The eLearning Center for Gatlin Education Services

Overview

An overcurrent is a current that exceeds the amperage rating of the conductors (cable), equipment (motors, instruments) or other devices in a circuit. Without adequate protection, an overcurrent can damage conductors and equipment and potentially harm people. Protection devices, such as fuses and circuit breakers, are installed in a circuit to detect an overcurrent condition and selectively protect equipment and personnel, while minimizing loss of power on the rest of the system. However, the protection device must be properly selected to accommodate the overcurrent and respond in the appropriate time frame.

In this course, the student will study the types of overcurrents that may be encountered and the devices available to afford protection against the overcurrent condition. This course is relevant to electrical engineers seeking a refresher course in overcurrent protection, as well as engineers in other disciplines who wish to expand their knowledge in electrical engineering fundamentals.

The student must take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of ten questions at the end of this course to obtain PDH credits.

Specific Knowledge or Skill Attained

This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills:

  · The definition of an overcurrent and why protection is needed
  · Types of overcurrent conditions, including overloads and short circuits
  · Causes of bolted fault, arcing fault and ground fault short circuits
  · NEC requirements for overcurrent protection
  · Design of overcurrent protection devices, including fuses and circuit breakers
  · Location of overcurrent protection devices to shield them from damage and to protect personnel and surroundings

State Board Acceptance

This course can be used by professional engineers to fulfill PDH requirements mandated by state and provincial licensing boards. Decatur Professional Development is an approved provider of continuing education in all states that pre-approve course providers. In all other states that mandate continuing education for engineers, it is the individual engineer's responsibility to determine the suitability of activities for PDH credit. The state boards typically accept online* courses that cover technical, managerial** or ethical content and which are relevant to the practice of engineering. The course must have a clear purpose or objective with a content that will maintain, improve or expand the skills and knowledge of the licensee's field of practice. For questions about your mandatory PDH requirements, visit the website of your state licensing board.

*Online courses are accepted by all state licensing boards that mandate continuing education. Other than New York (which limits online courses to 18 PDH) and Iowa (which limits online courses to 6 PDH), there are no limits placed by other states on the number of hours that can be earned through online continuing education. Consult with your state licensing board if you have any questions about the acceptability of online courses.

**The New York State Board of Engineers does not accept general office management courses, but will accept project management courses that are offered by an approved provider and that are technical in nature and contribute to the engineer's professional practice.