Course 4
Life Safety Systems
36 Hours
Online Learning Only
Join the classroom using the Zoom link provided in your email.
Learning Objectives
The student will learn how to read electronic schematic diagrams, understand the basic electronic theory as it applies to electron flow and current flow, impedance, inductance, and capacitance. Rectification of A/C power, the theory and operation of charging circuits, batteries, voltage regulation and testing these systems will also be discussed.
The student will learn to understand and identify various circuits, all types of diodes, all types of transistors, capacitors and resistors.
Main Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate and discuss electronic safety procedures;
- Have a clear understanding and correctly use electronic terminology anddefinitions;
- Apply the different components;
- Know the general design criteria for each of the components discussed;
- Know the properties, characteristics, design criteria and systems conceptsfor each of the following special extinguishing agents/systems:
a) Capacitors
b) Inductors
c) Transformers - Diodes (including rectifier, zener, & LED)
- Bipolar Junction Transistors (NPN, PNP)
- Understand how capacitors behave in ac and de circuits and why theycause current to lead voltage by 90 degrees;
- Determine the values of reactance, voltage, and current in capacitivecircuits and the time required to charge a capacitor in an RC circuit;
- Write specifications required to order capacitors;
- Test capacitors for opens and shorts;
- Understand what inductance is and what causes it;
- Understand the terminology associated with inductance and inductors;
- Identify common types of inductors and develop specifications for them;
- Understand why inductance causes current to lag voltage by 90 degreesand how they use no power;
- Understand and utilize the relationship between inductance, frequency andreactance;
- Solve circuit values when inductors are connected in series or parallel;
- Understand what causes an inductor to have resistance and how thiscontrols the quality of an inductor.
- Understand how a transformer can change voltage levels, matchimpedance and provide electrical isolation;
- Select transformers with ratings appropriate to the task or project;
- Connect transformer windings in series and/or parallel to obtain thedesired voltage and current capabilities;
- Calculate transformer efficiency and losses;
- Predict the effect of temperature on and identify:
a) Conductors
b) Semiconductors - Predict diode conductivity for forward and reverse bias;
- Interpret VI characteristics of diodes and transistors;
- Identify by visual inspection and ohmmeter testing the various leads ofdiodes and transistors;
- Identify typical rectifier circuits and explain how they work;
- Explain the theory and operation of charging circuits, batteries, voltage regulation and how to test them;
- Troubleshoot common power-supply problems;
- Read schematic diagrams
Textbook
Book: Canadian Fire Alarm Association: Life Safety System Electronics (CFAA, 2012).
Note: This course book has an erratum that will be referenced during training.
You can find it here: Read the Erratum
Online Students
If you purchased a course book with HSMC, we will ship it to you up to 3 days before the start of your course.
In Person Students
If you purchased a textbook with HSMC, it will be provided to you on the first day of the course
Topics Covered
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Explain the construction and operational principles of transformers, batteries, capacitors.
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Define electrical theory and wiring styles used in fire alarm installation.
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Know mathematical formulas for key electrical values in various styles of electrical circuity. Understand strong safety measures surrounding electricity and electrical circuitry and components.
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Accurately calculate values at any portion of the electrical circuit.
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Apply installation methods described by the electrical code.
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Read and Interpret blueprints, diagrams, submittals, specifications, software/systems, programs, schematics and operational/product manuals
Quizzes and Exam
All quizzes and the final exam are accessed by scanning a QR code using a smartphone or direct link. All students must meet the minimum technology standards to participate in these asssessments.
Please allow 5 – 10 business days from submission date to see your grades in Moodle.
Evaluation
You must achieve a minimum overall grade of 60% to pass.
Your instructor will let you know when it is time to take each quiz or the final exam:
- Quiz 1 = 10%
- Quiz 2 = 10%
- Mid Term = 30%
- Quiz 3 = 10%
- Final Exam = 40%
Student LMS
HSMC uses an online Learning Management Software (LMS) called Moodle. This platform provides you with 24/7 access to your course, grades, and course information.
Please log in before your first class to ensure that your credentials are working properly. If you experience any difficulties, contact the College Registrar.
Notes:
- Username and password are provided in your email.
Join the Classroom
Online Students
If your training is listed as “Online, Instructor-Led” in your email, your training will be hosted by Zoom.
Please follow the steps below to ensure you are ready before your training starts:
Step 1: Check your Technology
- Confirm that you meet the minimum technology standards.
- Reminder: You will need to have your camera on at all times during the training.
Step 2: Set Up Your Zoom Account in Advance
- We strongly recommend that you create or sign into your Zoom account at least one to two days before your class. This will give you time to test your login, update your Zoom application if needed, and confirm that your audio and video are working correctly. For additional guidance, visit: Joining a Zoom meeting.
Step 3: Join the class on Zoom
- On the day of class, use the Zoom credentials provided in your email to join the online classroom.
In Person Students
If your training is listed as “In Person, Instructor-Led” in your email, your training is located at:
- Monte Carlo Inn, 7255 Warden Ave, Markham ON L3R 1B4
- Buttonville Room on the basement floor
On the day of your training you are required to sign in at the start time of course.
If you have not signed in, it will be assumed that you did not attend the training and will impact your attendance.
We encourage you to remain consistent with the learning path you registered for.
However, if you need to switch to a different path, please email the College Registrar 5 business days prior at with the reason for the change and the date you would like the switch to take effect.
Attendance Guidelines
As per ministry regulations, you may miss a maximum of 8 hours per course. Exceeding this limit will impact your completion.
If you will be missing course time, notify both the College Registrar and the Course Instructor as soon as possible.
If you are unable to take a scheduled quiz or test, you will need to reschedule on a day during the week with the College Registrar to take the quiz or test, prior to your next course training.
You cannot miss more than
8 Hours Per Course
Exceeding this limit will prevent you from completing the program.
Course Payment Reminder
Prior to the start of your course, please ensure your payment is completed according to the schedule listed on page 5 of your contract.
Credit Card Payments
If you have submitted a credit card authorization form, your deposit will be processed up to the day before your course begins.
Electronic Money Transfer (EMT)
Send your payment to:
Note: This does not apply to private corporate students.
Payments must be received by Friday at 10 AM EST prior to your course start.
If payment is not received in time you will not be able to join the classroom.
Receiving Your Certificate & Transcript
Upon successful completion of all your training, your Record of Completion certificate and Transcript will be sent to you via email.
- Please allow 10 – 15 business days after program completion.
Support Services
We are here to support you every step of the way. Depending on your needs, please connect with the right person.
Academic Support
For questions about your course, and classroom learning.
- Reach out to your Course Instructor
- Sat-Sun: 9AM – 6PM EST (During class time)
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