Teaching informal NEC class

[JohnJ0906]

My boss is starting to have Monday morning meetings, where various topics will be taught - sales, estimating (we are a residential service company) as well as some hands on type stuff- yesterday the service manager went over 3 ways, for instance.

The boss has asked me to do the NEC portions of the instruction. Although I am fairly knowledgeable on the NEC, I've never taught it, besides 1 on 1 with helpers, coworkers, etc.

My thought was for the 1st time, give a brief history of the code, explain the code making process, then explain how the book is arranged , Chapters, articles, sections. Then a quick read through article 90.

I think for our purposes, teaching how to use the book is as important as anything else.


Any tips, suggestions, pointers?

 

[chris kennedy]

Any tips, suggestions, pointers?

Buy all the guys Code Books so they can follow along?

 

[480sparky]

Let the students select the subjects.

In other words, teach them what they need to know on the jobs they are currently working. Years ago, I worked for a place that did just that. If we needed to learn how to bend EMT, we cracked out a couple bundles and did some hands-on. Conduit fill, box fill, derating, ambient temps, etc naturally followed.

 

[infinity]

Since you're a residential service company I would start with topics that are directly related to the type of work that you guys do. And the topics don't need to complex either. I met many an old electrician who can't figure out how many wires you can install in a 1900 box.

 

[JohnJ0906]

Buy all the guys Code Books so they can follow along?

We have code books.

Since you're a residential service company I would start with topics that are directly related to the type of work that you guys do. And the topics don't need to complex either. I met many an old electrician who can't figure out how many wires you can install in a 1900 box

After the 1st class, which I would like to use as an intro/overview, I want to do grounding/bonding.
However, I know we will touch on box fill. Let's just say we had a red tag today with a mention of 314.16 on it... :wink:

 

[480sparky]

How many here know of parallel numbering in the Code?

 

[chris kennedy]

How many here know of parallel numbering in the Code?

Bob.......

 

[iwire]

Bob.......

If I recall you got 10 years on me. :grin:

 

[JohnJ0906]

How many here know of parallel numbering in the Code?

Thanks for reminding me! I definitely want to show that during the intro.

 

[chris kennedy]

Thanks for reminding me! I definitely want to show that during the intro.

A great test taking fact for sure.

If I recall you got 10 years on me. :grin:

2 there pally.

 

[mdshunk]

Your topics will probably select themselves. Recent red tags, stuff guys seem to always get stuck on, stuff you see that's always wrong, questions guys will have, etc. A primer on how the book is laid out would be a good opening move, though.

 

[frizbeedog]

Buy all the guys Code Books so they can follow along?

If they don't eat the paper.

First year apprentices here study residential. Second year apprentice I'm working with today asked me a simple question about running NM cable in the unfinished basement we were working on.

Sooo....I ask....

Where would you find the answer to that question?.......Deer in headlights look.

334 ring a bell?

Didn't you guys cover residential wiring last year?......Uhh...Yea.

Didn't you just come from a resi shop before you started working here?.....Yes.

Time to be blunt, I says to myself.

Sooo....In the whole of last year, did it ever occur to you to bother to read that short article. I mean, a codebook is on the list of required books right? It's all of three pages....five if you're reading the handbook.


ARRRghhhh!!!!!

Next trip to the truck to get the parts you forgot, look it up, there's a codebook in the cab. I can give you the quick answer if you want, but if you don't get in the habit now of finding your way around that book, you'll be lost. Why do you think I carry that book? Do you think I pick up the phone and call the boss everytime I need to find out about an installation?

I'm preparing you to do what journeyman do. What being an apprentice is all about. To solve problems. Install to code. Keep your corrections to near zero. Make a buck.

Three years from now they're going to hand you the keys to a truck full of tools and equipment and send you out to do exactly what we're doing today.

Welcome to the school of hard knocks. Pay attention. A little effort on your part.


By all means man, teach the codebook!

 

[cadpoint]

Speak accordingly and have charts and graphs ...

Speak accordingly and have charts and graphs ...

I'd like to congratulate you on being the Teacher!

You should be honored and proud!

I believe several course outlines have been give to you.

I suggest you outline and prepare accordingly, I have no problem with
any aspect of your desired presentation pitch on understanding the code,

You will find your voice, You will learn quickly your communication level or speech, capturing the audience is the key. You will know.

Your class will be a success if students come forward and want to know more of your speak, Enjoy... I'm sure You will do fine!

 

[Karl H]

How many here know of parallel numbering in the Code?
I must say, 480Sparky taught me how usefull "Parallel-numbering" is.
Thank You 480Sparky.

 

[Karl H]

Ok now it all makes sense.All of my helpers have been doing "Side Jobs"
with Frizbeedog.I show them how to bend and run EMT and they show up
mumbling about 334. Frizbeedog do me a favor,Do'nt keep em up to late
we have a 6:00am start time here.

 

[frizbeedog]

Ok now it all makes sense.All of my helpers have been doing "Side Jobs"
with Frizbeedog.I show them how to bend and run EMT and they show up
mumbling about 334. Frizbeedog do me a favor,Do'nt keep em up to late
we have a 6:00am start time here.

And today my apprentice was bending EMT and wondering what happened to 334.

I said, "that was yesterday." Today we're in 358...try to keep up.

Tomorrow is 225, 230, 240, 215, and 210.....Sleep well.

But that's the short list.

 

[Karl H]

And today my apprentice was bending EMT and wondering what happened to 334.

I said, "that was yesterday." Today we're in 358...try to keep up.

Tomorrow is 225, 230, 240, 215, and 210.....Sleep well.

But that's the short list.

Do me a favor,MON the22nd we start a ART 513 project.Can you give them a study guide or crash course cause I'm gonna be way too busy with lay-out.

 

[frizbeedog]

Do me a favor,MON the22nd we start a ART 513 project.Can you give them a study guide or crash course cause I'm gonna be way too busy with lay-out.

Crash course?

Tell them it's only 4 1/2 pages in the handbook....with pictures even.

Easy nights read.

Happy to help. :smile:

 

[TCx]

How many here know of parallel numbering in the Code?
I must say, 480Sparky taught me how usefull "Parallel-numbering" is.
Thank You 480Sparky.

Would love to learn what this "Parallel-Numbering" thing is, re-reading this I haven't found what it is, only the question of "who knows...."

New to forum, maybe I just am not know where to look!

Any consideration to point me is most appreciated.