Learn electrical safety, circuit theory, home wiring inspection, electromagnets, and hands-on projects building circuits and switches to earn this merit badge.

Requirements

  1. 1. Electrical Safety

    Electrical Emergencies

    Do all
    Demonstrate that you know how to respond to electrical emergencies by doing the following:
    1. a.

      Explain how to turn off power for a particular circuit and the whole house in the event of an emergency.

    2. b.

      Demonstrate how to rescue a person touching a live wire in the home.

    3. c.

      Describe how to safely get out of a car in an accident if you suspect a utility wire is on the car.

    4. d.

      Show how to render first aid to a person who is unconscious from an apparent electrical shock.

    5. e.

      Show how to treat an electrical burn.

    6. f.

      Explain what to do in the event of an electrical fire.

    7. g.

      Explain what to do if caught out in the open during an electrical storm.

  2. 1. Electrical Safety

    Home Safety Inspection

    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. 3. Magnetism & Current

    Build an Electromagnet

    Make a simple electromagnet and use it to show magnetic attraction and repulsion.

  4. 3. Magnetism & Current

    AC, DC, and Power Generation

    Do all
    Do the following:
    1. 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. b.

      Explain three ways that electricity is produced.

  5. 3. Magnetism & Current

    How an Electric Bell Works

    Make a simple drawing to show how a battery and an electric bell work. Describe the purpose of each of the components.

  6. 6. Circuits at Home

    Overloads, Fuses, and Breakers

    Do all
    Do the following:
    1. a.
      Define what overloading an electric circuit means. Tell what you have done to make sure your home circuits are not overloaded.
    2. 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. c.

      Explain why a fuse blows and a circuit breaker trips.

    4. 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. 6. Circuits at Home

    Room Wiring Diagram

    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. 6. Circuits at Home

    Reading Your Electric Bill

    Do all
    Do the following:
    1. a.
      Read a meter associated with an electric bill. Determine the total power used since the bill, and the cost of that power.
    2. b.

      Explain other charges on the bill that were taxes or fees.

    3. c.

      Discuss with your counselor five ways your family can conserve energy.

  9. 9. Electrical Vocabulary

    Essential Electrical Terms

    Do all
    Explain the following:
    1. a.

      Electrical terms - Current, energy, power, resistance, and voltage

    2. b.

      Units of measure - Ampere (amps), ohms, volts, watts, and watt-hours

    3. c.

      Electrical conditions - Generating source with example, ground, open circuit, overvoltage, potential difference, and short circuit

    4. 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. 10. Hands-On Projects

    Choose Your Circuit Projects

    Choose 2
    Do TWO of the following:

    1. Battery, Switch, and Load

      Connect a buzzer, bell, or light with a battery. Have a key or switch in the line.

    2. Simple Electric Motor

      Make and run a simple electric motor (from a kit is acceptable, if approved by your counselor ahead of time).

    3. Build a Rheostat

      Build a simple rheostat. Show that it works.

    4. Single-Pole, Double-Throw Switch

      Build a single-pole, double-throw switch. Show that it works.

    5. How a 3-Way Switch Works

      Explain how 3-way switch wiring works in a lighting circuit.

    6. Series vs. Parallel Circuits

      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. 11. Careers & Future Paths

    Electricity Careers

    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.