Basic Electrical Engineering Course and Certification

Basic Electrical Engineering (BEE) is the branch of engineering that deals with the fundamentals of electricity, electrical circuits, machines, and power systems. It provides the foundation for understanding how electrical systems work.

Basic Electrical Engineering is the foundation for advanced subjects such as electrical machines, power systems, control systems, power electronics, and electrical measurements.

Basic Electrical: 

Basic Electrical are the fundamental components of any electrical system and the method with which electrical devices are engineered to work.

Basic Electrical Components include: Electricity, Electric Voltage, Electric Current, Resistance, Inductors, Capacitors, Power etc.

Main Topics in Basic Electrical Engineering

1. Electricity Basics

   • Electric charge (Coulomb)

   • Current (Ampere, A)

   • Voltage (Volt, V)

   • Resistance (Ohm, Ω)

   • Power (Watt, W)

   • Energy (kWh)

2. Ohm's Law

   • States that the current through a conductor is directly proportional to the voltage across it, provided temperature remains constant.

   • Formula:
     [
     V = IR
     ]
     Where:

     • (V) = Voltage (V)

     • (I) = Current (A)

     • (R) = Resistance (Ω)

3. Kirchhoff's Laws

   • Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL):

     • The sum of currents entering a junction equals the sum of currents leaving it.

   • Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL):

     • The sum of all voltages around any closed loop is zero.

4. Electrical Circuit Elements

   • Resistor (R): Opposes current flow.

   • Capacitor (C): Stores electrical energy in an electric field.

   • Inductor (L): Stores energy in a magnetic field.

5. AC and DC

   • Direct Current (DC): Current flows in one direction (e.g., batteries).

   • Alternating Current (AC): Current changes direction periodically (e.g., household electricity).

6. Electrical Power

   • DC Power:
     [
     P = VI = I^2R = \frac{V^2}{R}
     ]

   • AC Power:

     • Active Power (P) = (VI\cos\phi)

     • Reactive Power (Q) = (VI\sin\phi)

     • Apparent Power (S) = (VI)

7. Transformers

   • Transfer electrical energy between circuits through electromagnetic induction.

   • Used to increase (step-up) or decrease (step-down) voltage.

8. Electrical Machines

   • DC Motor

   • DC Generator

   • Induction Motor

   • Synchronous Motor

   • Alternator

9. Measuring Instruments

   • Ammeter: Measures current.

   • Voltmeter: Measures voltage.

   • Wattmeter: Measures power.

   • Multimeter: Measures voltage, current, resistance, and more.

10. Electrical Safety

    • Earthing (Grounding)

    • Fuse

    • Circuit Breaker (MCB)

    • RCCB/ELCB for protection against electric shock

Important Formulas

Applications

• Power generation and distribution

• Household wiring

• Electric vehicles

• Industrial automation

• Consumer electronics

• Renewable energy systems

What is Electricity?

Electricity is the movement of electric charge which is considered by convention to be from positive to negative.

Electricity is Everywhere; it lights our homes, streets, roads, cooks our food and something we use everyday - in our day to day activities. So where does it come from and how does it work? In its simplest terms discussed below.

Basic Electrical: A Brief History

1. Introduction

The study of electricity has been fundamental to the development of modern technology. Basic electrical concepts form the foundation for understanding circuits, power systems, and electrical devices. This module introduces students to the historical development of electrical science, key discoveries, and their impact on modern applications.

2. Early Observations

• The earliest recorded observations of electricity date back to ancient civilizations, where phenomena such as static electricity were noticed through materials like amber.

• Early Greek philosophers, including Thales of Miletus, studied the effects of rubbing amber to attract lightweight objects.

3. Pioneers of Electricity

• Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790): Conducted experiments on lightning and proposed the concept of positive and negative charges.

• Alessandro Volta (1745–1827): Invented the first chemical battery (Voltaic Pile), allowing a steady flow of electric current.

• Michael Faraday (1791–1867): Discovered electromagnetic induction, forming the basis for electric generators and transformers.

• James Clerk Maxwell (1831–1879): Formulated Maxwell’s equations, unifying electricity, magnetism, and light.

4. Industrial Revolution and Electrical Applications

• The 19th century saw rapid development of electrical devices and systems: telegraph, electric lighting, and motors.

• Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla contributed to practical electrical systems, including direct and alternating current power distribution.

5. Modern Electrical Engineering

• Today, basic electrical principles underpin nearly every aspect of technology, including:

  • Household and industrial power systems

  • Electronics and digital devices

  • Renewable energy systems and smart grids

6. Relevance to Students

• Understanding the history and development of electrical science helps students appreciate the evolution of technology.

• Knowledge of basic electrical principles is essential for careers in engineering, electronics, energy, and telecommunications.

7. Summary

From early observations of static electricity to the development of modern power systems, the study of electricity has transformed human society. This module lays the foundation for further exploration of circuits, components, and electrical systems, providing essential knowledge for aspiring engineers and technologists.

How Electricity is Generated: 

There are three basic ways by which we generally produce electricity.

