Electrical education?

[493 Mike]

I will admit I had automotive electrical training at college and systems were much simpler back then, but the basic principles haven't changed and they are simple. We have a LOT of electrical issues on this site and too many are declaring "electrical ignorance". Perhaps a sticky of electrical circuitry could be included here with a list of educational sources incorporated? Old dogs CAN learn new tricks!
Mike

 

[dvw]

After working in the auto repair field for over 30 years my carreer changed paths somewhat. Went to work at Chrysler Engineering in the electrical garage at CTC. What an eye opener. My job was to repair prototype car build electrical faults. You got to see it all. Wiring mistakes buried deep with-in the car that needed major disasembly. CAN BUS messaging issues, program issues with modules fighting with each other, milla second 500+ voltage spikes, flyback current damge, and more. It was challenging, but fun. Learned a ton while I was there. Worked there a year before a vehicle ever came into my stall that actually ran before it was worked on. Worked there 10 years befor retiring. The old school stuff is pretty straight forward. But you can get into trouble when the aftermarket items are installed, larger alternators, fans, fuel injection.

 

[twecomm]

I get that there are many folks saying they are "electrically challenged" but at some point, learning the basics might be quite helpful. IMHO the electrical in the 60's era cars were about as basic and simple as it gets. Chrysler, Ford or GM products... they all worked the same. Now, I must admit that although I have an electrical background and worked in electronics all my adult life, I do have a good grasp on mechanical things as well, I can do the basic car stuff required to keep my my 66 Charger running safely and properly. That said, I would never never consider rebuilding my engine or transmission as I don't consider myself as having the knowledge or experience to do so, let alone pulling off the physical aspects of attempting doing those things at my age.
I have had to re-educate myself about the mechanical aspects of these 60's era cars as I learned how to do basic things from my dad when I was 16 and had my first car, a 64 Ford Galaxy 500. I needed to re-learn things when I got my 66 Charger in 2010. Although I understand the basics, I must defer to others on things on these cars I can't or would not consider doing. That's what's nice about these specifically focused internet forums. I believe that members understand that not everyone is a expert on a given topic. So.. ask away as there is a great wealth of knowledge here on B Bodies. Don't be afraid to ask. Many videos on electrical basics on You Tube as well as books at library which are both a good place to start.

 

[Hilljack68]

Perhaps a sticky of electrical circuitry could be included here with a list of educational sources incorporated?

 

[Hilljack68]

Great idea... thanks Mike. I have a solid grasp of residential and machine electrical, but admittedly am a bit weak when it comes to automotive electrical. For a guy whose been a professional machine electrician for over 35 years, it's kind of embarrassing really.

 

[oldbee]

Great idea... thanks Mike. I have a solid grasp of residential and machine electrical, but admittedly am a bit weak when it comes to automotive electrical. For a guy whose been a professional machine electrician for over 35 years, it's kind of embarrassing really.

Old age and not doing it everyday will make for long periods of staring to try and remember!

 

[twecomm]

OK Then... I did some looking on YouTube and found this electrical engineer that has a basic electrical course of 20 videos available. He does a good job at explaining basic electrical principles and progresses to more complex aspects, but it appears to be a great piece for folks that may be "electrically challenged"
The first of the 20 videos is here, but all 20 are available if you search on YouTube.

 

[bm02tj]

A lot of problems are fixed when you repair the ground as most people look at power only

 

[OKDart]

Transmission issues too. This guy explains it so it’s easy to understand.

 

[lanceh13]

This one helped me the most in my engineering career...and I use a lot of this knowledge wrenching on my mopars. ;)

 

[Don Frelier]

It sure looks like a Centerline 2100 series MCC to me. But I'm just a simple caveman engineer unfamiliar with the ways of your modern world.

 

[Coelacanth]

I don't think we need to post a course on Electrical 101...but at least knowing how to use a test light and voltmeter to test voltage and continuity would be something nearly everyone should know.

 

[Don Frelier]

I don't think we need to post a course on Electrical 101...but at least knowing how to use a test light and voltmeter to test voltage and continuity would be something nearly everyone should know.

You're giving some people too much credit.
There are quite a few who have no idea how basic electricity functions.

 

[Bird 426]

Hey, I resemble that remark!

 

[Hilljack68]

You're giving some people too much credit.
There are quite a few who have no idea how basic electricity functions.

Oh, it's easy: It all starts when an electron and a proton get drunk and boink one night... they make little neutrons that run back and forth between mama proton and papa electron. Right??

 

[kiwigtx]

Oh, it's easy: It all starts when an electron and a proton get drunk and boink one night... they make little neutrons that run back and forth between mama proton and papa electron. Right??

 

[kiwigtx]

Great idea... thanks Mike. I have a solid grasp of residential and machine electrical, but admittedly am a bit weak when it comes to automotive electrical. For a guy whose been a professional machine electrician for over 35 years, it's kind of embarrassing really.

I'm there with you ...I spent twice as long as I should when I totally re-wired my A100 from scratch.

 

[Virg464]

Sparks = 12 vdc, No Sparks = Ground. Right?

 

[451Mopar]

Understanding a circuit it helpful when troubleshooting, but it's just the tip of the iceberg if you are planning your own wiring.
Just trying to compare / select a wire/insulation type opens up a can of worms. What gauge wire, how many wire strands, avoiding aluminum wire, copper wire, tinned copper, nickel coated wire? Insulation types for voltage limits, temperature, abrasion, heat, low smoke, and such.
Connector types and sizes, crimping, soldering, tools, workmanship.
Harness and cable building, twisting, covering, covering materials like tape, shrink tube, expandable or corrugated tubing, heat sleeving, service loops, and such.
We usually stick with the common and inexpensive PVC or XLPE insulated wires because of cost, and they don't need to be marine or aerospace compatible.
But looking at some of the high end auto sport wiring is pretty much aerospace wiring without corona effects.

 

[kiwigtx]

Sparks = 12 vdc, No Sparks = Ground. Right?

FAFO.