Electricity Merit Badge Requirements

Requirements

1. # Copy link to requirement 1
   Demonstrate that you know how to respond to electrical emergencies by doing the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 1.a
      Explain how to turn off power for a particular circuit and the whole house in the event of an emergency.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 1.b
      Demonstrate how to rescue a person touching a live wire in the home.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 1.c
      Describe how to safely get out of a car in an accident if you suspect a utility wire is on the car.
   4. # Copy link to requirement 1.d
      Show how to render first aid to a person who is unconscious from an apparent electrical shock.
   5. # Copy link to requirement 1.e
      Show how to treat an electrical burn.
   6. # Copy link to requirement 1.f
      Explain what to do in the event of an electrical fire.
   7. # Copy link to requirement 1.g
      Explain what to do if caught out in the open during an electrical storm.
2. # Copy link to requirement 2
   Complete an electrical home safety inspection of your home, using the checklist found in the Electricity merit badge pamphlet or one approved by your counselor. Discuss what you find with your counselor.
3. # Copy link to requirement 3
   Make a simple electromagnet and use it to show magnetic attraction and repulsion.
4. # Copy link to requirement 4
   Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 4.a
      Explain the difference between direct current and alternating current, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and give a practical example of the use of each type.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 4.b
      Explain three ways that electricity is produced.
5. # Copy link to requirement 5
   Make a simple drawing to show how a battery and an electric bell work. Describe the purpose of each of the components.
6. # Copy link to requirement 6
   Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 6.a
      Define what overloading an electric circuit means. Tell what you have done to make sure your home circuits are not overloaded.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 6.b
      Determine if there is an overload on a branch circuit by either getting the current draw from all the equipment plugged into the circuit or use the power equation to calculate the current draws.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 6.c
      Explain why a fuse blows and a circuit breaker trips.
   4. # Copy link to requirement 6.d
      Tell how to find a blown fuse and a tripped circuit breaker in your home. Show how to safely reset the circuit breaker.
7. # Copy link to requirement 7
   Make a floor plan wiring diagram of the lights, switches, and outlets for a room in your home. Show which fuse or circuit breaker protects each one.
8. # Copy link to requirement 8
   Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 8.a
      Read a meter associated with an electric bill. Determine the total power used since the bill, and the cost of that power.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 8.b
      Explain other charges on the bill that were taxes or fees.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 8.c
      Discuss with your counselor five ways your family can conserve energy.
9. # Copy link to requirement 9
   Explain the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 9.a
      Electrical terms - Current, energy, power, resistance, and voltage
   2. # Copy link to requirement 9.b
      Units of measure - Ampere (amps), ohms, volts, watts, and watt-hours
   3. # Copy link to requirement 9.c
      Electrical conditions - Generating source with example, ground, open circuit, overvoltage, potential difference, and short circuit
   4. # Copy link to requirement 9.d
      Equipment and their use - circuit, conductor, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI), insulator, inverter, rectifier, rheostat, substation, surge protection, solar panel, transformer, transmission and distribution systems, and wind turbine.
10. # Copy link to requirement 10
    Do TWO of the following:
    1. # Copy link to requirement 10.a
       Connect a buzzer, bell, or light with a battery. Have a key or switch in the line.
    2. # Copy link to requirement 10.b
       Make and run a simple electric motor (from a kit is acceptable, if approved by your counselor ahead of time).
    3. # Copy link to requirement 10.c
       Build a simple rheostat. Show that it works.
    4. # Copy link to requirement 10.d
       Build a single-pole, double-throw switch. Show that it works.
    5. # Copy link to requirement 10.e
       Explain how 3-way switch wiring works in a lighting circuit.
    6. # Copy link to requirement 10.f
       Connect two lights together in a series circuit along with a battery and a switch. Then connect the same circuit in parallel. Discuss the differences in the two circuits.
11. # Copy link to requirement 11
    Identify three career opportunities that would use skills and knowledge in electricity. Pick one and research the training, education, certification requirements, experience, and expenses associated with entering the field. Research the prospects for employment, starting salary, advancement opportunities and career goals associated with this career. Discuss what you learned with your counselor and whether you might be interested in this career.