Motor Controls Advanced - Year 2

This 11-week, 33-hour advanced course builds upon foundational motor control concepts by introducing students to modern industrial motor control systems. Emphasis is placed on hands-on configuration, wiring, and programming of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), remote start/stop methods, and analog control applications. Students will apply troubleshooting and diagnostic techniques while working with actual industry-standard equipment, preparing them for real-world electrical and automation environments.

Award Type:

Iowa Western Certificate of Completion

Learning Outcomes:

Safely wire and configure motor control systems, including VFDs
Program VFDs for speed, direction, torque, and fault handling
Design and implement remote start/stop circuits
Understand and apply analog control signals (e.g., 4-20mA, 0-10V) in motor control applications
Troubleshoot and test motor control systems for performance and faults
Interpret wiring diagrams and equipment manuals
Apply safe practices and industry standards when working with energized systems

Educational Objective:

This course prepares students for careers in electrical maintenance, automation, and industrial control systems by developing advanced technical skills and experience with real-world control hardware.

Tuition:

$1,257.15

Fees: Books and Testing

Length of Course:

11 weeks (33 Hours Total)

Course Outline:

Introduction to Advanced Motor Controls - 2 hours
- Review of basic motor control theory
- Safety, lockout/tagout, and electrical PPE
Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs): Fundamentals - 4 hours
- Theory of operation, voltage/frequency relationship
- VFD components and connection methods
VFD Wiring and Configuration - 4 hours
- Hands-on wiring of VFDs to motors and control circuits
- Parameter setup: acceleration, deceleration, max frequency
VFD Programming and Fault Handling - 3 hours
- Fault code interpretation
- Overload protection, thermal settings, and reset programming
Analog Control Signals - 3 hours
- Introduction to analog input/output: 0-10V, 4-20mA
- Signal scaling, feedback, and sensor integration
Remote Start/Stop and Control Stations - 3 hours
- Building and wiring local/remote control circuits
- Selector switches, pushbuttons, and pilot lights
Motor Control Schematics and Documentation - 3 hours
- Reading and updating ladder diagrams and wiring prints
- Manufacturer manuals and parameter sheets
Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques - 4 hours
- Using multimeters, clamp meters, and test equipment
- Diagnosing signal loss, wiring errors, and drive faults
Hands-On Application Project - 5 hours
- Design, build, and commission a complete motor control system
- Present and demonstrate final project functionality
Final Review and Evaluation - 2 hours
- Knowledge assessment and safety review
- Discussion of workplace readiness and industry expectations

Admissions Requirements:

N/A

Attendance Requirements:

If a student misses two or more classes their employer will be notified that they have missed two classes. IWCC will also notify the company every time that same individual misses any other classes. The student can work with the instructor to make up the class work and class time.

Instructor Qualification:

Instructor is registered, certified, or licensed in the occupational area in which the state requires registration, certification or licensure for the occupational area in which the instructor is teaching.