Module 5: Electrical Power
An Overview of PC Power Systems
1 Purpose
This module provides a comprehensive introduction to electrical power in the context of IT systems. You will follow the flow of power from the wall outlet to the PC, learning the fundamental principles of electricity, how power is converted and filtered, the practical details of computer power supplies, and how to troubleshoot common power-related issues.
2 What You’ll Learn
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Define the core concepts of electricity (Voltage, Current, Resistance) and apply Ohm’s Law.
- Describe the process of converting AC power to the DC power used by computer components.
- Identify the standard connectors and interpret the specifications of a modern computer PSU.
- Follow a systematic process to diagnose and isolate common power problems.
This module maps to the following program and course learning outcomes:
- Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):
- 3. Apply terminology and numeric or system concepts: This module introduces the fundamental terminology of electrical systems and power supplies.
- 6. Maintain environment: The troubleshooting guide in this module is a direct application of system maintenance and diagnostic processes.
- Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs):
- 1. Identify hardware and basic network components: This module focuses on identifying, selecting, and understanding the function of power supplies and related components.
- 3. Troubleshoot hardware and basic network components: This module provides a practical framework for power-related troubleshooting.
This module will help you develop the following skills and knowledge, which align with the O*NET SOC Code 15-1232.00 for Computer User Support Specialists.
| Learning Objective | O*NET KSAs | Technologies Used |
|---|---|---|
| Understand and apply basic electrical principles. | Knowledge: Computers & Electronics, Physics Abilities: Mathematical Reasoning |
N/A (Conceptual) |
| Identify and select appropriate PSU hardware. | Knowledge: Computers & Electronics Skills: Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking |
PC Hardware |
| Systematically troubleshoot power-related faults. | Knowledge: Computers & Electronics Skills: Troubleshooting Abilities: Problem Sensitivity |
Multimeter, PSU Tester |
3 Module Content
This module is divided into the following sections, which build upon one another from theory to practice:
Introduction to Electricity: Learn the fundamental principles of electricity, including Voltage, Current, Resistance, Ohm’s Law, and the difference between AC and DC power.
Guide to Power Conversion and Quality: Understand how the AC power from a wall outlet is converted into the stable DC power that computer components need, and learn about common power quality issues.
A Practical Guide to Computer Power Supplies: A detailed look at modern Power Supply Units (PSUs), their ratings (wattage, efficiency), connectors, and form factors.
Troubleshooting Electrical and Power Issues: A step-by-step guide to safely diagnosing and resolving common power-related problems in computer systems.