Course 3

Basic Electricity

36 Hours

Saturday, March 28, 2026

Do not go into the classroom or log into Zoom

This is a self study day. Complete Steps 1 to 3 in this section for the day.

Class Schedule:

Saturday, March 28 – Self Study: Complete your tutorials independently. Do not go into the classroom or log into Zoom

Sunday, March 29 – Classses resume as normal. Please attend class in person or online as you originally registered.

April 4 to April 5 – Closed for Easter Holiday

Saturday, April 11 – Classes resume as normal. Please attend class in person or online as you originally registered.

Sunday, April 12 – Classes resume as normal. Please attend class in person or online as you originally registered.

Step 1: Learn

  1. Read Chapters 1, 2, and 3 from the textbook.
  2. Review this video on OHM’s Law

Step 2: Complete the Tutorials

Tutorial 1: Metric Prefixes in Basic Electricity

Download the tutorial

Download the Reference the Metric Prefixes List

Tutuorial 2: OHM’s Law

Download the tutorial

Step 3: Need Guidance?

Your instructor is available by email () from 2 PM – 6 PM (EST) to answer any questions you may have.

Learning Objectives

  • Define electrical theory and wiring styles used in fire alarm installation.
  • Know mathematical formulas for key electrical values in various styles of electrical circuitry.
  • Understand strong safety measures surrounding electricity and electrical circuitry and components.
  • Accurately calculate values at any portion of the electrical circuit.
  • Apply installation methods described by the Electrical Code.
  • Read and Interpret blueprints, diagrams, submittals, specifications, software/systems, programs, schematics and operational/product manuals

Textbook

Book: Canadian Fire Alarm Association: Basic Electrical Theory for the Fire Alarm Technician, 2003 Edition (CFAA, 2003).

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

This course covers basic electricity theory, including Ohm’s Law, Kirchhoff’s Law, magnetism, energy generation, and the dangers of higher AC voltages.

Topics from the Canadian Electrical Code include:

      • Conductors: Sizing, insulation types, voltage ratings, and other characteristics.
      • How to access tables regarding conductors and cables (e.g., Table 11, 19, and D1).
      • Grounding of conduit systems and enclosures (Section 10).
      • Wiring methods, conduit, and cable installation.
      • Protection and control of electrical circuits, including overcurrent protection (fuses & breakers).
      • Disconnecting means, Class 1 & 2 circuits (Section 14).
      • Fire alarm system requirements (Sections 32 & 60).

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.

If you were provided a Moodle username and password, 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

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:

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)

Administrative & Technical Support

For help with enrollment or technical issues:

Billing & Invoicing Support

For questions about tuition payments, invoices, receipts, or financial account details.

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This program satisfies the Theory training requirements of the Canadian Fire Alarm Association (CFAA) for registration as a Registered Fire Alarm Technician and is approved as a vocational program under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005.