Basic Electrical & Copper Work Skills Worksheet

Name: _________________________ Date: _______________

Part 1: Electrical Basics

1. Describe a series circuit in your own words. What happens if one component in a series circuit fails?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Describe a parallel circuit in your own words. Why are household electrical outlets typically wired in parallel?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Why is it important to strip wires carefully and to the correct length?
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. What is the purpose of splicing wires, and what is one safety consideration when doing so?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Copper Work Skills

5. What is flaring in the context of copper piping, and why is it done?
   
   
   
   
   
   

6. Explain the purpose of swedging a copper pipe. How does it benefit the plumbing process?
   
   
   
   
   
   

7. What is the main difference between brazing and soldering when joining copper pipes?
   
   
   
   
   
   

8. Why is proper ventilation and safety gear important when brazing?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Basic Electrical & Copper Work Skills Worksheet - Answer Key

Part 1: Electrical Basics

1. Describe a series circuit in your own words. What happens if one component in a series circuit fails?

   • Thought Process: A series circuit connects components one after another, forming a single path. If one component (like a light bulb) breaks or is removed, the entire circuit is interrupted, and electricity cannot flow to the other components. Think of old Christmas lights where if one bulb went out, the whole string failed.

2. Describe a parallel circuit in your own words. Why are household electrical outlets typically wired in parallel?

   • Thought Process: A parallel circuit connects components side-by-side, providing multiple independent paths for electricity. If one component fails, the others can still operate because electricity has other paths to follow. Household outlets are wired in parallel so that if one appliance is turned off or malfunctions, other appliances in the house can still receive power.

3. Why is it important to strip wires carefully and to the correct length?

   • Thought Process: Stripping wires carefully and to the correct length is crucial for two reasons: 1) If too much insulation is removed, the exposed wire could accidentally touch another wire or surface, causing a short circuit or shock hazard. 2) If not enough insulation is removed, or if the stripping damages the wire strands, it can result in a poor connection, leading to heat buildup, inefficient power transfer, or a fire risk.

4. What is the purpose of splicing wires, and what is one safety consideration when doing so?

   • Thought Process: The purpose of splicing wires is to connect two or more wires together to extend a circuit or add new components, creating a continuous electrical path. A critical safety consideration is to ensure the splice is properly insulated (e.g., with wire nuts or electrical tape) to prevent accidental contact, short circuits, or electrical shocks. Also, ensure the connection is mechanically sound and won't pull apart.

Part 2: Copper Work Skills

5. What is flaring in the context of copper piping, and why is it done?

   • Thought Process: Flaring is a technique used to create a cone-shaped opening at the end of a copper pipe. It is done to allow the pipe to connect securely and create a leak-proof seal with a corresponding flare fitting. This method is common in refrigerant lines and certain water lines.

6. Explain the purpose of swedging a copper pipe. How does it benefit the plumbing process?

   • Thought Process: Swedging is the process of expanding one end of a copper pipe so that another pipe of the same diameter can fit snugly inside it. This benefits the plumbing process by allowing two pipes to be joined without needing an additional coupling fitting. This reduces the number of brazed or soldered joints, which can save time, material, and decrease potential leak points in a system.

7. What is the main difference between brazing and soldering when joining copper pipes?

   • Thought Process: The main difference between brazing and soldering lies in the temperature at which the filler metal melts and flows. Brazing uses a filler metal that melts at a higher temperature (above 840°F or 450°C), creating a very strong joint, whereas soldering uses a filler metal that melts at a lower temperature (below 840°F or 450°C), resulting in a less strong joint but often easier application.

8. Why is proper ventilation and safety gear important when brazing?

   • Thought Process: Proper ventilation and safety gear (like safety glasses, gloves, and appropriate clothing) are extremely important when brazing because the process involves high heat and produces fumes. The fumes can be harmful if inhaled, and the high temperatures pose a risk of burns. Ventilation helps disperse the fumes, and safety gear protects the eyes, skin, and respiratory system from heat, flames, and molten filler metal.