This module introduces learners to the fundamental principles of electrical loads, power system protection, protective devices, and earthing systems used in electrical installations and power networks. It develops learners’ understanding of common electrical faults and abnormal operating conditions, and explains how protection systems detect and isolate faults to ensure the safety, reliability, and continuity of electrical supply.
The module covers different types of electrical loads, electrical power calculations, and the characteristics of resistive, inductive, and capacitive loads. Learners are introduced to protective devices such as fuses, MCBs, MCCBs, RCDs/RCCBs, RCBOs, circuit breakers, protective relays, current transformers, and voltage transformers, including their functions, operating principles, and applications.
The module also emphasizes earthing and electrical safety, including protective conductors, earth electrodes, system earthing, equipment earthing, and common earthing arrangements such as TT, TN, and IT systems. Learners develop an understanding of how earthing and protective devices work together to reduce electric shock, equipment damage, and electrical fire risks.
By the end of the module, learners should be able to identify electrical loads and faults, select and explain appropriate protective devices, describe basic protection coordination, understand earthing arrangements, and apply fundamental electrical safety principles in practical installations.
- Teacher: Sylvestre Nsanzimana