WTEC 1105: Electrical Fundamentals and Safety
Effective date
September 2026
Department
Wind Turbine Technician
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
This course introduces students to core electrical theory as applied to wind turbine systems. Learners will calculate electrical parameters, analyze circuit behavior, and perform safe measurements using industry-standard tools. Training includes interpreting and applying the Canadian Electrical Code, troubleshooting electrical faults, and responding to electrical emergencies. Students will also document procedures effectively, gaining practical skills valued by wind farm maintenance teams.
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Apply basic electrical theory principles to analyze wind turbine system operations.
- Calculate power, current, and voltage in circuits using appropriate formulas.
- Interpret Canadian Electrical Code requirements relevant to wind turbine systems.
- Implement electrical safety protocols, demonstrating full compliance with all required safety measures.
- Analyze electrical circuits, successfully identifying and resolving common faults.
- Perform electrical measurements using digital multimeters and other testing equipment.
- Create comprehensive electrical work procedures documentation that includes all required elements according to industry standards.
- Demonstrate appropriate responses to electrical emergencies, correctly following all safety protocols within industry timeframes.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
Methods of assessment may include a challenge exam, submission of a product or portfolio for review, or a practical demonstration. Please contact the Department for details.
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 30
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 20
Total Hours: 50
Instructional Strategies
A combination of lecture, demonstration, simulations, problem solving, practical lab activities and reflective discussion will be used throughout this course.
Grading System
Percentages-STBC
Evaluation Plan
|
Type
|
Percentage
|
Assessment activity
|
|
Assignments
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25
|
|
|
Quizzes/Tests
|
25
|
|
|
Lab Work
|
30
|
|
|
Final Exam
|
20
|
|
Course topics
- Basic electrical theory
- Power and energy concepts
- Circuit analysis methods
- Canadian Electrical Code applications
- Electrical safety protocols
- Measurement techniques
- Emergency procedures
- Documentation requirements
- Testing methods
- Troubleshooting basics
- PPE requirements
- Lock-out/tag-out procedures
- Basic electrical theory
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/.
- To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.