Online Electrical Technician Classes and Courses

Online classes for electrical technicians cover the fundamentals of electricity, basic equipment operation and general safety techniques for the design, construction, maintenance, evaluation and repair of electrical systems. They prepare students to work as field or bench technicians in shops, factories, businesses, residences, military installations and service centers. The classes usually fulfill some certificate program requirements; scholastic degrees in the field are also available.

Overview of Online Electrical Technician Courses

Certificate options include power electronics and systems, electronics technician, electric power engineering, advanced electric power, communications systems engineering and electromechanical technician. HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) technician and HVAC core technician certificates also exist. Scholastic degrees include the Associate of Science in Electronic Engineering Technology and Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology. The Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering are also available.

General Requirements for Online Courses

Since electrical technicians use hand tools-such as soldering irons, wrenches, grips and pliers--many classes require students to have their own set. Some classes require participants to train with oscilloscopes, voltmeters and signal generators; those may or may not be included in the class purchase price.
Courses that make extensive use of schematics, wiring diagrams, map, charts, photographs and blueprints require students to have computers with high-speed connections and high-resolution printers. Laboratory assignments may require students to have Internet phone, videoconferencing and online chat programs on their computers.
Some classes and programs are only open to employees at specified companies or members of particular unions. Many states have specific licensing requirements for electricians and electrical technicians; prospective students should consider curricula in light of these licensing requirements prior to enrollment.

Elementary Properties of Electricity Course

Students learn the basic properties of electricity, its history and its contemporary, world-wide importance. They discover the definitions and operating principles of amperage, voltage, resistance and capacitance. They develop proper tool usage techniques, identify wire sizes and troubleshoot systems.

Practical Electrical Safety and Licensing Course

This curriculum addresses tag out and lock out procedures, safe tool operation methods and first aid. Students to review, create and implement individual and company-wide safety programs. They learn about industry and governmental safety standards, proper handling of hazardous material and the personal protective equipment required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). They also study local, state and federal industry licensing standards.

Basic Circuitry Course

Attendees study current, resistance, polarity and voltage in series and parallel circuits. They apply Kirchoff's current and voltage laws to calculate power and resistance. They interpret voltage and current divider rules, examine double subscript notation, learn Ohm's law, describe the polarity of electromagnetic fields and troubleshoot systems.

Maintenance of HVAC Components and Systems Course

This syllabus presents the theoretical principles and practical operating techniques for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration components and systems. It defines terminology and identifies schematic and wiring diagram symbols for circuits and components. It demonstrates proper installation and repair techniques for heat pumps, motors, shafts, conduits and pipes at businesses, residences and commercial properties.