltage source is equal to the sum of voltage drops of all resistors.
  • Power of the circuit is equal to the sum of the power of all resistors.
 
Parallel Circuits - Rules 
  • Total resistance is always less than the smallest resistor.
RT = 1/(1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 +...)
  • Total current is equal to the sum of the currents of all parallel resistors.
  • Total power is equal to the sum of power of all parallel resistors.
  • Voltage is the same across each of the parallel resistors. 

National Electrical Code 
Breaker/Fuse Ratings – 240.6(A)
Conductor Ampacity – 310.15 and Table 310.16
Equipment Grounding Conductor – 250.122
Grounding Electrode Conductor – 250.66
Motor Conductor Size – 430.22 (Single) 430.24 (Multiple)
Motor Short-Circuit Protection – 430.52
Transformer Overcurrent Protection – 450.3
 
 

Other Resources

Heating Ventilation
Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration

Heating Ventilation
Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration

Meet the Instructors

 
 
  
Staff Headshot
 
Mike Gilchrest, LT
 
 
 
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Jerry McKee 
 
 
Michael Cook
 

Program & Course Information

Courses:

Grade 9 - Students entering the HVAC/R program will be provided with the general knowledge and safety for success in the HVAC/R industry. Students will be introduced to hand tools and specialty tools used in today's industry. Basic knowledge of refrigeration, electricity and working with copper tubing will be introduced.

Grade 10 - Student's will further their development of mechanical skills and enhance their technical knowledge of the industry. Student's will be exposed to basic refrigeration and electrical systems by building their own working systems.

Grade 11 - This course will introduce students to low voltage controls, specialized refrigeration controls, commercial refrigeration and their applications. Student's will also be introduced to gas and electric heating. During this year of HVAC/R students will be tested and receive their federal EPA 608 refrigeration certification.

Grade 12 - In their final year of this course students will concentrate mainly on heating and refrigeration as it applies to air conditioning. More advanced controls and oil burners will be focused upon in this course. Students will be prepared through in depth training for their oil burner technician license.

Resources, Files & Links for Students

House Carpentry 

House Carpentry 

Meet the Instructors

 
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William (Bill) Italiano, LT
 
 
 
Wayne Coulson
  
 
 
Jason Isgro

 
 
 

Program & Course Information

Coure Topics:

  • Identifying carpentry safety
  • Demonstrating the fundamentals of carpentry
  • Using hand tools
  • Operating portable power tools
  • Using ladders and scaffolds
  • Framing floors
  • Framing walls
  • Framing ceilings and roofs
  • Finishing the exterior
  • Finishing the interior
  • Performing commercial carpentry tasks
  • Using cabinet making joinery and mechanical fasteners
  • Setting up, operating and maintaining stationary power tools
  • Fabricating traditional and modern casework
  • Applying hardware

Resources, Files & Links for Students

Painting & Design Technologies

Painting & Design Technologies

Meet the Instructors

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John Hughes, LT
 
 
Staff Headshot from fall - 2021
 
Kelly Jenkins
 
 

Program & Course Information

Program Overview

High quality work is expected, and students will be given opportunities to redo work until it meets standards specified during instruction. Assessment methods will include written exams, tests and quizzes, oral and written research papers, reading assignments, and projects. Preparation towards co-op placement through community-based, live work gives students job experience. The Painting and Design program offers an integrated technical and academic learning experience that ensures everyone succeeds.
  • This technical program offers the OSHA 10-hour Construction Safety and Health training certificate for students
  • Students will be better prepared for post-secondary education in a two or four year interior design college

Resources, Files & Links for Students

Plumbing

Plumbing

Meet the Instructors

 
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Brian Allard, LT
 
 
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Genya White 
 
 
 
Brian Malone
 

Program & Course Information

Core Topics:

  • Water Supply and Distribution
  • Sanitary Waste and Venting
  • Natural Gas Supply and Distribution
  • Fixture and Appliance Installation
  • Hydronic Heating Systems
  • Boiler Installation
  • OSHA 10-Hour Safety Credentials
  • Blueprint Reading and Estimating
  • Massachusetts State Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code
  • Applied Plumbing/Heating Mathematics, Science and Theory
  • Victaulic Piping Systems

In addition to:

  • Co-op opportunities
  • Aligned with State for Licensure

Resources, Files & Links for Students

PAGE CONTACTs & Resources

PAGE CONTACTs & Resources

Gayle Ripley, Vocational Office Administrative Assistant
GRipley@assabet.org 
 
Open to The Public:
 

Highlights 

Highlights 

Electrical Wiring is a program designed to prepare students to install electrical equipment for light, heat, power, motor controls, and data. Students learn various residential, commercial, and industrial wiring methods and techniques according to the Massachusetts Electrical Code. Instruction includes blueprints, schematics, wiring diagrams, layout, installation, cost estimation, and safety. 

Students learn in shop simulations, laboratory experiments, and live, on-site jobs with their instructor in the community. After successful completion of the electrical wiring curriculum, the student can earn up to 1500 hours of the required work experience and 300 hours of the education requirements towards state of Massachusetts journeyman electrician apprenticeship program.

The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) field is one of the fastest expanding occupations in the country today. Skills gained in the program will prepare students for various careers in installing, maintaining, and servicing HVAC/R equipment.

Students in HVAC/R will complete:
  • OSHA 10 hour certification
  • EPA 608 refrigeration certification.
  • Universal R-410A Refrigeration Safety & Training
  • Articulation agreement with Massasoit Community College
  • Pathway to Quinsigamond Community College HVAC/R program

House Carpentry is a program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to layout, cut, fabricate, erect, install, and repair wooden structures and fixtures using hand and power tools.
  
This program includes instruction in technical mathematics, framing, construction material and selection, job estimating, blueprint reading, foundations and roughing-in, finish carpentry techniques, and applicable codes and standards.
 
In addition, the program will prepare individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to set up and operate industrial woodworking machinery and to use such machinery to design and fabricate wooden components and complete articles.

The Painting and Design program seeks to give students a wide array of skills that will reflect a strong, creative work ethic. Problem solving and hands-on experience with ever changing materials keeps ideas fresh.
   
Do you like to...
    • Design spaces?
    • Coordinate colors?
    • Create decorative finishes?
    • Use your imagination?
...P&D may be the program for you!
  
Skills you’ll acquire in P&D:
    • Painting
    • Interior decorating
    • Wallcovering
    • Faux finishing
    • Interior design
    • Sign art
    • Drywall finish
    • Theatrical set design
    • Estimating
 

The Plumbing Program is designed to feature both shop and off-campus jobsite learning opportunities. Students will master the installation and repair of water, waste, gas, and heating systems in both residential homes and commercial buildings.
 
The demand for plumbers and pipe fitters is expected to outpace the supply of workers trained in this demanding but rewarding field. Plumbing is a licensed trade that requires not only strong technical knowledge and skill, but also a thorough understanding of the Massachusetts State Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code. In SY22/23, Plumbing was Assabet's most popular CTE program!