1. Electromechanical Process: In this process, a conductor moves in a magnetic field and the conductor cuts the field flux lines electricity is produced in the conductor. All electrical generators such as DC generators, alternators, and all kinds of dynamos work based on this principle. 
2. Electrochemical Process: In this process, chemical energy gets converted to electrical energy. Battery electricity is produced due to chemical reactions. 
3. Solid State Electric Generation: This is the most modern process of electricity generation. This is when free electrons and holes are generated at a PN junction and distribution of charge carriers gets imbalanced across the PN junction when the junction is exposed in the light. These free electrons and holes and their imbalanced distribution across the junction cause electricity in an external circuit. On this principle, PV solar cells work.

Basic Electrical Concept: 

The Concept behind Basic Electrical include:

1. Electric Charge,

2. Electric Conductors,

3. Semi-Conductors,

4. Insulators,

5. Current,

6. Power.

Electric Charge: The concept of electricity arises from an observation of nature. We observe a force between objects, that, like gravity, acts at a distance. The source of this force has been given the name Electric Charge.

A very noticeable thing about electric force is that it is large, far greater than the force of gravity. Unlike gravity, however, there are two types of electric charge. Opposite types of charge attracts, and the like types of charge repels. Gravity has only one type which only attracts, never repels.

Conductors: Conductors are any material or substances which allows electricity to flow through them. They also allow the transmission of heat or light from one source to another. Conductors are made of atoms whose outer or valence electrons have relatively weak bonds to their nuclei. When a bunch of metal atoms is together, they gladly share their outer electrons with each other, creating a "swarm" of electrons not associated with a particular nucleus. A very small electric force can make the electron swarm move. Copper, gold, silver, and aluminum are good conductors.

Insulators: Insulators are materials whose outer electrons are tightly bound to their nuclei. Modest electric forces are not able to pull these electrons free. When an electric force is applied, the electron clouds around the atom stretch and deform in response to the force, but the electrons do not depart. Glass, plastic, stone, and air are insulators.

Semi-Conductors: materials fall between insulators and conductors. They usually act like insulators, but we can make them act like conductors under certain circumstances. The atomic-level details of how semiconductor devices work are governed by the theories of quantum mechanics.  

Current: Current is the flow of charge. This flow of electrical charge is referred to as electric current. Current is reported as the number of charges per unit time passing through a boundary. Since electrons are free to move about in metals, moving electrons are what makes up the current in metals.

Power: Power is the rate of energy (U) that is transformed or transferred over time. Electric power is the rate of energy consumption in an electrical circuit. We measure power in units of joules/second, also known as watts. An electric circuit is capable of transferring power. Current is the rate of flow of charge, and voltage measures the energy transferred per unit of charge.

Advantages of Studying Basic Electrical:

1. It helps to understand how electrical devices work.

2. It helps to make simple and accurate electrical calculations and decisions.

3. It helps to be aware of some basic electrical connections for safety.

4. It helps to be aware of the basic concepts of electricals. 

5. It creates job employment for electricians.

6. It creates a self-employment opportunity.

Components of Basic Electrical:

1. Electricity

2. Electric Resistance

3. Electric Voltage

4. Electric Power

5. Electric Current

6. Electric Efficiency

7. Resistor

8. Inductor

9. Capacitor

10. Electromagnetism

11. Electrostatic

Electricity is the set of physical bodies linked with the presence and motion of matter that has a property of electric charge. 

Electric Resistance is an electrical quantity that measures how the devices reduces the current flowing through it. Resistance R =pxi/A or R=V/i. 

Electric Voltage is the electric potential difference between two points of an electric field. e.g.  V which is the voltage is equal to Q2 - Q1 which is the electric potential difference at two different points. 

Electric Power is the rate at which energy is consumed in an electric circuit. it is usually measured in watts: P=E/t.

Electric Current is the rate at which electric charge flows past a point or region. This means that an electric current exists when there is a flow of electric charge through a region. 

Electric Efficiency is the ratio of output/input power. 

Resistor is an electrical component that carries out the electrical resistance function to reduce current flow, adjust signal levels, divide voltages, and terminate transmission lines where necessary. 

Inductor is also known as a Coil, Choke, or Reactor. An inductor is an electrical component that stores energy in a magnetic field when electric current flows through it.

Capacitor is an electrical component that is responsible for storing electrical energy in an electric field. The effect of a capacitor is termed as Capacitance. The Capacitor was originally termed as a Condenser or Condensator. 

Electromagnetism is a branch of physics involving the study of both electric fields and magnetic fields which are responsible for the electromagnetic force. 

Electrostatics is a branch of physics that studies stationary electric charges or fields electric charges as opposed to electric currents. 

In the Full Course, you will learn everything you need to know about Basic Electrical with Diploma Certificate award upon successful completion of the exams.  

Basic Electrical Engineering Course Outline:

Basic Electrical - Introduction

Basic Electrical - Concepts

Basic Electrical - DC Circuits

Basic Electrical - Electromagnetic Induction

Basic Electrical - A.C Circuits

Basic Electrical - Network Theory

Basic Electrical - Three Phase Supply

Basic Electrical - Basic Instruments

Basic Electrical - Transformer

Basic Electrical - D.C Machines

Basic Electrical - Three-Phase Synchronous Machines

Basic Electrical - Three-Phase Induction Motors

Basic Electrical - Single Phase Induction Motors

Basic Electrical - Power System

Basic Electrical - Domestic Wiring

Basic Electrical - Video Lectures

Basic Electrical - Exams and Certification