Motor Controls Basic - Year 1

This 11-week, 33-hour course introduces students to fundamental motor control concepts and practices. Students will gain hands-on experience with wiring relay logic circuits, operating motor control contactors for forward and reverse functions, and implementing ladder logic for controlling pneumatic cylinders. Emphasis is placed on developing a practical understanding of electromechanical systems, schematic interpretation, and safe working procedures using real industry-standard equipment.

Award Type:

Iowa Western Certificate of Completion

Learning Outcomes:

Identify key components used in basic motor control systems (relays, contactors, switches, etc.)
Wire and test relay logic control circuits
Design and implement forward/reverse motor control using contactors and interlocks
Interpret and draw basic ladder logic diagrams
Connect and control pneumatic cylinders using ladder logic programming
Apply safety practices and proper troubleshooting procedures
Demonstrate an understanding of control circuit operation and functionality

Educational Objective:

Vocational - This course prepares students for entry-level roles in electrical maintenance and industrial automation by providing essential knowledge of motor control systems and hands-on experience in control circuit design and implementation.

Tuition:

$1,257.15

Length of Course:

11 Weeks (33 Hours Total)

Course Outline:

Introduction to Motor Control and Electrical Safety - 2 hours
- Overview of motor control systems
- Lockout/tagout procedures and PPE requirements
Motor Control Components and Symbols - 3 hours
- Relays, contactors, overloads, pushbuttons, limit switches
- Symbol identification and function in ladder diagrams
Relay Logic Principles - 3 hours
- Contact types (NO/NC), coils, logic conditions
- Simple control circuits with hands-on wiring
Control Circuit Wiring Techniques - 3 hours
- Wire identification, terminal blocks, grounding
- Building and testing simple circuits
Forward and Reverse Motor Control - 4 hours
- Contactor configurations for directional control
- Mechanical and electrical interlocking methods
Overload Protection and Stop Circuits - 2 hours
- Thermal overload relays, E-stop, manual and automatic reset
Introduction to Ladder Logic - 3 hours
- Format and structure of ladder diagrams
- Logical operations (AND, OR, NOT)
Pneumatic Cylinders and Control - 4 hours
- Pneumatic actuator basics
- Controlling solenoids with ladder logic circuits
System Testing and Troubleshooting - 4 hours
- Common faults, continuity testing, contactor issues
- Using multimeters and following troubleshooting steps
Hands-On Capstone Project - 4 hours
- Design and build a complete control circuit
- Includes forward/reverse motor control and pneumatic cylinder sequencing
Final Review and Soft Skills - 1 hour
- Safety recap, teamwork, technical communication
- Job readiness and workplace 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.