Beta Testing
Beta testing is underway for IEC National’s first limited energy module, one part of an in-development limited energy program. The first module, Introduction to Limited Energy Systems, covers the limited energy landscape—the role of a technician, applicable NEC® requirements and industry standards, math review, electrical theory, installation requirements, and an overview of limited energy cables.
The second module, Structured Cabling, is under technical review and will be ready for beta testing in the fall. The third module, Video Surveillance Systems, is still in development and will be ready for beta testing at the end of 2021.
Structured Cabling covers:
- project planning;
- leadership;
- racks, cabinets, enclosures, and pathways;
- cable ratings and their performance characteristics;
- network topologies;
- fiber optics;
- wireless communication;
- system acceptance and user training; and
- system maintenance and repair.
Video Surveillance Systems covers:
- overview and history;
- video networks;
- camera basics;
- camera types;
- wiring techniques;
- video recording and storage;
- accessories;
- intelligent video systems;
- tools;
- testing and documentation; and
- user training.
Contact Chrissy Skudera (cskudera@ieci.org) if your chapter is interested in beta testing Structured Cabling, Video Surveillance Systems, or future modules.
Instructors Conference
The IEC National Instructors Conference will take place July 22–24 at the Eaton Experience Center in Pittsburgh. This in-person event will bring together IEC instructors from across the country to learn, collaborate, and network with one another.
Education session topics include classroom management, “Codeology” (NEC®), instructor engagement, online delivery and testing, and adult-style learning principles.
“The last in-person Instructors Conference in 2017 was a great experience. The chance to network with other instructors provided the opportunity to share and collaborate about training techniques and unique delivery methods to apply in the classroom,” said Rich Bird, IEC of New England senior instructor. “The educational breakout sessions provided us the space to have open and clear discussions of the curriculum specific to the year we teach.”
Attendees will also tour the Eaton Experience Center, a full-scale demonstration and testing facility. Visitors will see advances in electrical power quality, energy management, and safety.
“The facility was a top-notch training environment with many simulators that several of us wished we had at our chapters,” added Bird.
IEC Rocky Mountain Training Director Paul Lingo agrees. “The valuable and informative education sessions could not have been held in a more exhilarating location as the Eaton Experience Center was certainly a
sight to see.”
This conference is a great opportunity for seasoned instructors as well as new ones. “As a first-time attendee, I’m most looking forward to learning from other First Year instructors. How do they manage a classroom? Were they nervous teaching their first class? Those are some questions I’d like to ask,” said Sam Kalka, IEC San Antonio First Year instructor. “I hope to return from the conference with more knowledge that I can apply in and out of the classroom.”
The cost to attend the 2021 IEC Instructors Conference is $129 per person and includes all breakout sessions; a welcome reception; an Eaton Experience Center tour; breakfast, lunch, and dinner on July 23; and breakfast and a grab-and-go lunch on July 24.
For more information, visit www.ieci.org/instructors-conference or contact Paul Dolenc (pdolenc@ieci.org), VP, education & training, IEC.
Curriculum Reorganization On-Hold Until 2022-23
After reviewing chapter feedback on the proposed reorganization of the IEC National Four-Year curriculum, the A&T Committee voted to postpone the start of the reorganization until the 2022-23 schoolyear. Originally, the proposed Second Year reorder was to begin during the 2021-22 curriculum update cycle. Third Year and Fourth Year will undergo extensive revisions in 2023-24 and 2024-25, respectively.
“This additional year gives us more time to fine tune the details,” said A&T Committee Chair Dave Gilson. “If we’re going to start a major overhaul, we’d had better do it right. Once these revisions are complete, we’ll have a product with even more added value for our apprentices.”
One major benefit of the reorder is the elimination of the BCES prints. Replacing it are prints and new content from the revamped Printreading course. Second Year will now cover printreading and introduce the NEC®. This proposed change received numerous accolades from several chapters across all IEC regions.
Proposed changes to Third Year include:
- Grounding and Bonding
- Motors
- Test Instruments and Test Safety
- Contactors and Relays
- Labs: Solid-State Relays and Phase Loss, Timing Relays
Proposed changes to Fourth Year include:
- PLRs/PLCs
- Leadership
- Alternative Energy
- Data and Communications
- Lighting Controls
- Building Automation
- Fire Alarm and Fire Suppression
- Troubleshooting
- NEC® Review
- Journeyman Exam Prep
If you have questions or comments about the curriculum reorder, contact Paul Dolenc.