Electrical Principles I

Electronics Engineering · Level 5  ·  7 Chapters

Compiled by: Susan Githaiga

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What Electrical Principles I covers

Electrical Principles I in Electronics Engineering Level 5 builds the theory behind every circuit you will later wire, test or repair. You start with electrical quantities: SI units, Ohm's law, calculations of power, current, voltage and resistance, and the instruments that measure them. Cells and batteries follow, including electrolysis, primary and secondary cells, e.m.f., internal resistance and battery maintenance. Magnetism and electromagnetism cover magnetic fields, laws of induction, and self and mutual induction. Electrostatics deals with capacitors in series and parallel, and their testing. Then come DC circuit theory, AC circuits with the power triangle, and measurements using transducers and instruments, including systematic errors.

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Careers after Electrical Principles I

Understanding electrical principles and mastering technical drawing skills open up a world of opportunities in Kenya’s vibrant and growing industries. These skills are the foundation for designing, installing, and maintaining electrical systems that power homes, businesses, and infrastructure across the country.

  • In the construction sector, especially on sites managed by county governments and private contractors, your ability to read and produce accurate electrical drawings ensures safe and efficient electrical installations in buildings and public facilities.
  • The Jua Kali industry relies heavily on skilled artisans who can interpret and create technical sketches for custom electrical components, repairs, and innovative solutions, enabling you to start your own workshop or join an existing one.
  • Companies like KenGen and other energy providers need technicians who can understand complex electrical schematics to maintain power plants and distribution networks, offering stable employment with competitive pay.
  • The matatu industry and other transport sectors require electricians who can design and troubleshoot vehicle electrical systems, combining your drawing skills with practical electrical knowledge to enhance vehicle safety and performance.
  • In agribusiness, electrical systems power irrigation, processing plants, and cold storage facilities. Skilled individuals who can interpret and create electrical plans are in high demand for installation and maintenance roles.
  • The hospitality sector depends on reliable electrical systems for lighting, security, and appliances. Your skills enable you to work in hotels, lodges, and resorts, or even start your own maintenance business serving this market.

Mastering these skills not only prepares you for diverse job opportunities but also empowers you to innovate and grow your own business, contributing to Kenya’s development and your personal success. Your journey starts here—equip yourself well, and the future will be bright!

Chapters

What Electrical Principles I covers: 38 main topics in 7 chapters

1. Applying Electrical quantities

  1. 1.1 The meaning of SI unit
  2. 1.2 SI unit of various types of Electrical parameters
  3. 1.3 Ohm's law
  4. 1.4 Calculations involving various Electrical parameters e.g. Power, Current, Voltage, Resistance
  5. 1.5 Instruments used in measuring various types of Electrical parameters

2. Using cells and batteries

  1. 2.1 Sources of electricity
  2. 2.2 electrolysis and its applications
  3. 2.3 Simple cells
  4. 2.4 Primary and secondary cells
  5. 2.5 Types of cells and batteries
  6. 2.6 E.m.f and internal resistance of cells
  7. 2.7 Maintenance of batteries
  8. 2.8 Applications of batteries

3. Apply Magnetism and Electromagnetism Concepts

  1. 3.1 Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Materials
  2. 3.2 Concepts of Magnetic Fields and Field Distribution
  3. 3.3 Concepts of Electromagnetism
  4. 3.4 Laws of Electromagnetic Induction
  5. 3.5 Concepts of Self and Mutual Induction

4. Apply Electrostatics Principles

  1. 4.1 Electrostatics Quantities
  2. 4.2 Types of Capacitors
  3. 4.3 Concept of Charge and Electrostatic Field
  4. 4.4 Capacitors in Series and Parallel
  5. 4.5 Measurement of Capacitance
  6. 4.6 Application of Capacitors
  7. 4.7 Testing of Capacitor

5. Apply Concepts of DC Circuit Theory

  1. 5.1 Resistance and Resistivity
  2. 5.2 Parallel and Series Circuits
  3. 5.3 Basic Electrical Laws

6. Apply AC circuits

  1. 6.1 AC fundamentals
  2. 6.2 Calculation involving passive elements in AC circuits
  3. 6.3 Power triangle
  4. 6.4 Calculations involving power

7. Performing electrical measurements

  1. 7.1 Types of transducers
  2. 7.2 Types of electrical instruments
  3. 7.3 Measurements of electrical quantities using Instruments
  4. 7.4 Calculations involving electrical instruments
  5. 7.5 Instrumental/systematic errors
  6. 7.6 Calculations Involving Systematic Errors

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Beyond the syllabus

Other units in Module III